PC always freezes after any OC

[matteumayo]

Whenever I OC my GPU or (especially) my CPU, my PC freezes one way or another.

It doesn't get a BSOD, it doesn't go to a black screen, it just literally freezes, and acts like a static image of what I was doing.

The only way to restart is with a hard shutdown.

What could be failing?

OC methods tried:
BIOS, AMD Overdrive, CCC Overclocking feature (for GPU).

CPU: AMD Phenom II 955 BE 3.2ghz

GPU: PowerColor ATI 5850 1gb

Any ideas?

 

[brandonwh64]

You overclocking in windows?

 

[matteumayo]

At first I tried BIOS as usual, but after that failed I tried in windows just to check.

 

[brandonwh64]

How are you OCing?

raising the HT?

 

[matteumayo]

Well I'll start off by saying that I've never touched the voltage on this CPU.

When I've tried to OC it I usually start with the multiplier, and move to bus speed.

I've also tried to use my BIOS' "Smart O.C." function, which raises everything in small increments (except voltage).

I haven't heard of OC'ing the HT link, I've only been checking some beginner guides.

 

[brandonwh64]

Dont use any EASY OC or SMART OC cause half the time they dont work or if they do it does some stupid voltage that over heats the CPU.

Start by doing 10mhz increases to the HT. every increment run Intel burn test for atleast 5 passes on max mem and 2 threads. if its stable then continue on until its not. once its not try setting the voltage to 1.35V and retest stability. Once you have found that voltages unstable mark then raise it .01V

Continue this until you hit a wall or your desired clock.

Also the NB voltage will need to be adjusted as well when you get to the higher OCs

 

[matteumayo]

Dont use any EASY OC or SMART OC cause half the time they dont work or if they do it does some stupid voltage that over heats the CPU.

Start by doing 10mhz increases to the HT. every increment run Intel burn test for atleast 5 passes on max mem and 2 threads. if its stable then continue on until its not. once its not try setting the voltage to 1.35V and retest stability. Once you have found that voltages unstable mark then raise it .01V

Continue this until you hit a wall or your desired clock.

Also the NB voltage will need to be adjusted as well when you get to the higher OCs

Thanks, trying that out now.

 

[Widjaja]

You generally drop the HT link to give it some headroom.
IF the HT link goes over the recommended it can cause instability.

The general rule is to keep the HT speed around the normal HT speed.

 

[matteumayo]

You generally drop the HT link to give it some headroom.
IF the HT link goes over the recommended it can cause instability.

The general rule is to keep the HT speed around the normal HT speed.

Okay now I'm a bit confused, this is contradicting the previous guy's instruction...

 

[brandonwh64]

Im sorry, I put the wrong nomenclature. Its FSB for AMD not HT.

Just reread my previous post and replace HT with FSB

 

[Widjaja]

This is old but the principles are the same for clocking newer AMD chips.
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22547

This is how I have overclocked AMD chips.

Brandon may have a different method which has worked for him.