I've got a FX-8350 and a H80i that keeps it in the 40s under full load and I've used AMD's software and it says I can overclock it to 4.6Ghz but does this software automagically change the voltages too?
Most likely not, and its better to use the BIOS to overclock since you can fine tune the settings to operate at the highest possible frequency with the lowest possible amount of voltage with out breaking the thermal threshold which will lead to thermal throttling. Best to peak at 65 degrees Celsius for temperature but getting close to the danger zone of around 80 just means you need to either back off the voltage or multiplier.
Here is a guide to overclock, it seems like decent guide but maybe other community members will give greater advice.
http://youtu.be/DC2O7Haponk?t=2m50s
I wouldn't let it get anywhere near 80. Even 65 is a little high for me. I like to keep mine at 60 or below which thankfully my Kraken X60 does even at 5.0Ghz.
But I agree. You are better off OCing in the BIOS.
If it tells you that you can go up to 4.6 ghz you could go higher through the BIOS if you want to. Just do NOT i say do NOT use the software to oc your cpu it will become very unstable. I accidentally left this on when I used to play League of Legends and the game was not running properly to the point of literally becoming unplayable not the fps was a concern just that the animations that was going on.
Agree 100% never let software overclock the cpu. Do it manually in the bios. Every cpu is different so you have to work out what works best for your cpu.
^^^^ agree
^^^^yup
Thanks everyone for giving up some of your time to help out an overclocking noob!