Windows 7: question about overclocking

i have a question about overclocking. i'm just starting to look into it and am a bit confused.

when overclocking, do you overclock the cpu, the motherboard, or the graphics cards? i've found how to overclock the graphics cards with ATI Catalyst Control Center, and i know my motherboard has an overclocking dial for easy overclocking, but im not really sure what to do, what to use, or how to do any of it.

im just a noobie looking for some basic overclocking info.



thx

all system specs up to date

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Easy and 'convenient' software based over clocking software is 'okay-ish' for minor Overclocks, but Overclocking through the BIOS is always the best method.

+1

I would even say if you wish to learn to OC, take the time to research and do it properly.

The main reason i do not like the software based 'Auto OC" is that they tend to Overvolt, which really isn't good

Make sure you have something better than stock cooling in place as well.

yea ive got a Corsair H50 cooler and phenom II x4 965 black edition, the main thing i guess i was wondering is if anyone knows about the Overclocking dial button on my motherboard (msi 790fx-gd70). would that dial be a good place to start or not?

plus i've found in my Catalyst Control Center where to OC my gfx cards, but i'm assuming that is going to be software based. does anyone know about overclocking ati gfx cards?

You can try the Auto OC feature, its really your call.
But I would advise learning to do it properly through the bios for the reasons I mentioned above.


If you do decide to learn to do it manually, as well as doing plenty of research of the OCing subject itself, find as much info as you can about your hardware before you start.

For example:

1) Make sure you know how to reset your bios in case it refuses to post or does not automatically reset in this case. (If your board has such a feature)

2) Learn your CPU and Motherboard limits (Temprature & Voltage Ranges)
You'll need to know the default settings for Voltages as well as safe and Danger Zones for Voltage and Temps.

3) The specs. RAM timings Voltages etc.

4) keep in mind when OCing, the RAM is the easiest thing to fry. try to keep it at or below its rated specs.


--In fact, knowing these things would be quite beneficial, even if you start of with the "Auto OC' tools.
Because you can use the Auto OC feature as a base of where to start. Then lower Voltages etc. from there.





As far as your GPU goes, personally I find the ATI CCC Overdrive just fine.

What you can try if your unsure where to start is the "Auto Tune" Funtion, as seen in the snip below.
This will give a rough idea of where to start.
Once it gives the results, I would back off the Core and MEM just a bit.

Remember to "Test Custom Clocks" as well, if you make your own, and watch the Temps.


I make a Profile called GPU OC, that includes just the Overdrive section.
And another for default speeds in the same manner.

This way, when I go to play a graphic intesive games and want that little extra, I just enable my "GPU OC" profile and go at it.
When done, and just web brosing for example, I restore the default speeds.

If I remember correctly, the 4850 isn't a great Overclocker.
So don't expect a huge boost. In fact, most cards that do OC well won't give a major improvment, but it does help a little.


Hope this helps.

Overdrive is a good method to go but I find that actually using Rivatuner is a better way to go in my opinion as they have the recommended amount to overclock your GPU. As for your CPU goes you have a Black Edition and those are really good when it comes to bein overclocked you might even be able to unlock some cores on it as well.