OK first you have to understand what overclocking is.

Overclocking is forcing a component to do more than the manufacturer's original specification. In my case, Intel set the clock speed to 2.33GHz. However, more modern PCs have the ability to be overclocked built into them. Overclocking comes in a few forms, but for a CPU, you have to increase the Front Side Bus (or FSB) frequency. Unfortunately, raising this clock not only raises the clock of the CPU, but also of your memory. This is one of the main limits when overclocking. Also, overclocking can reduce the life of your component, but usually it's fine. Life loss usually occurs when you overvoltage (which is pumping more volts into the component). So I wouldn't worry too much about your CPU dieing.

Now, there are two factors in overclocking the CPU. The FSB, and the multiplier on your CPU. The FSB in my case originally was 333MHz. The multiplier, 7. To work out your clock speed, you multiply. 333*7 = 2331. Now to increase your clock speed, you must increase the FSB speed. Mine is clocked at something like 443. 443*7 = 3101.

So it is quite simple, until you factor in your memory. Depending on your memory, you can get different speeds. In my rig I run two sticks of DDR2 800Mhz memory. To get the clock at which your memory is running, you simply double your FSB frequency. In my case, my memory is running at 886MHz. Most memory modules can handle a 10% overclock. Mine manages to go a little further.

So basically, you push the limits of your hardware and make an even more powerful rig. There are drawbacks however. Push it too far, your system will be unstable and crash randomly during use. Also, with higher clock speeds come higher temperatures. I believe this is how most manufacture's decide what chip is what .

(Interesting tidbit, on an ATI HD2900 GPU, if it meets a certain temperature range while running at a certain clock speed, it goes to a 2900XT, if it fails the test and runs slightly hotter, it's clocked down and placed in a 2900Pro).

But, the advantages weigh up differently to the individual. A better CPU means (I couldn't believe this) better graphics. Not sure how, but it does.

But looking over your specs again, I wouldn't overclock. You have four cores, each running at two and a half gigs, which is more than enough for any game (including Crysis) out at the moment. I'd leave it as it is, your PC is already powerful enough. In a year or two, maybe it would be an idea to start overclocking it. But as I said, your PC is more than capable of handling the most demanding applications.

If you want to go ahead and overclock say so and I'll give you some links etc. on how to do it. I could even help you on messenger.

Regards,
Ben

Nice setup. I ought to have waited for a bit. I got a Sapphire HD2900 Pro 512MB at Christmas. I've been messing with it a lot though. It's now using an XT bios, and I've tweaked the fan settings on it so it runs cooler. All well and good except the noise... it's indescribable. Luckily I'm getting the new Accelero Xtreme 2900.

They have an 8800 version, so I'd suggest it if you overclock your card, I'm pretty sure it works on both the G80 and G92 boards.. It's passive but case temperatures don't increase substatially. Only problem is it needs three slots. I think it's worth it.

Here's a pic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7qEmlrtwwI

King tries to be scary but he isn't really. I just picture an angry Scotsman at a PC and laugh

I'll just say hi and thanks to everyone instead of making a huge list of quotes. Yes Ralleee I do remember you  Will check out your mods Haywire. And thanks for the advice ofthemountain. I've started to relax a little and my grades have even improved (A*, you'll never guess what in- SHAKESPEARE!). Still, I have a module Science test tommorow and I ought to check I know everything but I cba.

When do I judge this shit?

I hate MSN, not computers  Anyway I'm gonna get going, it's late. Night all.

I bet there's loads. I'll poke around. King, I see you reading. Ya BASTARD!