Overclocking For Dummies Link/Resource

[JayMiller8080]

Hey guys. I am relatively new to building computers (just finished my first build last week) and I am loving every second of it. It's been a blast, and I'm just looking to expand on my knowledge. Something I'd really like to get into is overclocking (especially because I think my build can easily handle it), yet I don't know a single thing about it, especially the risks. I'd hate to do something dumb/risky, because I wasn't informed.

Can anyone point me in the right direction, maybe a link to a website or something, that can introduce the basics of overclocking? This way I could just come back with more specific questions if I have them, or when I start to actually overclock my components. I've tried just reading through the forums, but I have trouble understanding it sometimes, considering I that I have no experience with it.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Ste]

There are plenty of guides out there.

All you gotta do is google, and read the posts in the overclocking threads on this forum.

I don't know what Cpu you have, otherwise id give links.

http://www.techist.com/forums/f10/official-intel-overclocking-thread-162488/
http://www.techist.com/forums/f10/official-amd-overclocking-thread-162493/

 

[JayMiller8080]

There are plenty of guides out there.
I don't know what Cpu you have, otherwise id give links.

I have an i7-920. Would an entire list of my parts help? I was under the impression you could overclock more than the CPU. If this is true I'll just edit this post to include my system specs.

 

[Ste]

Ultimate Core i7 Overclocking Guide -- We Push Nehalem to its Limits | Maximum PC

Intel Core i7-920 Overclocking Guide - X-bit labs

bit-tech.net | Guide - Overclocking Intel's Core i7 920

I suggest reading those guides first, all of them, before attempting or asking further questions.

Make sure you have good case cooling and an aftermarket heat sink.

 

[JayMiller8080]

Thank you! Will do! I'll be back if I have more questions after that. Thanks for the heat sink tip >.<

 

[Ste]

Some suggestions:

Newegg.com - Sunbeam CR-CCTF92-4 92mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler W/TX-2 - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

Newegg.com - XIGMATEK Intel Core i7 compatible Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

Newegg.com - Xigmatek Intel Core i7 compatible THOR'S HAMMER HDT-S126384 CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

 

[Slaymate]

I'm working on a Intel Overclocking Guide for this site. Expect it in a couple weeks

 

[JayMiller8080]

Some suggestions:

Newegg.com - Sunbeam CR-CCTF92-4 92mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler W/TX-2 - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

Newegg.com - XIGMATEK Intel Core i7 compatible Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

Newegg.com - Xigmatek Intel Core i7 compatible THOR'S HAMMER HDT-S126384 CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

The first one is VERY appealing, due to it's price after rebate.. however I know nothing about after market CPU fans. Does that cost 16 bucks for a reason, or would the difference between that one and the Dark Knight make it wise to wait another pay check?

Also, still reading through those guides. Seems to be a lot more to it than I expected. I guess I didn't realize overclocking one component meant overclocking the others so much. I'll ask those questions after more research though. I'll need that heat sink first eh? >.<

 

[farinha]

You can OC with the stock heat sink but you won't be able to OC it much.