It'll just be unnecessary stress on the CPU while overclocking. You will be making the majority of your changes in your computer's BIOS, which is the configuration menu that can be accessed before your operating system is loaded. Specialized software applications allow us to check long-term stability of our system under a variety of workloads. And boosting your CPU won't make the other components any better. Short Circuit Protection (SCP): This activates when the motherboard detects a short. Give it a LIKE!! Similar to OTP, this will reduce your system clock in an effort to reduce temperatures, and eventually shut down the system if it is not successful. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the software that runs on your motherboard. Alternatively, you can use overclocking software such. Quick tip: If your BIOS shows that you have some sort of "Game Boost" or similar setting activated, you'll probably want to turn it off. How to Overclock a CPU Safely on Your PC & Laptop | Avast Overclocking is an iterative process. Overclocking RAM can result in higher memory speeds and better performance from your PC. All trademarks are property of their respective owners in the US and other countries. To establish whether the system is truly stable, its necessary to run longer and more intensive stress tests. Turn off your computer completely, and then press the power button to turn it back on. Weve provided detailed instructions on two popular overclocking methods. Consider changing it in small steps (e.g +25-50 mV out of 1.1 V range) to see how the hardware reacts. You can also learn how to use Intel Performance Maximizer (Intel PM) overclocking software to automatically complete this process for you if you have the latest Gen Intel Core processor. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. Dustin Bailey Dustin's all about retro games and adventure games, as well as being a Final Fantasy XIV devotee. You're not signed in! For instructions on that, head to our GPU overclocking guide. Sign up here Altering clock frequency or voltage may void any product warranties and reduce stability, security, performance, and life of the processor and other components. Once you have adjusted your CPU timings and any appropriate voltage adjustments, either with Intel XTU or through your BIOS, apply these changes and restart your system. Its important to find the lowest stable voltage in all situations, so only increase your voltage incrementally, by: +0.05V at a time, then apply and test until you find a combination of settings that works. Founded in 2004, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy. In order to increase the CPU frequency during an overclock, we will be raising the multipliers in +1 intervals, systematically adding 100 MHz to our processors frequency at a time, then testing for success and stability. In here you should find automatic options for getting extra grunt from your chipset. To serve various market specifications, it is possible that two identical Z chipset motherboards dont carry the same features. The processor (otherwise known as the CPU, or Central Processing Unit) is basically the brains of your computer, but most modern chipsets have a restriction placed on their performance by the manufacturer.