Overclocking a Q6600

[Link97]

Well, I've read through the guide and started overclocking my CPU. It's currently nice and stable at 2.6GHz (for reference, the stock speed is 2.4GHz) with my RAM at a 1:1 ratio. However, when I try to go anywhere over an FSB of 289MHz my system doesn't even boot Windows. I find this odd because I've seen people getting up to 3GHz and I'm not all too close to that.

I'm using the retail cooling on the CPU and my case has 2 120mm fans (front and back).

My PC is perfectly stable under heavy load at 2.6GHz.

I've left all voltages at auto - this is where I think the problem may be. Perhaps it isn't getting enough voltage? However, I don't want to start messing with voltages until I get some more qualified opinions

Thanks in advance.

[r_j_k_p]

whats probably happening is that if the voltage is set on auto, it provides a bit of extra voltage, which of course brings extra heat with it.
try setting voltages as low as possible.

Also, your cpu cooler is a stock one, which is PANTS. I would definetly recommend getting something else, as insufficient cooling can really affect overclocking.
i recommend arctic cooler pro 7 if money is tight. Its very good for the price.

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[Link97]

Wow, that's very cheap!

I'll definitely consider it, that's basically just pocket money.

Being a complete noob at this, I haven't got a clue what I should set the voltage to.

According to this hardware monitor, my CPU VCore currently uses 1.22V. Could you suggest a realistic voltage that I should try to start with? I tried 1.10V (it was a pretty random guess :x) and it failed big time so I set it back to auto and everything was alright.

What sort of speeds could I expect with a retail fan compared to the Arctic Cooler doo-dad?

[r_j_k_p]

well start from the lowest, and keeping increasing voltages until it boots to windows.
Then stress all 4 cores using a program like p95 and leave that on for at least 6 hours to further check for stability.
I reckon you could get 3.2ghz, but it greatly depends on your chip. All chips are different.

[Link97]

So should I just adjust the VCORE?

[r_j_k_p]

yep that is the biggest source of heat

once you have found the perfect voltage, you could try playing with the northbridge voltage etc.

[AndrewJ]

I run the stock cooler in an Antec 900 and I am pushing 3.2GHZ max temps I have seen is 52c. *under load*

[Ommid]

I run the stock cooler in an Antec 900 and I am pushing 3.2GHZ max temps I have seen is 52c. *under load*

Is that using core temp?

[r_j_k_p]

what are the fans set on in your antec 900.

[Blitzen]

Post your full specs.
I doubt this is the core.....more likely to be the other parts supporting it.

3.0ghz should be easy.....my Q6600 goes to 3.4ghz without volt mods (although not very stable).

I run the stock cooler in an Antec 900 and I am pushing 3.2GHZ max temps I have seen is 52c. *under load*

I am hitting just under 48 degrees load @ 3.2ghz.

Backed off (as not needed that high) @ 3.0ghz it never goes over 43-44 degrees.

Everest ftw (its reads the same as Coretemp <<--hate that program, and uGuru)

[AndrewJ]

Is that using core temp?

Yes

what are the fans set on in your antec 900.

Top on high, front 2 I have replaced and are run by the motherboard and the rear case is, mobo has CPU fan on MAX other fans are on MAX also.

[Link97]

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I was just about to tweak my voltages but I'll wait for responses first

When I up the FSB any further, it gets to the screen with a big logo when at the bottom is says "Press delete to enter the BIOS. Press tab to see POST results" and just sticks there. Then, when I reset it gets past that bit and says "boot failed, enter BIOS to adjust settings" or words to that effect.

[AndrewJ]

I have my validation below now.

CPU-Z Validator 2.1

[Thorsson]

Are you sure your RAM is set to 1:1? Auto doesn't leave it at 1:1 if you have PC2-6400. Also have you set your RAM to the correct voltage (most of the better RAM wants 2.1v instead of the system default 1.8v).

[Link97]

RAM is definitely at 1:1 and the V for it is at auto. What if 2.1V is too high? D:

The only number regarding V I can find on scan is 1.9V.

[AndrewJ]

Check your ram on the makers website, 90&#37; of ram prefers 2.1V mine did.