I didn't overclock yet, first I need a proper cooler instead of the default Intel stuff:-) After that, I need to learn how to overclock.Thank you for all your inputs, greatly appreciated!

I didn't overclock yet, first I need a proper cooler instead of the default Intel stuff:-) After that, I need to learn how to overclock.

I have to warn you: Its addictive. That's how I got hooked, by replacing the stock cooler and discovering "free" performance. The cooler has lasted through 3 systems now, and all have been overclocked. I didn't know anyone that overclocked but learned all my self by reading a few guides online. You'll learn while doing it. Just be methodical and take your time and monitor the temps. Don't just crank up the voltages and hope for the best.And you'll get to do "proper" overclocking, changing the BCLK and with that the memory speeds as well. None of this simple SandyBridge unlocked multiple way=)

After you overclock once, there is no going back. It's like the dark side of the force

After you overclock once, there is no going back. It's like the dark side of the force

That happened to me. On my 920, I OC'ed to 3.8GHZ for a test and I never went back to stock.

I am beginning to become addicted to overclocking. But a miriad questions will appear. Once I reach what my ASUS tells me is a stable OC (remember I am a beginner, my OC is still press a key automatic OC...) I start getting BSOD inside FSX. But if I check my temps they seem to be around 60 C. I do not think thats too hot. Reducing OC seems to get rid of BSODs. Have I reached my limit? My OC is not too extreme (4,5 mhz for a SB-e i7 3930k) and I have what I think is a powerful air cooler. Would liquid cooling help me sustain 4.5 mhz and beyond? Did I get a lemon chip that can sustain no more OC? Any help or suggestion to help me diagnose greatly appreciated.

If you get BSOD I'd say that your overclock isn't stable. So you either need to back off a bit on the frequency or feed it more voltage.Have you done any stresstesting (like Prime95 OCCT linpack) yourself? You shouldn't use FSX to see if your system is stable. I would recommend overclocking manually instead of using the OC-button. It's really easy to learn how to overclock unlocked SandyBridge "K" processors.If we are to look at overclocking very basic:Every chip will have its own individual maximum stable frequency for each voltage.Increasing the voltage will enable higher frequencies but also increase the heat produced.In the beginning a small increase in voltage will "unlock" a lot of MHz. As the frequencies get higher each voltage bump will yield less and less MHz and we reach our limit.Better cooling enables higher voltages without overheating the chip.Too high voltage might still fry your chip even if you keep it cool, so it is important to set yourself a limit of how much voltage you feel happy to feed your chip with. Smaller nodes can take less voltage and it usually takes a while after a new one is launched until the brave pioneers discovers what can be regarded as "safe" the hard way. But bear in mind, overclocking is never 100% safe.

Saab,Good tip. I was in fact using FSX to test if my OC was stable. Will try to find and run the app you mention to further test my OC. On a side note. What about water cooling? I am on air right now (not stock, though) but see the Corsair Hydro Series H80 and wonder if such water cooling would improve my OC capabilities/stability?

Right now I see the trends moving towards inside-lock again...

This is what I also have been told. I now lock my FPS @ 30 internally and I never have a blurry or stutter!

I am beginning to become addicted to overclocking. But a miriad questions will appear. Once I reach what my ASUS tells me is a stable OC (remember I am a beginner, my OC is still press a key automatic OC...)

I would use the ASUS "auto OC" functions with caution...When I experimented with this on my P8P67 Deluxe, it had a tendency to increase the voltage more than was necessary to sustain a stable OC and it also used to raise the BCLK/PCIe frequency - which you want to avoid doing!Best to overclock only by increasing the multiplier and tweaking the related voltage settings yourself.I have achieved a stable 4.8Ghz OC on my 2500k, but I wasn't comfortable with running it 24/7, so I have settled on a nice 4.5Ghz (using Turbo mode so the CPU clocks down when not under load) with a small voltage offset - the voltage tops out at 1.312 when at max stress and I can keep my temps under 60 degrees.There are some good guides on this forum and elsewhere on how to achieve a good OC with manual settings - it can be a bit daunting at first, but worth trying to learn a bit and manage it yourself if you can.Check some of the examples of settings here for ideas, but remember YMMV and all overclocking comes with the risk of frying your chip!