Heat thresholds when o/cing

[timzak]

I finally have some semblance of what my XP2200+ is capable of:
200x9=1.8Ghz (default mhz, oc'd FSB) @ 1.60V
200x9.5=1.9Ghz @ 1.725V
200x10=2.0Ghz @ 1.80V
200x10.5=2.1Ghz @ 1.95 to 2.0V (not done testing yet)

I haven't tried an x11 multiplier yet, since I'm already at or near 2.0V @ x10.5.

I don't like o/cing the PCI or AGP busses, so I'm not interested in changing the FSB.

Now, at 2.0Ghz I'm in pretty decent shape regarding cooling with idle temps of 42C and Prime95 temps of 50C max. I can live with that.

However, at 2.1Ghz I'm getting nervous because idle temps are 47C while under load it hits 58C.

I'm working on improving my cooling solution (trying to get my hands on a dremel to knock out a side exhaust hole), but should I be concerned running the cpu at up to 58C on a daily basis? Or is this no big deal for the XP processor? When summer hits, I know that 58C will climb to the low-to-mid 60's. Maybe I should just be happy at 2.0Ghz with the decent temps there.

Any thoughts?

[johan851]

I would guess that the amount of heat is causing a bit of a wall with your overclocking attempts. Personally, I wouldn't run a CPU over 50C load. After that, stability and the lifespan of your CPU are comprimised. I'd stick to 2.0GHz until you can improve your cooling. 100MHz isn't much of a tradeoff for 8C higher load temps. 1.95v-2.0v with air cooling (I'm assuming) is pretty high.

[timzak]

Yeah...just finished testing at 2.1Ghz and it needs 2.0V to run stable...P95 unstable at 1.975V and 1.95V.

You're right, I'm air cooled right now. One intake fan, one large exhaust fan (in addition to the P/S exhaust), and a Cooler Master HHC-001 w/5400rpm fan. Oh, and cables tied/taped down to maximize airflow.

I'm working on adding an exhaust port on the side right above the cpu and NB to see if that helps at all. Using Antec silver compound (the stuff they sell at CompUSA).

Unless I see drastic improvement from the side exhaust, I'll stick with 2.0Ghz.

Thanks for the reply!