WC & OC

[neoacid]

Hello people!

I have a question, but 1st, I've gotta let everyone know about this case that I found. I just found the perfect case yesterday, and it should be a week before it gets here. This case is perfect for WC, especially for the people who don't want the tall and skiny look of a super tower but plenty of room for everything to be mounted inside. I personally don't like looking at tower that has only two out of six 5.25 bays occupied, and i want something I can move easily and bring to LAN parties. This case is just that, and it has everything, too! A window, removalbe HDD cage, temp LCD, thumb screws, AL construction! Here's a review of it: Global Win YCC-61F1 Server Case. And here is where i got it for a great deal: ComputerNerd.com.

I can't wait to put it together! I've been searching for a case like this for 2 months now. You can't imagine how painful it is to have all the hardware for a 1.5 months without a case . Actually I did have a case, but when i got it and all my parts, i realized it just wouldn't work. I'm putting way to much stuff inside ... like 4 HDD's, 3 5.25 devices, 3 120mm fans, and all the WC equipment, which i don't want obstructing the PCI slots. This has definitely been the hardest part of building my new system, but this case solves all my problems!

Anyway, for the questions, I want to know some things about OC a processor. I guess when i first started brainstorming this new system of mine, i figured that i could OC a 2.53ghz P4 upward of 2.8ghz with a WC system and let it run 24/7 like this. I guess I thought that as long as I could keep the temps from skyrocketing, that it shouldn't harm my proc. Is this correct? If I OC my proc by a moderate amount (what's a moderate amount?), maybe bump the voltage up a notch, and leave it running for months at a time but the temps stay normal, will my proc last? Or do you only overclock when you need the extra performance? I want my system to last for 2-3 years. So as long as I am able to dissipate the heat effectively, will this keep me from damaging the proc? Please tell what you think, and how you operate your system (i.e. u leave it running OC'd all the time, u OC but kill the computer when ur done, ...etc.).

Also, is there anything I should do to minimize problems for long continuous periods of WC operation vs. people who use the computer more sporadically and for shorter periods of time?

[bigben2k]

Nice.

Now go update your sig!

[Boli]

As far as I understand it a CPU is meant to last 5 years and if you overclock it but DON'T adequently cool it it may only last 2.

If it is cooled correctly I don't see any reason why on average a OC'd CPU can last 5 years. now this includes an avergae shutting things down when you go to bed and booting things up in the morning (what I consider to be the norm).

I think as long as you arn't switching a systsm off-on continually, making sure a case is well ventilated (you DO have other componants to worry about not just the ones you WC), there is no reason why it shouldn't last for 5 years... I find it is the mobos that tend to burn out first anyway .

Though in three years if the trend continues you'll be looking at a market flooded with cheap 8gig CPUs! so then you'll prob. want to upgrade anyway. I tend to upgrade my main system every six months for about £300($500) to gain a 50% speed increase but that is just with a few componants.

~ Boli