How to Overclock Processor

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Overclocking is a potentially dangerous method for computer systems that computer enthusiasts or technicians apply to processors allowing it to operate above the manufacturer standards. Success in overclocking may generate a faster performance for a computer. Failure in performing this method successfully can fry the processor, motherboard, and other components of a computer. A computer system uses an internal clock speed to synchronize all the operations and calculations within. Hertz (Hz) which is equivalent to one tick per second measures the clock speed. In computer clock speed, the measurement used is megahertz (MHz) which is equal to one million ticks per second or gigahertz (GHz) which is equal to one billion ticks per second.

Materials Needed:
- Needle-nose Pliers
- Computer Fans
- Heat-sink compound
- Computers
- Screwdriver Set
- Computer Power Supplies
- Processor
- Back-up Drive
Step 1
Save and back up all important documents or data files.
Step 2
Update all software and drivers for the computer including the latest BIOS update. Make sure that current manuals and user’s guides for the computer are available. Download any manual from the Internet and print.
Step 3
It is possible to download free software utilities that assist in overclocking computers. Download utilities that run diagnostics, monitor CPU heat through a 'Sensors option' or those that automatically shut down the computer if it overheats while overclocking. Check the computer's BIOS if an automatic shutdown option can be utilized.
Step 4
Restart the computer and as it powers back on, hit the proper key to go to setup. Press 'delete', 'F2', 'F10', or 'CTRL-Enter'.
Step 5
On the BIOS screen, navigate and find the advanced chipset options. Look for 'clocks,' 'frequency/voltage control', or 'voltage options' and increase the value slightly. Adjust values slowly and overclock by starting at small increases.
Step 6
Check the memory options in BIOS and many computers overclocking may include adjusting the processor, memory, and graphics card. Remember that if it is not possible to unlink the RAM from the processor speed, memory speed must be reduced slightly. Enter the menu for system voltage by referring to the processor or motherboard manual.
Step 7
Install the cooling fan, CPU heat sink, and heat-sink compound to avoid overheating when a processor is overclocked, whenever it is possible. Select the appropriate cooling fan and heat sink with regard to internal computer space and computer case size.
Step 8
Put system and the computer back together and reboot it. If the computer does not boot, try lowering clock speed. Restore the original configuration if this does not work.