Basic Overclocking Practice

Test Platform

Below is the complete list of our test platform components:

Processor : Intel Core i7 930 @3,8Ghz

Motherboard : Gigabyte X58A-UD7

Memory: Kingston DDR3 KHX2000C8D3T1K3/6GX

Graphics Card : Digital Alliance 8600GT 256MB GDDR3

Harddisk : Hitachi Deskstar HDT725050VLA360 500GB SATA2

Heatsink Fan (HSF) : Noctua NH-D14

Thermal Paste : Noctua NT-H1

Power Supply : Antec TPQ-1200W OC Edition

To test if the overclocked system is stable enough, we use the following software:

Stability Test:

• Prime95
• Intel Burn Test v2.2

Benchmark:

• Everest Ultimate Edition 5.50.2100
• SisoftSandra Lite 2010.SP2 (16.52)
• 3DMark Vantage

These are the voltage settings used during the test:

To find out how much voltage is still within the safe limit for your own overclock, refer to guides from each component manufacturer. Keep in mind that nothing is safe once you venture beyond the default settings. There is always a risk, and using more voltage would most likely reduce the lifetime of your component.

Although we are only applying mild overclock, let us not forget to use proper cooling. Excessive heat is your number one enemy in overclocking. Computers are usually equipped with a fail-safe mechanism of shutting down the entire system to prevent damage from overheating.