Appendix: Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Q:		What is overclocking?
A:		Overclocking is the process of operating computer hardware at speeds in excess of their manufacturers' ratings.
Q:		Can I overclock my OEM system?
A:		With the advent of software utilities like SoftFSB, the answer is "possibly." Most OEM systems from the largest manufacturers (Dell, Gateway, Compaq, etc.) cannot sustain a serious overclock. It is possible to obtain a few extra MHz.
Q:		What about overclocking my notebook?
A:		We do not recommend overclocking for portable computers. Most notebook systems cannot accommodate extra cooling. Even if overclocking were possible, most notebook cases are not designed to dissipate the amount of heat it would generate.
Q:		I run important applications on my system on a regular basis and I cannot tolerate system crashes or data loss. Should I overclock my system?
A:		No. When system stability and data integrity are of utmost concern, don't overclock. Overclocking is best suited for gamers, who want realistic and smooth play; and speed fanatics, who want bragging rights on having the fastest, cheapest system around.
Q:		Will overclocking damage my processor or void my warranty?
A:		If you are conscientious enough to observe proper thermal regulation and abide by voltage limits, overclocking is unlikely to damage your processor. It can sometimes shorten the lifespan of a processor, though most chips will become obsolete long before they burn out. But yes, overclocking will void your CPU warranty, and possibly other component warranties as well.
Q:		I have seen advertisements for retailers that sell overclocked CPUs. Are they legitimate, and is there an advantage to buying one rather than overclocking my own?
A:		Some retailers sell legitimate CPU, motherboard, and memory combos, which come preoverclocked and pretested for less money than you would spend on an analogous system at the manufacturer-rated speed. Buying such a combination could save you some guesswork, as not all processors in any given class can overclock successfully. Some retailers guarantee that these overclocked systems will run; others do not. Ask questions, and know what you are buying. Beware of retailers who sell processor/motherboard combos in an overclocked state without advertising them as being overclocked. These are instances of fraud, which should be reported to the appropriate processor manufacturer.
Q:		Why is my overclocked system unstable?
A:		This is a complex question. Many factors can create system instabilities. Common causes include: Core Voltage. Increasing voltage can help stabilize an overclocked processor, but remember that additional cooling will likely be required to offset the extra heat that is generated. Cooling. Proper thermal regulation is key to maintaining a stable overclocked system. Use a quality processor cooler, combined with an efficient case fan layout. One trick for diagnosing potential thermal problems is to use a cooling spray (found at most electronics vendors for under $10) to directly lower the temperature of specific components, while you operate the system at maximum CPU load. If stability improves when you are cooling a particular component, that component likely needs better cooling. Memory. Poor quality memory is one of the leading causes of overclocking instability. When overclocking, use only quality memory from trusted manufacturers, not generic modules from unknown vendors. Increasing CAS latency, or decreasing certain memory timings, is sometimes required to stabilize the memory subsystem when overclocking. Benchmark testing can help you evaluate any performance differences that result from changing the various settings. Buses. Both the PCI and AGP bus standards are built around strict operating specifications. Try to maintain bus rates as close to their default values (PCI = 33 MHz, AGP = 66 MHz) as possible. An AGP bus is more forgiving when overclocked than a PCI, but decreasing AGP transfer rates may be required to achieve stability. Similarly, hard drives attached to the PCI bus may require lowered transfer rates to ensure data integrity when overclocking via the front-side bus. Power Supply. Overclocking requires more wattage than the default settings require. While most power supplies can easily sustain moderate overclocking, some systems will require a power supply upgrade to maintain stability. Intel- or AMD-approved units with a rating of at least 300 watts are recommended. Brand name power supplies are often preferred over generic power supplies, as brand name units may prove more reliable and have power output voltages that more closely meet the required motherboard voltage specifications. Firmware/BIOS. Be sure to update the BIOS firmware and hardware drivers for all components. Most manufacturers release updates at regular intervals, so checking the appropriate websites and online file archives for updates is required.
Q:		Is my processor running hot?
A:		The temperature limits listed in Chapters 5 and 6 indicate failure points, not maximum stable operating temperatures. Processors should never exceed 60° Celsius. The best cooling systems will keep temperatures well below 50° for most configurations.
Q:		What can I do for a hot processor?
A:		1. Apply a thin layer of thermal paste between the heatsink and processor core. 2. Verify that there is adequate airflow in the system and make sure the fans are moving air in the right direction. 3. Check for proper heatsink-to-processor alignment, as some models can slip during shipping. 4. And finally, install a quality processor cooling solution for better thermal dissipation.
Q:		What if my processor does not overclock as expected?
A:		Not all chips will overclock the same. This fact is a byproduct of integrated circuit manufacturing techniques. Most individual examples of a specific processor model might overclock to a certain range, but that does not mean your specific processor is guaranteed to reach the same speeds.
Q:		How do I "burn in" my processor?
A:		The need to burn in a processor is an old overclocking myth. A processor has no mechanical friction, only a type of electrical friction. Electrons will flow through a processor core the same way, regardless of the duration of that flow.