How to Overclock a Processor
Overclocking is a very popular yet dangerous practice. Improperly done, overclocking can fry your processor, motherboard, RAM and add-on cards. Before attempting to overclock your processor, you should make sure that your computer is properly optimized. Many newer computers can overclock through the system BIOS. However, if you have an older computer, you may find it easier, cheaper and safer to upgrade your motherboard, RAM and/or processor. Be sure to weigh all your options before going ahead with overclocking.
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Instructions
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1
Back up crucial user data files. These include your checking programs, word-processing documents, family photos and any email you would like to keep.
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2
Flash your computer with the latest BIOS update. This can generally be found on the website of your computer's manufacturer. Update all of the software and drivers for the computer, including critical operating-system updates. Ensure that you have all current manuals and user's guides for your computer. If they are missing, download them from the manufacturer's website as well.
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3
Download software to monitor your computer. Get a good free benchmark program like FreshDiagnose, or pass by the PCPitstop website to run diagnostics. FreshDiagnose can also monitor your CPU's heat through the "Sensors" option, and programs such as ShutDown NOW! can shut it down automatically if it overheats. Also check your computer's BIOS to see if it has automatic shut-down options.
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4
Ensure that you have a good fan on your processor. This will be necessary to reduce any excess heat produced by overclocking. You may also need to upgrade your power supply to provide any additional voltage needed.
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5
Restart the computer. When the computer turns back on, hit the proper key to go into setup. In the BIOS screens, search for advanced chipset options. Then look for "clocks," "frequency/voltage control" or "voltage options." This will look different on every computer. Most processors must be overclocked by increasing the front side bus frequency. In BIOS options, this typically appears as "CPU bus frequency" or "CPU FSB frequency." Increase this value slightly. In some cases, you will be able to increase your "CPU multiplier" through the BIOS. If your BIOS has none of these options, stop. You cannot overclock your processor through the BIOS. If you were able to set the options in BIOS, continue to Step 6.
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6
Check your memory options in BIOS. In many computers, if you overclock your processor, you overclock your memory and graphics card as well. However, some computers will allow you to set your memory speed separately. Look for an "Unlinked" option in BIOS. If there is no option to unlink your RAM from your processor speed, you may need to reduce the memory speed slightly.
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7
Enter the menu for system voltage. Search for the right voltage for your current processor speed and select it.
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8
Check your computer's motherboard manual if you were unable to overclock your processor through BIOS. If the motherboard model is not apparent, download and install Belarc Advisor. This is a free program that will tell you your system configuration, including your motherboard model, without having to open the case. Do a Google search on your motherboard model number with the term "specs" or "specifications." If you cannot find your motherboard specs, stop. You cannot overclock your processor.
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Tips & Warnings
Overclocking your processor can result in crashes and system errors. If you find that you have severe problems, put your computer back on normal settings.
Do a Google search on your computer's model number and "overclock" to find tips from other people who have overclocked your model.
