Feed your need for speed by overclocking your CPU.
Overclocking relates to increasing the factory-mandated clock speed of a processor above the manufacturer's settings. You can apply this process to random access memory, graphics cards and central processing units, or CPUs. In the case of CPUs, the major factor that you must account for and control is the additional heat generated by the increase in voltage that's needed in order to raise the clock speed.
Instructions
1. Find and make note of all the CPU specifications by searching the manufacturer's website -- either Intel or AMD -- using the CPU's model number. Here you will also find information on the front-side bus (FSB) frequency, input voltages, maximum temperature recommendations and all factors pertaining to CPU performance.
2. Optimize the heat sink efficiency using a process called lapping. This multistep procedure makes the heat sink contact surface that sits on top of the CPU as flat and smooth as possible. The easiest way is to purchase a lapping kit that includes three or four grades of sand paper, a mirror, a grid pattern and instructions. This process requires about three hours of your time.
3. Open the basic input-output system, or BIOS, of the computer by using the access keys. These keys vary by manufacturer, but are generally "F1," "F12," "F10" and/or the "Esc" key. If you know the motherboard vendor, you can usually find this information on its website.
4. Check the BIOS options available to you. Generally, major manufacturers limit the user-activated control options. If so, you may have other solutions available -- see Step 5. Otherwise, note the options in the BIOS settings to increase clock speed, voltage, FSB frequencies and other data listed on the BIOS control page.
5. Download and install an overclocking program such as CPU-Z, SetFSB or similar (see Resources). These programs allow you to control several aspects of CPU overclocking if your motherboard is among those listed in the software control grid. If your motherboard is not listed and the manufacturer has restricted access to CPU control functions, check the overclocking forums to see if your motherboard model number has an alternate model number that is listed.
6. Review the cooling systems within your computer case before attempting to overclock your CPU. Because heat is the enemy here, if there are slots for additional fans, install them. You can power these by the same output as your original fan by attaching the black and red wires of the additional fans to the existing power supply output. Use your CPU's model number to search online for a heat sink cooling fan for the top of your CPU (see Resources). These fans can often drop the ambient CPU temperature by as much as 10 percent.
7. Begin overclocking by doubling the FSB frequency multiple. Refer to your notes from Step 4 if your BIOS provided specific amounts of voltage increases. Otherwise, raise the CPU voltage in 10 percent increments. After each bump in CPU speed, check CPU temperature -- anything above 125 degrees F can cause instability -- watch for temperature spikes and reboot at a 20 percent clock speed increase. Check for stability by opening several programs, a favorite game or running Prime95, a freeware stability checker.
Tags: clock speed, model number, heat sink, your motherboard, additional fans, output your