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Computers OverClocked "Not just another computer help website."
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| Overclocking 101 - Introduction |
| What is overclocking? Overclocking is the process used to make a computer faster. It can be used to increase the speed at which it operates too - which is is mainly used for in addition to the first sentence. |
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| How do I go about overclocking? You will need to go in to your system BIOS on startup. This can usually be done by hitting either the 'DEL' key, F10 or whatever your system says it is to enter the BIOS. Next, you need to find the menu in the BIOS settings where you can overclock, if your computer is overclocking compatible. |
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| What should my FSB and multiplier be at? It depends on your processor. In general, a lower multiplier will allow for a higher FSB thus increased performance. 10x200MHz is better than 20x100MHz because a higher FSB gives a computer for performance. To start, lower the multiplier by two. If I have an AMD Athlon XP 2400 chip - running at 2GHz by default - the default multiplier is 15 and the default FSB is 133. Lowering the multiplier to 13 (by two as stated above), you will need to do the math and figure out what to set the FSB at. 13 times 154 will give approx. 2000 MHz. Start it at that and let it burn in overnight. Keep increasing the FSB untill it can be increased without losing performance. Lower the multiplier then and play with more math and the settings to find optimal settings. Remember. You want stability! |
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| What is the front side bus (FSB)? Is gives the computer its MHz speed; multiply the multiplier by the FSB and you get the MHz speed of the computer. A 2GHz computer might have for example a multiplier of 20x and a FSB of 100 MHz. |
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| What is the multiplier? Is gives the computer its MHz speed; multiply the FSB speed by the multiplier and you get the MHz speed of the computer. A 2GHz computer might have for example a FSB of 100 MHz and a multiplier of 20x. |
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| Should I overclock? That's up to you. Do you want to get the most out of your investment and have fun? Then yes! Overclocking is for you. Do you want to not take small risks and just check email? Then overclocking is not for you. |
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| What are the risks when overclocking? Generally overclocking is rather safe. First of all, make sure when clearing the CMOS (if needed), you properly ground yourself. Doing this will minimize the risk of shock to you and the computer components. Second, WATCH THE TEMPERATURES when overclocking. This is VERY important! High temperatures can kill your computer or parts in it. The processor is the most vulnerable. Third, there's a chance with HIGH overclocks on the FSB that data on the harddrive can become corrupt, but most of the time one shouldn't have to worry. Fourth, take it easy with increasing your overclock. Do small increments. Be especially cautious when increasing the Vcore. Last, don't worry if the overclocking did not work (computer didn't boot), reset the CMOS and try again, this time with different settings. |
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| Vcore safety To get better overclocking results, the vcore should be increased if your motherboard allows this. All processors run at a different default vcore so only increase it by .15 to .2 at the most to begin with. Go further only at your own risk when you're more experienced at overclocking. |
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| Can my computer be overclocked? Steps to first make sure overclocking can be done: 1. Did you build your own computer? 2. If it is a DELL, Compaq, HP, Sony, etc. is it two years old or older? 3. You read your motherboard manual and are familiar with the jumpers. First make sure the jumpers are set for maximum overclocking capabilities. Some boards a jumper has to be changed so OCing past a certain MHz can be done. 4. You can monitor the temperatures. This is key when overclocking so you don't kill something. HAVE A PROPER HEATSINK AND COOLING!! 5. Your temperatures are no more than 40 degrees Celcius at full load when your computer is NOT over clocked. If you can do all of these, then go for it! |
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| What is burning in? Burning in allows the computer to get acquainted with the speeds you set it at. Burning in will allow for more overclocking capabilities in performance in increases in FSB. In general, one will want to burn in for a few hours to over a day. Once the burn in period is over with, increase the settings of your overclock. Check out our TSC@computersOC.com team for a good program to have fun with overclocking too! |
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| I still need help with overclocking. Post in our Over clocking and Mods forum if you still need help with anything in the over clocking process. |
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| Can I send you donations for making this overclocking guide? Sure, visit our tip jar page. Thanks. |
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| Good hardware |
| What RAM is good for overclocking? In general, cheaper RAM isn't as good for overclocking as more expensive RAM is. Check the overclocking forum for the latest on what the best RAM is to use. |
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| What processor is good for overclocking? To get the latest answers, check the overclocking forum we have. Past chips such as the AMD Athlon XP 1700+ and the Intel Pentium 4 2.4C GHz have been good performers when it comes to overclocking them. |
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| Places to purchase hardware |
| Where to buy the goods for overclocking? Places such as newegg.com offer a wide variety of computer components and things to buy to help the overclocking go much easier. |
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