We increase processor performance. Instructions for increasing the performance of AMD processors


Probably everyone already knows that you can increase the speed of a computer and its optimization not only by replacing the part with a new, more powerful and therefore more productive one, but also by overclocking the old one by testing it. For those who did not previously know about this possibility, this article will help you understand this possibility.

Overclocking (overclocking) is an increase in the performance of the processor, video card, system card and RAM of the computer. If we're talking about about the processor, this means an increase in frequency, voltage and multiplier.

Manufacturers always leave a 20-50% safety margin, which increases the time of maximum operation in a stable state. For example, your processor running at the optimal frequency of 1.8 Ghz has the maximum possible frequency at 3.0 GHz. This means that with the correct sequence of actions performed during overclocking, you can achieve an increase in frequency to 3.0 Ghz. However, it is not a fact that the processor will be able to work in this state for a longer period than at a frequency of 1.8 Ghz.

How to overclock your processor!

No one gives guarantees that it will be possible to achieve an increase in frequency by 50%, but if simple steps increasing the processor frequency by 20-30% will not be difficult.

Increasing CPU frequency

The processor frequency is one of its main characteristics. Also, an important parameter of any processor is the multiplier - a number that, when multiplied by the FSB frequency of the bus, you can get the real frequency.

Therefore, the safest and easiest method of overclocking a processor is through bios. In this way, the frequency of the FSB system bus is increased, with the help of which the processor frequency is increased.

The processor frequency in all available variants will be 2 GHz:

  • 166 – bus, 12 – frequency multiplication factor;
  • 200 – bus, 10 – frequency multiplication factor;
  • 333 – bus, 6 – frequency multiplication factor.

Simplicity this method is that the FSB frequency is changed directly in the BIOS or in a special program in 1 MHz steps. Previously, this method of increasing the frequency could end sadly for the processor. However, today it will be very problematic to kill a multi-core processor by increasing the frequency. As soon as a novice overclocker goes a little overboard with the frequency, the system will instantly reset all settings to default, and a reboot will return the computer to normal operation.

You can change the bus frequency by going into the BIOS and selecting the CPU Clock value. Press Enter on the existing value and enter the bus frequency. Nearby you can see the multiplier and the effective frequency of 2.8 GHz.

Please note that in the example the processor multiplier is quite high. In this case, it is recommended to increase the FSB in steps of 5-10 MHz, that is, the frequency will increase by 70-140 MHz. For other frequency and multiplier values, the bus frequency should be increased in increments of no more than 10%. You should not rush when overclocking, as a small step allows you to determine a more optimal frequency for your computer.

If you want to achieve the most tangible results, then you cannot do without a new cooler. I advise you to turn your attention to the Zalman cooler. Temperature measurement tests are carried out at maximum processor operation. These measurements can be made using 3D Mark and Everest programs. If the temperature at maximum load is more than 70C, then it is necessary to increase the cooler speed to the maximum or reduce the FSB frequency.

Changing multiplier settings

The multiplier can also be changed, which affects the increase in frequency.

For example, at a frequency of 1.33GHz: 133 is the bus, 10 is the frequency multiplication factor. If you change the coefficient to 15, then instead of 1.33 GHz you can get 2.0 GHz.

However, there is one point - the processor must have an unlocked multiplier. Usually such processors are labeled as Extreme, but in cases where the processor is Black Edition or Intel processor, AMD. But don’t be upset if the processor version is not Extreme, because when the right approach you can achieve good results. Although it is rather impossible to do without increasing the voltage. For example, an ordinary light bulb is the same processor, but its design is hundreds of thousands of times simpler than that of a processor. But despite this, the principle of their operation is approximately the same: the more voltage is applied, the brighter the result of their work will be.

Increasing the voltage makes it possible to more seriously increase the speed of the processor

Also, in order to achieve stability from the processor at high frequencies, you need to increase the voltage supplied to it. There are a few details to consider here:

  • do not increase the voltage by more than 0.3 V;
  • be sure to install a good cooler.

To do this, you need to go into the BIOS and go to the Power Bios Setup section and then to Vcore Voltege. In this section, you can increase the value by 0.1 V. After this, the cooler should be set to maximum and the FSB frequency should be set higher.

Next is testing. If everything is fine and the performance is satisfactory, then you can stop at this stage. After approaching a critical level of performance, it is recommended to reduce the frequency by 5%, which will allow you to consolidate the overclocking with stable and long-term operation of the processor.

The above methods can also be performed programmatically, but it is still recommended to use the BIOS, since this method reduces the risk to a minimum and, in the event of improper operation of the processor, resets all overclocking settings, which will allow the system to start normally again.

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How to increase the processor frequency on a laptop

It often happens that the power hardware a laptop is not enough to work with resource-intensive applications such as video and photo editors or games. The clock speed of the laptop processor is of no small importance. It is important to note that through the use of some manipulations this figure can be slightly increased. How to increase the processor frequency on a laptop will be discussed further.

General description of the issue

Before moving on to a direct description of actions aimed at solving the above issue, it is necessary to say a few words about what is hidden behind determining the processor frequency.

So, without going into details that are of interest only to professionals, the processor clock speed is an indicator of the number of operations that the device is capable of performing in a specific unit of time. Most modern chips operate at frequencies between 1 and 4 GHz. The bottom line is that with an increase in processor frequency, the device will cope with the same number of tasks as before the increase, but will do it faster, which means performance will increase. It is important to note here that the number of processor cores affects the volume of information processed, and the frequency affects the speed of this processing.

In addition, it is worth adding a few points that you need to keep in mind before increasing the processor frequency on your laptop:

As the processor frequency increases, the power consumption of the device will inevitably increase, which will affect the time battery life. In the case of a desktop PC there is no problem, but for a laptop this criterion is quite important.

Due to the increase in power, the heat dissipation of the processor will also increase. It is important to understand that all the parts of the laptop are located close to each other, the cooling system, for the sake of compactness and battery life, is also not very powerful, and therefore prolonged overheating is extremely undesirable.

Among other things, it is worth considering that any breakdowns resulting from overheating caused by user manipulation will not be an insured event, which means that if the clock frequency of the laptop processor increases, this automatically terminates the factory warranty.

In other words, before you begin to act, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons, and only after that begin to complete the task, while you need to understand that all manipulations are carried out solely at your own peril and risk.

Frequency increase

If the decision to carry out work to increase the processor frequency has been made, you can begin work. It is important to note that there are several options for completing the task.

Change your power plan

One of the most safe ways To improve the performance of laptop components, and therefore the processor, is to change the device's power plan. As a result of these actions, the energy supply to the elements will increase and, as a result, overall productivity will increase. To do this you need:

Click on the battery icon located in the notification area (lower right corner of the monitor) right click mice.

In the opened context menu select “power supply”.

By going to the section menu, you need to select the “high performance” mode and apply the changes.

The described actions allow you to slightly increase the performance of the device. You shouldn't expect miracles, but it is relatively safe and does not void the warranty.

Using the BIOS

The next option for implementing the task is to increase the frequency of the laptop system bus through the BIOS. To enter it, you must periodically press the Delete, Escape, f5 or some other key while turning on the device. The fact is that depending on the manufacturer, the keys may differ. It is best to review the accompanying documentation for information. After entering the BIOS, you need to find a line called “CPU Frequensy” or “CPU Lock” and, after opening a special subsection, set the required bus frequency value. After saving the changes, you need to restart the laptop.

After the above steps are completed, you need to check the processor temperature. The easiest way to do this is with the help of special programs, for example, Aida 64 or similar ones. If the processor temperature without load is more than 50 degrees Celsius, then the frequency must be reduced.

Special programs

Among other things, it is important to add that there are special programs with which the maximum frequency of a laptop processor can be increased. Some of the most well-known of them, depending on the processor manufacturer, include:

  • AI Booster or AMD Overdrive for AMD processors.
  • Intel Desktop Control Center for Intel processors, respectively.

Before working with the software, you need to study the description and rules of use.

In conclusion, it is worth adding that there are quite a few ways to increase the frequency of a laptop processor, but none of them is a panacea and entails quite serious risks. It is much more advisable to choose hardware before purchasing, based on the intended tasks.

3 701 Tags: processor

ProNotbooki.ru

How to overclock an Intel Core processor

Overlocking is a subtle process of configuring computer components, causing natural bewilderment and even fear among uninformed users. And all because of vaguely compiled information taken out of context from various sources. Strengthen your knowledge and understand the question “how to overclock a processor” Intel Core"It will be done in just five steps.

Preparatory stage

It is impossible to turn a modern processor into a piece of scrap metal in a matter of minutes, armed with the wrong methods - the system is protected on hardware and program level from any unforeseen events. Still, you shouldn’t be careless:


Theoretical stage

The normal operating mode of the chip is 50-80% of the maximum power, this is due to restrictions introduced to increase service life, increase stability and averaging temperature conditions. Overlocking allows you to increase productivity, at the cost of additional costs - time to select the ideal characteristics (frequency, voltage), money to purchase cooling and a guarantee for a positive result. There are too many nuances, like the Intel Core family of processors!

There are three ways to increase processor performance:

  1. Set the desired frequency.
  2. Change multiplier.
  3. Raise the supply voltage.

But not all at once - an easy way to understand the basics and understand once and for all everything about the state of affairs introductory information. So, FSB is a system bus that interacts from the chip side with all components connected to the computer. The interaction occurs at a certain frequency and it is the FSB that adapts to each type of component using multipliers and dividers. For example, information exchange with RAM occurs at a frequency of 333 MHz. And the processor clock frequency is 2664 MHz. This means that the multiplier is 8. Hence the conclusion - you can increase the clock frequency by changing the system bus settings or adding multipliers.

With voltage, everything is simpler - the motherboard is capable of independently distributing the load, you can set the settings manually to correctly and fully support the clock frequency or the set multiplier. Without changing the voltage, malfunctions may occur!

Practical stage

There are several methods for overclocking an Intel processor - it all depends on access to the multiplier, the user’s skills and the risks assigned to the process. It’s better to start with something simple – increasing the system bus frequency:

  • Go to BIOS. Search for the parameter CPU Speed ​​or Lock, CPU (HOST) Frequency, change the numerical value to 20, 30, or maybe 50 MHz. It’s difficult to say or give precise advice - there are many systems, boards and chips, and everyone is different. After increasing the frequency, you will have to save the settings and reboot to check stability. If software problems arise, you will have to gradually reduce the bus frequency or increase the voltage in the CPU Voltage panels. Attention! You should not raise the voltage by more than 0.3 V from the nominal value!

Do not forget about the huge number of limiters that affect the overclocking process - an unsuccessful processor with a locked multiplier, the limits of the components, an unsuitable motherboard, an unstable voltage supplied by the power supply. Even RAM can refuse to work at the wrong frequency. Well, the temperature - for quality results, go to the store for a new cooler.

And you should definitely monitor all indicators while overclocking your computer:

AIDA64 and CoreTemp for monitoring, OCCT checking the interaction of memory and processor, Sandra Lite– obtaining information about the system, 3Dmark is an ideal option to load the system and identify failures.

Program stage

Special utilities suitable for both a wide range of systems and specific ones will help eliminate interaction with the BIOS and simplify the overclocking process.


  1. The SoftFSB utility allows you to configure everything at once literally on the fly. There is no need to introduce functions, the interface is clear, the menu is detailed. You can control frequency, temperature and voltage by moving the sliders.
  2. ASRock OC Tuner – designed for motherboards ASRock boards a utility that combines a huge range of overclocking, monitoring and configuration functions.
  3. MSI Control Center II is a tool with a self-explanatory name. Performs all functions declared by competitors. Easy to use.
  4. ASUS Turbo V EVO – processor overclocking program: instantly change parameters, easy setup, support for various components.

Laptop overclocking stage


Next, install the SetFSB utility and proceed to a slow but steady increase in the processor clock frequency in small steps. Upon completion of the work, it is better to perform additional tests with Prime 95, monitoring changes in real time in CPU-Z. If problems with freezing and the appearance of “blue screens of death” are not detected, then the frequency can be increased.


  • Set the “Minimum and Maximum processor state” indicators to 100% in the “Power Options” tab under the “Advanced power settings” item.
  • Or reset all settings in the BIOS to factory settings using the “Load Default” function.

When increasing the processor frequency, it is worth remembering safety - increased processor power consumption will increase the load on the battery and reduce the operating time without a network. It will also raise the temperature several times, and this is completely unsafe, because it is definitely not possible to comprehensively change the cooling method on a laptop without losing its portable qualities.

pclegko.ru

Overclocking the processor through BIOS and special programs

Avid gamers, people who work with bulky media, and those who require complex computing processes often find their hardware underpowered. And if they don’t want to spend money on upgrading equipment, or there is no need to dramatically increase performance, then overclocking or overclocking the processor, video card or RAM will help.


Overclocking or overclocking – increasing the performance of components personal computer software or physical manipulation.

Sources of additional power

All devices operate at 50-80% of maximum power in normal mode. Restrictions are imposed by manufacturers and are designed to extend the life of the device. There are several ways to remove or bypass these restrictions. True, this will significantly increase the load and, consequently, reduce the service life of the device.

Thus, by taking the right actions, you can increase the performance of your processor, video card or RAM by 20-50%. Achieving the highest possible performance is quite difficult - this is already an area professional activity. But 20-30% growth can be obtained without delving into the constructive jungle.

IMPORTANT: Overclocking the processor on a laptop is an extremely risky step and it is strictly not recommended to take it; a weak cooling system will not prevent the consequences of rising temperatures. Therefore, you need to think carefully before overclocking your laptop processor.

The following will provide tips on how to properly overclock your processor. It is difficult to damage your computer on motherboards with built-in overclocking utilities. Special software fuses, when detecting an excess of normal temperature, reset the settings to their original state.

Despite all precautions, it is better to be on the safe side and ensure additional cooling before overclocking the processor.

Proper processor overclocking

To effectively increase the processor clock frequency, there are two ways: adjusting BIOS settings and special software. Both methods are relatively safe and accessible to users with modest knowledge in the field of work computer technology.

IMPORTANT: Before increasing processor performance, it is better to think carefully. If you have doubts about the successful completion of the overclocking procedure, then it is better not to start it. Incorrect actions can result in device damage.

Correcting BIOS settings

Before overclocking the processor through the BIOS, you must carefully study the instructions for the motherboard. You can find all the necessary values ​​in it. In addition, it indicates the presence of special switches on the board that are responsible for increasing performance. Their use can also improve system performance.

The clock frequency is increased using the BIOS by changing the FSB bus multiplier. This feature is only supported by processors with an open multiplier. Otherwise, you will have to resort to software overclocking or soldering contacts. The technical documentation for the motherboard must contain information about the FSB bus multiplier.

To overclock the processor through the BIOS, you must perform the following steps:


If after loading the operating system the blue screen or disks, sound cards or other elements are not recognized, which means the overclocking threshold has been exceeded. You need to reduce the coefficient and try again.

After completing these steps, you need to check the processor temperature (special programs like Everest or HWmonitor will help). Maximum permissible value at peak loads – 900C. If the indicator exceeds the permissible value, then it is necessary to reduce the coefficient or ensure sufficient cooling.

It is better to gradually increase productivity, increasing the final value with a certain step. Once you reach the required frequency, you can stop, or you can continue to increase it. When the maximum value is reached, the computer will stop turning on.

To restore normal operation, you must reset BIOS settings. This can be done by removing the battery on the motherboard for ten seconds. If the computer still does not turn on, then you need to remove the battery and close the jumper marked CCMOS. It is usually located next to the battery socket.

Having found optimal value You need to work on the computer for half an hour. If during this time the temperature did not increase and there were no system failures, then everything is in order - overclocking was a success. Now you don't have to worry about how to speed up your processor.

Software overclocking of the processor

The debate about how best to overclock hardware continues. Security Proponents Are Guilty of Unreliability software, those who prefer overclocking the processor through the program counter the simplicity of its use. With the right actions, any method will be effective

There are several manufacturers of motherboards. Overclocking programs are also aimed at various manufacturers. Overclocking an Intel processor with the wrong utility can cause serious harm to the system. In places where such programs are downloaded, information about the list of supported processor models and motherboards is usually posted. Therefore, before overclocking your intel processor, it is better to check the above-mentioned list.

ASRock OC Tuner

Simple and functional program to overclock the processor. OC Tuner combines overclocking and monitoring functions. With its help, you can not only overclock the processor, but also obtain information about the state of the system, monitor the voltage in various elements systems.

To change the processor frequency and bus frequency multiplier in the “Over Clocking” section, just set the necessary parameters in the appropriate fields and click the “Go!” button. Along with the processor performance, you can also adjust the PCIE bus frequency. Voltage control works on the same principle, only there are more input fields (CPU, RAM, VTT, chipset bridges). A suitable program for overclocking an Intel processor.

MSI Control Center II

The program is designed to monitor the state of the system and its overclocking. The entire utility interface is divided into two main sections: “Oveclocking” and “Green Power”. Functions for overclocking the system are grouped in the first section. It also contains information about the status of devices: temperature, power consumption, etc.

The second section, “Green Power,” contains information about the overall energy efficiency of the system. You can also turn the motherboard LED indicators on and off from this menu.

ASUS TurboV EVO

Program for overclocking boards released by ASUS. Owners of motherboards from this manufacturer can instantly overclock their devices without studying the BIOS and other subtleties. To do this, just install TurboV EVO. Moreover, in some versions of EFI BIOS the utility is built-in.

Using TurboV EVO, you can control the processor clock speed and adjust the RAM frequency. The program also supports voltage control functions in various system elements. It is possible to automatically overclock the system.

AMD OverDrive

How to overclock an AMD processor? There is an excellent AMD OverDrive utility for this. The program has several levels of settings. They adapt to the user's level of awareness. Inexperienced users will have access to monitoring the system's operation. Those with a sufficient level of knowledge will be able to adjust the bus frequencies and clock multiplier.

In addition to fine-tuning the frequency of each core, OverDrive allows you to test the system with the selected settings. Monitoring functions make overclocking an AMD processor much easier. OverDrive worked powerful utility to fine-tune systems to suit your needs.

Another useful program for overclocking a processor is CPU-Z. This good remedy monitoring the system status. The AMD processor overclocking program provides information on its operation. Its model, the overall clock frequency and the frequency of each core, the bus multiplier and much more other information.

What to do, if HDD does not work

Extreme sports enthusiasts even go as far as liquid nitrogen, but that’s not our way

Many video game fans have probably tried to overclock their processor or video card. However, despite the fact that this procedure has long ceased to be overly complex and dangerous, it should be approached competently. Last time we told you aboutSafe video card overclocking , and now let's touch on the topic of processors.

Note: In this material, we only consider working with processors no older than five years. You can burn a modern processor only if you try to overclock it by more than 30%, raising the voltage by more than 25%, without having highly efficient cooling (enthusiasts even sometimes use liquid nitrogen instead of coolers). If you act within reasonable limits, then in extreme cases, overclocking will simply automatically reset after a reboot.

Suitable processors and the feasibility of overclocking


Typically, processor overclocking is done for one of three good reasons:

1. The processor does not cope well with modern non-gaming tasks (video editing and rendering, modeling, transcoding, working with large volumes data, etc.).

2. The processor performs poorly in processor-intensive games (Battlefield 1, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Company of Heroes 2, Dishonored 2, Mafia 3, Crysis 3, etc.).

3. The processor does not open the video card (read more about this case).

We are mainly interested in the last two reasons, since in both of them, overclocking the processor will increase the number of FPS in games. And this is exactly what any gamer needs.

However, there are a couple of cases when there is no point in overclocking the “stone”:

1. If your processor is more than five years old.

2. If your processor has less than four threads (like dual-core Core i3) or four full cores (Core i5, i7, AMD FX-4300 or higher).

3. If your video card is one of the most budget models(GeForce GT 710, etc.) or generally represents a graphics core built into the processor.

It turns out that at the end of 2016, owners of processors no lower than AMD FX-4300 or Core i3 and sufficiently powerful video cards should engage in CPU overclocking. After all, only then will something worthwhile come out of this whole undertaking in the form of an extra dozen or two in your favorite “shooters” and strategies.

Stage one: preparing to overclock the processor

Now let's get started.

First you need to check the current processor frequencies and compare them with the factory ones:

1. download CPU-Z program

2. install and run,

3. Look at the Core Speed ​​column.

The current processor frequency will be indicated there. Now open Google and enter the exact name of the model into the search bar (it is listed in the Name column). Find the clock frequency in the specifications and compare it with the one in the Core Speed ​​column. If the frequency in CPU-Z is higher, then your processor is already overclocked (this happens if you buy a computer second-hand). In this case, you will need to make a reset (more on this below). If the processor is not overclocked, then the frequencies will either be the same, or the indicator in the program will be significantly lower (economy mode, which is disabled during overclocking).

Now you need measure the number of FPS in one of the graphic benchmarks:

1. download and run the Heaven Benchmark program;

2. click the Run button in the window that appears;

3. After a beautiful video appears, press the F9 button to start the performance test;

4. After finishing the test, click the Save button and write the results to any convenient place (for example, directly on your desktop) under the name “Before overclocking CPU.html”.

To be on the safe side, you need to run one of the CPU-intensive games: Rise of the Tomb Raider, Crysis 3, Dishonored 2, Company of Heroes 2 or Battlefield 1. Ideally, all of the above. To measure FPS in them, you can use the utility Riva Tuner Statistics Server or the corresponding function in the program Bandicam. Play each game for about 5 minutes (the main thing is not to be indoors, where the load on the system is always much lower) and record the average frame rates.

Now restart your computer and go to BIOS. In it you need to find a section with a name like Advanced Frequency Settings or CPU Performance (for different manufacturers motherboard names are different). This section should display all information about the current state of the processor: temperature, frequency, voltage, and so on. Write them all down on a piece of paper and move on to the second stage.

Stage two-A: Overclocking the processor by multiplier



Click to enlarge

The first type of acceleration. On modern processors it is not always available, because it requires an unlocked multiplier (hence the name). The latter is found only in some models of “stones” from AMD and in K-processors from Intel (Core i5-6600K, i7-6700K, etc.).

If this is your case, then:

1. go to BIOS;

2. find the section with processor frequencies and a parameter with a name like CPU Multiplier or CPU Clock Ratio (this is the same multiplier; if it is blocked, then go to the chapter “Overclocking the processor via the bus”);

3. write down the current multiplier value on a piece of paper;

4. add 25-30 percent to it (NOT units);

5. save the changes and restart the computer (Apply changes and exit in the BIOS main menu);

6. if problems arise after rebooting, then go into the BIOS again and increase the processor voltage (CPU Voltage or CPU VCore) by 0.100-0.175 (for example, from 1.100 to 1.200-1.275);

7. if step 6 did not help, then go to the BIOS and reduce the percent multiplier by 5;

8. repeat step 7 until the problems stop;

9. if the operating system boots and a freeze (or blue screen) does not occur after launching any demanding game, then go into the BIOS again and reduce the processor voltage by 0.025 (to reduce its power consumption);

10. Repeat step 9 until problems begin, and then return to the previous voltage value;

11. Go to the “CPU overclocking test” stage.

Stage two-B: Overclocking the processor on the bus



Click to enlarge

Bus overclocking is available for any processor. This should only be done if the multiplier of your “stone” is blocked, since this method is considered more dangerous than the previous one. However, in reality, you just need to take care in advance about the frequency of the RAM, which will increase in parallel.

The algorithm of actions here is as follows:

1. go to BIOS;

2. Find the section with the parameters bus frequency (BCLK Frequency, Host Clock Value, etc.) and RAM frequency (Memory Frequency, DRAM Frequency, etc.);

3. write down the current frequency value on a piece of paper;

4. Reduce the RAM frequency by 25-30 percent;

5. add 25-30 megahertz to the bus frequency;

6. save the changes and restart the computer (Apply changes and exit in the BIOS main menu);

7. if problems arise after rebooting, then go into the BIOS again and increase the processor voltage (CPU Voltage or CPU VCore) by 0.100-0.175 (for example, from 1.100 to 1.200-1.275);

8. if step 7 did not help, then go to the BIOS and reduce the megahertz bus frequency by 5;

9. repeat step 8 until the problems stop;

10. if the operating system boots and a freeze (or blue screen) does not occur after launching any demanding game, then go into the BIOS again and reduce the processor voltage by 0.025 (to reduce its power consumption);

11. Repeat step 10 until problems begin, and then return to the previous voltage value;

12. Go to the “CPU overclocking test” stage.

Stage three: CPU overclocking testing

All that remains is to test the benefits of overclocking. Take the Heaven Benchmark test and play the same games as in the first stage. Compare the FPS indicators - if they have increased by at least 10 points, then you can consider overclocking successful.

* * *

Overclocking a processor is a very useful activity for any gamer. And the computer will become faster, and the user will become more experienced. However, we do everything wisely. There is no point in overclocking very outdated hardware - new games won’t run well on it anyway (and if the old ones don’t work, then why are you still using it?). Trying to increase productivity by more than 20-30 percent without expensive and highly efficient cooling is naive.

You can (and should!) share your impressive overclocking results in the comments below.

Come play cool blockbusters like Dishonored 2, The Witcher 3, GTA 5 or Total War: Warhammer to our main site http://playkey.net. Games run without overclocking on any PC!

The processor is one of the most expensive components in a computer. The price of modern CPUs can exceed the cost of all other computer components, especially when it comes to server models.

When the user is faced with the task of slightly increasing the performance of the central processor, for example, for a more stable frame rate in a particular game, it is possible not to replace the CPU, but to overclock it. Intel and AMD processors can be overclocked, also called overlocking.

Overclocking allows you to increase the processor clock speed, which increases the number of instructions that the chip executes per second, that is, it increases CPU performance. In this article, we will consider the option of software overclocking of Intel and AMD processors, but it is also possible to carry out overlocking by replacing the BIOS.

We recommend reading:

Is it safe to overclock a processor?

The essence of overclocking a processor and video card is the same - the user, by replacing the original software “at a low level,” increases performance. If we look at this issue from technical side, then the voltage on the key components of the board simply increases, which allows for an increase in power.

Almost every processor running native software only operates at 50-60% of its maximum power. Accordingly, it can be overclocked, bringing this figure closer to 100%. But it is worth remembering that overclocking the processor is accompanied by:

With proper overclocking, the risk of burning out the processor is minimal. It is important to understand that the capabilities of a particular CPU model are not unlimited, and it will not be possible to increase performance by 50-100%. It is recommended to overclock by no more than 15%.

Please note: Overclocking the processor also increases the performance of the RAM, which may negatively affect it.

Preparing to overclock the processor

Before you start overclocking the processor, it won’t hurt to read forums on the Internet with information from “experienced” specialists on a specific CPU model. The fact is that some processors, for example the basic i3, i5 and i7 series from Intel, are difficult to overclock, and it is better not to increase their power by more than 5-8%. At the same time, the line of K-series i-processors from Intel, on the contrary, is designed for overclocking, and the performance of such CPUs can be increased by 15-20% without any particular risks.

It is also important to know the overclocking potential so that clock cycles do not skip. With a strong increase in performance and signs of overheating, in order to reduce the temperature, the processor may begin to skip cycles. In this way, it will protect itself from failure, but the quality of its work will be significantly lower than before overclocking.

  • Update Motherboard BIOS boards;
  • Test the stability of the processor in normal mode. To do this, you need to install and use a diagnostic application, for example, S
  • Determine the processor clock speed using the CPU-Z utility.

Once the preparation is complete, you can begin overclocking the processor.

Please note: Methods for overclocking processors for desktop computers and laptops do not differ from each other. Despite this, when overlocking the CPU on laptops, you must be extremely careful and not raise the system bus frequency on the motherboard to high values.

How to overclock an Intel processor

Overlocking Intel processors can be done with several applications, each of which has its own pros and cons. Some of the programs are not suitable for certain models processors, others are not recommended for use by amateurs and are suitable for professionals. Below are three of the most popular programs for overclocking Intel processors, of which at least one should be suitable for your CPU model and motherboard.

Important: To overclock an Intel processor, you need to know the model of the clock generator of the motherboard installed in the computer. The easiest way to determine it is to take it apart system unit(or laptop) and study the inscriptions on the motherboard. Some experts argue that when overclocking, you can use the brute force method, selecting all available options clock generator in the program until the correct one is found. We strongly do not recommend acting in this way; you must take care of determining the clock generator model in advance.

Overclocking an Intel processor with CPUFSB

One of the most common and convenient programs for overlocking a processor is CPUFSB. It is compatible with almost everyone modern CPUs from Intel, including support for overclocking i-series processors, that is, Intel Core i5, i7 and others. When overclocking a CPU, the CPUFSB application acts on the clock generator, increasing the reference frequency of the system bus. Among the advantages of the application, one can also highlight the presence of the Russian language, and the disadvantages include its cost, since the program is not officially distributed for free.

To overclock a processor using the CPUFSB utility, you must:


Please note: After restarting the computer, the overlock settings will be reset. To prevent this from happening, you can set the value of the overclocked frequency in the “Set CPUFSB at next startup” column. Due to this, the application will automatically raise the frequency by a predetermined amount upon startup. If you need to keep the processor overclocked constantly, you can put the CPUFSB program in startup.

Overclocking an Intel processor with SetFSB

The operating principle of the SetFSB application is identical to that used in CPUFSB. The program also increases the system bus reference frequency by influencing the clock generator, which causes an increase in processor performance. Unlike CPUFSB, the SetFSB program does not support the Russian language. The utility is distributed for a fee on the developers' website.

Before you start overlocking using the SetFSB program, you need to look at the website of the application developers for a list of motherboards with which it works. If the board used on the computer is not listed, the application will not work.

It is worth noting: Unlike CPUFSB, the SetFSB application works well with relatively old processor models - Intel Core Two Duo. If you plan to overclock just such a CPU, you should give it preference over its competitors.

To overclock the processor SetFSB program, necessary:


As with the CPUFSB program, overclocking results will be reset after rebooting the computer.

Overclocking an Intel processor with SoftFSB

SoftFSB is a well-proven program that is available for free and allows you to overclock your processor with ease. This utility has one significant drawback - its developers stopped supporting it in the mid-2000s. As a result, the program can only work with relatively old motherboards and Intel processors. It is often used system administrators in enterprises where computers have not changed for decades, and demands on their performance are growing even from standard applications.

SoftFSB works on the same principle as SetFSB, as well as CPUFSB, that is, by influencing the clock generator. Overclocking the processor in the application is performed according to the following algorithm:

The above describes the operating principle of the three most popular applications for overclocking processors Intel different generations. Dozens of other programs designed for CPU overlocking work in a similar way.

How to overclock an AMD processor

As in the situation with overclocking a video card based on an AMD chip, you can use standard software from the manufacturer to overlock the processor. This allows the risk of chip burnout to be brought closer to zero. In this case, there are two options - use the program Catalyst Control Center, which is installed along with the drivers on the computer, or downloaded from the official AMD website special application for processor overlocking - AMD Overdrive.

Please note: Despite the fact that software from the chip manufacturer is used for overclocking, AMD takes responsibility for warranty obligations, if overlocking is performed. This is indicated when the Overdrive function is activated, which is responsible for overclocking the processor.

To overclock an AMD processor using the Catalyst Contol Center program, you must:


As you can see, the Catalyst Control Center application does everything for the user, depriving him of the ability to control the process, which not everyone will like. The AMD Overdrive application allows you to take part in overclocking an AMD processor in more detail.

Processor frequency and performance may be higher than specified in standard specifications. Also, over time the system is used, the performance of all main PC components (RAM, CPU, etc.) may gradually decrease. To avoid this, you need to regularly “optimize” your computer.

It is necessary to understand that all manipulations with the central processor (especially overclocking) should be carried out only if you are convinced that it will be able to “survive” them. This may require you to perform system testing.

All manipulations to improve the quality of CPU operation can be divided into two groups:

  • Optimization. The main emphasis is on the competent distribution of already available core and system resources in order to achieve maximum performance. It is difficult to cause serious damage to the CPU during optimization, but the performance gain is usually not very high.
  • Overclocking Manipulation directly with the processor itself through special software or BIOS to increase its clock frequency. The performance gain in this case is quite noticeable, but the risk of damaging the processor and other computer components during unsuccessful overclocking also increases.

Finding out if the processor is suitable for overclocking

Before overclocking, be sure to review the characteristics of your processor using a special program (for example). The latter is shareware, with its help you can find out detailed information about all computer components, and in the paid version you can even carry out some manipulations with them. Instructions for use:


Method 1: Optimization using CPU Control

To safely optimize your processor, you will need to download CPU Control. This program has a simple interface for ordinary users PC, supports Russian language and is distributed free of charge. The essence of this method is to evenly distribute the load across the processor cores, because on modern multi-core processors, some cores may not participate in the work, resulting in a loss of performance.

Instructions for using this program:


Method 2: Overclocking with ClockGen

- This free program, suitable for accelerating processors of any brand and series (with the exception of some Intel processors, where overclocking is not possible on its own). Before overclocking, make sure that all CPU temperatures are normal. How to use ClockGen:


Method 3: Overclocking the CPU in BIOS

Quite a complex and “dangerous” method, especially for inexperienced PC users. Before overclocking a processor, it is recommended to study its characteristics, first of all, the temperature when operating in normal mode (without heavy loads). To do this, use special utilities or programs (AIDA64 described above is quite suitable for these purposes).

If all parameters are normal, then you can start overclocking. Overclocking for each processor may be different, so below is presented universal instructions performing this operation through the BIOS:


Method 4: OS optimization

This is the most safe method increasing CPU performance by cleaning startup from unnecessary applications and defragmenting disks. Autoload is the automatic activation of a particular program/process when the operating system boots. When too many processes and programs accumulate in this section, then when you turn on the OS and continue to work in it, too much load may be placed on the central processor, which will disrupt performance.

Cleaning Startup

Applications can be added to startup automatically, or applications/processes can be added themselves. To avoid the second case, it is recommended to carefully read all the items that are ticked during the installation of this or that software. How to remove existing items from Startup:


Carrying out defragmentation

Disk defragmentation not only increases the speed of programs running on this disk, but also slightly optimizes the processor. This happens because the CPU processes less data because... During defragmentation, the logical structure of volumes is updated and optimized, and file processing is accelerated. Instructions for defragmentation:

Optimizing CPU performance is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. However, if the optimization did not produce any noticeable results, then in this case the central processor will need to be overclocked yourself. In some cases, overclocking does not have to be done through the BIOS. Sometimes the processor manufacturer can provide special program to increase the frequency of a particular model.

Practical CPU overclocking

Processor overclocking methods

There are two methods of overclocking: increasing the frequency of the system bus (FSB) and increasing the multiplication factor (multiplier). this moment the second method cannot be applied to almost all production AMD processors. Exceptions to the rules are: Athlon processors XP (Thoroughbred, Barton, Thorton)/Duron (Applebred) released before week 39 of 2003, Athlon MP, Sempron (socket754; downgrade only), Athlon 64 (downgrade only), Athlon 64 FX53/55. In serial processors manufactured by Intel, the multiplier is also completely blocked. Overclocking a processor by increasing the multiplier is the most “painless” and simplest, because Only the processor clock frequency increases, and the frequencies of the memory bus and AGP/PCI buses remain nominal, so it is especially easy to determine the maximum processor clock frequency at which it can operate correctly using this method. It's a pity that now it's quite difficult, if not impossible, to find AthlonXP processors with an unlocked multiplier on sale. Overclocking a processor by increasing the FSB has its own characteristics. For example, as the FSB frequency increases, the memory bus frequency and the AGP/PCI bus frequency also increase. Particular attention should be paid to the PCI/AGP bus frequencies, which in most chipsets are associated with the FSB frequency (does not apply to nForce2, nForce3 250). This dependency can only be circumvented if your motherboard's BIOS has the appropriate parameters - the so-called dividers responsible for the ratio of PCI/AGP to FSB. You can calculate the divisor you need using the formula FSB/33, i.e., if the FSB frequency = 133 MHz, then you should divide 133 by 33, and you will get the divisor you need - in this case it is 4. The nominal frequency for PCI buses are 33 MHz, and the maximum is 38-40 MHz; setting it higher, to put it mildly, is not recommended: this can lead to the failure of PCI devices. By default, the memory bus frequency rises synchronously with the FSB frequency, so if the memory does not have sufficient overclocking potential, it can play a limiting role. If it is obvious that the RAM frequency has reached its limit, you can do the following:

  • Increase memory timings (for example, change 2.5-3-3-5 to 2.5-4-4-7 - this can help you squeeze a few more MHz out of RAM).
  • Increase the voltage on the memory modules.
  • Overclock the processor and memory asynchronously.

Reading is the mother of learning

First, you will need to study the instructions for your motherboard: find the BIOS menu sections responsible for the FSB frequency, RAM, memory timings, multiplier, voltages, PCI/AGP frequency dividers. If the BIOS does not have any of the above parameters, then overclocking can be done using jumpers on the motherboard. You can find the purpose of each jumper in the same instructions, but usually information about the function of each is already printed on the board itself. It happens that the manufacturer himself deliberately hides “advanced” BIOS settings— to unlock them you need to press a certain key combination (this is often found on motherboards manufactured by Gigabyte). I repeat: all the necessary information can be found in the instructions or on the official website of the motherboard manufacturer.

Practice

We go into the BIOS (usually to enter you need to press the Del key at the moment of recalculating the amount of RAM (i.e., when the first data appears on the screen after rebooting/turning on the computer, press the Del key), but there are motherboard models with a different key for entering the BIOS - for example, F2), look for a menu in which you can change the frequency of the system bus, memory bus and control timings (usually these parameters are located in one place). I think that overclocking the processor by increasing the multiplier will not cause any difficulties, so let’s move on straight to raising the system bus frequency. We raise the FSB frequency (by about 5-10% of the nominal), then save the changes made, reboot and wait. If everything is fine, the system starts with a new FSB value and, as a result, with a higher processor clock speed (and memory, if you overclock them synchronously). Booting Windows without any incidents means that half the battle is already done. Next, run the CPU-Z program (at the time of writing, its latest version was 1.24) or Everest and make sure that the processor clock frequency has increased. Now we need to check the processor for stability - I think everyone has a 3DMark 2001/2003 distribution kit on their hard drive - although they are designed to determine the speed of the video card, you can also “drive” them for a superficial check of system stability. For a more serious test, you need to use Prime95, CPU Burn-in 1.01, S&M (more details about test programs below). If the system has passed testing and behaves stably, we reboot and start all over again: go into the BIOS again, increase the FSB frequency, save the changes and test the system again. If during testing you were “kicked out” of the program, the system froze or rebooted, you should “roll back” a step - to the processor frequency when the system behaved stably - and conduct more extensive testing to make sure that operation is completely stable. Do not forget to monitor the processor temperature and PCI/AGP bus frequencies (in the OS, PCI frequency and temperature can be viewed using the Everest program or proprietary programs of the motherboard manufacturer).

Voltage increase

It is not recommended to increase the voltage on the processor by more than 15-20%, but it is better that it varies within 5-15%. There is a point to this: it increases stability and opens up new horizons for overclocking. But be careful: as the voltage increases, the power consumption and heat dissipation of the processor increases and, as a result, the load on the power supply increases and the temperature rises. Most motherboards allow you to set the RAM voltage to 2.8-3.0 V, the safe limit is 2.9 V (to further increase the voltage you need to voltmod the motherboard). The main thing when increasing the voltage (not only on RAM) is to control the heat generation, and, if it has increased, organize cooling of the overclocked component. One of the best ways Determining the temperature of any computer component is a touch of the hand. If you cannot touch a component without pain from a burn, it requires urgent cooling! If the component is hot, but you can hold your hand, then cooling it would not hurt. And only if you feel that the component is barely warm or even cold, then everything is fine and it does not need cooling.

Timings and frequency dividers

Timings are delays between individual operations performed by the controller when accessing memory. There are six of them in total: RAS-to-CAS Delay (RCD), CAS Latency (CL), RAS Precharge (RP), Precharge Delay or Active Precharge Delay (usually referred to as Tras), SDRAM Idle Timer or SDRAM Idle Cycle Limit, Burst Length . Describing the meaning of each is pointless and useless to anyone. It’s better to find out right away which is better: small timings or high frequency. There is an opinion that for processors Intel is more important timings, while for AMD it is frequency. But do not forget that for AMD processors, the memory frequency achieved in synchronous mode is most often important. For various processors, "native" are different frequencies memory. For Intel processors, the following frequency combinations are considered “friends”: 100:133, 133:166, 200:200. For AMD on nForce chipsets, synchronous operation of the FSB and RAM is better, while asynchrony has little effect on the AMD + VIA combination. On systems with an AMD processor, the memory frequency is set in the following percentages with FSB: 50%, 60%, 66%, 75%, 80%, 83%, 100%, 120%, 125%, 133%, 150%, 166% , 200% are the same divisors, but presented a little differently. And on systems with an Intel processor, the dividers look more familiar: 1:1, 4:3, 5:4, etc.

Black screen

Yes, this also happens :) - for example, when overclocking: you simply set the clock speed of the processor or RAM (perhaps you specified too low memory timings) that the computer cannot start - or rather, it starts, but the screen remains black, and the system does not show any “signs of life”. What to do in this case?

  • Many manufacturers build into their motherboards a system for automatically resetting parameters to nominal. And after such an “incident” with an inflated frequency or low timings this system must do its “dirty” work, but this does not always happen, so you need to be prepared to do some manual work.
  • After turning on the computer, press and hold the Ins key, after which it should start successfully, and you should go into the BIOS and set the computer’s operating parameters.
  • If the second method does not help you, you need to turn off the computer, open the case, find on the motherboard the jumper responsible for resetting the BIOS settings - the so-called CMOS (usually located near the BIOS chip) - and set it to Clear CMOS mode for 2-3 seconds, and then return to the nominal position.
  • There are motherboard models without a BIOS reset jumper (the manufacturer relies on its automatic system resetting the BIOS settings) - then you need to remove the battery for a while, which depends on the manufacturer and model of the motherboard (I conducted such an experiment on my Epox EP-8RDA3G: I took out the battery, waited 5 minutes, and the BIOS settings were reset).

Information programs and utilities

CPU-Z is one of best programs, providing basic information about the processor, motherboard and RAM installed in your computer. The program interface is simple and intuitive: there is nothing superfluous, and all the most important things are in plain sight. The program supports the most latest news from the world of hardware and is periodically updated. The latest version at the time of writing is 1.24. Size - 260 Kb. You can download the program at cpuid.com.

Everest Home/Professional Edition (formerly AIDA32) is an information and diagnostic utility that has more advanced functions for viewing information about installed hardware, operating system, DirectX, etc. The differences between the home and professional versions are as follows: the Pro version does not have a RAM testing module (read/write), it also lacks a rather interesting Overclock subsection, which collects basic information about the processor, motherboard, RAM, processor temperature, motherboard board and hard drive, as well as overclocking your processor as a percentage :). The Home version does not have software accounting, advanced reports, interaction with databases, remote control, or enterprise-level functions. In general, these are all the differences. I myself use the Home version of the utility, because... additional features I don't need the Pro versions. I almost forgot to mention that Everest allows you to view the PCI bus frequency - to do this, you need to expand the Motherboard section, click on the subsection with the same name and find the Chipset Bus Properties/Real Frequency item. The latest version at the time of writing is 1.51. The Home version is free and weighs 3 Mb, the Pro version is paid and takes 3.1 Mb. You can download the utility at lavalys.com.

Stability testing

The name of the CPU Burn-in program speaks for itself: the program is designed to “warm up” the processor and test it stable operation. In the main CPU Burn-in window, you need to specify the duration, and in the options, select one of two testing modes:

  • testing with error checking enabled;
  • testing with error checking turned off, but with maximum “warming up” of the processor (Disable error checking, maximum heat generation).

When you enable the first option, the program will check the correctness of the processor's calculations, and the second will allow you to “warm up” the processor almost to temperatures close to the maximum. CPU Burn-in weighs about 7 Kb.

The next worthy program for testing the processor and RAM is Prime95. Its main advantage is that when an error is detected, the program does not spontaneously “hang”, but displays data about the error and the time it was detected on the working field. By opening the Options -> Torture Test… menu, you can choose from three testing modes or specify your own parameters. To more effectively detect processor and memory errors, it is best to set the third testing mode (Blend: test some of everything, lots of RAM tested). Prime95 weighs 1.01 Mb, you can download it at mersenne.org.

Relatively recently, the S&M program saw the light of day. At first it was conceived to test the stability of the processor power converter, then it was implemented to test RAM and support for Pentium 4 processors with HyperThreading technology. At the moment, the latest version of S&M 1.0.0(159) supports more than 32 (!) processors and checks the stability of the processor and RAM; in addition, S&M has a flexible system of settings. Summarizing all of the above, we can say that S&M is one of the best programs of its kind, if not the best. The program interface has been translated into Russian, so it is quite difficult to get confused in the menu. S&M 1.0.0(159) weighs 188 Kb, you can download it at testmem.nm.ru.

The above-mentioned tester programs are designed to check the processor and RAM for stability and identify errors in their operation; they are all free. Each of them loads the processor and memory almost completely, but I would like to remind you that programs used in everyday work and not intended for testing can rarely load the processor and RAM so much, so we can say that testing occurs with a certain margin.

The author does not bear any responsibility for the breakdown of any hardware of your computer, as well as for failures and glitches in the operation of any software installed on your computer.


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