OC phenom II X4 960T

[adam403]

Hi, new member here (however i have been looking at threads for a few months now). I have finally gotten my last few "upgrade parts" for my comp and am now wanting to OC the processor. However my problem is that the motherboard, etc is oem from hp (the computer was an hp p7-1020). So am i still able to OC it like most do through BIOS? I also bought this computer because i was able to get it for an extremely cheap price (in reality much cheaper than building a similar setup).

My cooling should be able to handle the OC as long as i'm not pushing it to 4.0ghz, but does anyone have an idea towards a "safe"operating level? Or how can I go about OCing this?? My target is around 3.6ghz.

specs:
motherboard: Alvorix RS880
processor: Phenom II X4 960T
memory: 2x 4gb DDR3-1333
graphics: upgraded from oem, cannot remember offhand (on my laptop currently)
Hard Drive: upgraded to 1.5tb Caviar Blue
Power: 750w (cannot remember brand)
Cooling: Added new exhaust, side and "inlet" fans

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...egory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5098896#N536 here is the site for the original computer if that helps at all.

I also already have a few programs cpu-Z, amd overdrive and prime 95. I havent been able to get easytune 6 to work though.

Thanks!

 

[keny]

I would not overclock anything on that board and I'm pretty sure you're bios will be locked anyway so my advice would be to buy a new board, I know it's not what you want to hear but you won't get far with what you have got sorry

 

[adam403]

I would not overclock anything on that board and I'm pretty sure you're bios will be locked anyway so my advice would be to buy a new board, I know it's not what you want to hear but you won't get far with what you have got sorry

I'll be honest, that's what I expected to hear. I think I'll just look into that, Any recommendations for ones that will work with it? I imagine I should look into another case too??

 

[adam403]

if you (or anyone) has some recommendations for an AM3 motherboard please post it up (i'm in canada too, so if there are some retailers in canada that have decent prices please post those too). I'm assuming my current g-card, and all of those goodies will fit up with a new motherboard, im now just worried that it may not fit in my case now.

Thanks again!

 

[dtrunk]

you need to crack the case open and double check the spacing of the mother board screws. some OEM cases (dell/HP) use custom mounting positions that not all motherboards will mount up to. additionally, some manufactures mount the motherboard on the opposite side of the case, with essentially everything backwards. I don't have dimensions for screw mounts, though you should be able to find this looking around at newegg.com motherboards, view their specifications, manufactures website link.... find the info.

i think ncix is in canada and has decent pricing. it depends on your price limit, I usually go for more expensive boards. the 990 chipset is the best out right now, I'm on the 870, not sure what the 9xx series offers over the 8xx but you can find that in a google search "870 vs 970 chipset" or "am3 chipset comparison" ................

 

[trents]

I would be in doubt if its a box store computer (tranlated: HP, Gateway, Emachines, Dell, etc.) case that it will have sufficient ventilation to overclock anyway.

 

[skyline_king88]

well if your looking for a new board in Canada i live ther to go to ncix.com and make sure you get am3+ as then you got future prof so i would say this board if ur looking @ 200 and this one if anything less

150 under

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=61850&vpn=GA-990XA-UD3&manufacture=Gigabyte&promoid=1230

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=62416&vpn=M5A99X EVO&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1205

170 under

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=65338&vpn=990FX EXTREME3&manufacture=ASRock

200 over

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=61991&vpn=CROSSHAIR V FORMULA&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1205

and just remember get 99x chipset as it is newest and best for overclocking but might i add you need to get a nice cpu cooler get the hyper 212 for under 30 and a corsair hx series if over 50 bucks

 

[rescuetoaster]

I HIGHLY recommend my board. Tons of options, good heatsinks of the MOSFETS, and overclocks like a beast. (Also pretty cheap)