EggXpert

So I'm building my first gaming PC and I'm thinking of overclocking. However, I'm not sure if I should risk it since it is obviously my first build and I've never overclocked anything before.

 Here is my build:

Motherboard: Asus P5Q Pro

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500

Aftermarket CPU Cooler: Asus V-60 Vapo Bearing Cooler

Memory: Corsair 4GB DDR2 800 PC6400 (timings at 5-5-5-18)

Graphics Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 4870 X2

Power Supply: Corsair 750W Power Supply

Hard Drive: Samsung 750GB Spinpoint 7200 RPM Hard Drive

Optical Drive: Samsung 22x DVD Burner with Lightscribe

Case: Apevia X-Discovery Mid-tower Black Steel Computer Case

First find out what stepping of E8500 you have, it's either C0 or E0. On the box that the CPU came in it'll either say SLB9K (which is E0) or SLAPK (which is C0). Let us know.

Also, with the default settings what are your idle temperatures and load temperatures?

I have the E0 stepping E8500 (at least that is what my failed CPU was)

I know that my 4870 X2 runs extremely hot even when it is idle on the desktop, like 70-80+ degrees Celsius.

As for the CPU, I actually have not received my aftermarket cooler yet, it gets shipped to me tomorrow. With the stock heatsink, idle temperatures are in the mid 40s, sometimes high 40s. I actually have not tried gaming yet as I am waiting for my replacement CPU.

All these temperatures are from when I had a different motherboard and before my CPU failed.

Alright, congrats on the getting the E0 stepping, it'll be overclock friendly, especially on that motherboard. Wait till you get your cooler and check the CPU temperatures with it.

Get back to us when you get everything, and we'll try to help ya out with the overclock.

A little recommendation here.

When you overclock, please don't use any settings on AUTO - especially the vcore.  Many people who are not that experienced with overclocking use AUTO settings which forces the motherboard to up the voltage.  Most people call that "running stock" and it's anything but.  There are settings that you may leave on AUTO withouth doing harm but if you're seeking help overclocking, you're better off posting your BIOS settings as it will help people in helping you.

to overclock or not,  that is the question.

buddy, If you wanna overclock it for fun, that is good, to overclock it, no doubt about it. moreover, E8500 has great potential. 

but if you wanna for better performance, nope, your HD 4870X2 is very powrful and it will give you hefty performance.

just to make sure very componnets in your rig will be cool. 

Every single E8500 I've overclocked including my own, hits 4.6ghz at a decent voltage on air cooling.

 I would say go for it provided you aren't affraid to ask for help, have patience and enjoy a challenge. I overclock because its fun pushing the hardware and you get more for your money.