Thanks, that did help.
In case anyone else is just getting into this- I've done a bit of research, started simple and this is what's worked well for me so far.
NOTE: I am new to this, don't take my word as gospel. You fck it? Well, my mistake your fault.
Hardware I'm OC'ing:
1. AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 3.3g processor
2. 8gb (2x4gb) GSkill Ripjaws F3-16000 DDR3 RAM at 2000 MHz
Mobo: GA-890FXA-UD5 ***Issue with this mobo: If you put RAM in that's above 1333 MHz it automatically winds it back to 1333. Frustrating, but fixable. Mobo will allow you to OC RAM to 1866 MHz.
Therefore: my 2000 MHz RAM is running at 1333.
-All the below was done in the MIT menu in the BIOS-
1. I disabled the core performance boost (if you're unsure why check out a few forums to get an understanding of what the CPB actually is, it needs to be disabled).
2. I then set the memory clock to manual, then went to the option below and increased the multiplier from x6.66 to x8. This overclocked the RAM from 1333 MHz to 1600 MHz.
Easiest way to explain is: the CPU clock frequency is set to 200 MHz. 200 x 6.66 = 1333 MHz, 200 x 8 = 1600 MHz.
RAM is now up to 1600MHz.
3. I then manually changed the CPU clock ratio to x19.
ie CPU clock frequency is set to 200 MHz. 200 x 19 = 3800 MHz.
CPU is now running at up to 3800MHz, easy as that.
I saved my changes in BIOS and booted Windows, no probs. Haven't fully stress tested it yet but have had a fair load on it for 2 hrs and it's not showing any signs of instability.
If it did:
I'd go and set all settings back to normal in the BIOS MIT menu. I'd then OC the RAM, try again. Would then set everything back to normal again and OC the CPU. This wold tell me which (if not both) are causing the problem.
If it was the RAM, I'd OC it, increase the the voltage (in MIT menu under DRAM voltage control) in small incriments at a time (each time saving, exiting the BIOS and booting up and then stress testing it). Note: do your research on this first to find out what your RAM can handle. Don't exceed it's limits or you risk damaging it.
If it was the CPU, I'd OC it, increase the voltage to the CPU in small incriments at a time (each time saving, exiting the BIOS and booting up and then stress testing it). As above don't exceed your recommended voltage range. Once you've increased the voltage enough that it's all stable, OC the RAM and make sure it all works together.
The entire time you're increasing voltage, keep an eye on system temps. When I did the above they went from mid 20*C to low 30's. Not an issue, but be aware your mobo has temp limits that you'll probably want to keep well within (mine is about 62*C max).
Overall, I found this a very easy way to get a bit more bang out of the box.
I'm now playing around with the CPU clock frequency to get the RAM to 1866 which is creating a few headaches, will put in a different reply.
