Root [International] Looking for some advise

[ADK1580]

Hello everyone, I just recently bought an S3, it's the international version, which is probably obvious since I'm posting here hehe...
So I have a few things in mind, and let's be honest, there are literally millions of guides out there, for so many ROMs, and specific kenels, and I rather get some straight answers here.
First of all, OVERCLOCKING, I'm a complete power junkie, and I would like to get the most out of my phone. It's running rooted, XXEMC2 4.1.2 jellybean.
What OC app should I use for the SGS3? What are some standard OC frequencies that are most popular among OCers with this devise? Do I need a specific custom ROM/kernel to allow me said frequencies?

Secondly, custom roms. there are so many, I know you're supposed to go through some, until you find something you like, but I really just rather getting some suggestions on which ones should I keep an eye out for, the most.
Also, on a side note, can anyone tell me why Cyanogenmod's most stable version for the SGS3 is 9? and for the SGS1 it's 10?

Thank you everyone in advance!!!

 

[funkylogik]

Hi mate
I use No Frills Cpu Control for clocking because its so fast and simple.
You need a clockable kernel. Siyah is very popular but theres others.
Do you want a rom that keeps the samsung features like multi-window, s-voice etc?
If so Neat Rom Lite is excellent.
If you want something purer and faster, i tried CM10 and cant remember now why i didnt keep it.. something didnt work.
Ive settled on AOKP mr1 Milestone (4.2.2) and i love it. So fast and themable
I use Googy Max kernel with it. Its Siyah based i think but it makes wifi tethering work on AOKP
Clock speeds: i usualy run at 1.7ghz and the phone benchmarks better than a Nexus 4 (i know benchmarks are just benchmarks but it feels really fast)
I can get 1.8ghz if i overvolt that step but i dont really notice an improvement over 1.7 so its not worth the extra juice to me :beer:

 

[ADK1580]

Thanks a bunch!!
A few questions though. I've never flashed a kernel on it's own before. only roms. is the procedure any different? And if so, in what order should I do everything? Rom-kernel-root?
Rom-root-kernel?

 

[funkylogik]

Root, rom then kernel. The rom will put its own kernel on. Exactly the same procedure though, just flash the zip from recovery.
If you use Neat Rom though, theres an "aroma" installer that lets you choose from a choice of kernel, modem, recovery etc

 

[ADK1580]

I looked for the kernel, and found this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2270158
is that it?
It says it's for 4.1.2 and CM 10.1 ROMs. Yours is 4.2.2
Also, will it be rooted at the end of the procedure? after flashing the kernel?

 

[heat57]

Yes, it will still be rooted and all you need to do is clear/format cache and dalvik in your custom recovery, nothing else! Then flash the kernel.zip of your choice. Just in case, make a nand backup before the whole procedure.

 

[ADK1580]

Soooo thanks a bunch guys I flashed CM 10.1 with googy max 1.5.3....quick note though, the max CPU frequency that I can go is 1.6. Why is that? have I done something wrong?

 

[heat57]

Soooo thanks a bunch guys I flashed CM 10.1 with googy max 1.5.3....quick note though, the max CPU frequency that I can go is 1.6. Why is that? have I done something wrong?

Well, it is about stability. I found that over 1.6GHz it really is touching the edge of stability and fc's many apps. Most people that run 16+ tend to brag about speed more than usability. All I look for is a fluid ROM without lag or as little lag as possible. Depending on kernel, sometimes I've been able to achieve this at 1.5GHz. It is really trial and error. Like everything, always keep a current nand backup in case your OC does cause boot up issues.

 

[funkylogik]

Im not sure why googy is only giving u 1.6 max though
have u got the STweaks app to mess around with audio, charging current etc mate?

 

[ADK1580]

Im not sure why googy is only giving u 1.6 max though
have u got the STweaks app to mess around with audio, charging current etc mate?

I read the changelog, and it says that from a certain version (I don't remember which) they limit the OC to 1.6 Ghz....maybe you have an older version.
As for your question regarding whether or not I have "Stweaks", yes I do...on my quest to overclock the S**T out of my phone, I found it useful, for its GPU OC capabilities

 

[funkylogik]

Ah. I really like the 1.7 step so im gona keep hold of this version. Ill put it on dropbox if u want it man :beer:
What kinda speeds have you set the GPU to man?
The only time ive changed it, i set the highest step higher and when i ran say Quadrant or Antutu, the screen would flash when it was doin the 3d tests so i just set it back to default. As i said b4, im not a gamer anyway

 

[ADK1580]

Ah. I really like the 1.7 step so im gona keep hold of this version. Ill put it on dropbox if u want it man :beer:
What kinda speeds have you set the GPU to man?
The only time ive changed it, i set the highest step higher and when i ran say Quadrant or Antutu, the screen would flash when it was doin the 3d tests so i just set it back to default. As i said b4, im not a gamer anyway

Well...It's not a secret that hardware-wise the GPU is the weakest feature in our beloved S3, it uses the same architecture as the S2 with some slight improvements to allow it higher clock speeds. its max clock speed is 440 Mhz. that being said, with the right kernel you can reach 700 Mhz, which is not half bad
As for your question, let me start by saying that you shouldn't change only one step, but all of them. I would also recommend, you make your GPU frequencies gradual (Eg : 1xx-2xx-3xx-4xx-5xx). While benchmarking, if you encounter stuttering and/or artifacts (like the flashing you mentioned), that means that your GPU needs some more voltage, so increase the voltage. (On a side note, it goes without saying that you should be careful as hell when tampering with the voltage control, as giving your phone more will degrade its lifespan....ahhh the price of power...)
Here's a guide to overclocking your GPU, you gotta love those guys at XDA...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1827635

Oh, and I set my frequencies to 266-350-440-533-666
Good luck man :beer: