Hey Rayray, & Rit
I'm feeling kinda lazy so im going to C&P this from my guide here on TS:
8) Consider Overclocking
Okay I'm probably going to catch hell over this one, but here goes.....overclocking is safe!....there I said it. I as much as anyone here at Techspot always issue a disclaimer when asked for overclocking advice, and will continue to do so, however, I have been overclocking for 15 years...and I have yet to burn up a processor. And as anecdotal as that may, or may not be. I do a great amount of reading on the subject of overclocking, and have found that done reasonably, and while adhering to a few rules. there are very few incidences of burning up the CPU and other components as a result. The modern processor left at its factory clock speed is designed to, or just as a side effect of will last 10-20 years under normal use. and in that way it's a lot like an automobile. If you drive your car 10,000 miles a year, it will probably last you 20 years. if you drive it 25,000 miles a year, it will only last you 8 years. So ask yourself the following question: do I intend to be using the same processor in 5-8 years? if the answer is no, consider using the additional performance locked up inside your CPU , and as long as you observe a few simple guidelines, you can have additional performance from your system beyond the length of time you intend to have it around. Because if you're like me....and I know I am! you like getting the maximum price performance you can. okay I mentioned some guidelines, here is my take on 'safe' overclocking.
8a)Number one, and the most obvious.... keep it cool
Don't entertain the idea without an aftermarket heat sink and fan. things that kill processors are frequency and the corresponding heat , electromigration ,parasitic structures, latchup etc (and other things I have spent a lot of time trying to wrap my brain around). I keep my overclocked temps well below even the manufacturers recommended range.
8b). stop when you come to 'diminishing returns'
If your building an high end system, not buying into 'diminishing returns' is irrelevant, and a preposterous idea. however in building a budget and price /performance machine, it is imperative.
when overclocking there comes a point when you need to apply a disproportionate amount of voltage to get a limited return, at this point...stop! for example if you can overclock your cpu from 3Ghz to 3.6Ghz with a .05 increase in voltage say 1.30v to 1.35v , but to need to bump the voltage .10v from 1.35 to 1.45. to get to 3.7Ghz, stop there and keep the OC that required only the .05 increase. I personally am less concerned about voltage increases than the inexorable link between increased voltage and the heat that comes with it. if however you feel the need to push it further........
8c) adhere to the maximum Vcore voltage
both AMD and Intel have the maximum vcore voltage ratings that you get when you purchase a CPU, however they also have a 'really really maximum for overclockers' pay heed to these voltage regulations. currently for many newer AMD and Intel processors, these voltages are 1.55v (for AMD) and 1.45(for Intel) (verify that for your particular processor) be aware that Intel CPU's are more sensitive to higher voltage and its effects because of the high K metal gate process they use in manufacturing, as opposed to the silicon on insulator (SOI) AMD uses, however, they generally have more overclock headroom and require less voltage to get there.
8d) create a gaming profile (or a profile for anything you can't wait for)
you do not have to run your rig overclocked 24/7. We are talking gaming here so you can create a gaming profile in overclock software offered by your CPU manufacturer, or in some cases, built into your motherboard bios manufacturer. The profiles are also great if you do video editing or rendering in 3DS max, and the like, as I do.
alright then,
according to the system requirements you can make use of the AMD 'Overdrive' utility. It can be had here:
http://sites.amd.com/us/game/downloads/amd-overdrive/Pages/overview.aspx
and here is the dragon platform/AOD guide.
http://sites.amd.com/us/Documents/AMD_Dragon_AM3_AM2_Performance_Tuning_Guide.pdf
if your x 945 is not a black edition you will have to do a 'FSB' overclock. If you have not done this before, pay special attention to the voltages and temperature sections.
Let us know if you need help.
