I am a novice

But is it okay to max out your system if the cooling level is still at 40-55 degrees ?

My factory set-up was at 1.8 GHZ quadcore .. I used Ntune to increase it to 2.2 and my temp level is still at 50 degrees, is this safe ?

What is your processor? Different CPU's have different voltage and temperature limits as determined by many extreme overclockers who have pushed their CPU to the limit.

I would never suggest overclocking outside the BIOS. Any reason why you chose to use Ntune?

AMD phenom 9150e



Because Ntune seems way easier to use for a new comer like me. Plus it has auto tune, I just trust it more than I trust myself.

If those temps are at idle, it really means nothing. You need to run something like Prime 95 or Orthos to stress the cpu to see what your max temps are.

I used a dif stability test apart of the ntune package, and it wasn't even able to stress my cpu usage above 81 percent. So I guess it take a bit of pressure without crashing. The CPU temp went from 48 to 50 degrees, and none of the other temp went above 55.

Once again, if you want to use Ntune fine, but stressing it with a proper program will let you know if it is stable. Prime 95 is extremely easy to use, just let run until you see one thread stop.

Okay, i'm running the test right now. CPU usage at 100 percent, core temp at 59 after 5 mins



Should Open things like media center ? and add to the stress ? Because i'm currently browsing the web, with a few tabs open. No noticeable negative alteration in speed or response.

Okay, so I opened media center...played some high definition vids, seeking was quick - instantaneous.


Still no Temp increase, core temp is stabilized at 57 degrees. I wonder if it's because i'm using win7.

Prime 95 stresses your CPU without any need for extra open applications. You could try the test on there that is more for the CPU, but after you start it just let it sit. Patience is the key here, don't be trying to use the computer while the test is going, just let it run.

Well I think an hour was enough...

I wasn't saying you had to but many people usually just let their computer run it for 5+ hours. Longer you run it, the more safe you can feel about the overclock.

+1 to what Mystic said
you have to run a stress test longer than an hour....

Yep, 1 hour isn't really enough, 3-4 hours at a minimum but 8+ hours is ideal.