Overclocking Q9400 - Noob

Ok so i've never overclocked a CPU before, so can anyone tell me where to start and do i have to open the computer to do so?

The Q9400 is @ 2.66 stock, i'd like to get it to atleast 3.20 if that's possible?

First off if you have the stock cooler I wouldn't suggest overclocking it that high. Second if this is some prebuilt computer like Compaq or DELL some have the bios disabled so you won't be able to access the overclocking features and plus they use generic motherboards ...

I have an Alienware PC, and it has a 750PSU. 750i Mobo, 4gb ddr2, 9800gt.

I have an Alienware PC, and it has a 750PSU. 750i Mobo, 4gb ddr2, 9800gt.

SHiFTY_v4

Then you should be fine. Enter the bios (pressing delete or whatever key it says) go to the fsb and increase it till you reach what you want. You should read some guides on overclocking yours but start off lower ... 2.8 then 3.0 then 3.2 and see how it holds up run Prime95 or some other benchmarking tools Intel Burn Test works the fastest.

How do i know if something is wrong, like if it's overheating which it shouldn't because the alienware chasis are massive.

How do i know if something is wrong, like if it's overheating which it shouldn't because the alienware chasis are massive.

SHiFTY_v4

Download the Intel Burn Test and it will tell you the temps and whether or not you pass or fail.

Here is the test download it and run it after you overclock your processor.

http://downloads.guru3d.com/IntelBurnTest-v2.2-download-2047.html

Ok first i need to know how to overclock though, i just tried it and heres what i got.

AI Tuning: Manual, Auto, Standard, or AI Overclock ..Which one do i do?

FSB & Memory Config: Auto, Linked, Unlinked ..Which one? And also for the FSB is says its at 1466.0? and the memory was at 800.. i uped the fsb to 1500 to see if it changed the the CPU speed but it did nothing so im not sure where i actually change the speed...

And i have all the volts set to auto.

Ok first i need to know how to overclock though, i just tried it and heres what i got.

AI Tuning: Manual, Auto, Standard, or AI Overclock ..Which one do i do?

FSB & Memory Config: Auto, Linked, Unlinked ..Which one? And also for the FSB is says its at 1466.0? and the memory was at 800.. i uped the fsb to 1500 to see if it changed the the CPU speed but it did nothing so im not sure where i actually change the speed...

And i have all the volts set to auto.

SHiFTY_v4

It should look something like this.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/evga-nforce-750i-sli-ftw-for-the-win-review/3

You really need to read a OCing guide first. You can do it by winging it, but there is a correct and incorrect way to do so. Most often it is recommended to test the limits of your board first. This means slowing down your processors and increase your bus speeds. You also need to find out your RAM's highest point before hand. Then you can start ocing your processor. I would try and stay away from increase voltages for now.

Off Hand, do you know how reset your bios in case your system won't boot and does not have a fail safe?

here let me help you: link

I think i overclocked it from 2.66 to 3.10, the temps are all in the twenties so i guess ill run a stress test.

I think i overclocked it from 2.66 to 3.10, the temps are all in the twenties so i guess ill run a stress test.

SHiFTY_v4

[QUOTE="SHiFTY_v4"]

I think i overclocked it from 2.66 to 3.10, the temps are all in the twenties so i guess ill run a stress test.

jtschmitz

20s even in Celsius is very low ... too low even for liquid cooling hmmmm somethings not right.

lol nvidia gamer, was expecting it to say sumthing else in your sig...

lol nvidia gamer, was expecting it to say sumthing else in your sig...

ticktocktick201

Don't worry my PC specs will be there soon lol.

Ok yea right after i posted that my computer shut down LOLZ. so not stable i lowered it back down to 3.00ghz, we'll see if it works this time.

Anything wrong with the temps?

No i believe Intel Stress Test has quad. It has 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,16,32 ...i have it set to auto though and it says it's stable @ 3.00GHz but i will update you soon.

Ok yea right after i posted that my computer shut down LOLZ. so not stable i lowered it back down to 3.00ghz, we'll see if it works this time.

Anything wrong with the temps?

[QUOTE="SHiFTY_v4"]

Ok yea right after i posted that my computer shut down LOLZ. so not stable i lowered it back down to 3.00ghz, we'll see if it works this time.

Anything wrong with the temps?

TerroRizing