How does overclocking work/best methods

NateTheGreat1015

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Jan 26, 2014
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Hi. This is my first time building a gaming computer, and I am really shelling out the dough for an awesome build. I am getting a i5 4670k and I was wondering what the best ways to overclock it. I am relatively new to overclocking in general, so if you could tell me general information, and the best methods (water vs fan, that would be great. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 

clutchc

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+1^
With an unlocked multiplier, start by increasing it a click at a time. Run something like prime 95 or Intel Burn Test between increases to verify stability. Eventually you will have to increase voltage to make it stable. But you will be surprised at how high it can go on the multi alone.
 

NateTheGreat1015

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Jan 26, 2014
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I have no idea what you just said. You could have been talking in Japanese, for the difference it made. How exactly does overclocking work and what are the best methods? I looked at the forums and they weren't the best.
 

clutchc

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Have you never entered BIOS? Take the time to browse around in there and see what options you have. Don't make any changes, just look around. As long as you exit without saving changes, nothing will have changed. You will have to be familiar with your BIOS to O/C the processor...

Unless you just want to use some O/C software to do it for you. Not a good idea.
 

NateTheGreat1015

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Jan 26, 2014
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I think you might be assuming I have a gaming computer. I have one of those overwhelmingly crappy "family laptops" with no decent features. I am planning to save for a gaming computer so I can ditch this pathetic excuse of a machine. I have no overclocking experience. Could you just explain to me, in first-grader terms, what it is?
 
Overclocking is taking the processor of a computer and forcing it to run at a clock speed higher than it wants to. You usually have to push more voltage through it in order for it to do that - which produces more heat.

Overclocking on a laptop is a very very very bad idea. If it even supports overclocking, it produces more heat, meaning the laptop will likely overheat, and it also uses up a LOT more power - enough that it'll drain your battery significantly faster.