Thanks to PCGuide, but still need help!

[EL_BaRTO]

Before I begin, I'd like to say thank you to some of the users, on PCGuide, who helped me on my path to overclocking and building my rig. I still need some help though if you could. Thanks.

I am nearly complete. I just upgraded my AMD Athlon XP 3200+ Barton w/ Gigabyte mobo to an AMD Athlon 64 3200+ @ 2.0ghz (stock) (Winchester) with an ASUS A8N Deluxe mobo. Thanks to the users who have given tips, I have successfully overclocked my AMD 64 3200+ to 2.4GHZ (@1.55 volts) successfully (That's an AMD 64 3800!!) (I am soooo happy!!!!). Please understand this was my FIRST overclocking project. Man those multipliers and FSB settings are a pain to mess with.

Anyways, my question is what must I do to ensure it's stability? I have done memtest, 3DMark03, 3DMark05, and some hard core games like DOOM 3 and Half-life 2. I am building a gaming rig, so please keep this in mind. I have a feeling that something wrong might happen within the next 7 days, so I really need to know what I can do to ensure it is really stable at that current speed. Any suggestions would help.

Just a bit of expression. I am a bit angry at the fact that 939 socket mobo (ASUS A8N Deluxe) won't accept three memory sticks of my HyperX PC4000. GRRRR. So I am stuck at 1GB (2 sticks) until I get a fourth stick. Anyways, thanks again, all.

PS: I'll update my signature with computer specs laterz. Thanks.

[harvyne]

just a quick note, you didnt mention your cpu temp (especially under load) if your new to o/c'n you can fry your components fast if your temps get too high. i would try running a time intensive test like heavy load on your comp

[EL_BaRTO]

Sorry, I am currently running 35C on idle and 40C on load on average. I've seen it as high as 43 at most. This is running at 2.4ghz overclocked speed. I hope this isn't bad? If it is, what speed should I set it too based on my temperatures? Thanks.

Oh, and what kind of time intensive tests should I run? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks again. :)

[harvyne]

those temps are safe for an o/c cpu, try downloading heavyload, its a cpu intensive tester for stability, just type the name in your search bar and it will com up. also even though those temps are fine if you havent already you should replace your stock cpu fan with an aftermarket heatsink and fan and use arctic silver paste to attach it. they do a better job and may knock a couple degree of your temp

[alex666]

Anyways, my question is what must I do to ensure it's stability? I have done memtest, 3DMark03, 3DMark05, and some hard core games like DOOM 3 and Half-life 2. I am building a gaming rig, so please keep this in mind. I have a feeling that something wrong might happen within the next 7 days, so I really need to know what I can do to ensure it is really stable at that current speed. Any suggestions would help.

IMHO, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It sounds like you did a nice build, and if the above all are running stable, then you're in good shape. Should your temps start to climb up, you might consider a different cooling solution, but your temps sound quite good, and I see no compelling reason to get another cooler at this time. Keep monitoring everything, of course, but enjoy your system.

Congratuations.

marty

[EL_BaRTO]

Thank you alex and harvyne. I agree that my system is pretty stable, but I will run the Heavyload test that harvyne stated as the last test. But thank you though harvyne for suggestions, and alex for your support. Thanks again.

[harvyne]

your welcome el-barto, and as alex says, yes if it aint broke dont fix it. good point especially in delicate matters of changing cpu heatsinks. in all my research i have always seen the strong recomendation for better cooling devices when o/c'ing, in any case though those temps are solid so game hard and keep watch. i was just passing the recomendation
harvy