I'd also recommend overclocking to those who have built their own computers and know their components well.I'm running my Q9550 (stock 2.67 GHz) at 3.6 GHz (1700 FSB). I'm going to try for 1800 FSB sometime over winter break. I've heard of people running it at 4 GHz, but I'm not quite that ambitious.

Hi guys. I was once to overly cautious about OC'ing. After reading MANY overclocking forums and somewhat understanding what each thing in the bios means I decided to OC. Right now I have a QX9650 with 2GB of dominator Corsair ram plugged into a gigabyte x38-dq6 mobo. One thing I can say is with todays hardware its pretty hard to damage the components in your system. I have mine comfortable OC'e to 3.8. Yes I can get 4Ghz but why throw the voltage to it for a measely 200 mhz? There are many forums out there that have VERY helpful people who know what they are doing. Two things I like to check right away before OC'ing. One is , what is the highest voltage my cpu can take, and two, what temperature can it handle. I recommend water cooling. A very nice (and not that expensive) cpu cooler is by CoolIT Freezone Elite. One their website it is advertised as 450USD but if memory serves me I picked it up for MUCH less at memoryexpress here in calgary. Something like 250 is what I think I paid for it. My CPU under load using Prime95 is about 35 at the die and cores being about 52. Pretty low for that OC. I see OCZ just came out with a phase cooler for about 400. Thats for the serious OC'ers and I think I will wait until OCZ has a proven piece of hardware. The ONE thing I have found with the oc'ing I have done is that one of the most pickiest pieces of hardware is the mobo/RAM combo. I always do in depth research on what mobo's like what RAM. Well I won't say do it and I won't say don't do it but OC'ing give the performance of a whole new processor thats for sure. The one thing that every seriosu OCer will tell you is don't OC with the OCing software that come with the mobo. OC in the bios. And another thing thats for sure is it isn't as easy as increasing the speed of the processor. You have many variables to fart around with to make a good, solid, stable overclock. Don't expect to get the most out of your processor in one night. Sure you can OC it quickly but that won't get the best results. It can take weeks! Have fun with it though. Remember SMALL steps. Don't just punch 1 Ghz to it right away. start with maybe 2-300 mhz and then throw the coals to it with Prime95. They say if you can't run prime95 to it for a solid 24 hours then you don't have a successful OC.

I have a Q6600 machine running at 2.4ghz. I have never OC before and did a lot of reading on the subject. As others have said, its not that hard, as long as you read up on the subject its fairly straightforward. Currently i have it OC to 3.2ghz. I bought this machine 2 years ago now and i can run FSX with all sliders three quarters of the way across to the right with FPS between 15-30 depending on scenery. Since i only fly jetliners and use the major airports thats pretty good. Sim is smooth and looks great. OC is a great way of getting more out of your hardware rather then paying for new upgrades.

I think OC,ing provided the most significant improvement to running FSX well than any thing else.....i920 @3.8.......

I think OC,ing provided the most significant improvement to running FSX well than any thing else.....i920 @3.8.......

I agree with you, out of all the things I have tried to make the sim run smoother this has made the most noticeable difference.Just need to fit my new CPU fan to ensure I keep the chip cool enough