Overclocking is possible, but some project calculations can abort even if Prime95 runs clean. Multiplier changes are the most painless, especially if you have a Black Edition with unlocked multiplier. Make changes slowly and try a few workunits each time. If they abort (usually after only a very short period), back off. An AMD 2.4GHz and 3.2GHz systems here did not like to be overclocked. THe second was sensitive to ambient room temperature. A newer AMD 2.0GHz chip happily ran overclocked for me at 2.4GHz with no problems at all. I have found that a little more expensive memory with a better heat sink and very fast CAS parameters are helpful and will pay off in the long run for overclocking, since your computer is running at 100% 24/7. I did some googling for my particular AMD chips, and had found some nice, stable overclocking parameters, so I didn't have to start from scratch. I wouldn't increase voltages very much if at all. That would be about the point to quit, for this purpose, if you get that far. The computer would probably be stable for some uses, but not these intensive projects.

<intel experience only>
I make 10 passes of LinX max memory, 1 pass HyperPi 32M, and then Prime Blend for 2 hours for my final OC test and have never had a WCG project crash due to OC.
After that you can *usually* push a tiny bit higher OC and still be WCG stable but I don't think it is worth it as the first time you crash you may loose lots of crunching time which will take forever to make up based on the miniscule extra OC you were shooting for .
</intel>

get it stable and let it run 24/7 FTW

Steve

I too have a question in regards to FSB:

I'm looking at a system that will be 4 true cores, 8 all together. The system says it only has a FSB of 100mhz. That seems quite slow. Will that have a substantial affect on my crunching?