Why should you know voltages?

[Garfield]

I see screenshots about these software monitors for OCing (temp, multipliers, etc.) and part of them are voltages. Why do you have to know voltages when OCing? Can/do you change them? What for?

Garfield

[Breadfan]

Yup, depending on your motherboard you can change your Vcore (cpu voltage). Upping your voltage gives some more heat so your cooling has to be good, but extra voltage can also mean a higher overclock.

Also, monitoring the other voltages isn't a bad idea, primarily the 5v line. A low 5v line can cause system instability. In addition, you'll want to know if you're psu isn't supplying enough power which will also limit your oc and cause your system to be instable.

Hope this helps!
Mike

[Garfield]

What's the 5v line? Hmm..so you can change the voltage to OC even more!? Interesting...

Garfield

[Breadfan]

Coming off your power supply you have lines for 12v, 5v, and 3.3v. The molex connectors that plug into your harddrive/cd/floppy etc, have 12v (yellow) and 5v (red). The black wires are ground.

The atx connector incorporates the 3.3v line, as well as 12v and 5v.

You can't change these, but making sure they are in spec is a good idea. Alot of times people find they have low 5v ratings, which can be a mix of alot of things, but can certainly show an underpowered psu. Most likely your 350watt is up to the task, especially if you haven't noticed any instability issues. Generally going below 5v for the 5v line can start to cause issues...

These aren't changeable values though. It still is nice to know them, even though you don't have to monitor them as much as cpu temps. Once you establish your power is good, you really don't need to keep a check on it unless you develop problems later on.

As for the CPU core voltage, thats where you'll gain some OC points. Also, some boards, like your Epox board, allow the voltage to the DIMM's to be raised a bit. This can also give you a little more fsb speed. Keep in mind that more volts=more heat and stress on the cpu, so don't crank the voltage up as far as you can without proper cooling and also...no point in raising voltages to high if it doesn't do you any good...ie. no extra mhz's.

Mike

[Garfield]

Thanks for the explanation! And, I'm going to go with a 420watt tower instead of the 350watt. Many said that it'd be safer with OCing to go higher in the watts. Thanks again! :D

Garfield