An introduction to overclocking

What is it?

Overclocking simply means getting components of your computer to perform above the levels considered optimum.

Since no single part of a computer operates independently, when overclocking is set in motion the software behind it has to initiate changes in other areas as well — to make sure the device doesn’t break down from overload.

How does it work?

Your computer’s CPU is its engine — that much is well known. What many people don’t realise is that processors are capable of running at higher speeds than their stated optimum. The officially stated speed of your processor is simply the one best suited to it.

That does not mean a processor run faster will immediately break down. This is where overclocking comes in: certain applications push your processor beyond its normal speed.

Doing so obviously requires the processor to draw more energy, so it increases the voltage at which it operates. That, in turn, means greater heating of your CPU — and so the built-in fan must also work beyond its normal level.

Coming back to the processor: it clearly cannot run at a higher speed — measured in mega- or gigahertz — in isolation. Other components of the system must raise their level too, and that includes memory. Luckily, a computer’s memory is also very capable of performing above what the manufacturer states.

Overclocking is a method through which your computer’s processor works at a higher speed than the producer says it is capable of.

By drawing more voltage than normal, your processor raises its bar to a higher level — generating more heat in the process. It also makes your system’s RAM work at a higher pace than its officially stated capacity.

The heat generated by all this hyperactivity then needs to be dispersed safely so the system doesn’t suffer. That is achieved by making your system’s cooling fan work harder.

That is overclocking in a nutshell. More detailed background can be found on Wikipedia.

Why is it needed?

A computer’s CPU is very capable of running basic programs with basic video and graphics. But for software like games — heavy on graphics, and therefore heavy on workload — a normal processor may not be sufficient. That’s why most users these days buy PCs fitted with graphics cards, or GPUs, to handle the more complex software.

The reason people overclock is to make sure they can run these heavy programs even on processors that aren’t ideal for them.

For example: a game with sharp graphics may require a more advanced graphics card than the one you own. Rather than buying an all-new card and installing it — cumbersome and expensive — most people will first try to use the latent capacity of their processors to make the game run. That is the main reason people choose this route.

Is it safe?

In modern times overclocking is usually safe: processor chips are of good enough quality to handle more than their designated workload. But anything is dangerous in excess, and this is where every computer user has to be careful. Excessive overclocking may push your CPU and memory beyond their limit and cause damage to your computer.

Another thing to remember: while chip quality is generally very good these days, the manufacturing process is not absolutely foolproof. Some chips withstand greater workloads without difficulty; some are less capable. There is no way for a user to know which kind sits in their machine — so suddenly boosting your computer’s speed to a much higher level may be dangerous.

If you go ahead recklessly regardless, the kinds of issues you could face include a crashing hard drive, damage to the processor’s chips, and irreparable harm to your motherboard and memory. Be very careful when attempting this.

Remember, too, that different processors and graphics cards react differently, so check how your particular model tolerates overclocking before you start.

Also: overclocking voids the manufacturer’s warranty in many cases — so any damage you cause will have to be repaired at your own expense.

Do you need downloaded software to overclock?

Many processors now come with an in-built overclocking mechanism that can simply be activated, which means you can achieve the same kind of results without any external software. On most systems the overclocking settings are reached through the BIOS, where you can choose an automatic, semi-automatic or manual overclocking mode.

In earlier times most processors were clock-locked — they couldn’t be pushed above the limit set for them. That is no longer the case for most hardware, so overclocking, automatic or manual, is now possible on most systems.

Is it worth it?

Unless you are doing work that demands heavy graphics — like 3D gaming — there is no great need to overclock; basic activities will carry on exactly the same either way.