ive heard alot about it, but never actually seen it, and i was too afraid to ask, so what is overclocking

Overclocking is changing your system settings so that it runs faster, or slower (dont know why anybody would do that) than the default speed of your computer's components. The most common form of overclocking is CPU overclocking, there are other forms like FSB overclocking, which could also be considered CPU overclocking if you have multiplier locked CPU or just dont want to change your multipliers, graphics card overclocking, etc.

well sounds like a lot of fun

how exactly is this achieved

quote:Originally posted by WAZZAP:
well sounds like a lot of fun

how exactly is this achieved

Well, it matters what you would like to OC, Video cards are through software, cpu's are through multipliers and fsb

quote:Originally posted by WAZZAP:
well sounds like a lot of fun

how exactly is this achieved

Say your CPU runs at 1000 MHz. It might have a front side bus of 133 MHz, which would make the multiplier 7.5.

That means, clock frequency is determined by FSB X Multiplier. So, increase your FSB to 150 MHz and you have an overclock, your 1000 MHz processor will now be running at 1125 MHz.

It's an art form man, them old beatnicks got nothin' on us!

quote:Originally posted by Un4given:
It's an art form man, them old beatnicks got nothin' on us!

Suppose you could also say that it's a total disrespect for rated speed.

BTW, aren't you supposed to be on holiday?

quote:Originally posted by Mandorallen of Molynnr:
Suppose you could also say that it's a total disrespect for rated speed.

BTW, aren't you supposed to be on holiday?

I am on vacation. In fact, I just got back from playing golf with my dad. Bet, well, I just can't leave the kids alone for minute without them getting into trouble. Just checking in.

say im running a 400mhz FSB, could i OC it further, also, how do you OC video and whatever else you can

quote:Originally posted by WAZZAP:
say im running a 400mhz FSB, could i OC it further, also, how do you OC video and whatever else you can

Lets see, 400mhz FSB which would mean Pentium 4, technically you do NOT have a 400mhz FSB, but a 100mhz fsb quad pumped (much like AMD, who has 200 and 266 fsb's, thats really just 100 and 133). In your bios, all you would need to do is raise the fsb up one notch, depending on the board between 1mhz or 5mhz increments. So, taking your 100 fsb up to 110 on say a Pentium 4 1.5, would give you a processor speed of 1.65 Ghz (110 fsb x 15 multiplyer) Also, since the P4 quads its fsb, that would technially run at a CPU FSB of 440mhz. There are risks involved, and having a decent power supply is also a must for "real" overclocking, as well as a good heatsink/fan. For overlocking your video card you need to be specific about what brand you have, if you own an Nvidia based card, I recommend the "Coolbits" registry entry to enable overclocking in your display properties, Powerstrip is also a good external program. For ATI, depending on the card say a Radeon, there's only one really good utility Radeon Tweaker. That would also enable video overclocking. Just dont go too high because if you do fizzle your chip, and you have to send your computer back if you bought it from a store, they'll know you Overclocked it, which voids your warrentee and your up a creek without a paddle.

The only limitations for overclocking are the quality of your parts. Remember, when FSB overclocking, the weakest link in your system will determine how far you can push it. Most commonly, this is ram, and then the cpu. Also, if pci devices are way outta spec, then that might cause your system to crash.

multiplier overclocking only affects your cpu. The most important thing to consider while overclocking is heat. Heat is the greatest enemy of all. The case needs good ventilation because of the excess heat that will be produced due to running at a higher speed/voltage. The cpu also has to have a good heatsink/fan combo on it to allow for the maximum overclock.

All cpu, fsb and ram overclocking is done through the bios via the provided menus. It's pretty self explanatory. basically fsb*multiplier=speed. there is also a program called soft-fsb that works with some mobos to increase the fsb via software in windows.

Here's a good way to start overclocking:

1.) depending on how fast your cpu is, the amount that you'd want to lower your multiplier by varies, but a good rule of thum is that you put it down by 1/4. this would mean going from a mult of 8 to 6.

2.) start pushing your fsb by 5mhz increments. Once you get to a point where the system is no longer stable, take it back by 5Mhz. You may want to increase the speed by 1mhz after this to find your absolute maximum fsb speed. ram plays a crucial role in this, make sure it's good brand name stuff.

3.) increase your multiplier in the smallest possible steps until your system becomes unstable. then add voltage by .05V and try again. Keep adding voltage if the comp doesn't start. If it won't start no matter how much voltage you put in or if you run outta ballz, then that's your max oc. Keep an eye on the temps.

4.) play around with the multiplier and fsb to get the highest speed possible.

Note: FSB is much more important than cpu speed. FSB overclocks the whole system, hence giving much more speed than just the cpu alone will give you.

By the way, if you have an intel chip, you cannot change the multiplier. All you can do is increase the fsb and voltage. AMD comes multiplier unlocked.

Overclocking = Making your computer blow up and then getting on the 6 o'clock news. Anything else is just kid's play.

quote:Originally posted by tu2thepoo:
Overclocking = Making your computer blow up and then getting on the 6 o'clock news. Anything else is just kid's play.

i feel really stupid for asking this, but how exactly do you edit your bios, and how do you know how far to go b4 your system "becomes unstable"