New overclocker looking for advice

Thanks for all the info. I was just considering bumping the 165 from
1.8 ghz to like 2.1 or so. As it is, its pretty much a 3500+ X2, but
it has a better Level 2 cache, it's the same core as the FX-60, but
that runs at 2.6 and the 165 is @ 1.8. Is overclocking it that much
that big of a deal? What is the difference in overclocking and just
buying the next step up in speed of the same processor? I realize the
heat issues and stuff, but why are the next step up in processor able
to use the same stock cooler then? Should this tiny increase of 300mhz
be that big of a deal, will stress tests be enough to test it, long
term stress tests and such, Prime95?
 >> Stay informed about: New overclocker looking for advice 

Thanks for all the info. I was just considering bumping the 165 from
1.8 ghz to like 2.1 or so. As it is, its pretty much a 3500+ X2, but
it has a better Level 2 cache, it's the same core as the FX-60, but
that runs at 2.6 and the 165 is @ 1.8. Is overclocking it that much
that big of a deal? What is the difference in overclocking and just
buying the next step up in speed of the same processor? I realize the
heat issues and stuff, but why are the next step up in processor able
to use the same stock cooler then?
 >> Stay informed about: New overclocker looking for advice 

On 14 Mar 2006 15:38:47 -0800, johan.vermaak DeleteThis @gmail.com wrote:

>Thanks for all the info. I was just considering bumping the 165 from
>1.8 ghz to like 2.1 or so. As it is, its pretty much a 3500+ X2, but
>it has a better Level 2 cache, it's the same core as the FX-60, but
>that runs at 2.6 and the 165 is @ 1.8. Is overclocking it that much
>that big of a deal?

It depends on your perspective honestly. If you're using it for purely
recreational purposes, a couple of miscoloured pixels every few frames
likely won't matter to you so it won't be a big deal.

But bear in mind, while many people have successfully overclocked the
165, it is NOT guaranteed.

>What is the difference in overclocking and just
>buying the next step up in speed of the same processor? I realize the
>heat issues and stuff, but why are the next step up in processor able
>to use the same stock cooler then? Should this tiny increase of 300mhz
>be that big of a deal, will stress tests be enough to test it, long
>term stress tests and such, Prime95?

The official next step higher are tested to work for sure at that
speed as reliably as the manufacturer can determine. Their level of
tolerance is much tighter and conditions harsher than what we can
replicate, since I understand it involves putting said chips into
"ovens" and such.

The lower speed grades may have failed the higher speed test by the
manufacturer's standards, or it could simply be a good part that's
binned down to match demands. You don't know which one you got. So
while your 165 might clock to 2.x successfully as far as the stress
apps can determine, it might not be 100% reliable/stable.

As I mentioned, I had an overclocked system that looked 100% stable
and passed all tests, until i discovered it was screwing up my data.
So with an overclocked system, you can never tell for sure 100%. The
choice is yours, just be aware of the potential problems.

As for the heatsinks, the AMD chips are relatively low power enough
that one good design to meet the max specified TDP for the series is
probably more cost effective than trying to design/make one just
adequate for each model. Hence you find the same heatsink across
several bands. Furthermore, manufacturers will tend to throw in safety
margins so it's not surprising the default heatsink is usually good
enough for some overclocking albeit at higher temperatures.

Some people are comfortable with seeing high 50s temp, some will not
accept anything above 40s, so again it's your call.

--
A Lost Angel, fallen from heaven
Lost in dreams, Lost in aspirations,
Lost to the world, Lost to myself
 >> Stay informed about: New overclocker looking for advice 

Thanks for the info, but for the majority of people, they are doing
pretty high clocking. The increase I am looking for (250-300 mhz)
along with testing and such, assuming the chip isn't one of the
'failed' cpu's, wouldn't be too bad, maybe with aftermarket cooler.
 >> Stay informed about: New overclocker looking for advice