What is the maximum SAFE vcore temp when overclocking a Core 2 Duo E6600?

Question

I'm in the process of overclocking a Core 2 Duo E6600 on a Striker Extreme board with OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 Platinum Revision 2 Dual Channel memory.

How far can I push the vcore (and therefore the FSB) without risking any damage to the CPU? I am using a Zalman 9500AT for cooling and so far it's keeping me at 33 degrees idle and about 49 degrees under load.

As of right now I am at 3330 MHz, (370 x 9), FSB 1480. VCore at 1.500 and DDR at 2.15V.

The CPU Batch # is L632B417, in case that matters.

The CPU box says max. 1.35V but I'm already past that without issues, so I'm assuming that's a "safe" max as recommended by Intel.

Yes, I am new to overclocking, but not to computers.

(Any other advice relating to overclocking would be welcome!)

Answer 1

I would like to give you some in depth advice, but you don't have your email enabled, so if you could send me one I would appreciate it. But I would definately suggest lowering that vCore a bit if possible, that is getting pretty high, and you should be able to stably run at that speed at a much lower vCore.

Answer 2

You can push the computer until it crashes on a memory test, or crashes after a couple hours of Prime95. So, once it crashes, back off your OC by 1-3%, or until the crashing stops, and you'll probably be fine. I would suggest running Prime95 for at least 12 hours after each frequency change (don't bother with less than 20Mhz until you get into the upper limit of the OC, then slow down to every 1-2Mhz). A good OC can take more than two weeks to achieve. I'm running an AMD64 3200+ at the stock speed, but I've lowered the VCore to 1.2V (from 1.35V) to keep it cool, and lengthen the life of the components.

I believe the maximum Intel spec for their Processors before they start to slow down is 60C (SpeedStep is enabled to slow the processors down after this temperature to prevent them from frying themselves). I wouldn't push the VCore too high, as it can cause permanent damage to your CPU.

You should be aware that OCing voids your warranty, and also reduces the life of your components. You can't get something for nothing.

Answer 3

In reality, even processors running on stock speeds still get damaged in continued use, otherwise, my 486 computer would still be working today. =P

So overclocking decreases the life of your processor, no matter what you do because those processor aren't meant to run at those speeds. Even you are using extreme measures to make it run cooler such as water based cooling or even liquid nitrogen.

As a general rule, you should not increase the VCore at all, as electromigration could occur, this could seriously change the lifecycle from your processor from years to even just months. The biggest example of this is the Northwood processors made by Intel.