Overclocking a computer's processor or memory causes it to go faster than its factory rated speed. A processor rated at 2.4GHz might be overclocked to 2.5GHz or 2.6GHz, while memory rated at 200MHz might be pushed to 220MHz or higher. The extra speed results in more work being done by the processor and/or memory in a given time period, increasing the overall computing performance of the PC.
For older processors, heat is also a factor worth keeping a close eye on. Modern processors have thermal sensors which will slow down or shut off the PC, but older CPUs do not necessarily feature these safety devices. The best know example of this is the AMD AthlonXP (socket A/462), which was famous for burning itself up in less than 5 seconds if the heatsink was not installed properly (or at all).
Overclocking the processor and system memory can significantly boost game performance, benchmark scores and even simple desktop tasks. Since almost every modern processor and memory module is overclockable to at least a slight degree, there are few reasons not to attempt it.
Preparing for Overclocking
In order to get the best out of current hardware, the most recent drivers and BIOS version for the motherboard need to be acquired. System benchmarks should be run pre-overclocking to establish a performance 'baseline'.
Readers should visit their motherboard manufacturer's website to obtain the most recent set of drivers for their motherboard, as well as the most recent BIOS version. For instructions on finding the current BIOS version and overwriting it with a newer edition, see PCstats' Guide on the subject. Newer BIOS versions may add overclocking options and stability, so this is always a good first step.
As seen in the screenshots below, this page will contain the FSB adjustment controls and voltage adjustment controls.
Increasing the FSB or 'CPU host frequency' or (Motherboard Clock or FSB or a host of other terms for the same thing) will increase the FSB speed of the motherboard, overclocking the processor and memory at the same time.
Increasing the voltage to the CPU core, memory or chipset will feed more power to those components to aid in stability while increasing heat.
This page may also contain memory divider options depending on the motherboard.
Everything needed to overclock the system should be on this one BIOS page.
As seen in the screenshots below, this page will contain the FSB adjustment controls and voltage adjustment controls.
Increasing the FSB or 'CPU host frequency' or (Motherboard Clock or FSB or a host of other terms for the same thing) will increase the FSB speed of the motherboard, overclocking the processor and memory at the same time.
Increasing the voltage to the CPU core, memory or chipset will feed more power to those components to aid in stability while increasing heat.
This page may also contain memory divider options depending on the motherboard.
Everything needed to overclock the system should be on this one BIOS page.
Increasing the FSB or 'CPU host frequency' or (Motherboard Clock or FSB or a host of other terms for the same thing) will increase the FSB speed of the motherboard, overclocking the processor and memory at the same time.
Increasing the voltage to the CPU core, memory or chipset will feed more power to those components to aid in stability while increasing heat.
This page may also contain memory divider options depending on the motherboard.
Everything needed to overclock the system should be on this one BIOS page.
Different motherboard's BIOS screens will look different and use different names for the various menus and options, but the options themselves should be grouped together in one menu as seen above. If the memory timings options are not visible, try hitting CTRL+ALT+F1 when entering the BIOS.
The second BIOS page that should be identified now is the 'PC health status' page, or similar.
Different motherboard's BIOS screens will look different and use different names for the various menus and options, but the options themselves should be grouped together in one menu as seen above. If the memory timings options are not visible, try hitting CTRL+ALT+F1 when entering the BIOS.
The second BIOS page that should be identified now is the 'PC health status' page, or similar.
- Boot the computer into the BIOS screen.
- Increase FSB speed in 5-10MHz increments. Reboot after each increment to ensure that the system can still boot into Windows properly.
- If the system hangs, crashes or refuses to boot into Windows, increase the memory voltage slightly and retry. If this does not work, increase the chipset voltage and finally the core voltage. If this still does not work, reduce FSB settings slightly, reset the voltages to their previous values and try again.
- Keep going until the system can no longer boot reliably into Windows, then back off to the previous 'safe' settings. Keep an eye on the processor's temperature in the BIOS. Remember that it should be under 70°C.
- Benchmark the overclocked system and compare the results to the performance baseline established earlier. If the system does not complete the benchmarks or crashes, either reduce the FSB setting slightly or increase voltages to compensate and retry.
6.After the operation Restart the computer
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