Windows 7: Overclocking

Well put, sir. Well put.

average computer user basicly surfs the net and chat maybe do someohomework once in a while

If you need to ask such a question than don't even think about trying to overclock. It's way beyond your understanding at this point. After a few weeks of reading about how to overclock and with some practice it might be worth while for you but it can be a very frustration process for the less informed.

The gains are worth it to me and are definately very noticable doing day to day tasks, no doubt about that in my mind. Although you would need a fairly substantial "stable" overclock and faster memory to make a noticable and worth while difference. For me going from my Q9650's default 3.0Ghz with slower 800Mhz memory up too 4.05GHz CPU with much faster 1200Mhz memory is a night and day difference, no comparison at all IMO.

v8 tomato juice

Hi Guys!

I'm Scott, and I'm an Overclocker.

< Hi Scott! >


As pointed out, it's the act/art of telling your components that they're faster than they're actually supposed to go. Just that (only being electronics) they can't reason with us that they're not really 3.6 GHz, but in fact are supposed to be 2.4GHz. Instead, we tell them "You Are 3.6 Now. Go Forth and RUN!"

Since PCs are pretty literal about stuff like that, it goes "OK", and then tries to run however fast as we told it to. If the operator gives it parameters which are sustainable, then the processor will do what the operator says with little trouble. If Not.... then

Done Judiciously and Well, you can increase system performance for free and perhaps get a little more/better use out of aging components. Depending on the degree (not to mention the ability of the operator), it's also certainly possible to put a premature end to expensive components.


As pointed out a number of times: I/we strongly encourage to learn first, and screw with it later.

Some really good advice here.

As your 1st learning the in & outs, and which setting does what, why you need and the potential risks involved...

Take it really easy.

Dont go in with a 3.0GHZ CPU with a goal of 4.1Ghz.

try something like 3.0 --> 3.2 or 3.3 (small increments). larger Ocs will come with time as you learn.

make sure you also know your hardware. Specifically, youll want to know voltage and temprature ranges for your CPU. Where the Default Zone is, Whats the max it can handle before entering the danger zone etc.

Same holds true for RAM, Chipset, & GPU.
These for example, are key things you MUST know before doing anything.

Just to throw in something slightly different on the overclocking....

When I 1st bought my new HD5850 card I had my Q8300 running stock at 2.5ghz.

I ran a few benchmarks on Passmark performance test and my gpu was coming in at 2100 points. According to Passmarks website gpu list it should have been more like 2400.

I got a new motherboard so I could overclock my Q8300 and got it to a 100% stable 3.1ghz.

I then re-ran the Passmark test and the gpu came in at 2400 every time.

I know these are only scores , but these will no doubt convert into extra frames per second in games.

Before anyone asks , yes the pci-e frequency is locked at 100 lol.

So what I am saying is , overclocking can be positive in other ways as well , as quite clearly my cpu at stock speeds was bottlenecking the graphics.

The trouble with overclocking is knowing where to stop as its quite addictive! But thankfully my cpu and motherboard are poor and I can go no further

Cheers

Paul.