How to Understand the Risks of Overclocking a CPU

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

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Motherboards
• Processors (CPU)

1. Expect a shorter life for an overclocked processor, including the possibility of its immediate failure.
2. Know that overclocking an Intel processor explicitly voids the warranty. Other manufacturers have similar exclusions.
3. Understand that some processors normally run closer to their maximum possible speeds than do others and are therefore unsuitable for overclocking.
4. Consider that excessive heat generated by an overclocked processor may damage or destroy other components inside your computer.
5. Consider that overclocking often doesn't work, even if the processor isn't damaged.
6. Prepare to deal with seemingly unrelated problems that can be caused by overclocking, such as lost data, system and application crashes, corrupted Windows registry files, resource conflicts and an inability to boot the system. Such problems can occur randomly or materialize well after you have altered your motherboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Intel warranties its CPUs for 3 years.
• CPUs have rated and maximum speeds. Exceeding the maximum speed is far more likely to cause problems than more conservative adjustments.

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