Overclocking these days is a very popular term, but only a few know what it is? If you too are unfamiliar with the term overclocking and want to know what it is, here you go.

Overclocking is a method of increasing CPU and GPU performance without upgrading them. To do this, the provided voltage of both CPU and GPU needs to be increased. This can be done both manually and automatically. However, if you want to save time using overclocking software available in the market is recommended. And this raises questions like is overclocking safe, what are its advantage and disadvantages and a few other overclocking related doubts. Worry not here in this article we will try to answer all your questions and clear doubts related to overclocking.

What is the need for Overclocking?

CPU and GPU come with default performance settings that are sufficient enough for a normal user. However, if you are a gamer, or want to boost the performance without upgrading the GPU and CPU, overclocking is needed. As it helps increase clock rate of the computer thus ensuring speed boost. But this process has its positives and negatives. Therefore, before you decide to overclock your hardware you need to know about them.

Pros and Cons of Overclocking

Overclocking or editing CPU, GPU settings to increase system speed has its own side effects. Usually, if no care is taken your computer can fail still overclocking has some advantages. What are they, let’s read further to know.

Pros of Overclocking:

The main purpose of overclocking is to increase system performance. By doing overclocking you can increase computer performance by 20% or more. This all depends upon the hardware and the length you are willing to go. Undoubtedly, this is a great advantage but are you ready to take the risk that overclocking involves?

Cons of Overclocking:

• Overclocking increases CPU and GPU temperature, this might lead to system failure.
• It needs extra voltage to increase the performance of the CPU and GPU this produces additional heat.
• The life span of the hardware components is decreased due to extra load and temperature. Higher voltage and temperature damages the circuit over time.
• During overclocking, overclockers need to very careful while increasing the clock speed and voltage. The clock speed and voltage should be adjusted to very small values and a test should run to check the system for any anomalies. The little incorrect arrangement will result in damaging the system, so you need to be very patient/careful while raising the clock speed and voltage.

Note: Be careful with the voltage rating as it will surely damage your hardware, however, increasing the clock speed might lead to system crash.

• Avoid copy, pasting, ratings and values of one system to another, as each system is different. If a system is able to get higher ratings using a particular setting, it doesn’t mean that you can also get the same. Instead of boosting system performance your system can crash.
• You need to purchase additional coolers to control the increased temperatures. Stock coolers will not help when cooling the overclocked system.

How fast can overclock make your system?

The answer to this question depends on how fast you want your system to be. It’s easy to set multipliers, but in doing so you put processors on risk as they can easily burn  – there’s a give and take. A bit of overclocking can give system performance a 10% boost, and this won’t strain your processor, but the effects may be underwhelming.

In addition to this, if several hundred megahertz are added to your system, it reduces the risk for most PCs. But increasing speed by, say 1GHz, is a whole other ballgame that requires extra cooling and possibly new power units: It’s possible but unadvisable for casual upgraders.

Should you do overclocking?

In our opinion, you can do overclocking if you are ready to take the risk and the hardware you have will be able to handle overclocking. But what are the requirements, is a big question. Worry not here we bring for you overclocking requirements.

Requirements for overclocking

Before you start overclocking you need a specific set of hardware that can be overclocked and a little bit of knowledge about overclocking.

Overclocking CPU and GPU is getting simpler and simpler nowadays. There is a set of hardware that can be overclocked, these are generally unlocked devices.

Hardware requirements:

CPU:

Starting with series K, Intel CPU can be overclocked. Unlocked Intel processors are of the series K e.g. i5-8600K.

Intel allows certain chips to be overclocked, whereas with AMD processor the story is different.  Almost all AMD processors are overclocking ready, you do not need to search for a specific processor that supports overclocking.

Motherboard:

As we need a specific CPU for overclocking, a specific Motherboard that supports overclocking is also required. Most motherboards support overclocking, however, you have to choose the one that is compatible with the processor and video card.

Motherboards that have actual overclocking feature should be preferred over normal motherboards that supports overclocking. Motherboards with extra features should be preferred because they have built-in tools that make overclocking easier.

GPU:

Most of the GPU can be overclocked, you just need the card that fulfills your requirement and is compatible with your Motherboard and CPU.

Power solution:

Increased performance is directly proportionate to increase in power consumption. Therefore, we need a sufficient power supply to supply to the GPU.

Cooling solution:

With an increase in the voltage and processing of the CPU and GPU stock cooler will not cool the hardware enough. Therefore, you need to have better cooling hardware to keep your device cool.

If the device is not cooled enough, the system will crash and will not work efficiently.

Steps to overclock CPU and GPU are getting simpler and simpler, however, there are many things that you need to keep in mind like no two devices are the same. You will not get the same results on different devices.

Also, you need to be careful when overclocking the devices, little difference in the numbers and your system will crash and will not start.

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