Overclocking Core i7-2860QM m17x r3 Question

Hi

I've tried searching but can't find any information about overclocking the Core i7-2860QM. In the Bios there is a tab to enable overclocking and I'd like to learn how to do that. I've read so many threads but am a complete novice at this, the only overclocking I've done was in my Alienware m11x and that was pretty much pressing a button set by Dell. However it worked really well and didn't cause any issues and made me want to learn more.

So please point me in the right direction of how do I learn and what do I do.

I use Flight Simulator X a lot and while my frame rates are good they drop a lot in areas of high scenery and/or weather and from everything I've read this is down to FSX needing a fast processor and not being able to use the extra cores in quad core or higher.

Thanks for your help.

Gerry

 

on a sandy bridge CPU, the only real way to overclock the CPU is via bumping the multiplier. unfortunately, the multiplier is locked on the i7 2860. you'll have to go to an extreme processor.

Although not recommended, you can bump your bclk up slightly. By slightly, i mean around 4-5mhz so 104-105mhz. You can try higher, but it will lead to system instability because your bclk will also affect speeds on other parts of your system like your ram and data lanes. Bump it too high and things will start to fry

multiplier x bclk = CPU speed
e.g., 26 x 99.8 = 2594.8mhz

The best thing you can do is let the turbo do its job. So keep your CPU as cool as possible as the turbo starts to pull back when it gets hot

 

An alternative is to run Throttlestop and enable it to turbo. That way you'll constantly be running at max cpu speed.

 

Thanks, I will check out Throttlestop and that should help.

Why is overclocking there as an option if you can't really use it?

 

No idea why its there. I know you can overclock in the R3 with that enabled if you have an extreme processor though.

 

Gerry, just keep an eye on your cpu temps if you're gonna play with throttlestop. Its a great app, but your cpu will get toasty if you haven't repasted the CPU and aren't using a laptop cooler (either retail or DIY)

 

Thanks everyone and I will probably leave well enough alone seeing as my pc is only two weeks old. I was hoping it would be simple like the m11x.

I would like to find out more though. I read the benchmarking threads and suchlike but only understand bits and pieces, there must be a noob guide somewhere about cpu's and overclocking and what all those other terms and numbers mean...like learning a new language.

Can anyone recommend a good thread/website? Thanks

 

This is what i would do. First read this article on how to overclock the Gen 1 Core i7

Intel Core i7-920 Overclocking Guide - X-bit labs

it will give you a good base for overclocking.

next, read this article that explains how to overclock gen 2 core i7's (which you have)

Overclocking: Sandy Bridge Changes The Game : Intel?s Second-Gen Core CPUs: The Sandy Bridge Review

It is a lot of reading. Just ask and i'll try my best to explain anything that you don't understand.

Also remember that your mobile CPU is multiplier locked so you can't overclock easily. The built in turbo functionality will overclock for you...the problem is it pulls back if it starts to hit certain thermal boundaries. The best way is to force the turbo to never pull back and continue overclocking at a high level (this is where throttlestop comes in)...but this requires a well cooled CPU

 

Thanks for those links and my homework for the weekend Everyone has to start somewhere so look forward to learning a bit more.

 

Hi guys i d like to underclock my 2860 cos it's turning off.. it is frying 100C. horrible..