The Software

One can't overclock and test for stability without the proper software. When overclocking you will need 3 crucial pieces of software.

Realtemp monitors temperatures.

Prime 95 runs stress tests on your machine to see if your overclock is really stable.

CPUz will show you the voltage and the clock speed of your CPU.

The Temperatures

This is not rocket science people. If you don't have a good CPU cooler, please do not overclock. You could go for a minor overclock, but please don't try anything too stupid or crazy. I won't be held responsible for any damage you do to your hardware in any way whatsoever. When you overclock you must understand the risks and dangers associated with it.

The universal temperature for most chips in Intel's lineup is 75 degrees Celsius. Anything past that and you are running a little bit into the danger zone. While 80 degrees is fine, I would be wary of running that for long periods of time. Try to keep your temperatures under 75-80 degrees. Some Intel chips actually have an auto shutdown feature I believe, and after 90 something degrees they automatically shut down.

Protection

Most warranties will be voided when you overclock your CPU. Even if you bought an unlocked CPU made specifically for overclocking. So be wary and be careful.

Why Overclock?

Well simple. Your PC goes faster. By how much? Well that varies. For example my 2600k @ 4.5 GHz preforms much better than it would while it's at 3.4GHz (stock). The speed increase is noticeable in both games and in regular usage. Truthfully, overclocking should be done on the more mild side. Anything past 4.5GHz on a 2600k for example, is just a waste of CPU life. You stop noticing more improvements after that, and you just shorten the life of your CPU. So don't overdo it.

Is your PSU up for the Challenge?

While the PSU isn't that important in the equation, as long as it can run your rig at stock it shouldn't have problems running it overclocked, it's not so insignificant to be overlooked. There is no reason to skimp out on power, especially if you have high end hardware in the computer itself. You will hinder your computers performance, and can damage the components in your computer very easily as well. Also, please be sure to plug your computer in a surge protector. I lost a $500 GPU and a $220 Motherboard because of that (Well thankfully I bought 3 year warranty that covers pretty much everything, but the chances of you having that is slim)

When do you stop?

Simple. When your temperatures are too high and your voltage exceeds what is normal high for that CPU. Do some research, and make sure you know when to stop when voltages get too high.
Some great sources to help you:

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[multipage= The Beginning]

Getting to your BIOS

Okay. First things first. Once you have established that your CPU is overclocking friendly (And you have a overclocking-friendly motherboard) then we are set to start overclocking.

Every motherboard is different. For some motherboards pressing DEL will get you to the BIOS, for others it's F8 or F12. Look for a message when the computer is booting. It should say something like "Press [key] to enter setup". Or something along those lines. If you'd like more information and you still can't seem to figure out which button to press, read more You must login or register to view this content.

Getting to Know Your BIOS

In your BIOS, you are going to want to look for a few things.

CPU Multiplier:

Now this should be under the "advanced" portion of your motherboard if you don't see it. For example:

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As you can see this is the BIOS of an ASUS motherboard. If you see something like "AI OVERCLOCK TUNER" you want to turn that to MANUAL.

Then you want to turn the Turbo Ratio to "By All Cores".

Next you input your desired overclock. For example, a 45 multiplier will result in a 4.5GHz overclock. A 36 multiplier will result in a 3.6GHz overclock.

Internal PLL Overvoltage:

This should be set to disabled most of the time. PLL overvoltage should only be used when trying to achieve miraculously high overclocks. It will cause some problems with sleep, and may result in a double POST on boot. Keep this off. If you are having instability issues, you could try turning it on.


Memory Frequency

This value should be set to the frequency that your memory is supposed to run at. Sometimes the "Auto" choice defaults your memory to 1333MHz instead of what it's supposed to be in the first place. I'd suggest manually setting it to whatever the frequency is supposed to be. If you are unsure the specs should either be on the box or on the back of the stick of RAM itself.

EPU Power-saving mode

Simple, disable this. Or leave it to the default value. If you don't have this don't even worry about it. I have mine disabled.

Load Line Calibration

This is a setting I can't tell you what to put on. Usually this can be left to "High" or "Ultra High". But not something like "Extreme" or "Regular". If you are having BSODs on idle then you should try the "High" setting and see if that helps. Generally the higher the setting the more controlled the voltage is. I recommend to keep it a high for Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge chips.

VRM Frequency

This value can be left to its default value. This shouldn't cause any problems.

Phase and Duty Control

These should both be left to extreme as they will control the voltages which means your temperatures will also be controlled.

CPU Current Capability

Set this according to your overclock. If its a minor one use 110 or 120 percent. For 4.5GHz I use 130% which works out fine for me. 140% should be used after 4.5GHz on Sandy and Ivy Bridge chips.

C States (C1E, C3 and C6 Reports)

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These are power saving features that should be kept on if possible.

C1E: This stops the CPU main internal clocks via software, and will reduce both the CPU voltage and the clock speed.

C3: This stops all CPU internal clocks

C6: Reduces the CPU internal voltage to any value, including 0V.

Most of the time you would want to keep all of these on, however some people to take them all off so they are constantly running at their overclocked speed.

Personally, C3 and C6 states cause nothing but trouble for me. I was getting constant BSODs on idle while under load I could go forever. I read up and figured out that C3 and C6 states were almost pointless power saving features. Although I feel that C6 was the culprit, as it would decrease my voltage to the point where it would just crash, I also disabled C3, as I didn't see any differences. Most people would leave these on, but if you are getting random BSODs on idle, then you should try to disable C6 state first, and then C3 state. I always keep C1E enabled, as it downclocks and downvolts the CPU when it's not under higher load. But not the the extent that C3 and C6 states do. For the most part, if you are running on offset voltages, I would disable C6 at least. It will cause nothing but problems. But always enable C1E.

Think of it like this. The higher the number, in the C state, the more power saving it does. So in terns of power saving from least power saved to most power saved, it's: C1E, C3, C6.

CPU Spread Specturm

Disable this. It causes major instabilities when overclocking.

[multipage=CPU Voltages]

Okay. This is going to be long. So strap in tight.

First things first. When you overclock you will be using one of the two types of Voltages: Offset or Manual.

I'm going to start with manual since this is the easier method. However please keep in mind that this will cause you to run that voltage forever. Even when the CPU downclocks, the voltage will remain the same.

Manual Voltages

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NOTE: DISABLE CPU SPREAD SPECTRUM

So as you can see above. We have a voltage set. Now I can't tell you what the safe voltages for each chips are, however for Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge, anything under 1.4V is safe for 24/7 use. *But make sure temps are safe*

When we use manual voltages, we are essentially telling the CPU to function at this voltage at all times. So while under load it will be 1.340V, and when the CPU is downclocked, it would still be running at 1.340V. Now this isn't really bad, however you are running unneeded voltages through the chips, even when it's not using it. So I don't recommend using Manual voltages unless you are using it for benchmarking purposes.

Generally you want to keep your voltages on your CPU sane. Even a slight increase in voltage could damage your hardware. (Buy that I mean 1.4V to 1.5V could degrade your chip. Anything over that is insane truthfully)

You want to make sure that your temperatures are also okay. Unfortunately I can't tell you what voltage to use for your chip, as all chips are different. Some require more voltage, while others require less. You should do some research on your processor, and make sure you understand the consequences of running too much voltage through your chip for long periods of time. (ie. Death)

So once you have found the voltage that works for you. (Through research of course) you should go to "The Basics" tab and download the software that is required. Run Prime 95 for at the very least 3 hours to check for stability. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR TEMPS

If you don't get a BSOD, consider it stable.

Offset Voltages

Okay. This is the real way to overclock. Using offset voltages means that when your CPU is downclocked, the voltage will be adjusted accordingly with your clock speed. And when it overclocks it adjusts its voltage accordingly.

First things first. You want to use AUTO voltages for this at the beginning. You may be asking why, but I'll show you why.

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So here we see the idle, and load voltages. Since the CPU is using more voltage than is needed for 4.3GHz, we will go to offset mode and select "-" as shown below:

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We will then set the voltage accordingly. In this case, we could use -0.05V so that the end voltage would be 1.32V. Now please note this is easier said than done. Sometimes if you set the voltage too low, you won't even boot into windows. So be wary. I would suggest starting at a lower point, for example -0.01V, and work your way up from there. If the negative offset doesn't work at all, then switch it to positive, and work your way up from there. Each voltage increase run Prime 95 until your receive a BSOD. If you do, simply go back into your BIOS and increase the voltage a tad.

[Multipage=BSOD Codes]

Occasionally you will run into a BSOD when you overclock. Whether it be when Windows starts, or when you are stress testing, you shouldn't panic. These don't have an effect on your computer. They are in place to protect it, and it does a very good job.

Here is a picture showing the common codes you will see. The one you will probably see the most often is the 124 one. This just means that the voltage is too low, and you should either increase the voltage, or decrease the CPU multiplier.

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[multipage=Stress Testing]

Now that you have finally managed to boot into windows, and everything seems to be going well, you are going to have to stress test your CPU.

Using the tools located on "The Basics" you will have to run a Prime 95 Blend Test.

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You are going to use RealTemp and CPUz to monitor your CPU temperatures and your CPU clock speeds and voltages. Keep your temps under 85 degrees while stress testing. Anything over that is not recommended for long term use, and WILL degrade your CPU.

After you have stress tested for at least 5 hours, you have successively overclocked your CPU! Congratulations!

[multipage=Conclusion]

Thanks for reading, and hopefully I have helped you guys out. Giving some thanks wouldn't hurt, but I couldn't care less. As long as you guys benefit from this, then I'm happy.

Disclaimer:

In no event shall I be liable for any special indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of income or profits, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tortious action, arising in connection with the use or performance of this information. I take no responsibility for anything that may happen. Partaking in overclocking means you fully understand everything that could go wrong, and that you are willing to make sacrifices. I am not affiliated in any way with anything from the links in this thread.