Windows 7: Overclocking AMD Phenom 9850 x4 2.50GHz

So I know my processor can be overclocked because I just tried it with success via the BIOS.

My question is, which is better to overclock my processor with, the BIOS menu, or AMD OverDrive?



Thanks for any input/help!

Bios

Overdrive for one would overvolt you

It would be safer through the Bios it would most likley be more stable as well

What do you mean by "overvolt?"

when you overclock you want your voltages to be with in spec not super high or super low

Too High will cause Heat and electronic migration
Undervolting will result in BSOD or random restarts because there is not enough juice supporting the chip

you want to go little by little when it comes to OCing anything
also your ram and how your hardware is configured comes into play as well

Some chips also depends on the board will OC via multiplyer stock voltages no problem some need a little adjusting for proper performance

lets say your clock is x14 with a FSB x200 everytime you adjust the multiplyer you add a little voltage but only if it won't boot or isn't stable running benches or prime etc

you can also use the FSB make the memory overclock but mind you more voltage might be needed in this area as well also if you have the cpu Nb that might need a little bump too

There is a lot that goes into this not just a quick settings and your off each system has it's own unique tunning

Thanks for the info! Makes a lot more sense. I'm new to overclocking.

No problem but let me suggest there are Tutorials on how to do this but IMHO I would scour the web with your particular chip and read what others have done
and what voltages would be reasonable

Some people throw too much in a chip but they are successfull

I would just read as much as i can on your chip and see how others did what they did and just take your time remember this is not a race and we all will be here to help you

Thanks Solarstarshines!

I will defiantly post back here! I also use the How to Geek forums! Good people there too!