Planning to overclock, what do?

[IMA SHAARK]

Alright, since my CPU seems to be having a lot of trouble running TF2 on a full server, I have decided I need to overclock it. I know that it is definitely the CPU causing the issues seeing as how I have 3GB of ram and a GTX260, which should be able to run it fine. Are there any other things that might be slowing TF2 down?

First of all, I know I will need a new cooler, because right now it's just the stock, will this do? [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16835118004[/url]

Are there better coolers for the AM2 socket? What thermal compound should I use?
Also I have never overclocked a CPU before, and tips would be very helpful.

The CPU I'm aiming to overclock is the AMD Phenom X4 9500.

[BatHands]

You shouldn't have to OC.

Do you have Multi-core enabled in your TF2 options?

And you don't need a new cooler to OC. I OC'd my 240 X2 to 3.3GHz yesterday on stock and still idled at 19C.

[editline]12:04AM[/editline]

When overclocking you're going to have to restart your computer. When your computer boots up the motherboard manufacturers name will appear on your screen and you'll either have to hit "Delete" or "F12" or maybe "F10" to enter the setup. The button that you hit varies depending on what brand you have.

Once into the setup, more commonly known as the "BIOS," you're going to be looking for your CPU configuration(You're probably going to have to explore to find it.) In the CPU configuration look for the FSB, which should be set at 200 by default.

Use + or - to raise or lower the FSB, which will bring your CPU speed up (+) or down (-).

Go up 10 at a time and save your settings and exit the BIOS. Get back into Windows and use Hardware Monitor to check your temps. (Download here:[url]http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php[/url])

Then open up your system by hitting Ctrl + Pause/Break to check your CPUs new clock.

Go up a little at a time to make sure you don't ruin your CPU.

Good luck.

[IMA SHAARK]

I have tried enabling/disabling multicore in TF2. It does nothing. :saddowns:

[BatHands]

If you need a better cooler get the Cooler Master Hyper 212+.
It's only $30 on Newegg and out performs that Zalman by far.

[IMA SHAARK]

Thanks, I'll probably order that cooler in a week or two, seeing as how I only have like 15 bucks on my debit card right now.
[IMG]http://i50.tinypic.com/2gseia1.jpg[/IMG]
This is what my temps look like right now, it's a little hot, don't you think?

[BatHands]

[QUOTE=Inacio;19581002]CPU?
Are you sure?

What is your video card?[/QUOTE]

Read the damn OP.

[editline]12:14AM[/editline]

What are your current graphics settings? Also try updating the drivers for your GPU.

[IMA SHAARK]

I already have the latest drivers.

[BatHands]

Enter this into your console in TF2 before you start your game: mat_queue_mode 4

That command enables the use of four cores.

[editline]12:18AM[/editline]

And your temps are fine. The original Phenoms are supposed to run hot.

[IMA SHAARK]

I'm gonna go try that command, thanks.

Edit:
It works a little bit better, however, is still unplayable whenever there are multiple enemies on-screen.

Also, when overclocking, what would be a dangerous temperature?

[BatHands]

[QUOTE=IMA SHAARK;19581547]I'm gonna go try that command, thanks.

Edit:
It works a little bit better, however, is still unplayable whenever there are multiple enemies on-screen.

Also, when overclocking, what would be a dangerous temperature?[/QUOTE]

With the original Phenoms, try staying away from 65C.

[IMA SHAARK]

What is a good benchmarking program to use for pushing the CPU to full load?

[BatHands]

Use Prime 95.

For XP,/2000: [url]http://www.brothersoft.com/prime95-66720.html[/url]
For Vista: [url]http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Prime95-Download-76537.html[/url]
For 7: [url]http://www.softpedia.com/get/Others/Home-Education/Prime95.shtml[/url]

[rampageturke]

[QUOTE=ghostofme;19581490]Enter this into your console in TF2 before you start your game: mat_queue_mode 4[/QUOTE]

sorry to drift off a bit, but your post caught my eye, i have a tri-core, will typing mat_queue_mode 3 enable 3 cores? or does it just work with quads duals and singles?

Back on topic, there was two different versions on stock AMD heatsinks to my knowledge, one had good copper piping and the other was just pure shit, do you have the copper one?

[sbradford26]

[QUOTE=rampageturke;19583605]sorry to drift off a bit, but your post caught my eye, i have a tri-core, will typing mat_queue_mode 3 enable 3 cores? or does it just work with quads duals and singles?

Back on topic, there was two different versions on stock AMD heatsinks to my knowledge, one had good copper piping and the other was just pure shit, do you have the copper one?[/QUOTE]

It should work.

[IMA SHAARK]

[QUOTE=rampageturke;19583605]sorry to drift off a bit, but your post caught my eye, i have a tri-core, will typing mat_queue_mode 3 enable 3 cores? or does it just work with quads duals and singles?

Back on topic, there was two different versions on stock AMD heatsinks to my knowledge, one had good copper piping and the other was just pure shit, do you have the copper one?[/QUOTE]

Dunno, I have to check.

Edit:
No copper piping, but I took a picture.
[IMG]http://i48.tinypic.com/6jljf7.jpg[/IMG]
Sorry about the image quality, the camera kind of sucks.

Edit2:
Okay so I just ran the stress test for a while and the temperature reached 64C.
I don't think it's safe to overclock on this cooler.

Probably gonna get the cooler master 212+ CPU cooler. I'm gonna need some thermal compound, is this good? [url]http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/ic-diamond-7-carat-thermal-compound-15-gram-p-16605.html[/url]

[Prometh3us]

Best thermal paste ever.

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020&cm_re=mx-2-_-35-186-020-_-Product[/url]

[zanraptora]

I have had many people recommend TX-3 instead... But do your own research for your own sake, uninformed tweaking kills computers! :P

[sbradford26]

[QUOTE=zanraptora;19592187]I have had many people recommend TX-3 instead... But do your own research for your own sake, uninformed tweaking kills computers! :P[/QUOTE]

I also have heard gelid makes really good stuff.

[whatnow V2]

[QUOTE=ClaBrendon;19586971]Best thermal paste ever.

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020&cm_re=mx-2-_-35-186-020-_-Product[/url][/QUOTE]

actually, the shin estu TIM is the best if you can apply it right.

[editline]08:38PM[/editline]

[url]http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8921/thr-57/Shin-Etsu_X23-7783D_Silicone_Thermal_Compound_-_1g.html?tl=g8c127s846[/url]

[rampageturke]

Make sure that hot air from an awesome new CPU cooler can leave the system. A.K.A you have good airflow

editediteditedit: does your cpu have an unlocked multiplier, this makes things a hell of a lot easier to OC

[IMA SHAARK]

According to this review: [url]http://hardwarelogic.com/articles.php?id=5379&singlepage=1[/url]
The IC Diamond paste is the best. I don't know if the site is trustworthy, but it seems that generally this paste has good reviews. Diamond is really much better at conducting heat than silver anyway so I think I'm going to get this paste and the Cooler Master Hyper plus.

[QUOTE=rampageturke;19594401]Make sure that hot air from an awesome new CPU cooler can leave the system. A.K.A you have good airflow

editediteditedit: does your cpu have an unlocked multiplier, this makes things a hell of a lot easier to OC[/QUOTE]
My case has good airflow. I don't know about the unlocked multiplier. How would I find out?

This seems to be the same cooler with 2 fans for the same price, is there any difference? [url]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002G1YPH0/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p23_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=07P5JM5WTMNXVA0EXYJQ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846[/url]

[whatnow V2]

it's hard to apply both TIMs, you can't really trust either except for when one does exceptionally, if it's from a forum thread.

[BatHands]

[QUOTE=IMA SHAARK;19597096]According to this review: [url]http://hardwarelogic.com/articles.php?id=5379&singlepage=1[/url]
The IC Diamond paste is the best. I don't know if the site is trustworthy, but it seems that generally this paste has good reviews. Diamond is really much better at conducting heat than silver anyway so I think I'm going to get this paste and the Cooler Master Hyper plus.

My case has good airflow. I don't know about the unlocked multiplier. How would I find out?

This seems to be the same cooler with 2 fans for the same price, is there any difference? [url]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002G1YPH0/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p23_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=07P5JM5WTMNXVA0EXYJQ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846[/url][/QUOTE]

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&cm_re=hyper_212%2b-_-35-103-065-_-Product[/url]

Same price as the one on Amazon including shipping. Your choice on who to buy from.

[IMA SHAARK]

Oh crap the thumbnail had 2 fans. :derp:

Thanks for all the help everyone.

[rampageturke]

is your cpu a Black Edition Phenom?

[IMA SHAARK]

[QUOTE=rampageturke;19599108]is your cpu a Black Edition Phenom?[/QUOTE]

No. This is the CPU-Z screen I get.
[IMG]http://i46.tinypic.com/ea1chw.jpg[/IMG]

[BatHands]

Setting your bus speed to 220 will give you a clock of 2.4GHz.

I think that would be the safest to go on stock cooling.

[rampageturke]

-snip-

[butre]

I think it would be safe to bump up to around 2.6, assuming he has a decent motherboard.

[BatHands]

Set your FSB to 237 for 2.6GHz.