How to overclock + why etc

[ajbrun]

Hi - I am completely new to computer building and stuff, and have only just built my first one last week (a week today - yay!), and have heard a lot of stuff about overclocking, so I have some questions:

First of all, I'd like to know why people overclock - does it make computers noticably faster - is it worth it?

Secondly, what are the dangers? Is it just overheating the CPU, or is there more?

What I really want to know is is it worth me overclocking? I have an XP 2600+ CPU (more details can be found here), and I'd like to know if I should overclock my system.

Thanks

[mike_w]

If I were you I'd only overclock if you have something that doesn't really run well, otherwise I'd leave it until you PC seems to be struggling with the latest stuff.

People overclock 1) because they want to show off! or 2) because you can save money or increase performance

It's difficult to damage the CPU when overclocking as long as you use your common sense. Just do it very slowly, with a decent heatsink and fan, and keep an eye on temperatures and stability (with programs like Prime95). In weather like this, you have to check that your previously fine overclock isn't overheating!

[Howard]

First of all, I'd like to know why people overclock - does it make computers noticably faster - is it worth it?

No. Yes.

Secondly, what are the dangers? Is it just overheating the CPU, or is there more?

Overheating won't be a problem if you have a decent heatsink. Only way is to try it. If it goes above about 65C, then I'd consider upgrading the heatsink.
There aren't really any other dangers, but it'll probably shorten it's life. You'll have upgraded long before it's due to die anyway.

What I really want to know is is it worth me overclocking? I have an XP 2600+ CPU (more details can be found here), and I'd like to know if I should overclock my system.

Thanks

Yes. Yes you should. But make sure you know how to reset your BIOS settings first. Lol.

[GreenPiggy]

Of course you should overclock!
The main reason being why have your computer running at its current speed when it could be running faster? Its the joy of getting something for nothing which keeps us all going.
It does make my computer noticably faster when i crank my chip up to 2.5gig (a 33% increase)
I'm not saying i couldn't run every program/game i have now with it at stock but they run faster - yay.
Dangers:- the only danger is if you go too fast too soon, caution is the name of the game. always check for stability after each increase and always keep an eye on your temperatures.
To advise you on how to overclock though i need to know a few things. The cpu i can see(it's probably locked ) also need to know the model number of the motherboard & the type and speed of the RAM. Also, what Heatsink/Fan are you using and what are your temperatures like at the moment.

[CrapshoT]

Overclocking is a cheaper way of getting top gear. lol
why pay over the top prices when you can get cheaper hardware that will O/C to far superior speeds than what they are supposed to.Plus it gets canny exciting trying to push your rig that little bit faster.

[0iD]

For most people round here it's a hobby/addiction. But it's free speed & performance vs the challenge of being able to tweak a couple of MHz outa your rig for a few extra bragging points.
As for the dangers, there aren't too many. A few people b0rk their components, but if you follow the guidence given by the many Hexus Gurus in these here forums you wont go far wrong. Nobody's gonna take the p*ss out of you for being a n00b, so dont be afraid to ask even the most seemingly stoopid question. You'll always get a straight answer.

[GreenPiggy]

The main selling point for me was getting a 2500+ Barton bought for £60 to run way faster than a 3200+ Barton which at the time cost £200+

[ajbrun]

OK, I was asked for a few things to advise me on overclocking :

Motherboard - MSI K7N2 Delta-L SKT A 8xAGP DDR400 Nforce2 6ch Sound LAN USB 2.0 Motherboard

Memory - 512MB DDR PC3200 400MHz + Alum. heat spreader (branded Geil)

Heatsink AND CPU - AMD Athlon XP2600 333mhz 512 L2 Cache Barton Retail Boxed Inc Heatsin & fan 3 year warranty

My temperatures are as follows:
*When first starts up = 35C
*Left for about half an hour = 39C
*After playing a not very stressful game = 53C

Also, what do you mean by my CPU being "locked" ?

[Steve]

Also, what do you mean by my CPU being "locked" ?

A CPU's clock speed is obtained from a multiplication of the front side bus (fsb) speed by a set multiplier.

For example mine is 166mhz x 11.5 = ~1920mhz

On some processors you can change the multiplier, however if it is locked, you either have to unlock it to allow this, and if you can't, your only option is to manipulate the fsb to change the speed. FSB changes can affect other components as well as the CPU, whereas the core multiplier only affects the CPU.

[GreenPiggy]

The CPU frequency is derived from 2 values, the Front side bus of the CPU (in your case 166(commonly called 333 as it is double data rate)) multiplied by a multiplier value which is different for each chip.
For example a 2500+ Barton runs at 1.83Gig which is derived from 166*11(the multiplier)
Now. In older chips (about 6 months ago) AMD permitted you to change the multiplier hence allowing you to change the clock speed of the chip. This is probably not the case with yours as it is newer than 6 months so your only overclocking option is to raise the Front side Bus of the CPU. Since your RAM is capable of 200FSB then you have plenty of headroom here. The problem i believe may lie with your heatsink as you have the crappy boxed AMD version. I'll write a bit more in a bit. Have some work to do at present.

[BlackSheep]

Many ppl in here (including myself) have owned the golden sample JIUHB which is double the speed when overclocked ... did I say double, I take it back OVER double the speed when overclocked to its fullest and perfectly stable and that's all for free ... tell me that wasn't worth overclocking.

[GreenPiggy]

Are you telling us you got a 1600+ thoroughbred to 2.9gig? Were you using liquid nitrogen?
Although, if you were using PR ratings then 2.4gig would be a double overclock.
I'm confused

[nakajima]

I overclock to get better performance and save money from buying a more expensive cpu. After a while it becomes an addiction and i end up spending more money buying the right parts to get a high overclock!

ajbrun : u might need to consider better cooling if you're going to overclock your rig

[BlackSheep]

Are you telling us you got a 1600+ thoroughbred to 2.9gig? Were you using liquid nitrogen?
Although, if you were using PR ratings then 2.4gig would be a double overclock.
I'm confused

Yes I think you are confusing PR ratings and the fact that it's running at 2.3Ghz with way higher FSB (overall) so it's more like 1700XP to 3400XP (or above).