| If you're not a computer gaming enthusiast or | | | | and at your own risk if you attempt to overclock |
| have a nickname that rhymes with Greek... | | | | your laptop or computer. There are serious risks |
| overclocking may be a term that's foreign to you. | | | | involved. |
| Overclocking is usually associated with gaming | | | | Nor is overclocking a simple procedure, it can be |
| computers and it's a way of increasing your | | | | very complicated and does require some |
| computer's performance without having to pay | | | | knowledge of how computer systems work and |
| the higher price tag. | | | | operate. What really complicates the whole |
| Overclocking basically refers to changing the | | | | process is the variations of the "electrical and |
| frequency of an electronic component; the name | | | | physical characteristics" of different computer |
| comes from the "clock" which acts as a timer | | | | systems, plus many factors are involved such as |
| which sends out an electronic wave that | | | | CPU multipliers, thermal loads, cooling methods, |
| determines the speed at which the component | | | | bus dividers, voltages and so on. |
| processes information. In regards to computers | | | | Keep in mind, with overclocking you're talking |
| or laptops, this usually means the CPU and the | | | | about changing the frequency of the FSB (Front |
| FSB. | | | | Side Bus) which literally dictates how fast all your |
| Now if all that is also sounding a bit foreign to you, | | | | computer components will run. By changing the |
| just remember overclocking simply means | | | | FSB speed you can change the speed of your |
| changing the default speed in a CPU to a more | | | | CPU and RAM. End result: faster laptop or |
| faster level to achieve better performances from | | | | computer. |
| your computer. Gamers use it to rev up their | | | | However, as mentioned before there are major |
| gaming machines to get the ultimate performance | | | | risks involved; change the frequency of the FSB |
| level possible. Like you would! | | | | too high and you can end up with hard drive |
| The theory goes something like this: in order for | | | | failure. There is also the more serious issue of |
| major CPU makers like Intel to turn out new | | | | overheating your laptop or computer which could |
| CPUs every few months or so, they simply | | | | result in permanent damage. In other words, you |
| design a single processor and then release it with | | | | could "fry" your machine. |
| different configurations, usually at the most stable | | | | That's why most experts suggest you not |
| frequencies so your computer will run smoothly. | | | | change the FSB speed by more than 20-30 MHz. |
| Changing the clock frequencies is one way they | | | | Also remember, not all CPUs (due to |
| can have a new processor very quickly. Since the | | | | manufacturing processes) can be overclocked. |
| major market share is for mid to low range CPUs | | | | And also as a general rule of thumb, it is usually |
| that's where most of them are configured/sold at | | | | not wise to overclock a laptop that's already "hot |
| this level. However, many of these CPUs can | | | | to the touch". |
| operate at a much greater frequency with higher | | | | Likewise, some CPUs are much more suited for |
| performances just a few adjustments away. | | | | overclocking because they run at cooler levels and |
| Gamers and computer enthusiasts have figured | | | | use little power -these include the Pentium M and |
| this out and by changing this frequency they can | | | | AMD Turion lines. If you want to learn more |
| get a high-end CPU without having to pay the | | | | about overclocking and exactly how it's done, you |
| higher price. Overclocking is simply a way of | | | | can check out this excellent detailed article on |
| getting more bang from your computer spending | | | | overclocking from LaptopLogic: |
| bucks. | | | | This article will explain the steps you need to take |
| WARNING & DISCLAIMER | | | | to "overclock" your computer system or laptop. |
| However, there's a major WARNING that should | | | | Again, even this information comes with a solid |
| come with any discussion of Overclocking -- along | | | | warning about the dangers of overclocking your |
| with a major DISCLAIMER. If you don't know | | | | computer system. Proceed with the right care |
| exactly what you're doing, you can seriously | | | | and you can improve your gaming laptop's |
| damage your computer. That's why overclocking | | | | performance. Proceed the wrong way or become |
| will usually VOID your warranty with your | | | | too power hunger and having a "fry-up" will take |
| computer maker or seller. Proceed with caution | | | | on a whole new meaning! |