Overclocking Core 2 Extreme

Hi all. You can see the processor I have in my Signature, Core 2 Extreme X9000.

Basically, I've never dabbled in overclocking before. However I have been running a lot of CPU intensive programs recently, and decided it might be time to try and overclock the CPU. I have a few queries though.


1: Is it normal for the fans to be on full blast when overclocked? I put it up to 3.4GHz, and as soon as I started my computer it sounds like it's going to take off...

2: Will this void my warranty? In the BIOS Dell says it can cause problems and run down the life quickly - However it doesn't say it'll void the warranty. Confirmation anyone?

3: In reference to question 1, if @ 3.4GHz it will continue to sound like a jumbo jet, what speed/s can I go to without it maxing out the fan?

4: My temperature for my CPU is currently jumping from between 48 and 61 degrees quite rapidly. Is this normal when overclocked?


Thanks for any insight you can give me!

 

I have the same CPU as you in my m1730. Except mine does not have a temperature diode so im unable to tell the temps of the CPU.

The fans will spin full blast at 3.2 and 3.4GHZ this is normal because of the amount of extra voltage that dell have decided to increase it at these clocks, but at 3ghz its as quiet as normal, You should try using the undervolting guide here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=235824

This will bring down the temps at full load overclocked.

Could you tell me what temperature your CPU gets to before the cpu fan comes on at full load and does the exhausted air feel hot? as hot as the GPUs? Im trying to guess my cpu temps seeing as i am without a temp diode.

 

Hi Mick,

I'd love to be a benchmark for you, however my CPU/GPU temperatures are "at the high end of normal" to say the least. I'm getting on to Dell about it again, my CPU is currently running at 71 Celcius at only 3.0GHz. =-(

Also I cannot hear the CPU fan, as it's always drown out by my GPUs fan X-D When I was at 3.4GHz the fans were on full constantly. I've never heard them that loud without the overclocking =-/ Also the exhausted air doesn't feel hot to me, maybe slightly warm, but not hot.

I hope this helps a bit (PS: How come you don't have a temp diode?)


As far as undervolting goes, would it be the same for me as it would you? If so, would you be able to tell me what you undervolted to, and I'll test around that area?

Thanks!!

 

I have an Engineering sample x9000 so these chips have various things not included in the final release my temp-diode being one of them.

I have ran Orthos for 3 hours with my cpu at 3.4ghz and a voltage of 1.475 reduced from the original 1.575 that dell sets. Anything lower than that and I get BSODs and lock-ups after a while. but even running orthos for 3 hours the exhausted air does not feel very warm so im assuming my temps are low but i cant be sure.

 

Just ran Orthos for 2 minutes and my temperature hit 94 degrees. I cut it off after that, no way I could leave it for 10 minutes like that.

As for voltages, mine are currently at 1.2000V You say yours were factory set at 1.575? I don't know much about voltages, but I assume 1.575 > 1.2000V? If so, why am I getting such high temperatures with a lower voltage. Gahhh =-(

 

Mine is only at 1.575 volts when the CPU is overclocked in the BIOS at 3.4ghz

When its at stock (2.8ghz) my voltage is 1.313

 

I'm honestly really really confused right now. My CPU temperatures are always 50+ degrees. Like I said, that stress test hit 94 degrees REALLY quickly.

I went through the undervolting, however I didn't change ANYTHING in RMClock. It was all already done. I'm now stress testing again - and my temperatures aren't going above 45 degrees. I don't understand what's going on, all I know is that sounds VERY wrong...

I'm wondering if I broke something =-(

 

What does your temps reach at default 2.8ghz?

 

About 67 degrees highest, and 51 lowest. Read my above post please, it's...I'm so confused right now =-P

Here's some images. Note that I usually use Everest for my temperatures, and it was 94 degrees in Everest in the first pic when I took this screenshot. I'm getting different temperatures for some reason.

First pic: Stress Test after 2-3 minutes

Second pic: Stress test after 5 minutes (after basically only OPENING RMClock)

 

Was that stress test you ran done at 3.4ghz? or 3.0ghz? Something doesnt seem right.

 

You can see the HWMonitor above. I ran them both without restarting my computer. I'm currently at 3.0GHz. Something isn't adding up for me either. At first I thought the stress wasn't working on the second test - however my CPU Load is currently at 100% usage, and my temperatures are 46 Celcius! I'm *really* confused =-(

And just incase anyone wants to see further into things: (You may need to click the pic a few times to see it in a decent resolution)

 

can you run me a screenshot of CPUZ please

 

...Shouldn't that be a bit higher than 1.1GHz?

 

Its just downclocked at the moment to save power, once you run a cpu intensive app it will shoot up to the normal GHZ, Where did you get the laptop from? was it direct from dell or somewhere else?

 

I got it direct from Dell. However, whenever I stick the stress test on, the clockspeed doesn't increase. Surely that counts as 'cpu intensive'? I think I may have messed up a setting somewhere... X.x

 

hey mitch

Think i have the same x9000 as you with the missing diode, the Q4GY one, Im wondering what my temperatures are aswell The heat coming out of mine doesnt seem to hot either :S

Jim

 

Are you still running RMclock in the background? If so exit that then try the stress test again. That should get it back to normal.
I was thinking you had an ES chip like me and the temps were not reading correctly until you said you got it from DELL. Now im unsure. Does it ever crash -lockup or BSOD when gaming?

 

I've never had lock ups or crashes, nothing but heat issues. I closed RMClock and tried again, still not even reaching the 50C mark, and CPUZ still shows Core Speed as 1197.0MHz. I think I messed up in RMClock somewhere heh. Is there any way to turn RMClock off temporarily and see if the core speed goes up?

 

Glad im not the only one! Ive bought myself a temperature probe to take a reading of the metal fins when stressing my cpu. The highest its ever read was 40C at 3.4GHZ 1.475v after 3 hours.

Now my GPUs read 55C on the probe and 76ish in windows - 20C difference between them so im assuming it should be more or less the same difference with the CPU depending on the thermal conductivity of the heatsink.

 

It should be in your system tray as a little light blue circle. Just right click it and exit, Failing that restart your computer.

 

Lol I turned off 'apply on startup', restarted my computer, and my temps are back up to 61 degrees X.x

So the difference between 45 degrees and 61? About 1.8GHz of processing power =-P

Gonna reset everything to default in RightMark and try it again, I knew I'd messed up somewhere hehe. I'll let you know how I get on X.x

 

My biggest concern was that i'd put the thermal paste on wrong but it hasnt missed a beat so far and more importantly it hasnt melted

@ Eambo - The lowest my clock seems to go is 1396.

 

I bought my laptop with the CPU already installed so im trusting the last owner has put this thermal paste on properly, Im not about to open it all up to check its just too much hassle to get at the CPU

 

Okay I just brought my voltage down from 2.0000 to 1.1500 - currently around 48C when idle. I noticed however that my multiplier "Maximal" 15x has a Req. Vcore of 1.3625V - and my 'current' never hits 15x, always 14. Any idea why this would be.

 

Whatever you have, you will be covered in warranty. It is overclockable from BIOS so if your CPU or any parts is toasted then DEll will get you a new one.
So relax.

 

In Rmclock - profiles selection - change AC power settings to No management on current and startup. Does this take you back to 15x multiplier?

 

Off Topic! Anyways how do you guys take a click picture of your HW monitor and Desktop? Don't mean to sound stupid? What keys or function I have to press?

 

In vista goto your start menu and goto accessories > snipping tool then make a selection box with the crosshair and then choose where to save it.

 

Thanks!!!!!! Let's see if my test is right!!!!!!


LOL!!!