Windows 7 - Overclocking help; your suggestions, please.

I've got my new PC running for about 2 weeks (Just looking before I leap...new PC final thoughts.& I'm ready to enter the world of overclocking. I found this thread over at Overclock.net of a PC very similar to mine (http://www.overclock.net/intel-cpus/1009591-ga-p67a-ud3-b3-i5-2500k.html) but not much here @ SevenForums. I guess I could just plug in the same settings he used but I'd rather play it safe & learn what & why I'm doing, rather than doing & learning nothing.

Here are some pics of my PC's default BIOS (CURRENT) setting & of a (PROPOSED) OC setting. NOTE: The B&W pics are taken from the OCed PC I mentioned above from Overclock.net (Administrators NOTE: I don't see any harm in this but please remove if you deem this improper).

So my question is, is this a good starting point @ 4.0 Ghz? I read that 4.7Ghz is about max. And, are the settings on the PROPOSED OC ok?

My system specs are up to date. Your suggestions are appreciated.

You should get familiar with basic OC'ing and testing methods.
Sometimes plugging in someones OC numbers will work and most of the time it won't. Understanding the limits and testing procedures will make this much easier.

Always watch your temps very closely.
Learn how to re-set the BIOS to defaults.
Crashes are a part of OC'ing.

Here are some basic guides, may not all be for your motherboard but, good info.

The ULTIMATE Sandy Bridge OC Guide + P67A-UD7 Performance Review

Scroll down to the GIGABYTE Programs, section.
Although I wouldn't recommend using these programs to OC, you can try it if you wish.

I7 - 2600K / I5 - 2500K Overclocking Guide

How to Overclock the Intel Core i5-2500K

Sandy Bridge Overclocking Guide - from Gigabyte forum

Some lite reading to get you started

If you read up on the methods you will learn a lot about how systems work.

Yes, you should get familiar. Even then don't make such a large leap, work up gradually. Each processor is different so others settings may not work for you. And don't use BIOS auto settings on the critical voltages like core, VTT, and RAM. My experience is the BIOS tends to overvolt, sometimes dangerously high.

Good point, the Gigabyte OC apps always overvolt everything, which is why they are not recommended pretty much anywhere.

Yes, I meant auto in the BIOS though.

Yes, agree that's a good point, which reminded me that the Gigabyte OC apps do the same thing, overvolt.

Thanks Dave76 & GeneO. I read up & give it a try. Do you think 4.0Ghz is a good starting point? The article How to Overclock the Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD4 | bit-tech.net has it set to 4.5Ghz which, I believe, is the final maxed out level? Also, my MB has an extra setting in Advanced CPU Core Features (Internal CPU PLL Overvoltage set to AUTO. Leave this as is??? I have both pics with my PCs BIOS setting in red.

I found, at least on my ASUS MB, that leaving PLL on auto is fine. Since you rarely need to change it except for extreme OC, the BIOS usually leaves it alone at its nominal value. I would keep an eye on it to make sure though.

BTW, you may not have adequate cooling to reach that high an OC, and, since processors vary, you may not be able to achieve the highest.

Usually when OC'ing you move up in small steps checking for stability as you go, run the testing programs, use it normally for a couple days if you're not sure about it.

Go to 3.6GHz, then 3.8GHz, then 4.0GHz.
Run Prime95 or other CPU stress tests after each increase, watching temps very closely. When you find your CPUs temp wall, jump in temps more then before, make your decision of where you are comfortable.

Your CPU spec sheet: Intel Core i5-2500K
The max temp for Tcase (CPU case) is 72.6°C, add 5°C for CPU core temps then 77.6°C is the recommended max core temp.
You will see some OC'ing sites blaze past this temp and say it's no problem, you have to decide if you want to take the temperature damage risk.
Your CPU cooler will let you OC to a higher level than the stock cooler but not as much as water cooling.

Some recommend to disable Speed Step and other power saving BIOS settings, standard disclaimer applies, but more and more are recommending to use them. Mine are all enabled, runs cool with low voltage and frequency for most things and then 3.84GHz when needed.

OK, back with some results.

After reading everything & not having a water cooled CPU, I decided to stay on the recommended conservative side & followed this guide Gigabyte Sandy Bridge Overclocking Guide.

I didn't set as high as the author did but stayed at 4.0 & 3.8 rather than his 4.5 & 4.3.

Here are the results. First pic is from the above website. I used 40 instead of his 45. Core temp max out some 10 C below max recommended by Intel.

BTW. If I can squeeze this a little more I will but I will only use Intels Tubro Boost Tech.