Happy Thanksgiving everyone....I have a (now jurassic) Q6600, 4GB PC3 12800 RAM, NV GTX 460 GPU (1 GB), running on a GA-X38T-DQ6 board, Win 7/64. Kind of a 2 part question about upgrading and overclocking my existing setup.Regarding overclocking, I have previously OC this rig mildly to 3GHz (I have an after-market cooler). Recently, when things didn't appear to be looking as smoothly in FSX as I thought they should, I noted that my OC had reset to 2.4 GHz, and would constantly reset if I tried to OC it (system doesn't post, and restarts automatically, then posts OK). I asked here:http://forum.avsim.net/topic/318174-cant-oc-my-system/page__pid__1875647#entry1875647 and as a result changed my mobo battery, and have also updated BIOS from F2 to F6. Problem still exists- I can increase my CPU vCore, but the moment I try to change my FSB, it resets- even the smallest change. Same applies when I try to manually set my PCI-e bus, seems the moment I take those variables off "Auto" it resets. The last time, as it reset from not POSTing (restarts then POSTs OK), I noticed a DOS screen that appeared to be retrieving another copy of BIOS. Any ideas or thoughts are most welcome.Inevitably, I will need to upgrade, and this may be where all this leads to. The second question would be what is an economical upgrade for me? I'm aware that moving to an i7x system (seems to be the sweet spot right now for simmers, looking at their sigs), that all of CPU, mobo and RAM would need to be replaced- seems that computing has taken a sharp right/left turn in technology. The Asus board that so many seem to have, is shown as "out of stock" or even "no longer in production" at some retail sites I have been to. I could get an X58 chipset board from GB again though. I'm not interested in the fastest PC, just something that will keep up with add-ons (I have actually content with my current perf in FSX, I have *******' fsx.cfg tweaks, but figure that some future complex aircraft such as the PMDG B73NGX may demand more horsepower). Cost is probably more of an issue than performance, although with the Core i7x series being somewhat "mature" in computer years, I'm amazed at how these parts are holding their value- maybe a sign of a good and mature design that fits most needs and therefore is still in demand? Given a good mobo that might withstand at least some years of PC evolution, and the ability to grow into the Core i7x series, and adequate memory with my 64-bit OS, any suggestions?The thought of having to re-install everything from he OS on is a pain, but I figure a fact of life. I'm a pilot first, and a PC "tweaker" second, maybe unfortunately :)Thanks, Bruce.

On your current rig, you could try and reinstall your cpu heatsink. Is it a pre-built computer or could you use the case, etc. in a new build?

On your current rig, you could try and reinstall your cpu heatsink. Is it a pre-built computer or could you use the case, etc. in a new build?

Interesting- would BIOS pick up a faulty heat-sink during POST? I will look at that. My PC is a home-built, I have been building them for years now, and the case and are re-usable, as are the drives, etc.Thanks for your reply, Bruce.

Interesting- would BIOS pick up a faulty heat-sink during POST? I will look at that. My PC is a home-built, I have been building them for years now, and the case and are re-usable, as are the drives, etc.Thanks for your reply, Bruce.

BIOS would most likely not pick it up. I'm just giving a guess/idea for you to try. :DAnd thats why I like home builds.

FWIW, I'm also running a Q6600 at 3.2 on a P35 board, and my plan is to wait and see what, if anything, Sandy Bridge brings to the table and then decide either go that way or an i7 X58 system. I figure I need at least 4.0 to make a worthwhile upgrade.scott s..

FWIW, I'm also running a Q6600 at 3.2 on a P35 board, and my plan is to wait and see what, if anything, Sandy Bridge brings to the table and then decide either go that way or an i7 X58 system. I figure I need at least 4.0 to make a worthwhile upgrade.scott s..

Thanks Scott- if I could get my Q6600 above 3 I would probably do the same, as well as considering what Flight (assuming I want to get it) needs from the CPU end of the system.Thanks, Bruce.

Assuming you track down your current problem and eliminate the mobo as an issue, you might consider a minor upgrade to the 9650 CPU. I had a 6600 clocked to 3.6 with liquid that was super. Upgraded that system to a 9650 and was able to get 3.88 on air. With a 9650 you should get a significant increase in performance with a minimal outlay of cash as you can just drop it in yor current system. Then when all the dust settles go for the total upgrade with I7 and triple channel memory.As far as current issue - I agree with the heat sink issue - check that out first. What are your temps running at 2.4?Vic

I was able to oclock my Q6600 to stable 3.41 without too much hassle. It helps, but it doesn't help where memory speed is the bottleneck.

Assuming you track down your current problem and eliminate the mobo as an issue, you might consider a minor upgrade to the 9650 CPU. I had a 6600 clocked to 3.6 with liquid that was super. Upgraded that system to a 9650 and was able to get 3.88 on air. With a 9650 you should get a significant increase in performance with a minimal outlay of cash as you can just drop it in yor current system. Then when all the dust settles go for the total upgrade with I7 and triple channel memory.As far as current issue - I agree with the heat sink issue - check that out first. What are your temps running at 2.4?Vic

Hi Vic,Thanks. With my CPU vCore set at 1.35 volts (manually), I can boot Ok as long as the overclocking (MB Intelligent Tweaker) is at "Auto" for clock speed, PCI-e Bus speed, etc. With that higher than normal vCore, I am getting (CoreTemp) 38-43C temps across the 4 cores. With FSX running, I am getting 49-52C. When resetting vCore to 1.237 volts (default vCore), I am getting similar idle temps (Win 7 running, no FSX), and when running FSX (using default C172 over KLGA), around 48=49C. Once again, trying to OC to a very "mild" 2.5 GHz produces a reset halfway through the BIOS cycle (system at least POSTs)- this was with a mild vCore increase to 1.2625.I have the "Smartfan" option enabled in BIOS and can certainly hear the CPU fan changing speed, especially with the higher vCore setting.However, that doesn't mean that it's actually cooling, that it;s trying to, so I will check the heat-sink.Thanks, Bruce.Edit: I opened the case, and the heatsink appears to be OK- it's warm to touch, is still securely mounted, the fan is running and blowing the correct direction, with warm air being expelled from the heatsink and into the case exhaust fan.Maybe this is just some form of fault condition on the mobo? When I tried that very mild OC above, I didn't change PCI-e speed, or any voltages for memory, etc., but with such a small OC I don;t know if those would be an issue. Previously when I first created this thread, even attempting to change PCI-e speed would also reset,My mobo also offers a Windows application for OC control. I have never tried it, only in BIOS- is this something I should try or stay away from? Thanks, Bruce.

I was able to oclock my Q6600 to stable 3.41 without too much hassle. It helps, but it doesn't help where memory speed is the bottleneck.

Hi darem,Thanks. I have 1600 memory (PC12800), and at the default of 2.4 GHz, the SPD is only at 1066, so I assume I am OK with memory speed. Thanks for the suggestion.Bruce.