Can’t afford an expensive CPU and simply want to overclock it for maximum performance? You have come to the right place! Now to answer your question as to what is overclocking on a PC and how does it affect the performance of your CPU?

What is Overclocking?

Overclocking your CPU ensures excellent performance with much higher clock speeds without inflicting much damage on your hardware. It is mostly used by gamers and enthusiasts who buy an average CPU and overclock it since they would much prefer doing that.

This gives CPUs the ability to perform several actions in only a matter of seconds and will ensure quick processing times. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to overclocking your CPU or any other component of your computer.

In this article, we will guide you on how you can safely overclock your CPU, as well as the pros and cons of doing that. So, let’s get into it!

Steps On How You Can Overclock Your CPU

  1. Do Thorough Research

Before you begin the whole procedure of overclocking your CPU, you should do proper research on your end. This should be regarding the advantages and disadvantages of overclocking and learning the entire process of it.

It is also recommended that you take a close look at your CPU and its limitations as well as specifications. This gives you a clear idea over the fact that your CPU can handle overclocking or not.

2. Determine And Monitor Your CPU’s Core Temperature

Before you begin overclocking your CPU, you should first check its temperature. This is because overclocking can cause it to generate a lot more heat than it normally would, which would result in permanent damage to the hardware.

You should monitor and measure the temperature of your CPU, and to do that, there are plenty of software you can use, such as CoreTemp or HWMonitor. Aside from these, you can also check the temperature in BIOS.

3. Test The System Stability By Performing A Stress Test

In case you are thinking of overclocking your CPU, it is recommended that you stress test it for a couple of hours. In this way, you will be aware of whether the current system is stable or not, and if you encounter any problems, you will know why that is happening.

There are a number of useful stress testing software or tools available for you to check for any issues related to the stability of your CPU. Let the software run for a few hours and wait for the results. Also, while this is running, make sure to constantly keep a lookout for the temperatures.

4. Adjust The Clock Speed

If you wish to overclock your CPU, you should adjust the clock speed from the BIOS settings on your computer. It is better if you start increasing the clock speed slowly but gradually and then test for stability after every adjustment that you make.

5. Adjust The Voltage Of Your CPU

Once you start increasing your CPU’s clock speed, it can cause it to require much more voltage than before. What you can do is adjust your CPU’s voltage accordingly in order to make sure the stability of your system and avoid any damage to it or the hardware.

Pros Of Overclocking A CPU

Now that you know what is overclocking and the steps associated with overclocking a CPU, let’s dive into its pros. We have compiled a list of all the advantages of overclocking your CPU below:

  1. Enhanced Performance

The only reason most people overclock their CPU is to increase its performance. Increasing its performance will allow you to perform several actions in a couple of seconds, will reduce the loading and processing times, and will increase your computer’s clock speed.

2. Easy On The Wallet

It is tough for many people to afford an expensive new CPU that provides enhanced performance. This is why overclocking your CPU is a much better and cost-effective method in order to get excellent performance from your computer and helps you save money.

3. Personalization

Simply overclocking your CPU gives you the ability to customize its performance to better suit your tastes and specific needs. What you can do is adjust your CPU’s voltage as well as its clock speed to enhance its performance the way you want.

4. Competitive Edge

When it comes to gaming and other performance-focused applications, overclocking provides players with a certain competitive edge. You can get much better frame rates and greater scores simply by increasing the clock speed of your CPU.

Cons Of Overclocking A CPU

  1. Heat Generation

When it comes to overclocking a CPU, a huge disadvantage is the generation of heat. The CPU starts to over-function and can’t keep up with the temperature already set for it. This results in damage to the hardware and crashes your PC, also damaging other components of your computer.

2. Electrical Damage

It goes without saying that overclocking greatly increases your computer’s power consumption. This results in much higher electricity bills and can also cause a number of electrical issues, such as damage to the computer’s components. These usually end up failing because of voltage spikes or some other electrical problem.

3. Decreases Your CPU’s Lifespan

Increasing the clock speed of your computer is a surefire way to enhance its performance. However, there is a catch! Running your CPU in such a way can greatly reduce its lifespan. So, instead of changing one after a long time, you might have to replace it sooner than you might have expected.

4. Voided Warranty

Another great disadvantage related to overclocking your CPU is that it can void its warranty. This means that in a situation where your CPU or other components stop working, you won’t be able to get them fixed or replaced under warranty.

Conclusion

There you have it; what is overclocking and both its pros as well as its cons. Even though overclocking can provide you with maximum performance, there is still the risk of electrical damage, thermal damage, voided warranty, and much more!

So, make sure to do thorough research before you go overclocking your CPU or any other components of your computer. Also, don't forget to do a stress test and also adjust the clock speed and the voltage of your CPU.