I have an AMD A64 3700+ which, at stock, runs 2.2GHz.

I'm running at 2.4GHz right now but I would like to push it further (2.6 -> 2.8) eventually.

However, despite my wanted performance increase when I use my computer, it's in my best interest not to run at full power when the computer is idle (like lighting something for nobody to see... for days.)

Overclocking alone has its risks, but is it a recipe for disaster to use frequency scaling along with overclocking?

Hmm. I would also be interested to get an answer to this question.

My fear is, if the clock goes from 2.8 GHz (HOT) down to 0.5 GHz (COOL), hypothetically, and the processor strains and breaks.

My question really is if this paranoia is justifiable -- if this is what actually happens...

Hi.

I somewhat share your paranoia. But if the frequency scaling lowers the voltages as it lowers the clock (?), it should depend on the overvolting of the CPU, which should not be necessary. Am I on the right track with this reasoning?

Your CPU doesn't die if it suddenly loses power, does it? That would be an even more sudden thermal change. Just as the CPU and heatsink give off heat, their mass makes them retain heat. It'll take a couple of minutes for the temperature to change. It's not like dunking it in liquid nitrogen or anything.

I'm not sober, but even though their mass retain heat, does the nature of their compositions allow for easy heat loss? Isn't that the best thing?

If so, due to the ability to lose heat quickly (as a design measure) they might as well be dunked in N?

I don't know! This thread has been nothing but questions. But I assume that the processors released with clock speeds faster than 2.2 are the exact same, but clocked at faster speeds, and therefore won't break at clock speeds when using PowerNow! (a technology promoted with these processors)

Yes. I am sure that AMD has taken the thermal effects of throttling into account in designing their CPUs. You should be fine.