Learning the basics of Overclocking

[Daniel]

First of all, I'm starting this thread to learn how to overclock. I never overclocked and I will be asking questions and posting information here. I will use my main system.

First of all before starting, or even better before even thinking of overclocking, I was suggested by Alan (moderator of this forum) to read these:

Overclocking - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and
How to Overclock a PC - wikiHow

... it may look too complicated. But everything is complicated unless you try it out and do some hands on work. You cannot know something, if you study it theoritically but not practically.

So lets start. This is some basic information about the system I will be using.

(CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 2.4Ghz (2400MHz)
(Motherboard) EVGA nForce 680i SLI
(RAM) DIMM1: Corsair XMS2 CM2X1024-6400C4DHX
1 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (5-5-5-18 @ 400 MHz) (4-4-4-13 @ 270 MHz)
DIMM2: Corsair XMS2 CM2X1024-6400C4DHX
1 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (5-5-5-18 @ 400 MHz) (4-4-4-13 @ 270 MHz)
DIMM3: Corsair Dominator CM2X1024-6400C4D
1 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (5-5-5-18 @ 400 MHz) (4-4-4-13 @ 270 MHz)
DIMM4: Corsair Dominator CM2X1024-6400C4D
1 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (5-5-5-18 @ 400 MHz) (4-4-4-13 @ 270 MHz)
= 4GB
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9500

The following are some pictures from the BIOS. An as regards to the temperatures, the system has been running for several hours.







... now it's Pharoah's turn to let us know how easy overclocking is done

[pharoah]

ok in fsb and memory config take the fsb-memory clock mode off auto.that will open up the ability to overclock it.your current fsb is 1066 effective actual 266fsb with your cpu multi of 9 gives you the stock speed of 2.4.raise the fsb to 1200 that will give you an oc of 2.7.the extra fsb,and cpu speed will raise your vista score.that should probably put your memory score to a 5.9.it will raise your cpu score to around 5.4,or 5.5.be sure to keep your memory within spec!if it has to be over a little over wont hurt.this oc should work fine without raising any voltages.