Overclocking or tweaking is a very popular method to boost performance without costly upgrades.
Overclocking, or tweaking, is the process of accelerating clock frequencies set by the manufacturer beyond default speeds for a performance boost. Manufacturers of devices, like the ASUS P5K motherboard, set clock frequencies lower than full potential to ensure stable performance and long life. Overclocking your ASUS P5K motherboard will make the device work much harder and could result in permanent damage. Safe tweaking requires patience and a thorough knowledge of all your computer components. Attempt this procedure only if you feel comfortable and have experience with overclocking.
Instructions
1. Restart your computer and press the "Delete" button on your keyboard during startup to enter the BIOS (basic input/output system) configuration menu. Navigate to the "Ai Tweaker" on the top of the BIOS menu screen using the arrow keys. Press "Enter" to select the "Ai Tweaker" options menu.
2. Navigate to the "FSB Frequency" option and press "Enter" to confirm your selection. Adjust the FSB frequency by a small increment of 10mhz at a time. For example, increase the FSB from 400mhz to 410mhz. Note: while adjusting the FSB, you will notice a maximum FSB and a minimum FSB pop up on the screen. Never exceed the maximum FSB.
3. Navigate to the "CPU Voltage" in "Ai Tweaker" and press "Enter" to confirm your selection. Adjust the CPU voltage by the smallest increment possible. Note: Like the FSB, the maximum and minimum voltage will be displayed on the screen while you are increasing the voltage. Never exceed the maximum.
4. Navigate to the "Exit" menu on the top of the BIOS screen and select the "Save and Exit" option. Your computer will restart.
5. Download and install Prime 95 (see Resources). Turn off any unnecessary programs, like Skype or Instant Messenger, that may be running in the background of your computer. To do this, right click on a black space on your desktop and select "Task Manager" from the drop menu. Click on an unnecessary program to highlight it and click on the "End Task" button to close it.
6. Double click on Prime 95 to run the program. Run the torture test in Prime 95 for at least 30 minutes. If no errors appear and your computer doesn't freeze, restart your computer and enter the BIOS menu. Increase the FSB frequency and CPU voltage by another small increment, as specified in the sections above. Save and exit and run the torture test again. If no errors appear, repeat. Repeat this process until you have tweaked your ASUS P5K motherboard to the optimum performance boost for your computer. If an error does pop up or your computer freezes during the torture test, restart your computer, enter BIOS, and lower the FSB frequency and the CPU voltage.
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