I have an E8500 processor running stock and I have recently gotten a NVidia GTX 460 OC, I was trying to get the GTX 285, but there are scarce or set at the price of a new GTX 570. After getting the NVidia GTX 460 OC I read that since I am running stock the video card will cause bottle-necking for the CPU/Memory.Specs:ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel MotherboardIntel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model (running stock)BX80570E8500Thermaltake CL-P0401 110mm Fan CPU Cooler4 Gig OCZ Reaper memory 1066MhzBFG 8800GT 512meg (former card - still available if necessary)1x HDD WD Caviar Black SATA 750Gig 32meg cache 2x HDD WD Caviar Black SATA 500Gig 32meg cacheThermaltake 750 watt power supplyNow here is the kicker.....I have built many PCs both for commercial and gaming uses, but I was never interested in overclocking my gear especially since I usually end up selling them. I have not built a new machine with in the last two years. So my question is, will overclocking this machine be of any benefit to me? I have the 460 installed and it is working fine, I have some improvement in FSX, but I am sure that it can be better. Next question is, what is the best source for over-clocking info? I am somewhat skeptical since I have not dabbled in this field at all. Also is the Thermaltake CL-P0401 110mm Fan CPU Cooler which is installed in machine sufficient for air cooled over-clocking?Suggestions would be greatly appreciated....Thanks in advance.Simeon

Overclocking will benefit you. FSX basically needs overclocked hardware in order to run well, particularly with high settings. Overclocking Core 2 Duos on P45-based motherboards is rather easy, and I would expect you to be able to achieve at least 4GHz CPU clock with mild voltage bumps only. If you want help overclocking using your specific motherboard you can post at a forum such as xtremesystems.org where you can learn from the collective knowledge of some of the best overclockers on the planet.

Just to be sure, when somebody says CPU/memory bottlenecking the video card, all they are saying is that you are not getting full advantage of the card. You will still get an increase in performance over your old card just not as much as the card is capable of delivering. So I would stick with the 460. see this: http://www.viperlair.com/articles/archive/editorials/bottlenecks.shtml Overclock guide: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/259899-29-core-overclocking-guide

Thanks....I will check out the sites and give it a shot

Just another quick question?Will the fan that is presently installed be sufficient for overclocking the CPU?Thanks

Just another quick question?Will the fan that is presently installed be sufficient for overclocking the CPU?Thanks

Certainly. There's always the possibility of obtaining better thermal characteristics or overclocking further with better cooling, but you've already got an aftermarket cooler so there's little sense in buying another.

Thank you. I will post results when I commence and complete the task.

Just another quick question?Will the fan that is presently installed be sufficient for overclocking the CPU?Thanks

Confirm by stress testing per the post I refered using the software recommended on that post.If you are unsure just ask (before doing).Use Real Temp http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=179044&highlight=realtempDo not exceed 72c on any core. I would be happier at 70c max.See:http://www.overclock.net/intel-cpus/1567-intel-overclocking-guide.html