@ OVERC LOC KING TUTORIAL / OVERC LOC KIN

Introduction

Things you should know

What are the benefits?
What are the risks?
What is clock speed for of processor?
How CPU manufacturers determine the clock speed of a processor?
How to set the clock speed of a processor?
What is Overclocking?
How is Overclocking done?
Step 1: Getting Started
Step 2: BIOS
Step 3: Begin Overclocking
Recommended Settings
Bus and Processor speed
Remember for reference
More on Overclocking?
Does it reach BIOS setup?
Does it reach a full working operating system?
How to improve changes for a successful Overclock
Additional Cooling
Processor Life and Market
Final Thoughts
Some important factors for successful overclocking
Monitoring Software
Optimized keywords in searching for more information
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This is a detailed introduction to the overclocking concept. We suggest you fill out the
form at the end of this page if you would like us to add more to this text.
Introduction

When fast is not enough gamers and hobbyists find and devise new and intriguing
ways of taking their hardware to the max. Even with these fastest chips available,
most users still demand more and say that the speed from even the fastest chips
arent fast enough, or they just blatantly just want more. This is where overclocking
comes into the equation; by which users make their processor run faster than the
default recommended speed setting. Overclocking has become common with all of
the newest hardware devices having the ability to reach overclocked speeds of over
50%.
Q. If a processor can achieve higher speeds why dont manufactures increase them?
A. To regulate the market, making one processor that can range from 1.6 to 2.4 and
just regulate speed is easier than making a different one for each speed.
Things you should know

The following you should know before and to successfully overclock a your AMD or
Pentium: an overclockable processor, an overclocking friendly motherboard, and a
plan for a great thermal solutions including heat sink and extra system cooling fans.
Check your system for extra fan locations, later in this text will be detailed info on
how to configure them.

 If you plan to overclock you system then be sure to select your

hardware wisely. There are always overclocking opportunities. Intel
and AMD produce processors that are overclockable.
Some motherboards are more overclocking-friendly than the
others, I suggest Asus or Epox. Select a motherboard that has good
reviews, dont experiment or settle for one thats not reputable
because the motherboard is the heart of you overclocking project.
Do you homework!
Once youve become an experienced overclocker, you know to keep
the processor and the entire system cool to ensure stability, select a
case that can handle many fans for optimal airflow. Your number one
enemy for overclocking is heat.
o Add additional system coolers in the front and
back of the case to generate an air flow pattern
coming in from the front and exiting at the back.
o Make sure the cooling fans for the power supply
sucks hot air out of your system box.
o Use thermal compound (do not substitute)
between a good and strong heat sink and the
processor to ensure great thermal contact and thus
optimal heat dissipation.
What are the benefits?

The increased performance with minimum cost

Satisfaction from achieving it, then later tweaking it.
What are the risks?

Overclocking may void your system warranty.

Overclocking may reduce the life-time of your system.
Overclocking may cause system less stable. If you find your
system unstable at higher speeds, proper testing is the key to a
successful overclock.
What is clock speed for of processor?

The clock speed of a processor is the main factor that determines the computing
power of a computer, measured in MHz or GHz. To better understand the concept,
imagine your car drives at fixed speed of 1 to 60 mph, although the optimal speed is
50, nothing prevents it from going faster or slower. You want to run at higher speeds
only at favorable conditions.
How CPU manufacturers determine the clock speed of a processor?

The manufacturer decides on what speed to stamp on the processor based on the
following factors:

 Core, design, and capabilities of the processor itself.

The thermal stability and characteristics of the processor.
The most advantageous market conditions.
From the above it is clear that given the right conditions, a processor can be either
underclocked or overclocked. An 900MHz processor can be overclocked to run at 800
or 500MHz as long as the motherboard allows, or overclocking to 1200MHz.
How to set the clock speed of a processor?

The actual clock speed of a processor is set by the motherboard. There are two ways
to do this.
Hardware jumpers. You can change the jumpers to get different combinations of basic
BUS speeds and multipliers. This method is used for most brands of motherboards. It
is however inconvenient since you need to actually open the case to access the
motherboard and to know what your doing. So if your looking for a motherboard that
overclocks easily, look for jumper free overclockable motherboards.
With software "jumpers" or jumper free motherboards, you change the clock speeds
(and the core voltage) of a processor using software embedded in the motherboard
BIOS. Most overclockers like this option.
What is Overclocking?

This is the process of running the device faster than it is specified to do. Overclocking
is an old process that just recently has gone mainstream. Overclocks can range in the
30-50% range with some creative cooling, if not air cooled then liquid (Water or
Nitrogen). Overclocking achieved by increasing the frequency at which the processor
is multiplied or bus speed.
With a successful overclock, the system will run stable and exactly the same as it did
at the default factory set frequency, just faster. This often requires more cooling than
stock and increasing voltage on processors improving the speed of devices, internal
and external, and performance improves in accordance to how much the device is
overclocked. If not properly overclocked, usually from overclocking too much,
performance can actually degrade, as the processor or is over stressed beyond
optimal frequency settings.
Overclocking generally refers to running your CPU, and these days your video card
too, at higher internal CPU clock and bus speeds than the manufacturer's specs for
achieving better system performance at little or no cost. In the past, overclocking
was simply changing your motherboard's settings for the next higher CPU Multiplier.
It's not as simple anymore, since both Intel and AMD have locked the multipliers in
their CPU's. As a result, in today's world the bus speed is usually the only easy way to
overclock and achieve CPU speeds that don't officially exist. Bus speed, as opposed to
CPU overclocking changes your whole motherboard's BUS, affecting PCI, AGP (with all
the components attached to them) as well as Memory speed, so in effect you are
overclocking everything! Because of the fact you are overclocking your whole system
and every component connected to it, one of the necessary requirements is to have
good quality components. You have a better chance of reaching higher speeds and
still running a stable system with good quality brand name components instead of
cheap hardware. Some brands/models of hardware overclock better then others,
some don't overclock very well at all, so it's a good idea to already have a rock stable
system with good quality hardware before you attempt overclocking, since
overclocking essentially pushes your system beyond the manufacturer's specs, adding
heat to the equation.
How is Overclocking accomplished?

Overclocking is accomplished by adjusting the frequency of either the CPU multiplier

or FSB (front side bus) speed in the Bios of the motherboard. All common day
processors have a multiplier locked, meaning that the rate at which the speed is

multiplied by the front side bus is not adjustable. Therefore to overclock these
processors one must adjust the bus speed.
FSB speeds are an important aspect of Overclocking because it influences the speed
at which all devices connected to the motherboard operate. There are usually three
default front side bus settings, 66MHz, 100MHz, and 133MHz. The slowest of the
three, 66MHz, and 133MHz the highest, was used by Pentium II processors slower
than 350MHz and all previous processors starting with the original Pentium line.
Todays Celerons run at this 100MHz FSB, which is one reason why the Celeron lags
so much behind its older Pentium III brother. 133MHz FSB is which PIII processors
run today, P4 processors depending on the level you have, can range from 400MHz to
even 533MHz and up operate at this frequency.
Pentium IV processors can be overclocked with 103MHz and 112MHz front side bus
speeds easily. Of course, anyone can overclock this easily, but most often than not,
something else will be required to get an overclock to be successful. More often than
not, voltage adjustment will be required. Increasing the amount of power that the
processor receives will give it the little extra power to get the processor to be
successfully overclocked. Remember that when overclocking, always move up in the
smallest increments allowable. Doing otherwise could be harmful for the system
Step 1: On a blank sheet of paper draw various vertical lines spacing them
approximately 1 inch apart, and about 4 horizontal lines spaced 2 inches apart. This
is the grid youll be using to test for optimal configuration. Label the chart from left to
right, FSB or Front Side Bus, Crashed, Voltage, leaving the far right box for whatever
you wish.
For some reason higher cache, such as a 1.8a 512K 400MHz FBS Pentium 4s are
more successfully overclocked than a 1.8 256K 400MHz FSB Pentium 4s. So if you
have not yet purchased your processor, the a higher 512K 400MHz FSB processor
should be on your list. If youre building a system from scratch, use EPOX or ASUS
brands, all their boards are very versatile in respect to overclocking.
Step 2: Starting up your system holding down the DEL delete key will bring the
system into the BIOS. Once in the BIOS browse around using the left/right arrows to
change categories, and up/down arrows to browse the current selection take a few
minutes doing this, familiarize yourself.
At the frequency screen set the frequency adjustment to manual, this unlocking the
FBS multiplier usually on the far top of the screen. The frequency adjustment also
usually has the clock speed reading as hundreds or thousands. Example, 1.8, would
read 1800, and 2.0 would read 2000. Some manufacturers have preset settings to
automatically overclock the system, ASUS is one. I would recommend this but know
how to reset the CMOS of the motherboard first, usually by a jumper or holding
contacts together to reset it. If you purchased the motherboard new, then it should
come with a semantic, or locate the model and type it into any search engine in a
hunt for more info.
Step 3: Using you handy chart write on the next available block the number of the
next frequency level. So if the first frequency level is 133, if you using a Pentium 4 it
is, then the next frequency level would be 134, then 135, and so on. For every
upgrade to the frequency setting restart the computer noting if the startup was
successful. If yes, then follow the same instruction to raise the level again. If not then
raise the voltage of the processor in the smallest increments available. Restart again
and note if it was successful or not. Ideally you should not raise the voltage of the
processor more than .2, if you do then you MUST invest in better cooling such as
liquid filled heat sinks. Once you have raised the frequency till it crashes and voltage
no more than .2 then retain the previous successful frequency, and raise the voltage
another .05 to add stability. Restart and run an application such as Si-Sandra to
monitor the temperature of the processor, running the application for several hours at
full stress. If the temperature rises more than 20% then enter the BIOS and drop the

voltage and frequency. Repeat the process until your processor temperature is within
the 20% threshold.
Recommended Settings

There are no unique best settings for every system; however I'll try to give you a
basic guideline for a successful overclocking. If your Motherboard doesn't support the
higher bus speeds than 133, you can still try the rest, get a calculator and figure out
the possible combinations yourself remember its Multiplier x FSB = Internal CPU
speed.
Bus and Processor speed

The internal clock speed refers to the actual speed that the CPU is operating at. When
you go to the store or look up system specs you will see, for example, Pentium 4
2.4Ghz. The 2.4Ghz part refers to the internal operating frequency of the CPU in
question. To make this easy just know that is the speed of the processor, 2.4 Giga
-Hertz in this case. The higher internal clock of the processor is the faster it processes
information and the more you can do with your computer.
The bus speed refers to the actual motherboard and its components. They too run in
Giga-Hertz (Mhz) and run together at different dividers, or fractions of the CPU
speed. Your motherboard has traces on it, if you look down at a motherboard and you
see all those long lines running all through it to different components that are the bus
of the motherboard, data paths to all the components. The Front Side Bus (FSB) by
definition is the bus that connects the processor (CPU) and the main Memory (RAM).
The PCI bus is the bus that connects all the PCI devices (connected to the PCI
expansion slots), as well as the Controller for your Hard Drive and CD-ROM. These
are the main buses you have to worry about when overclocking. How this all fits
together: It takes the FSB speed (which is also the RAM speed don't forget)
multiplied by the CPU Multiplier to create the Internal Clock speed. For example a FSB
speed of 100 MHz times a multiplier of 24 will equal 2400Mhz or 2.4 GHz. In order to
get other bus speeds and try to get different Internal CPU speeds, your motherboard
needs to have more FSB option settings. Keep in mind when you do overclock the
FSB you are overclocking your memory (RAM) so if you have some modules of some
slow cheap pieces of memory they may not like to be overclocked at all. If you buy
good brand name memory like Kingston, Micron, you will have a much better chance
at overclocking your FSB.
Again, when increasing your FSB speed, you'll also have to consider all the other
devices in your system. Just because the CPU runs stable at the higher speed settings
doesn't mean you have overclocked successfully. Any of the other devices can stop
functioning or start causing problems. You might need to edit your CMOS and lower
some of the settings for the RAM and/or Hard Drives to get your system functioning
without problems.
It is a fact that by overclocking you increase the chances of system faults, crashes
and overall instability, so if avoiding a crash is crucial, consider buying faster
Processor or components, rather than overclocking.
Remember for reference:

PCI Bus = 33Mhz

AGP Bus = 66Mhz
FSB x Multiplier = CPU Internal Clock Speed
FSB x Divider = PCI or AGP Bus Speed
More on overclocking?

Some processors are tricky, because versions were released with both 66 and 100
MHz versions. This shouldn't be a problem though, because most resellers/stores will
let you know what the bus speed the CPU is.
Dangers

In order to overclock your system successfully, you need the understand the most
important issue involved Cooling.

Proper Cooling is the MOST important factor in successful overclocking, running a

stable system and keeping your CPU in good shape. If your overclocked CPU operates
at a higher than specs temperature, it will shorten its life. Other side effects of
overheating can be random crashes and unstable system. Generally, today's
processors are designed to work between 85 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit and
anything outside the temperature range would result in more unstable system and
possible damaging of the CPU. Keep this in mind, cooler is better, try to cool your CPU
as much as you can, put a big fat heatsink on it with a big fan to help. Just remember
the better cooling solution you choose, the better chances for successful overclocking
you have.
Things to remember:

Note: Don't put the panel back onto your PC until your done testing the stability of
your system.
Turn off and unplug the computer, take off the case, get your motherboard manual.
Check the current clock speed and multiplier jumper settings on your motherboard,
compare them with your manual, and write them down in the motherboard manual.
Most manuals have an area for notes so use it. Check the supply voltage jumper
settings on your motherboard, compare them with manual and your CPU marking,
and write it down. Change the jumper settings for clock speed and/or multiplier
according to your manual for the next CPU speed up from the settings currently used.
Double check to make sure everything is ok, and that no jumpers have been
forgotten about or bumped off.
Start computer.
Does it reach BIOS setup?

If yes, test the system further and work your PC hard as possible.
No, Turn off computer and change jumper to higher supply voltage according to
manual, if possible.
If you still shouldn't reach BIOS setup, forget about overclocking to this speed.
Does it reach full working operation system?

If yes, start your test run by running it for at least a hour. A PC reaches its maximum
temp within about 30 min. It's better to occur crashes or lock ups now, than coming
across them when it counts!
If no, try another setting or check your cooling, you also can try some more
conservative memory timings in the BIOS setup. This means increasing the wait
states or the read/write cycles; but don't forget to check later if you gained speed by
trying some benchmarks, cause there's no point in overclocking if your memory
access is getting slower.
If everything works well - congrats, if not, try another setting, check cooling.
Don't change supply voltage unless you have to. It only makes the chip hotter.
Don't ever forget: cooling is most important key to Overclocking!
HOW TO IMPROVE CHANCES FOR A SUCCESSFUL OVERCLOCK
Additional Cooling

The number one problem with most Overclocks is that the processor is generating too
much heat and that is what is causing the processor to be unstable. It is VERY
important that you monitor temperature levels, mainly the processor. That is why
extra cooling with larger heatsinks, more fans, and better airflow is always
imperative. Since increasing the voltage of processors greatly increases chances in
overclocking, and increasing voltage creates more heat, therefore cooling the
processor creates higher chances for overclocking. The best way to start is by getting
a larger heatsink for the processor. Adding more fans inside the case will help keep
everything cool and will greatly improve chances of overclocking.
Processor Life and Market

As newer products come out, more heat will be generated because of the higher
speed that these products achieve. And to counteract the heat, manufacturers shift

manufacturing processes to a smaller micron size. The smaller sizes of dies create
much less heat, in conversely, faster and more advanced designs. As processors get
older, so do their ability to be Overclocked and withstand higher clock speeds. After
several processor revisions, processors tend to get more stable, produce less heat,
and have higher clockspeeds. Customarily once a newer processor is released that
processor takes the highest price than its predecessor. When the newest processor is
released, the new stepping is given to the slower processors; therefore the processor
will have a better theoretical speed it can reach.
Final Thoughts
Some important factors for successful overclocking

CPU Cooling - Your CPU Heatsink/Fan might do the trick, but it's very likely you'll
need a top quality combo. Another, often overlooked fact is that a simple Thermal
Compound (from Radio Shack) applied between the heatsink and the CPU can provide
for much better heat transfer and cooler Processor.
Case Cooling - The temperature inside the case will also increase, as a result of
overclocking, heating all of the devices and possibly increasing the chance of a crash.
For ATX cases, I'd recommend an additional intake fan and exhaust fan. The size of
the case as well as the placement of the cables inside will also affect its cooling, get
rounded cables if you can for best air flow in the case and use air filters in front of the
intake fans and vents, keep your case cover on for correct airflow and to reduce dust
buildup (dust is an important enemy, it acts as an insulator keeping your hardware
even warmer). For proper airflow, a simple rule might help reduce heat in your case
even further, just install one more exhaust fan than your intake fans - it's more
important to remove warm air from the case, than to blow cold air in.
Quality Components - RAM, Hard Disks, Video Cards all can stop functioning at higher
bus speeds, quality components are of course less susceptible to failure under stress.
Also, well built, brand name motherboards can definitely make the difference between
success and failure. Asus and Epox are two well known very overclockable, easy and
friendly motherboards.
Monitoring Software

There are certain software packages out there that help you monitor CPU &
motherboard temperature, as well as fan speed. These software utilities can either
show readings on demand, or they can be left running in your system tray, displaying
temperatures and warnings... These utilities rely on new motherboards with
Temperature sensors built into the motherboard. Most high-end motherboards
manufactured in the last few years have this capability, some even have the
temperature and fan speed readings in the BIOS as well.
Motherboard Monitor -Motherboard Monitor (MBM) is a tool that will display
information from the sensor chip on your motherboard in your Windows system tray.
MBM supports a wide range of Chipsets & Sensor Chip combinations.
WCPUID - WCPUID is a program that displays detailed information about the CPU in
your system.
This overview guide is just that, an overview guide to introduce you to the concept of
overclocking. Nowadays overclocking is almost a science, there is so much to it, I
could get very detailed on all these topics I've brought up, and there are even some
others I haven't mentioned. Good Luck!
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