How to Overclock a CPU

Overclocking a processor means enabling it to operate above the manufacturer's specified frequency. Many Internet sites provide instructions for overclocking. Processor manufacturers and many computer experts believe the slight gain in performance (only perceivable on CPU-intensive software) isn't worth the expense or considerable risk.


Steps:

1. Get whatever tools you need: screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, motherboard manual, cooling hardware, etc.

2. Find out whether your motherboard can be adjusted in the BIOS setup, with jumpers or not at all.

3. Find out clock-speed limitations of the motherboard.

4. Run all Windows and any third-party diagnostic applications you have. Fix all system problems.

5. Make a complete backup of your system, documents and applications you don't have on CD-ROM. Do not overwrite these copies.

6. If you have a BIOS-adjustable motherboard, make changes according to your motherboard manual, and skip to Step 15.

7. Shut down computer.

8. Leave computer plugged in to surge suppressor.

9. Disconnect all peripherals from computer.

10. Remove cover of chassis.

11. Ground yourself to computer with any professional grounding equipment you have. Otherwise, ground yourself by touching a metal part of the chassis.

12. If your motherboard has adjustable jumpers, locate the jumpers that control the CPU speed.

13. Use needle-nose pliers to change jumper settings. Move jumpers to positions indicated in your motherboard manual for the clock speed you want. Check the Internet for recommendations.

14. Install a CPU heat sink, heat-sink compound, and a specialty cooling fan, if appropriate and possible.

15. Put system back together, and reboot.

16. If computer does not boot, and CPU still works, try lowering the clock speed. If that doesn't work, restore the original configuration.

17. Check all functions, and run a CPU-intensive program.


Tips:

CPUs have rated and maximum speeds. Exceeding the maximum speed is far more likely to cause problems than more conservative adjustments.


Warnings:

Overclocking an Intel processor explicitly voids its warranty. Other manufacturers have similar exclusions. Intel prevents overclocking of some CPUs by disabling higher multiplier settings.

Expect a shorter life for an overclocked processor, including the possibility of its immediate failure.

Prepare to deal with seemingly unrelated problems that can be caused by overclocking: destruction of other internal components, lost data, system and application crashes, and an inability to boot the system. Such problems can occur randomly or materialize well after you have altered your motherboard.

Tips from Users:

Just a few things by Nick
When overclocking AMD chips, DO NOT increase the voltage settings. This will damage most AMD chips. Also, if you notice an increase in errors or GPFs after overclocking, then the chip may not be able to handle it.


Overclocking a CPU by Bug
Only purchase a heat sink that can at least handle double the speed of your CPU.

This will give you plenty of room for overclocking and if you are not overclocking, it still provides you with better performance because your CPU will run cooler.

Are you looking to integrate

If your business requires mini towers, midi towers or full tower computer systems we have a solution ready for you to integrate with your IT Infrastructure.

We address the specific requirements

We have finely tuned our support model to address the specific requirements of your business.  Utilising a combination of award winning hardware and our own acclaimed software solutions, we aim to resolve problems before your business is impacted.

Pinnacle has provided solutions and services to a range of reputable companies, see Pinnacle's Companies page or our case studies for more information.