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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.

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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

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

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?

  • 3 months later...

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

  • 4 months later...
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