Overclocking

To overclock - to run a microprocessor faster than the speed for which it has been tested and approved.

Factors that favor your ability to successfully " upgrade by resetting" include (in addition to having an Intel microprocessor): having a well-designed motherboard with a fast enough bus and having a fan or other cooling device that will keep your system cool enough.

What Is CPU Overclocking?

While the words CPU and microprocessor are used interchangeably, in the world of personal computers (PC), a microprocessor is actually a silicon chip that contains a CPU. The three basic characteristics that differentiate microprocessors are the following:

• Instruction set: The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute.
• Bandwidth: The number of bits processed in a single instruction.
• Clock speed: Given in megahertz (MHz), the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute.

Basically overclocking means to run a microprocessor faster than the clock speed for which it has been tested and approved. Overclocking is a popular technique for getting a little performance boost from your system, without purchasing any additional hardware. Because of the performance boost overclocking, is very popular among hardcore 3D gamers.

Most times overclocking will result in a performance boost of 10 percent or less.

An overclocked CPU will have an increased heat output, which means you have to look at additional cooling methods to ensure proper cooling of an overclocked CPU. Standard heat sinks and fans will generally not support an overclocked system. Additionally, you also have to have some understanding of the different types of system memory. Even though your CPU can be overclocked, it doesn't mean your RAM modules will support the higher speeds.

The most common methods of overclocking your CPU is to either raise the multiplier or raise the FSB (frontside bus). To understand overclocking, you have to understand the basics of CPU speeds. The speed of a CPU is measured in Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz). This represents the number of clock cycles that can be performed per second. The more clock cycles your CPU can do, the faster it processes information.

The formula for processor speed is: frontside bus x multiplier = processor speed.

The frontside bus connects the CPU to the main memory on the motherboard — basically, it's the conduit used by your entire system to communicate with your CPU.

One caution with raising the FBS is that is can affect other system components. When you change the multiplier on a CPU, it will change only the CPU speed. If you change the FSB you are changing the speed at which all components of your system communicate with the CPU.

Overclocking comes with many risks, such as overheating, so you should become familiar with all the pros and cons before you attempt it. Additionally, overclocking isn't supported by the major chip manufacturers which means overclocking your CPU will void your warranty. Overclocking can also decrease the lifespan of the CPU, cause failure in critical components and may even result in some data corruption. You may also notice an increase in unexplainable crashes and freezes.

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