first time CPU overclocker

[Braveheart]

so im going to try CPU overclocking for the first time (i've OC'ed GPU's, thats it) and im wondering what you guys think of this software to do it:
http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/ to watch my temps.
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/M...lity_List.aspx to overclock it in windows.
and which benchmarking software would you recommend? also, is my Coolermaster Hyper 212 a good choice?

[HumanXJT]

Well first Core Temp is probably the standard CPU temp monitoring software so that should be fine.
But overclocking within windows is not recommended so you better of overclocking in the bios.

[Braveheart]

you mind explaining why?

[lucasweir]

because its more stable and just is the way real overclockers do it

[Kursah]

Sure you can overclock in windows and on some boards the MFG's provide a decent windows util, I tried it out for my first OC...problem being is that some things weren't adjustable or as-fine tuned adjustable, along with that some settings needed the PC to be restarted anyways, so I finally decided BIOS was the better way to go. You have more options, you are actually setting the variables for the actual overclock instead of a program emulating and making you restart in the first place. I'm not sure how programs in windows work now-a-days as it's been years since I did this on my old AS8-V abit board, but I was much happier with my OC turnout and the lower voltage needed for stability due to being able to modify the other voltages that affected overclocking as well as have more options for tunability with memory timings.

Everyone has a preference, but really I always recommend BIOS overclocking, if you don't know your BIOS you're not ready to overclock. Learn your bios, google your board, see what other settings people are using, what they're getting out of that same chip/board combo, set a low goal to achieve with stability using programs like Orthos, Prime95, Memtest for stress testing, use Real Temp or Core Temp for monitorring those CPU temps, etc. Take some time and do some research so you can overclock right, so you can OC confidentally and keep your system running right for a long time.

[Braveheart]

mhhm ok, well would you suggest OC'ing ram, GPU in windows?