EP45-DS3P + Q9650

[slimjimftw]

Just managed to get a dirt cheap Q9650 (3.0GHz) and i've read on many forums of people getting 4.0GHz out of these very easily without changing any voltages etc ... I have never overclocked a CPU and have only ever overclocked my GPU via ATI software. My current system is stable as hell and has been running Windows 7 (build 7100) for a few months and hasnt faulted once

Could anyone tell me which settings in BIOS to start changing in order to reach 3.6GHz to start with it, and maybe if i get a little brave i'll go for 4.0Ghz ... here are my specs:

EP45-DS3P
Intel Q9650
Artic Cooling Tower 7 CPU cooler
4gb OCZ Gold DDR2 PC6400 (set at 5-5-5-18 @ 1.8v)
Corsair HW620w
XFX HD4870 1GB

Current IDLE temps are set at around 38-39-38-37

I've read multiple overclocking guides and my brain just frazzles ... i'd like to have a go manually, but I don't mind giving oc software a try if it's reliable and actually works

Best Regards
Jimbo

[Pottypete]

Hi, Jimbo
http://forums.tweaktown.com/f18/gigabyte-ga-ep45-ds3r-memory-27972/
look for bongWizards  post,

cheers

[slimjimftw]

thanks, very useful post ... going to have a go at doing mine now

[Badbonji]

What sepping is it? If it is an E0 (more likely) then 4Ghz+ shouldn't be too hard with around 1.36V max needed for 4Ghz stable I would say from what I have seen. Try overclocking forums if you get stuck like overclockers.co.uk, ocforums, and there are many more also with people who have similar setups who have good knowledge of overclocking.

Just don't rush into overclocking, and after you reach your goal clock speed it is always good to fine tune voltages so that your power consumption is kept to a minimum, with less heat and lower voltage and the cpu will live longer.