How to overclock?

After browsing through the forum, i found many thread talking about overclocking and underclocking. So, i wonder what is overclocking? and most importantly, how to do so?

Thanks in advance

 

Hello,

Overclocking is making a computer component run at a higher clock speed than the manufacturer's specification. For example, 500mhz processor, overclock to 600mhz. Although there are many different reasons for overclocking, the most popular reason is to increase hardware performance. Overclocking can result in system instablity and sometimes even hardware failure if done carelessly.

JC

 

Overclocking is pulling your cpu (or gpu or memory) beyond stock frecuency (Mhz). For example bringing your 1.6Ghz Pentium M CPU to 1.8Ghz or more...
Overclocking of course has side effects like procucing more heat than normal, consuming more power and even crash your laptop/PC.
The right mix of voltage, multiplier settings and FSB (front side bus) is the path to Overclocking success. Setting CPU voltage a little higher brings often stability to risky (crash) mix of Multiplier and FSB.
Underclocking is the opposite, bringing your CPU lower than is supposed to be...why would somebody do that? To reduce power consumption, to reduce heat, etc.

Mobile CPUs are quite famous in Overclocking (OC) world because they are made for handling multiple speeds and voltages, produce less heat and consume less power...and that is great for getting the max Mhz from them without crashing your system...let's say they are more flexible.

One interesting thing to do with laptops (that is why we are members of this forum: laptops) is to play with speed (OC) and also with voltage (undervolting) to get the more of your CPU at the lowest voltage setting. That brings you the fastest CPU with the lowest heat and lowest power consumption....and that my friend, gives you MORE BATTERY LIFE.

There are many applications to play with Clock and Voltage setting, some good programs are CPURightmark and RMClock...you can find a lot of posts regarding those apps here on this forum.

Overclocking of graphic cards is also very common to get some extra FPS in games, principles are the same, but with graphic card you need to play with 2clocks: Memory clock and Core clock.....but that's a different story, you can also look for that here in the forums.

Just keep in mind that overclocking can cause damage to your hardware (though is not common) so be carefull on what you do.

Good luck!!

 

I did many articles on overclocking GPU, undervolting CPU, underclocking etc. Check my signature.

I hope it helps,