Hey guys,

I'm considering doing a little overclocking but I wanted to get some input first. I'm using the AMD phenom x4 9950 cpu and Asus M3N-HT mobo.

With the motherboard comes software to do overclocking named Asus AI Suite. Using this program you can have preset overclocking at 3/5/8/10% intervals. You can also adjust "cpu frequency" manually if you choose.

On my default settings, no overclocking, I'm looking at....

2600.xx MHz
1205.xx FSB
200.xx Frequency
1.3x Volts
49°C idle temp

If I do a 10% OC setting, my numbers are...

2800.xx MHz
1320.xx FSB
220.xx Frequency
1.4x Volts
55°C idle temp


Are these numbers matching accordingly? Are they safe? reliable?

Typically I see my cpu temp rise roughly 6-7° under heavy load. So theoretically under load with 10% I would see 61-62° cpu temps.

Also on the manual frequency section. It uses a slider bar design and there is plenty more room to go to increase frequency.

A few side notes. I will post what the under load temp once I hear some feedback (I don't want to risk overheating the system). With the mobo program it shows that the cpu is capable of going to 3500mhz. Also before people ask I am using an upgraded cooler. I'm using the Zalman 9500A cpu cooler http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/...ad.asp?idx=277

Thank You

Hello gamerdad007.

Personally, I would not recommend overclocking your hardware. I'm sure you've heard a million times that it'll shorten the life of your hardware. Well, it's true. If you want to overclock, say your RAM, then I'd buy some O.C. RAM as it is specifically designed for overclocking.

*JM*

Which program are you using to monitor CPU temps?? They appear very high for Idle conditions, even if you were still using the OEM cooler. With the Zalman cooler they should be much lower. Go back to stock settings and run a stress test such as Prime95 and monitor CPU temperature in real time.

Done correctly, with the proper cooling and a knowledge of what is occurring, overclocking is relatively safe. Just don't go overboard and attempt to mimic some of the outrageous O/C's you may have read about online. Super high O/C's aren't meant for anything much more than Benchmark bragging rights, and won't live long under real world conditions.

FWiW, I overclock everything (CPU, RAM, GPU, the cat, TV) with very good results. Before attempting it, I spent about 6 months reading everything possible about O/C'ing. There are literally hundreds of articles and test reviews by reputable sources available online. Not to mention untold numbers of help forum Q & A posts. In the beginning I used an old sacrificial computer for practice. I was afraid to burn up a 'good one'.

Just bear in mind that O/C'ing will void your warranty. To my knowledge, EVGA is the only leading company that will respect the warranty on O/C'd hardware.

I'm using both Asus AI Suite, and Speedfan.

I will do a stress test and post the results.

Hello gamerdad,

Do you still require assistance with your issue or have you sorted things out? A status update would be appreciated. Thanks!