Overclocking helps you push the performance limits.
By BlueWater Tech
Overclocking is for enthusiasts
Successfully achieving overclocking on your computer really depends on your enterprise in terms of both, enthusiasm and the extra money you are willing to fork in order to eke out that elevated performance from your computer.
What is overclocking? | Key benefits of overclocking
At the basic level, overclocking refers to elevating the performance of your computer by extracting greater values from the components like the CPU or the motherboard, so that the output you achieve, exceeds the factory default settings and indicative values. Simply put, it enables the CPU to dynamically provide higher speeds than the motherboard settings normally enable.
The needs for overclocking could be different for different types of users. An enthusiast will push more, resorting to this performance-enhancing option compared to a user who is more concerned and satisfied with regular efficiency levels to accomplish their intended tasks like mainstream computing, decent levels of gaming, and creative applications.
Benefits
Overclocking, in nature, though not always, belongs in bespoke computer systems. If you can engineer or are a competent tinkerer, you would do it yourself. Mostly, though, a private PC builder would be a good source to equip your computer system with a decent ‘ overclocking ensemble’. If you are going to do it yourself, it is important to know that the process begins with considering if your CPU and motherboard are up to it. That is, they need to have the means and compatibility to support overclocking.
Having said that, the active players in the market, Intel and AMD offer competent iterations of computer series that come with an innate ability to overclock. Most such offerings do not guarantee or provide cover for damage or burnout that may result from the ‘ possible and sometimes risky proposition of overclocking’
Intel has a line that is marketed as overclockable components. It’s CPUs that fall in this category are named such that the model number is suffixed with ‘K’. Similarly, it’s motherboards that can be used for overclocking have names/ numbers ending in a ‘Z’. AMD, on the other hand, is more liberal and enterprising in this respect. It offers more CPUs and even more motherboards that have scope and provision for overclocking.
The caveat – Cost and inherent risks
The convenience of overclocking is desirable for the elevation it offers to the performance of your computer. It, however, comes with some immanent, understandable risks. It is easy to see that as a processor revs up more to offer higher speeds that bring in efficiency and performance leading to greater productivity, the system temperature naturally rises. This leads to higher heating that leads to a backslide in system performance at some stage.
The temperature is usually kept in check by the cooler in the system. But, usually, an aftermarket cooler is what is required to support overclocking. Ideally, it should be a liquid cooler rather than an air cooler, unless your need for overclocking is less frequent and not much anyway. This means two things. Firstly, regular and high temperatures result in excessive heating which can burn out the system in the long run. And, secondly, there is an additional cost that goes towards incorporating a good, efficient cooling system.
Another risk factor triggered in overclocking is electrical in nature – voltage. Overclocking by it’s very nature involves exceeding the parameters specified for the concerned component. A CPU may counter overall overheating effectively, but it can do little if the excessive voltage creates localised heating. Usually, electronics and chips are known to buckle under frequent high voltage jolts. A CPU responds to higher voltage passes in the form of quicker logic transitions resulting in higher speed. But, if such voltage spikes are uncontrolled and frequent, the CPU could be irreparably damaged. Lesser effects include software errors due to unbearable voltage spikes.
Requirements of overclocking
Successful overclocking has these necessary requirements,
- The CPU needs to be of good quality. Intel with it’s K series of CPUs as well as AMD CPUs can facilitate overclocking nicely. It is also advisable to check THE SKU with the manufacturer or their website.
- Cooling is absolutely essential to the efficient functioning of a CPU. When going for an aftermarket cooler, make sure it is of good quality and a good brand like Corsair. Also, a liquid cooler is anytime Brettellr than an air cooler.
- The motherboard too needs to be of good quality, so that it can send clean signals.
- The faster the RAM frequency, the faster the CPU receives data for processing. Look for RAM with a high frequency and favourable low latency quotient.
Notable mentions
- Some makers offer motherboards that have an inherent overclock feature that allows you to automatically activate the overclock function through controlling software – BIOS.
- Although most CPUs come “unlocked”, particularly so in the case of AMD CPUs, it is advisable to check with the maker’s website and be sure that the CPU you are acquiring is actually unlocked.
- If you are budgeting for a somewhat reasonably priced aftermarket cooler, an air cooler will be more accessible as liquid coolers, having more elaborate systems are pricier than their air counterparts. However, an air cooler will not fetch you nearly the effectiveness and outcomes as a liquid cooler will.
- RAM too can be overclocked to achieve higher frequency and timing. Intel XMP is a useful technology that enables you to overclock memory.
Finally, is overclocking worth it?
Overclocking affords you a 15 to 20 percent increase in additional derived value on account of improved speed and system competence. The extended value, apart from providing you with the edge in your video editing and gaming endeavours, gives you the option of postponing the inevitable upgrade that comes with the passage of time. Finally, coming to the question, ” Is overclocking really worth it”? The answer, really, lies with the user, as, an enthusiast or a professional wanting to push the limits in video editing or designing or a gaming buff might be more than willing to embrace the cons of overclocking if even their present requirements are met. A Conservative, yet prolific user might be content with the systems default skill-set and, hence, might not want to take the possible inherent risks.
