Everything You Need To Know About Overclocking CPU

Admittedly, the concept of overclocking your system can be intimidating for a newcomer. Even though the idea is simple enough; stretch the machine to its extreme limit, the execution can be somewhat perplexing. But, don’t fret, at least as yet! We are here to guide you through the practical steps involved in this exciting journey, and help you defy all limitations set by the component manufacturers. But first, let’s explore a bit further on our core topic of discussion.

What is Overclocking?

Overclocking is a method of running a computer component at a speed higher than its advertised rating. It is done by increasing of one the two dependencies of hardware speed, the base clock rate, and the multiplier.

Why Do It?

Because it is a better option than spending valuable bucks on a new device. By tampering with a few sensitive settings and enabling the processor to crunch number faster, overclocking provides a more cost-effective route than buying a new hardware.

Primarily, this procedure is practiced when executing the more demanding activities, like video encoding, 3D rendering, or extensive gaming.

Does It Contain Potential Consequences

Yes! Overclocking is a challenge loaded with risks and annoyances, and doing it well is often a bigger source of pride than building a newer PC itself. Although unlikely, it can damage the hardware once you go on pushing it beyond its limits. Furthermore, significant increases in voltage levels can also heat up internal components, and backfire on your attempts badly.

Therefore, it advised you follow this step-by-step tutorial with utmost care and ensure a safe journey throughout.

Now, let’s begin unleashing the beast residing inside your “apparently old” CPU.

How to Overclock CPU

Here, I will outline the basic steps to acquiring a stable overclock on your system. It should be reminded that while these procedures will significantly boost speed performances, they will not extract every last ounce of your machine as this trick typically achieves. For that, you will require playing with a lot of different settings, but for today we will just focus on the basic process.

Step 1: Confirm your prerequisites

• An unlocked processor designed for overclocking (example K series Intel)
• An overclocking-supported motherboard
• CPU cooler to avoid irrational heats
• CPU-Z which is a handy tool that displays your clock speed, voltage, etc. to verify your changes
• Prime95, LinX, and/or AIDA64 to stress test your CPU and ensure it’s stability
• Real Temp, to monitor PC temperate

Step 2: Stress Test Your Default Settings

Generally, the initial step is to head into your BIOS, set everything to default values, and stress test it a bit to ensure it’s at least running correctly at stock speeds. Here is how to it:

• Reboot your system and enter BIOS screen (refer to your device manual for further instructions)
• Locate the option to restore default settings (typically Load Optimized Defaults)
• Save and Exit the Setup
• Reboot the PC

Once restarted, launch AIDA64 and click the Stability System Test button. This will be displayed as a computer monitor carrying a green graph. Next, check all options in the top left side of your screen and begin the test. Wait for about 4 hours to produce accurate results regarding system’s stability. When you’re done, Stop the process and proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Raise Your Multiplier

This is where you start the overclocking. As formerly mentioned, multiplier is one of the variables controlling processor speeds. It gives the actual number of processing cycles it will run at in a single clock cycle of the bus speed.

If we can manage to uplift this quantity, CPU speed is directly raised and faster responses are instantly guaranteed. Follow the steps below to perform this method:

• Boot into BIOS as previously described
• Navigate to the Overclocking option, typically Overclocking Settings or CPU Tweaker. Consult manual for specific instructions
• Adjust CPU Ratio and raise it by one value above default
• Reboot back into Windows

Once done, stress test your CPU again, illustrated in Step 3

Step 3: Stress Test your CPU

Now that you have augmented the multiplier value, verify your changes by performing the Stress Test again and see if the computer is still stable. This will done by launching the three programs:

CPU-Z:

To ensure the changed values, particularly the max multiplier at the bottom left

Real Temp

To monitor computer temperature throughout your procedure

Stress Testing Utility

My first choice in this step is always LinX owing to its cleaner interface and quick loading time.

Now, configure LinX to run say, 20 times and click Start. Keep an eye on the temperate fluctuations observed by Real Temp.

Typically, your test will finish yielding one the following results:

• The test finishes successfully, within safe temperatures. If this happens, go to step 2 and raise the multiplier by another value
• The test reports an error halfway through, or your computer crashes to BSOD. This implies you need to raise voltage described in Step 4

Step 4: Increase Voltage

If your overclocking method was interrupted with an unexpected error, it means your processor isn’t getting the adequate voltage to maintain a stable clock speed. This can be fixed by manipulating voltage settings from BIOS:

• Reach the overclocking settings in BIOS
• Locate CPU voltage option and give it an 0.05 V increment
• Save your changes and exit to Windows
• Repeat step 3

Remember to monitor temperatures continuously since increasing voltage directly affects internal heat.

Step 5: Get In The Loop

Repeat the methods above till you reach an optimal voltage, and temperature value to generate the maximum overclock speed. When you reach this point, back your settings down to the last safe and stable value.

Step 6: Perform Final Stress Tests

Here, I would recommend you switch to the other stress testing utilities, namely AIDA64 and Prime 95, and ensure your overclock is super stable. Remember to run the program for enough hours to generate the most accurate results.

What Now

Like I said, this is a very basic overclock tutorial that highlights the key features involved in this rather, thorough process. If you are looking to boost your PC performance even further, I recommend you dig a little deeper into the following topics:

• Enable power-saving feature

Overclocking tends to extract more power from your CPU. Luckily, your motherboard would probably have some in-built power saving feature that allow the system to reduce to slower speeds and smaller voltages when idle

• Clock your RAM

Similar to this process, you can also overclock your RAM to stretch its limits and result in faster responses immediately

• Do tons of other stuff!

There is lot more hidden under the word “overclock”. Browse through the web comprehensively and see what other components need enhancement.

Note : Be sure to keep an eye on your hardware’s capacity while overclocking as it a little mistake can bring devastating performance failure.