Overclocking help please...

[Vanzagar]

I'm new to overclocking and have been doing tons of searches on this forum and google about overclocking but there is just too much info to weed through. Plus a lot of the info is discussions but not actual programs or processes. Would someone please point me in the right direction. Would you atleast please post what software you are using.

My new PC coming in 2 days is:

Windows XP Pro, Service Pack 2, with latest updates from windowsupdate.com
Chaintech nVidia nForce4 Ultra Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU, Model "VNF4/Ultra"
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 939P, Mushkin 1GB DDR PC-3200, Cas Latency: 2.5-3-3
Leadtek nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT, PCI-Express, Model "PX6600GT TDH"
Samsung 160GB Sata, 8MB Buffer, 7200 RPM, 8.9 ms AST
Lite-On 16X DVD Dual Drive, Model SOHW-1633S Beige
ViewSonic G790 19" monitor

Thanks for any advice,

Vanz

[saturnotaku]

If you've been reading so much, you should know that any overclocking that is done is accomplished via the BIOS, not software. Another thing you should keep in mind since you're new at this is to go up in small increments, 5 MHz at a time on the front side bus and test for stability using programs such as SuperPi for RAM, Prime95 for the CPU and 3DMark03 for video. I also suggest you download the Word documents contained in this thread on the xtremesystems forums.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=46539

[Vanzagar]

Actually I've been screwing around with software tweaks using NVTweak_install.exe. I realize mobo oc'ing is by BIOS I am meaning to oc both mobo and vid card. Is there another program out there that does a better job or shows temperatures. What temperatures should I stay below or how much above nominal is ok for both mobo and vid cards...

Thanks,

Vanz

[Vanzagar]

er just a sec I posted that before I saw your link...

[$n][pErMan]

I found you cant be that general and ask for OC advice. Just let people know what your goal OC is and they will try and guide you on how to get that OC.

[rewt]

Saturn is right. Most overclocking is done via BIOS.

But don't totally rule out the possibility of software overclocking. Sometimes motherboard and video card manufacturers (such as MSI and nVidia) have programs that allow you to overclock your system with software as well as through the BIOS.

[jolle]

I would advice that after building the rig, that you test it with several stresstest tools and try a bunch of games first.
To make sure it IS stable and free of issues @ stock speeds.

Otherwise you might end up chasing ghosts when attempting OCing.
Other then that, what saturn said: go slow and test for stability.
Increase Voltages as a last resort only to remedy instabilities of the OCed components, as it adds to the strain heat and is a bit more risky then simply upping clockfrequencies.

My personal preference in these matters it to enjoy my new rig for a while @ stock speeds before risking anything.
I often find that things run good enough as it is, and I dont put any value in touting benchmarks scores anyhow.
I do however plan to evaluate then temp and stability of my 6800GT @ 400/1100 when I get the last few stability issues out of my system
(will probably fixed with new RAM when I can afford it.)
For that I would use V-Tuner II that came with my Gigabyte card, or CoolBits perhaps..

[Riptide]

This utility is very popular with overclockers and is not made by an specific motherboard manufacturer. I used it to overclock with my Neo2 back when I had that motherboard becuase my particular board would not POST at over 250FSB. Unfortunately there is no version for my Abit or I would probably be using it.

http://www.cpuid.com/clockgen.php

[Vanzagar]

Thanks everyone... so Riptide does this change the BIOS then via software? If so that's kinda scarey, then viruses could could change these settings... Must be software only, even that's kinda scarey. I could imagine someone writing a virus that cranks our vid card and software clock frequencies and fries our components...

Thanks

Vanz