Looking into overclocking (CPU/GPU)

[Emn1ty]

Currently looking into overclocking but I have a few questions before I do. First off I guess I should list my hardware:

Mobo: Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3

CPU: AMD FX-6100 Unlocked Black Edition (idle temp: 21-25^C, stress: 51-55^C)

GPU: EVGA Geforce GTX560

Case: Corsair 500R

Cooling: Intake (2x front 120mm, 1x side 200mm, 2x top 140mm) Exhaust (1x back 120mm) and standard heat sink for CPU - these can be swapped around for better airflow if suggested.

Now on with my question. If I were to stick with my standard heat sink would overclocking really be beneficial or would I have to invest in some better cooling options before attempting? I'm thinking no more than bringing my processor to around 3.5-3.8GHz or something along those lines.

[Muhammad Farrukh]

I would strongly recommend a better aftermarket cooler if you are thinking of serious overclocking, I mean beyond, lets say, 4.0 GHz

And besides, Air coolers are very cheap these days and good ones too, from 10 USD onwards

Mights be a bit expensive but has some very positive reviews.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835103099

If you want cheaper, then its no problem, you aren't gonna lose anything

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835103064

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835103087

And this one is probably the best of the lot

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835103075

But as you said, if you want to keep it under 4.0 GHz, then there is no need for another cooler. Stock one will do just fine

[garychencool]

you could go fancy and get liquid cooling

[Muhammad Farrukh]

Oh come one man.

Liquid cooling is quite expensive and besides the best things running at their highest, liquid cooling is just for pomp and show

You can get a decent SSD for that price but of course you'll lose the amazing look of the inside of case

[Open Minded]

I have the Hyper 212 Plus and I LOVE IT! Running 62 degrees with 100% CPU usage @ 4.2 GHz stable all day like that. The only downside is it's friggin huge.

[Emn1ty]

I have seen a cooling system that installs on the exhaust fan mount of your computer and was wondering about those as well. Any real difference between a direct contact cooler and one that feeds with a tube?

[spikey_richie]

Oh come one man.

Liquid cooling is quite expensive and besides the best things running at their highest, liquid cooling is just for pomp and show

You can get a decent SSD for that price but of course you'll lose the amazing look of the inside of case

The Corsair Hydro kits aren't that expensive http://www.scan.co.uk/shop/computer-hardware/all/coolers-water/water-cooling-kits

[Victini Aran]

I modifyed my 3ds to play ps vita games by adding a slot in my 3ds and made it to overclocked it cpu and gpu for it to function. it usually overheats but i bought a crystal armor for it and it is fine now

[Detection]

55c under load is not far away from its max as it is, you need a decent cooler

example, my 965 is @ 4GHz and under load hits around 50-55c when its a warm day