to overclock or not to overclock...(couldn't find a better place to ask this

[Randy S]

below is my desktop overview then a review someone made of the cpu on newegg

General

Operating System Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium

Central Processor AMD Athlon Dual Core Processor 4450e

User Name Randy

Graphics

Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS

Video Memory 1.00 GB

Screen Resolution 1440 x 900

Storage

Total Memory 3.00 GB

Free Memory 1.88 GB

Total Hard disk 530.96 GB

Free Hard disk 184.51 GB

I/O

Mouse Microsoft USB Wheel Mouse Optical

Keyboard USB Human Interface Device

Pros: Cheap, decently fast. Decent overclocker. I went from a Semprom 3800+ on this board to the 4450e, and it was a nice boost. Overclocked it to 2.8Ghz and run's stable with stock HSF.

 

Cons: XP X64 didn't recognize the chip at first. Had to update BIOS again after my last update a week prior, and then find some AMD driver's for X64.

 

Other Thoughts: Like I stated before running a Sempron in this server to a 4450e, and it was a vast improvement. Temp's dropped, and CPU load dropped. Very pleased with this chip.

[Toppack]

The maximum that a CPU can be overclocked greatly depends on the 'Cooling' used.

(Both the CPU cooler and the Case cooling)

 

If you overclock be sure to monitor the CPU Temperature closely, for a while,

to make sure it does not get close to the manufacturer recommended maximum temp.

You can download free temp-monitor software, if you do not have one already.

 

Don't forget that room-temp can greatly effect computer-temp.

 

Liquid-coolers are good but a good large Fan and heatsink assembly can do almost as well, on the CPU.

Most Stock CPU-coolers are not designed for much more than a slight overclocking.

[Randy S]

so add an aftermarket cooler and additional case fan to more memory and win7 64bit, do you think this little "internet and email" pc is worth it? or just wait til I can build my gaming pc?

[Toppack]

The Athlon dual-core is a good CPU.

I have a Athlon-II dual-core that is running at 3.6GHz, with no problems on stock heatsink but I replaced the Fan with a larger 120mm and adapter.

You only need to add more or better cooler if it is getting too Hot,

or the small high-rpm fan is too noisey.

Large fans run at lower-rpm, so are quieter.

 

Monitor the temp with CPU at or close to 100% load.

 

Of course a 4, 6 or 8 core CPU system is faster but if the Athlon does what you need it to do, then it's great.

Right now, more than 4 cores is Overkill, considering the present software development.

[Toppack]

This is the type adapter I use to mount a 120mm fan on stock heatsink:

(Nexus CFA-300)

(holes will need to be drilled in adapter if you are using it to replace the smaller 70mm fan,

they already have holes for 80 and 92mm mounts)

 

Be sure to use a fan with 4-wire connector, which has temp-monitor and speed-control wires,

and mount fan with air blowing Into the heatsink, since air-pressure is greater, not the other way.

 

See link:

http://www.coolerguys.com/840556082477.html

[Randy S]

ok, I'll check it out

[Mr Bean]

My way of thinking is if I want faster then go get a V 8 +

no I do think its risky for the normal user,as in my case just would not fiddle with

my Baybies

Mr Bean