I'll look into overclocking my system... I have always been afraid to do that...
It's funny how we can presume, without actually knowing. This whole time I figured you and most everyone on this board and most FS boards for that matter are overclocked.
You know, this is the first computer system I ever OC'ed. Like you I have always been scared to try, mostly just because
a. I didn't know how.
b. I didn't know who's advice to trust
c. Read all the horror stories about people frying their CPU, mobo, etc.
That said, about 6 months after my rig was built I said what the hell, if I am ever going to really take advantage of FSX i'm going to have to OC so I might as well get it out of the way.
Frankly speaking, most of the pretty current hardware made in the last few years is pretty fool proof as far as overclocking goes. The bios is pretty easy to understand once you get into it and there aren't really a whole lot of things to adjust to do a basic overclock.
Not only that, but most of the current hardware is pretty safe in regards to frying. What I mean is that if you set voltages too high the rig probably wont even boot. You can even set some mobo's to shut the comuter down if certain temps get too high. Knowing that there are already some safeguards built in makes it a lot easier and less worrysome.
When I made my first attempt, I did a very mild OC from 3.0 to 3.4, then once I got the hang of it, I kept on increasing the multiplier and core voltage just a hair until I got to 3.85. Mind you I tested along the way using freeware tools like CPU-Z, p95, Realtemp, etc. Those tools let you run a battery of test to stress the CPU and RAM while at the same time monitoring temps. Once I got to around 3.6 ghz on my rig I opted to buy a $100 CPU cooler and then with the reduction of heat was able to get to 3.85 with no problem.
I could probably get to 4.0ghz, but I have a nice stable set up right now and plan on leaving it alone until I do my next hardare update. Surprisingly, as well as my current rig runs FSX, I am not really even that tempted to go out and get a new CPU, mobo, RAM and Win 7. If was really having performance problems I would have already done it, but at the moment I am really not sure if I would get that much more out of the upgrade over what I already have.
If you want to get started, you may want to talk to GEX co-creator NickN over at Simforums. He pretty much walked me through my OC when I first started and recommended the tools needed and recommendations on what mulitpliers and voltgages to start at. He's pretty much familiar with most mobos and their BIOS, so you could start with him. When he's not busy, he is pretty much willing to help anyone with OC'ing questions.
POST EDIT:
Forgot to mention the other common notion. A lot of non overclockers always say "..but it will reduce the life of the components".
I'm not saying that it wont, but as long as you keep the overclock in range of the temps recommended by your CPU, mobo, and RAM manufacturer, the reduction in the life of the components should be slim to none. I've been OC'ed for about 2 years now and my system is running like a champ and temps are always in check, even in the hot Texas summer when ambiant temps get warmer inside.
Beside the fact, how long are most of us going to keep the same rig anyway? If mine last me a good 5 years I will be more than happy and by then I will be way overdue for a hardware upgrade anyways.
