What is overclocking?

[pyrate83]

I have been seeing lots of people talking about overclocking their cpu. What does this mean and what is it all about? Should someone do it if they really don't have much knowledge of that stuff?

Just curious, thanks.

[Faustus]

Overclocking is where you change your setting for your CPU to more then the CPU is suppose to be able to take. This increases the speed of the computer, at the cost of extra heat (which would have to be delt with) as well as sometimes shorting the life of your hardware if done improperly. When done improperly you will get an unstable system. Hope that helps.

[pyrate83]

Yes, that is helpful...thanks.

[freak_in_cage_10k]

just to add to that:

not advisdable for noobs

generally isn;t worth the extra costs encountered (fans etc) unless you are lucky enough to get a highly clockable cpu

most ppl have it as a hobby as opposed to really needing the extra speed! however, when encoding for very long periods of time, an overclock of only 5-->10% makes a difference of about an hour!!

if you want to learn more about overclocking, check out

www.futuremark.com and view the forums

[Ducatti20]

You can also go to www.overclockers.com and read the forums. But as stated by freak, it is not for the new computer user, or even a seasoned vet. You run a risk of damaging or ruining almost every component in your case if overclocking is improperly performed. Only those well versed in hardware or people who have bags of money laying around should attempt it!!