To overclock or not to?(+opinions pleez)

yeah well i got this new computer off ebay for 260$
some of you may be saying ... idiot right now but it was a seriously sweet deal lol.

3.1ghz intel D
biostar m7a micromotherboard holds 2gb of ram max
80gb hd upgraded to 160gb
512mb of ram(shows 444mb-wtf)
sweet case multiple fans ..
transfered some things from my other computer(broken)..
64mb ati graphics card...
52 32 52 cdrw
dvdrw...
sound card, modem .. average stuff

so errr

yeah i was wondering whether to overclock my pc or not. im at 3.1 right now and my manual says i need to keep my cpu temp at below 38 C. ive got multiple fans in there so its at 32-35 regularly
also ive got a sweet warpspeeder utility that came with my motherboard... it doesnt show when i overclock and my cpu temp doesnt change much... i dont think it works completely... im waitin on 1gb of 400mhz ddr ram for christmas... are there better overclocking utilities to use? where can i get them? also how many mhz do you think i could overclock my pc

also ive seen some 512mb agp vid cards on ebay for 140-170$ ...should i get one? i've been thinking about it quite a bit... what are your views? they seem a little too good to be true..

i think thats about it...crap i typed way too much.... sorry so make you read all this lol


also this might be in the wrong section, if so can somebody lead me in the right direction?

 

Ebay can be a great source for system and componentry bargains!
It is often critisized by many, however if you know how to effectively 'sniff' out a bargain, and are adept in all the issues regarding security matters...it is a great place to shop!
I have built many systems from scratch using componentry purchased off ebay and cannot wipe the smile from my face!
It sounds as though you have got yourself a sweet deal aswell....well done as they are there to be had!

As for the O/C scenerio, there are many factors that you should take into consideration here.
This is one of the best threads in existence regarding the ins and outs of O/c ing. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=52812
If you havent already, check it out!

You should ask yourself these questions......(1) a 3.1ghz pent D is a nice CPU, do i need more processing power for what i ask my system to perform?

(2) If i update my ram from 512mb, to the mobo max of 2gb, should this upgrade my system performance without comprimising heat and device strain!
(answer: more than likely...yes)

Although your cooling system seems in order and capable of handling a small boost from an O/C point of view....how are your PSU capabilities?
You must also consider this fact when upgrading to a more powerful video card....google the card specs and find comparisons for system requirements!

If you want to try your hand at O/C, remember to only bite off small chunks at a time with regards to CPU multiplier , FSB and Vcore voltage.
Reboot after each mod, and check for system stability and temp!

Also, only O/C directly through your system BIOS, dont waste your time with O/Cing software programs that are only any good for video cards perhaps!

Only my opinion though!

Good Luck...

 

I don't think you need more CPU Power. I think more RAM would help.

 

About the 512MB vid cards, are you sure it is the card's memory? nVidia and Ati as well use this little trick to atract costumers. Instead of RAM memory those cards have VRAM memory (virtual). This means that the card uses your system's existing RAM giving you a nervous breakdown. So if you see in the card's memory features one named "Turbo Cache" (for nVidia) or "Hyper Memory" (for Ati) don't be fooled.

 

In the first instance can you check your mobo's model version. You say it's a Biostar M7A. However Biostar say that this is an AMD platform and not Intel.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/products/mainboard/board.php?name=K8M800-M7A

In respect of the available free ram showing as 444Mb, then I think this is clearly as a result of the fact that you have an integrated card (as stated in the specs, if this is the correct one). The integrated vid card is using resources from your physical ram. In the same way as a RAMDisk drive would do.

Although you suggest that you transfered your ATI AGP card from your old rig, you may not have changed the bios settings to reflect this.

As regards your comment regarding upgrading your vga capabilities to an AGP card with 512Mb ram, I would suggest that you do a bit of research prior to any purchase. Whereas 256Mb VGA cards are ok, many find 512Mb cards can cause problems.

Godd Luck

 

My brother is a Enginner at NVIDA! AND he worked on the rollout of the Nv40!

Ive asked him alot because on one of my the 6800's

First off 256 onboard memory on your 6800 card is faster then 512 of on board memory.
512 meory on the card is too MUCH and it slows it down.

second he said that they make Batchs of nv40 chips/.
THe nv40 GPU that run fast go in the gt 6800,
next the slow GPUS or damaged ones . Get pipellines disabled and are sold as a 6800 ls, gtx, ext .. THESE are the ones you want to stay away from.

Your FASTEST and best chance of getting a fast GPU/viidio card is get a 6800 gt with 256 meg of Ddr3!