How to Overclock Computer

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Overclocking is a method some computer enthusiasts or technicians use on processors to allow it to operate above the manufacturer standards. A computer has an internal clock speed used to synchronize the operations and calculations within a computer. A clock speed is usually measured by hertz (Hz) and in computers, the measurement used are megahertz (MHz) or it may also be in gigahertz (GHz). A hertz is equivalent to one tick per second and one million ticks per second is equivalent to MHz and one billion ticks per second is equivalent to GHz. Note that how fast a computer operates does not rely solely on its clock speed.

Materials Needed:
- Computers
- Computer Power supplies
- Needle-nose Pliers
- Heat-sink compound
- Back-up drive
- Computer fans
- Processor
- Set of screwdrivers
Step 1
Prepare all the requirements and materials needed to be used for overclocking the system.
Step 2
Make sure that the computer can be overclocked and that BIOS setup can adjust the motherboard with jumpers or none at all. Note that overclocking laptops is not possible and some OEM processors might be difficult to overclock. Some motherboards may not be possible to readjust and to overclock.
Step 3
Discover the clock-speed limitations of the motherboard.
Step 4
Run Windows and any diagnostic applications in the computer and fix all system troubles.
Step 5
Create a complete backup of the computer system, the documents, and the applications that cannot be reinstalled with a CD-ROM; otherwise, you will lose them and it will not be possible to recover them.
Step 6
On a motherboard with adjustable BIOS, adjust changes as per the manual, and skip to Step 12.
Step 7
Turn off the computer but leave it plugged in to surge suppressor.
Step 8
Disconnect all peripherals and devices from the computer and remove the cover of the computer casing.
Step 9
Wear anti-static wrist band or remove static electricity by touching the metal part of the computer casing.
Step 10
Locate the jumpers of a motherboard with adjustable jumpers. These jumpers control the CPU speed. With the use of the pliers, change the jumper’s settings by changing the positions of the jumpers as indicated in the manual for the desired clock speed. Check the Internet for recommendations and tips.
Step 11
Install the cooling fan, CPU heat sink, and heat-sink compound to avoid overheating when a processor is overclocked, whenever it is possible.
Step 12
Assemble system back together and restart .If computer does restart, and CPU is still working, lower down the clock speed. If it does not work, restore to its original setup. Check all functions and run a CPU-intensive program.