AMD FX 4100 Overclocking help

[kLN93]

I have the AMD FX 4100 at stock speeds which is 3.4ghz, I just bought a 3rd party cooler which is a Arctic Freezer 7 Pro Rev 2. I didn't buy a better cooler as I am on a tight budget, but what do you guys think? How much would I be able to OC it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Boozad]

I'm not an overclocker so I wouldn't take my advice until someone else verifies or poo-poos it, but even though that cooler looks adequate for high end processors I wouldn't trust an overclock on air with a triple copper heatpipe. For overclocks I'd be looking at a water cooler.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

With overclocking there are all to many variables from chip to chip issues, cooling, psu and mobo also ram. I would get a good temp. program going so you can watch them then start with a modest multiplier bump and then stress test via Prime. The trick is to read up, go slow and never......I repeat never over clock components that you can't afford to replace !

 

[kLN93]

~bump

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I'll stick with my statement above. There are too many variables to say 4.1-4.3 and such, the cooling capacity of the case and cooler plus the boards comfort feeding extra voltage along with the CPU's build qualities are all unique.

 

[Solarstarshines]

I can tell you any AMD stock cooler will be around 45 to 48c off the bat on air

I gave my Dad a rig with a 8120 Oc'ed to 4.2 on air and it get's pretty damn hot under load somewhere round 55c max and he is in a hot shed on top of it

So room temp plays a roll as well because on real hot days he doesn't bother to even use it because i warned him to monitor the temps even though his Rig is solid and never had Temp issue I just want him to remember to keep dusting it out and watching for them

Now after market cooling will give it a big impact by how much it varies as Linnemeyerhere said

Most of u s run water and understandable your budget isn't that great but there is water cooling available for $40 to $50 bucks that would serve you better in the long run then a air cooling


After reading a few new egg reviews I would try it out but mind you have to let the thermal paste settle here is a shot of a review

 

[Mellon Head]

I had that cooler for a while on my old AMD 955 BE. It wasn't so great for overclocking, though it was great at stock speeds. If you want to OC with that cooler, I would suggest that you have a LOT of case ventilation. My 955 ran almost too hot at only 400 MHz above stock. I didn't try any higher. But like linnemeyerhere said, everything is different. What works for one OC won't work for another.

If you're hell bent on OCing that rig, do yourself a favor and get water cooling, or at least a better air cooler. And remember, case fans are your friends.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

The good news is you have a good chance of a strong overclock with time and testing invested. But without the proper cooling it's really just going to yield shut downs and re-boots....heck even in winter my overclocking changes with a 280mm sealed water system. Then really all you gain over stock clock is bragging rights as in most tasks you'll hardly notice a difference....so save for a great sealed water solution or spend the same or more on a great air solution then go for it. Remember only overclock what you can afford to replace.