24.05.2008, 21:00
3.2ghz is a nice, safe number to shoot for with the Q6600. Most will do it easily, without too much of a voltage change. Run your memory in 1:1 (I think it is called sync mode on our board) so that it runs at 800 mhz when you set the motherboard front side bus (FSB) to 400. This way, with an 8x multiplier, you will end up with 3.2ghz (400x8 = 3200). You will need prime95 for stability testing (use SmallFFTs to test CPU stability, use spread to test memory stability) and make sure you have CPUZ ready to go as soon as you are in windows so you can verify your current settings. Don't be scared if windows locks up, blue screens, or fails to load when you are working with overclocking. As long as you have your cooling setup properly and you haven't accidentally ran the voltages way too high in the bios you will not damage anything.
Remember, because of vdroop (google it) the actual voltages you are giving your CPU will not match exactly what you have set up in the bios. It will usually start off a little bit less and then drop another fraction when under heavy load. This is normal, but it also means you must set the initial bios voltage a little higher to be stable through everything. If you want to go straight to 3.2 (which is quite safe, I've done it repeatedly on multiple IP35-PRO boards and Q6600s) start your CPU core voltage at 1.4 and run prime for a while to see if it is stable (changing the other things I mentioned earlier as well of course, multiplier, memory mode/voltage, etc). If you get no errors in 3-4 hours it is good to go. Make sure to monitor temps via HWMONITOR or a similar program. For the record I have run a Q6600 at 1.7v for 5 minutes and it did not damage it, this was with excellent air cooling, and merely for testing purposes. Under normal conditions you don't want to exceed 1.5v or so (in the BIOS, pre-vdroop) on air cooling.
If 1.4 gives you total system stability you can back off one step at a time in bios and keep testing until you get unstable, then go back up a notch. You'll get the hang of it, it is not difficult. Remember, also, to give your memory the voltage it needs. Look on the packaging, and follow what it says. Usually it won't lie to you (unless it says 1.8v and you've got 4 sticks, thats ridiculous).
I do not recommend overclocking your video card as it is a stock OC model and runs fairly warm anyway. Maybe in a year or two when you really need that extra boost.
More information:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/sho ... ?p=2236754
I have to go out tonight but I will be back around 9pm EST. If you private message me here on this forum I will be glad to give you my instant messenger information so you can get quick help if you need it.
Good luck!
Remember, because of vdroop (google it) the actual voltages you are giving your CPU will not match exactly what you have set up in the bios. It will usually start off a little bit less and then drop another fraction when under heavy load. This is normal, but it also means you must set the initial bios voltage a little higher to be stable through everything. If you want to go straight to 3.2 (which is quite safe, I've done it repeatedly on multiple IP35-PRO boards and Q6600s) start your CPU core voltage at 1.4 and run prime for a while to see if it is stable (changing the other things I mentioned earlier as well of course, multiplier, memory mode/voltage, etc). If you get no errors in 3-4 hours it is good to go. Make sure to monitor temps via HWMONITOR or a similar program. For the record I have run a Q6600 at 1.7v for 5 minutes and it did not damage it, this was with excellent air cooling, and merely for testing purposes. Under normal conditions you don't want to exceed 1.5v or so (in the BIOS, pre-vdroop) on air cooling.
If 1.4 gives you total system stability you can back off one step at a time in bios and keep testing until you get unstable, then go back up a notch. You'll get the hang of it, it is not difficult. Remember, also, to give your memory the voltage it needs. Look on the packaging, and follow what it says. Usually it won't lie to you (unless it says 1.8v and you've got 4 sticks, thats ridiculous).
I do not recommend overclocking your video card as it is a stock OC model and runs fairly warm anyway. Maybe in a year or two when you really need that extra boost.
More information:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/sho ... ?p=2236754
I have to go out tonight but I will be back around 9pm EST. If you private message me here on this forum I will be glad to give you my instant messenger information so you can get quick help if you need it.
Good luck!