CPU Overclocking, What Is CPU Overclocking

CPU Overclocking, What Is CPU Overclocking

Yes, you are right. Overclocking is a selling point for many motherboard manufacturers. It is also, in fact, a selling point for CPU manufacturers. As you already know, the performance of a CPU is defined by the number of cycles it can perform every second otherwise called frequency or clock speed.

Now that you know what clock speed means, the term overclocking is kind of self-explanatory. When you make your CPU perform at faster speeds than those defined by the manufacturer, it is called CPU overclocking. Overclocking can also be generalized to other electronic hardware.

Right off the bat, it is important to understand that not all CPUs support overclocking. Overclocking comes with a set of risks including violating the CPU warranty. CPU overclocking is mainly performed by computer enthusiasts and high-performance users such as gamers and video editors.

Overclocking can definitely harm your computer including the complete failure of hardware. This is because, as you increase the speeds over the manufacturer defined speeds, the system becomes more and more unstable. This is compensated by increasing voltage which is again dangerous as it can increase power consumption and heat dissipation.

Overclocking is often accompanied by high-end cooling systems such as beefy CPU cooler or water cooling. Overclocking is not something that an everyday user requires or should do. I strongly advise you not to overclock your CPU unless you are experienced, you need it, and you know exactly what you are doing.