how does overclocking work?
- Thread starter Angamk
- Start date
Overclocking, done recklessly and/or to the extremes of mfr specified heat and voltage limits will greatly decrease the lifespan of hardware.
Always back up your PC to avoid data loss/OS corruption especially when overclocking memory.
Generally, it boils down to: configure the BIOS, set your frequency, set your voltage, and test. Rinse and repeat until you've found the necessary voltage. When happy with the results, run long duration tests.
I learned a lot from these URLs:
http://www.overclock.net/t/968053/official-the-sandy-stable-club-guides-voltages-temps-bios-templates-inc-spreadsheet/2240#post_14466483
http://www.overclock.net/t/968053/official-the-sandy-stable-club-guides-voltages-temps-bios-templates-inc-spreadsheet
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/265056-29-2600k-2500k-overclocking-guidehttp://www.overclockers.com/3-step-guide-overclock-core-i3-i5-i7/
http://www.overclock.net/t/1100100/info-intel-2500k-2600k-overclocking-tips
EDIT: You can often gain a bit extra performance on stock voltage. So no, raising voltage is not 100% required to overclock, but you will be limited by stock voltage.
Always back up your PC to avoid data loss/OS corruption especially when overclocking memory.
Generally, it boils down to: configure the BIOS, set your frequency, set your voltage, and test. Rinse and repeat until you've found the necessary voltage. When happy with the results, run long duration tests.
I learned a lot from these URLs:
http://www.overclock.net/t/968053/official-the-sandy-stable-club-guides-voltages-temps-bios-templates-inc-spreadsheet/2240#post_14466483
http://www.overclock.net/t/968053/official-the-sandy-stable-club-guides-voltages-temps-bios-templates-inc-spreadsheet
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/265056-29-2600k-2500k-overclocking-guidehttp://www.overclockers.com/3-step-guide-overclock-core-i3-i5-i7/
http://www.overclock.net/t/1100100/info-intel-2500k-2600k-overclocking-tips
EDIT: You can often gain a bit extra performance on stock voltage. So no, raising voltage is not 100% required to overclock, but you will be limited by stock voltage.
The sticky posts at the top of this forum are a good place to start, along with the links in the post above mine.
Think of overclocking as "getting more bang for your buck." If you buy a processor rated at 3GHz, and you can make it run at 4GHz, you've just achieved a 33% performance boost at no additional expense.
I'm thinking you're wondering about something like a power bill with your first question... Overclocking your CPU isn't going to be something you'd notice on your power bill more than if you forget to turn off your bedroom light when you go out for the day. Adding miniscule amounts of power (like 0.10V) to a CPU is enough to get more performance.
Essentially, overclocking is forcing a processor to "work faster" than it would normally. You achieve this through settings that are unique to your motherboard. Once you hit a point where you've increased the frequency (aka speed) of your CPU, and it either won't boot to Windows or crashes while running, that's when you add more power (voltage) to try and get the system stable.
The result of any overclocking is heat. If you think about it, you're making something work faster, and adding more power to achieve that, so it generates more heat that you have to deal with. This is why you see many people with coolers that cost almost as much as their processors.
Think of overclocking as "getting more bang for your buck." If you buy a processor rated at 3GHz, and you can make it run at 4GHz, you've just achieved a 33% performance boost at no additional expense.
I'm thinking you're wondering about something like a power bill with your first question... Overclocking your CPU isn't going to be something you'd notice on your power bill more than if you forget to turn off your bedroom light when you go out for the day. Adding miniscule amounts of power (like 0.10V) to a CPU is enough to get more performance.
Essentially, overclocking is forcing a processor to "work faster" than it would normally. You achieve this through settings that are unique to your motherboard. Once you hit a point where you've increased the frequency (aka speed) of your CPU, and it either won't boot to Windows or crashes while running, that's when you add more power (voltage) to try and get the system stable.
The result of any overclocking is heat. If you think about it, you're making something work faster, and adding more power to achieve that, so it generates more heat that you have to deal with. This is why you see many people with coolers that cost almost as much as their processors.
According to http://support.asus.com/powersupply.aspx your PSU is already barely has enough juice to power your system. I would suggest getting a second opinion; Google Power Supply Wattage Calculator or similar.
Also, I dont know if you are aware, it seems your processor multiplier is locked, which means you are very limited in your overclocking options.
Personally, I wouldn't bother trying to overclock with your setup, as your only possible option is raising the BLCK, which I've read is not good for these chips. So unless you want to buy a new PSU and a CPU that supports OCing, I'd leave well enough alone.
Also, I dont know if you are aware, it seems your processor multiplier is locked, which means you are very limited in your overclocking options.
Personally, I wouldn't bother trying to overclock with your setup, as your only possible option is raising the BLCK, which I've read is not good for these chips. So unless you want to buy a new PSU and a CPU that supports OCing, I'd leave well enough alone.
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Just to clarify before we rule OC out... Do you have a 3550? or do you have a 3550k? The k means the multiplier is unlocked, and you can overclock easily.
Regarding your power supply, a slight overclock isn't enough to warrant a new PSU, but you'd be wise to invest in one (750W or above) in the near future, especially if you plan to throw in a new graphics card at some point.
Just to clarify before we rule OC out... Do you have a 3550? or do you have a 3550k? The k means the multiplier is unlocked, and you can overclock easily.
Regarding your power supply, a slight overclock isn't enough to warrant a new PSU, but you'd be wise to invest in one (750W or above) in the near future, especially if you plan to throw in a new graphics card at some point.
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