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Preconfigured systems from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer clear pricing advantages for initial retail cost, though the long-term maintenance and upgrade costs may be significantly higher compared to a custom configured system from a smaller system integrator, local vendor, or self-build. OEM-assembled systems are clearly not the choice for maximum overclocking potential, but the possibility of successfully overclocking these systems remains high due to increased efforts of the enthusiast community to provide overclocking-related information, custom software, and hardware hacks for OEM-assembled computers.
OEM systems are commonly built atop hardware with minimal overclocking capabilities to minimize costs associated with supporting end-user overclocking attempts. Owners of such systems must often look to online enthusiast communities for specialized procedures and tricks for successful overclocking. Thus, it's trickier to overclock OEM-configured systems, but the rewards in terms of increased operating speeds and improved performance can rival that of a custom-built overclocking system.
| Note |
OEMs have no desire to support overclocking options within their system designs. Overclocking not only voids component warranties, but also it can lead to system instability and component failures for those users unwilling to undertake the precautions required for successful overclocking. Integrating support for overclocking would lead to a customer support nightmare for these large corporations. |
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System Type |
Pros |
Cons |
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OEM Configured |
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Custom Configured |
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The cost of implementing overclocking-friendly components within a system would serve to increase retail prices for the consumer market segment.
Overclocking-capable systems are generally built atop quality hardware developed for direct retail sales to consumers, while OEM systems are usually built utilizing mass-produced, off-the-shelf components in the hopes of lowering production costs. While overclocking is still a possibility for many OEM system owners, aftermarket custom-configured systems offer superior overclocking potential for enthusiasts.
A custom-configured (or self-built) system can provide optimum tweaking options to offer the most potential for successful overclocking. The effort required to either build or attain overclocking-friendly systems is more intensive than an off-the-shelf retail system from a major OEM manufacturer, but the enhanced overclocking potential is clearly evident. When building your own custom-configured system, you can also precertify each of the system's components for its "overclockability" by researching product reviews and articles from a variety of publications, such as popular hardware review websites like those in Table 2-2.
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Website Name |
Website Address |
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Ace's Hardware | |
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AnandTech | |
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HardOCP | |
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TechIMO | |
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Overclockers.com | |
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