Overclocking

[SCone]

The problem with heat is once you've exceeded the max, you have no processor. Best to err on the low side, than push the limit. Back in the day getting a 30% increase in CPU speed was really something. Now there's enough processing power available there is not any real reason to push it, except for bragging rights.

[dave_in_austin]

If the computer is mission critical, I would not overclock as pushing cpu/ram near its limits can lead to random data corruption. If you just need the increase in speed for games and can afford some unexpected down time, then you are probably OK with the temperatures you are seeing.

[dave_in_austin]

Another thing to check on is the settings in the bios for warning and shutdown temperatures. Be sure that they are set to reasonable values and you are less likely to see unexpected smoke and flames.

[KinnyLee]

Only way to stress it is to put a game on.

My CPU tops out at 60 watercooled OCed at 3.2 and idled at around 45.
I did turned up my voltage to 1.4 and it seems to be stable, but I didn't really like the heat coming out of the radiator when playing COD4. So now I'm back to stock speed and voltage. lol
Maybe I'll turn it up again when during winter time. Hehe.

[The Annoyed Man]

I bought a Mac and don't worry about all that stuff.

[getnit1]

I cooked a brand new CPU a few years back. I had been OC'ing for a few years and thought I knew what was safe. I burned the new CPU in for 2 days. Turned up the voltage to RAM and CPU and set the speed went to the bathroom and came back. It was cooked. It was a Intel 670 that was 3.8 GHZ I got it to 4.2 for a few minutes. Good luck.

[scootergeek]

Good choice on the Zalaman. Did you by chance use any artic silver paste on the cpu?