01-21-2011, 02:01 PM
Indeed, PCSX2 relies on CPU speed above pretty much all else, with GPU power slightly behind. You'll want something like prime95 to stress test the CPU, and coretemp to monitor the CPU temperature. The Q9300 should be easily stable up to 75C, and possibly higher, though all chips are unique, so some will be stable at higher or lower levels. But 75C is a good place to aim for.
When overclocking, you'll need to go into your BIOS and increase the fsb frequency. This frequency, multiplied by the listed multiplyer, will give you your overall speed.
For instance, there's my BIOS. You see the Frequency, 7 items down is currently at 275Mhz, and the clock ratio (multiplyer, 2nd item) is x14. 275 * 14 = 3850Mhz, or 3.85Ghz
Its best to increase the fsb 5Mhz at a time, then run prime95 for an hour or so. If it crashes, you've clocked too high at your current voltage, and you need to ease it down, or increase the voltage going to your CPU and other components. Just raising the fsb won't increase temps too much, but raising the voltage will. Its just a case of taking it slowly.
I think I may make a quick overclocking guide for the forum, would you mind me doing that, Shadow? Maybe a sticky too?
When overclocking, you'll need to go into your BIOS and increase the fsb frequency. This frequency, multiplied by the listed multiplyer, will give you your overall speed.
For instance, there's my BIOS. You see the Frequency, 7 items down is currently at 275Mhz, and the clock ratio (multiplyer, 2nd item) is x14. 275 * 14 = 3850Mhz, or 3.85Ghz
Its best to increase the fsb 5Mhz at a time, then run prime95 for an hour or so. If it crashes, you've clocked too high at your current voltage, and you need to ease it down, or increase the voltage going to your CPU and other components. Just raising the fsb won't increase temps too much, but raising the voltage will. Its just a case of taking it slowly.
I think I may make a quick overclocking guide for the forum, would you mind me doing that, Shadow? Maybe a sticky too?