The CPU and the GPU are two parts of a PC that you can always speed up. Most people used to overclock their CPUs, but that doesn’t mean you should, does it? So we discussed in details that Should I Overclock My CPU?
In the meantime, there are a lot of well-known problems with overclocking your devices, such as them getting hot and possibly breaking for a long time.
We will talk about the good and bad things about overclocking your computer below. So, in the end, you’ll be able to decide if you should do this or not.
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What is overclocking?
Overclocking means to make your processor run faster than it was designed to. The number of cycles your CPU can finish in a second is called its clock speed, and it is measured in hertz. So, a 4GHz processor can do 4 billion clock cycles per second.
Even though clock speed doesn’t tell you exactly how many instructions your CPU is running, it gives you an idea of how many instructions are being run. If everything else is the same, a 4GHz processor can finish more instructions than a 3.5GHz one.
This isn’t always true, though, because of things like the architecture of the processor, how old it is, and who made it. However, it’s a good rule of thumb, and it makes it easy to understand why overclocking is done. You can overclock to get a faster clock speed, which lets your processor finish more instructions every second.
Also, check out our separate post on Can I Upgrade CPU Without Changing Motherboard
Most of the time, overclocking is done on the main processor, but you can also do it on a separate GPU to speed up graphics processing. There is no single rule for how fast you can speed up a processor, and the results of each overclocking project are different. That makes it hard for you to decide whether or not to overclock.
Benefits of overclocking your CPU
Most people speed up their computers, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any downsides. But this is quite dangerous. Most of the time, when CPUs are overclocked, they get hotter, make more power, and work faster for a long time.
Also, check out our separate post on CPU Overheating
But if you do it right and know how to use your machine, the results could be better and more satisfying. If you don’t choose a cheaper central processing unit, you can use your device more easily, save time and money, and avoid having to upgrade your CPU all the time. So, it’s best not to think about those unwelcome technical risks that could keep you from reaching your goals.
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There are both chances to win and chances to lose in this process. If you keep throwing away the new computer you just bought, it will be as good as trash now.
Overclocking is a great but tricky process that can go wrong quickly. On the other hand, doing it right is a big job and accomplishment that will make your device run faster and work better in the long run.
Drawbacks of overclocking your CPU
As most people already know, the process of overclocking has a few problems. If a beginner or someone who hasn’t done this before does it, the task will fail. The outcome will be a complete disaster. The best thing to do is take your PC to a repair shop, where it might be easy to fix. The worst thing you could do is break parts of your PC that can’t be fixed.
Overclocking is not a simple thing to do. Some software for motherboards is easy to use, which speeds up the process. It’s not always as simple and easy as it seems to speed up your device. We have to look at all the specs, like power consumption, fan speed, and other systems.
Follow our guide to fixing CPU fan error on boot
Overclocking doesn’t always make things better. For example, if someone has an older, slower device and wants to run programs that use a lot of power, overclocking won’t help.
Aside from this, even the most advanced PCs don’t need extra power to play all the games. Without any kind of help or overclocking, these PCs work better. And it’s important to know that overclocking voids the warranty, which is not a good idea.
What do I need?
How do you want to try overclocking? How much do you want to know? Here are some important tools that will help you decide for yourself how hard the work is.
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- The right computer or CPU: You should buy a CPU that can be overclocked, such as one of Intel’s K-series or any of AMD’s latest Ryzen CPUs. Not only is the processor important, but so is a motherboard that can be sped up. The newest CPUs and motherboards that can be modded often come with software that can take the place of some of the tools on this list. Lastly, before assuming that a pre-built PC can be overclocked, check the system specs.
- Software that shows data: Programs like CPU-Z let you quickly see the clock speed, how much voltage is being used, and other important information. By downloading one of these tools, the project will be a lot easier to work on.
- Stress test software: You need to stress test your overclocked processor to make sure it is safe and stable. Prime95, LinX, and AIDA64 can help, but some overclockers like to run more than one program and compare the results. Tracking processor temperatures can also be done with the help of applications like RealTemp.
- A heat sink and coolant unit: If you want to overclock your PC seriously, you’ll need to install a better cooling system. That might mean a bigger heatsink for the processor and more case fans.
- A laptop or smartphone is a must if you’re new to overclocking and want to look at guides or watch how-to videos.
In a hurry? Check out my new post on How hot is too hot for CPU
So, Should you overclock?
Several advanced and modern PCs say that the answer is NO. Your PC doesn’t need to be overclocked to work better, and if you do it just to learn how or to say “I can,” you’re taking a big chance. But if you think you will be careful and take responsibility for everything, you should be ready for what will happen.
Theoretically, if you don’t permanently damage your CPU, it will work for a long time and you won’t lose anything, but if you don’t treat it well, it might not stay with you.
Before using it, a person should first learn how to do the tricky art of overclocking. If you have an old or useless computer, you should try out new things on it so that you don’t end up regretting it. People say that the more you practice, the better you get.
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But if you want to overclock, you need the Intel K series, which is made to be overclocked. So, it won’t be if that’s the case. If you’ve decided to overclock, you should also buy a CPU cooler to keep your PC’s temperature stable. When you overclock your computer, it gets hot, which is where the trouble starts.
Check out our separate post on Base Clock vs Boost Clock
Frequently Asked Questions
Is overclocking CPU good for gaming?
When it comes to overclocking your CPU, you can cut rendering times and improve performance at high frame rates (200 fps and beyond).
Does CPU overclock increase FPS?
Overclocking raises the system’s clock speed. It enhances the performance of programs operating on a computer. Overclocking enhances FPS in games utilizing a CPU.
What happens if I overclock my CPU?
Overclocking allows you disable throttling and run a slower chip as if it were less faulty. To boost the processor’s clock speed, adjust the “multiplier” in your computer’s UEFI or BIOS menu.
Go through our epic guide on Should I Overclock My CPU
Why you should not overclock your CPU?
Overclocking may not boost performance. The processor is merely one of several components that affect performance, and it’s probably not slowing you down. Hard drives, RAM, and graphics are bottlenecks.
Do check our latest post on the Does CPU Affect FPS
