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By overclocking CPU to enhance computer performance, you can perform tasks such as gaming, video editing, etc. smoother without the need for hardware upgrades.
Effective CPU Overclocking
Safely Overclocking CPU
1. Warning
Overclocking any PC component always comes with risks, and overclocking CPU is no exception. During overclocking, we have to increase clock speed and voltage, which can lead to CPU overheating. If this condition persists, the worst-case scenario is CPU damage.
Additionally, overclocking CPU can shorten the lifespan of PC hardware, even with CPUs designed to support overclocking.
For those seeking to enhance frame rates while gaming, overclocking the graphics card is the ideal solution.
2. Installing CPU overclocking software
To properly execute CPU benchmarking or stress testing, the best solution is to download specialized tools and software such as CPU-Z, which will assess CPU performance and display real-time information for users.
2.1. CPU-Z:
This tool enables users to monitor CPU clock speed and voltage. By downloading and installing the tool, you can track CPU activity and its impact.
Download CPU-Z to your machine and install it here.
2.2. Prime95:
Utilize Prime95 to conduct specific-duration CPU stress tests.
Download Prime95 to your machine and install it here.
2.3. HWiNFO
HWiNFO is designed to allow users to monitor hardware components and CPU temperature (an essential feature when overclocking).
Download HWiNFO to your machine and install it here.
To monitor system performance or benchmark scores after overclocking, you can retrieve the initial benchmark score to compare with the results.
3. Safely overclocking CPU
3.1. Increasing base clock speed (Base Clock)
To do this, the first step is to enter the BIOS. Restart the computer, during the restart process, press and hold the Delete key to access the BIOS.
Different computer models have various methods for accessing the BIOS. Readers can access more information here.
- Read more: How to access BIOS for different computer models.
Next, open the Frequency settings page, also known as Frequency Control, Voltage Control, or Overclocking. Here, you can adjust CPU clock speed and voltage.
Find and set a reduction in Bus Speed parameter as errors may occur in the overclocking process due to memory. Increase the Base Clock by 10% and run a stress test application to check how the CPU performs.
Continue increasing the Base Clock until the system becomes unstable. Note that each time, only increase by about 5 - 10MHz until reaching the optimal clock speed for the system.
3.2. Boosting the Multiplier (Multiplier)
First, adjust the Base Clock value downwards to create a more stable and accurate result when increasing the multiplier. Essentially, lower base clock and higher multiplier lead to system stability, while higher base clock and lower multiplier result in better system performance.
Next, increase the multiplier by 0.5. The multiplier, sometimes referred to as the CPU Clock Ratio, depends on the motherboard and is usually set to Auto.
Run benchmark program and check if the system is operating stably. If so, repeat the above steps. A small note is to pay attention to the CPU temperature each time you perform the process.
3.3. Increasing CPU Voltage
Increase the CPU voltage by about 0.025 to mitigate risks of CPU damage due to high voltage. Run the stress test application you have installed on your computer to check if the system is stable or not. Assuming everything is stable, proceed to check the CPU temperature. If the system is unstable, try reducing the base clock or multiplier.
Repeat the above steps until the CPU voltage and temperature reach their maximum level.
