What to Know before Overclocking

[ztrain727]

Hi Everyone, (tell me if my pics are too big)

I have come to the point where I think I'm ready to OC my CPU. I've had it for a couple weeks now and my system is performing nicely and is very stable. On one hand, I feel it is almost unnecessary to OC my CPU when only 80% was being used while playing COD4 on max. But OC'ing will help my overall performance and will be noticeable for video editing, a main use for my machine.

Things to Know: My CPU: E4500 - 2.2ghz

First of all, how much hotter will my CPU get with overclocking to say 2.4, 2.8 or 3.0?
My CPU Heatsink
Below is an image of my temps when under full load (100%) while encoding a video. 55 C is the hottest temp I have seen, but that is pretty hot. I'm worried if I OC, these temps might get a little high. I idle at about 32.

Secondly, what is the best way to go about OC'ing?

My mobo (GA-P35-DS3L) has a program called Easy Tune, which allows for overclocking. I'm not sure how I get to this, but it seems pretty straight forward for OC'ing.

My CPU's Clock Ratio multiplier is locked at 11x max (no surprise).

Here is my MIT (tweaker) screen in BIOS:

In order to OC my CPU, I need to set my CPU host clock control to manual. However, when I do this, warning appear in flashing read:

I can set my performance to standard instead of turbo no problem. As for system voltage, I'm worried about setting it to auto. My mobo's default ram voltage is 1.8v and my OCZ gold needs 2.1v, maybe even 2.2 when OC'd. If the voltage goes back to 1.8, my system won't boot. Will auto keep my current voltage, or will it cause problems?

Anyway, I think I'll try to use easy tune as it seems less problematic.
Lastly, What else should I keep in mind when/before OC'ing?

Thanks! I don't have a warranty that I know of on my CPU so I need to be careful. I also don't want to drastically reduce it's life. I'm thinking a 2.4 or 2.6ghz OC will do for now...

 

[NetworkPhantom]

well usually like most people would recommend i'd say that you should see if you can find ways to cool down your computer a bit more, maybe buy some parts to cool it down or upgrade fans or add a fan. also just experiment at 2.4GHz and see what happens to your temperature.

 

[mortonman1]

i think you'd be fine if you OC'd. i saw a review on the E4500 that said that the guy overclocked his processor to 3.2Ghz with the stock HSF. to me thats unreal but whatever. try using both your after market fan and the stock fan. compare the temps and then get ready to OC. just do the overclock and every time you raise the FSB check the temps. and instead of using a program to monitor the CPU, get a LCD temp screen thing that goes in your drive bay. it looks like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811995006

 

[ztrain727]

OK. So, it seems like networkphantom, your saying I should cool my PC a little more. I was planning on a small OC to 2.4ghz first, so thanks.

mortonman, I've also heard of incredible OC's with this processor. I don't have a stock HSF, but I've heard the one I have drops temps 3*C or so from stock. I plan to check my temps after each OC, as seems logical. About getting a LCD temp monitor, I feel that is unnecessary. I've heard they are often inaccurate and a program like Thermal Analysis or Core Temp will be fine. Thanks for your help, though.

Further Questions:
Has anyone used Easy Tune to perform an OC? If so, would you recommend it?

When is my CPU temp to high? Do I judge by how hot the individual cores are, or both together? (SensorsView seems to add them, thermal analysis + core temp give the individual temps fro both cores).

Is setting the voltage in BIOS to auto a problem (see picture)?

To start, what should I set my CPU host frequency to? 210? 220?