Every year more and more new games are released with cool graphics, super effects and thousands of fans. But not everyone can upgrade their computer every time for a new toy. But you really want the long-awaited new gaming product not to slow down, so that you can play on maximum settings with sophisticated and colorful effects, completely immersed in game process with incredible graphics.
In the case described above, so-called programs for gamers can help - software for overclocking a computer, namely video cards, processors, and for optimizing the system in general. These utilities find a rational approach to the division of computer resources, and some even allow you to emulate a more powerful video card, so you can run some games that did not want to work before.
In addition, gamers and anyone else may find it useful to have programs that provide information about computer resources. Using them, you can find out almost all the information about the installed components: motherboard model, RAM modules, processor and many other hardware parameters, including software.
Typically, overclocking programs improve computer performance by increasing clock frequency central and GPUs and increasing the supply voltage. This must be approached with caution, because as the power of a stationary machine or laptop increases, the temperature of many elements increases. Therefore, the main thing here is not to overdo it and be sure that your power supply or cooling system can handle the load, because you can fix a laptop or computer, but it takes your time and money.
You can avoid using programs to overclock your computer by changing the settings in Motherboard BIOS boards and video cards. But if you have never encountered this, then it is better to neglect this method. Due to complexity this method we will not dwell on it, but will move directly to the description of programs for gamers and computer overclocking.
In addition to the main function of overclocking computer components, optimization programs may contain various tools to improve the performance of the operating system by freeing up memory, defragmentation hard drives, disabling, unnecessary during the game, anti-aliasing Windows fonts, all kinds of widgets, etc. Thanks to this optimization, all computer resources will be directed to work and productivity required application, in our case for the game.
Razer Game Booster
Razer Game Booster - powerful free program to optimize the operation of the operating system and increase the speed of the computer. Increasing game performance is achieved through temporary OS optimization, namely defragmentation of RAM, closing background processes unnecessary during the game, DirectX diagnostics and other processes.
This program for overclocking a computer does not go into the registry, does not speed up the operation of the hardware and does not change Windows settings. “What is she doing then?” - you ask. When you are ready to play the long-awaited game, you must first launch Game Booster and the utility, with a flick of the wrist, will clear the system of unnecessary slow-down baggage. Upon completion of the program, everything will return to its place.
The program interface is quite simple and understandable. For the lazy, Razer Game Booster has a great button that will do automatic optimization and won’t force you to choose optimization settings yourself. In just one click, your computer will be completely ready for the game, and if you wish, you can configure everything yourself.
If you need to overclock your computer, then you should download Razer Game Booster.
Game Fire
Modern games are quite demanding system resources, and if to this is added a significant expenditure of resources on operating system, then the game can only work on low settings, or even not work at all. Game program Fire will help partially solve this problem.
Disabling those unnecessary for the game running services And visual effects Windows, it optimizes the system for games. Thanks to this optimization program, the system will not devour precious resources and all of them will be directed only to the game. The utility is easy to learn and contains automatic shutdown default. You can also manually specify which process you would like to disable.
You can download Game Fire for free.
RivaTuner
RivaTuner is perhaps one of the most popular utilities for overclocking and testing the performance of video cards from NVIDIA and AMD. It allows you to overclock a video card directly through hardware or through a driver and fine-tune its operation.
Of all available functions the following can be distinguished:
- working with Direct3D and OpenGL video card driver parameters,
- setting video modes and screen refresh rate,
- adjusting brightness, contrast and gamma,
- managing fan settings on the video card,
- setting the core frequency, memory and shader unit,
- providing a report on video card characteristics, drivers, etc.,
- monitoring temperature, voltage of the video card and cooling system.
The program has the ability to create profiles for launching each application, there is a built-in database of driver settings and a tool for editing the Windows registry.
The RivaTuner utility, first of all, will be useful to the owner GeForce video cards, and the owners ATI video cards forced to use a program with limited functions.
You can download RivaTuner absolutely free and configure your video card to your heart’s content.
EVGA Precision X
EVGA Precision X is a very convenient program for overclocking NVIDIA-based video cards. Unlike RivaTuner, this program is not overloaded different settings and can be used as a simplified alternative.
Despite its light weight and simplicity, it can still become powerful tool for overclocking video cards. Among the functions of the utility for optimizing the operation of the video card are the following:
- control of memory, core and shader unit frequencies,
- fan control in automatic and manual mode,
- creating profiles of up to 10 pieces with assigning hot keys for each,
- viewing tray temperature, taking game screenshots and much more.
EVGA Precision X is free tool to overclock your video card.
EVGA Precision X is available for download on Windows-based computers only.
3D-Analyze
3D-Analyze - not updated for a long time, but very useful program, which is designed to run new games and applications on old video cards.
The program is capable of emulating the settings and parameters of new video cards (for example, support for pixel shaders), or it completely “pretends” to be a specific video card model. The utility does not require installation.
For the new game to work, you need to launch the 3D-Analyze program, select executable file games (usually exe extension or bat) and try to set required settings in the program window.
Subsequently, the set settings will not have to be set again, since the program changes original file games.
By the way, if you are not satisfied with any specific settings, you can again use this program to set the optimal characteristics.
PowerStrip
PowerStrip is one of the most popular programs that allows you to work with video mode and video cards. The program supports almost any video card and can significantly improve their performance.
With its help you can switch the screen resolution, change color palette, contrast, brightness, flicker frequency, etc. In addition, you can assign different programs individual settings and assign hotkeys to change various parameters.
Download PowerStrip - a program for optimizing work with video cards.
We draw your attention once again, incorrect operation overclocking a computer and, in particular, video cards can lead to a sad outcome. So try to do without excessive overload computer components.
Overclocking a processor is not a difficult task, but it requires some knowledge and caution. A competent approach to this activity allows you to get a good increase in productivity, which is sometimes sorely lacking. In some cases, you can overclock the processor through the BIOS, but if this option is missing or you want to carry out manipulations directly from Windows, then it is better to use special software.
One of the simplest and universal programs is SetFSB. It is good because it can be used to overclock an intel core 2 duo processor and similar older models, as well as various modern processors. The principle of operation of this program is simple - it increases the frequency system bus, affecting the PLL chip installed in the motherboard. Accordingly, all that is required of you is to know the brand of your board and check whether it is included in the list of supported ones.
First you need to find out the name of the motherboard. If you do not have such data, then use special software, for example, the CPU-Z program.
Once you have determined the brand of the board, go to. The design there, to put it mildly, is not the best, but all the necessary information is there. If the board is on the list of supported ones, then you can happily continue further.
Download Features
The latest versions of this program, unfortunately, are paid for the Russian-speaking population. You will need to deposit approximately $6 to receive your activation code.
There is an alternative - download old version programs, we recommend version 2.2.129.95. This can be done, for example, .
Installing the program and preparing for overclocking
The program works without installation. After launch, this window will appear in front of you.
To start overclocking, you first need to know your clock generator (PLL). Unfortunately, it is not so easy to recognize him. Computer owners can disassemble the system unit and find necessary information manually. The data looks something like this:
Methods for software identification of a PLL chip
If you have a laptop or don’t want to disassemble your PC, then there are two more ways to find out your PLL.
1. Go in and look for your laptop in the table.
2. The SetFSB program will help you determine the PLL chip brand itself.
Let's look at the second method. Switch to the " Diagnosis", in the drop-down list " Clock Generator» select « PLL diagnosis", then click on the button " Get FSB».
Let's go down to the field " PLL Control Registers" and we see a table there. We look for column 07 (this is Vendor ID) and look at the value of the first line:
If the value is xE, then the PLL is from Realtek, for example, RTM520-39D;
if the value is x1, then PLL from IDT, for example, ICS952703BF;
if the value is x6 - then PLL from SILEGO, for example, SLG505YC56DT;
if the value is x8, then PLL from Silicon Labs, for example, CY28341OC-3.
x - any number.
Sometimes exceptions are possible, for example, for chips from Silicon Labs - in this case, the Vendor ID will not be located in the seventh byte (07), but in the sixth (06).
Checking protection against software overclocking
Find out if there is hardware protection against software overclocking, you can do this:
We look in the field “ PLL Control Registers» to column 09 and click on the value of the first row;
look in the field " Bin" and find the sixth bit in this number. Please note that the bit count must start from one! Therefore, if the first bit equal to zero, then the sixth bit will be the seventh digit;
if the sixth bit is 1, then to overclock via SetFSB you need a PLL hardware mod (TME-mod);
if the sixth bit is 0, then a hardware mod is not required.
Let's start overclocking
All work with the program will take place in the “ Control" In field " Clock Generator" select your chip and then click on " Get FSB».
At the bottom of the window, on the right, you will see the current processor frequency.
We remind you that overclocking is carried out by increasing the system bus frequency. This happens every time you move the center slider to the right. We leave all other half-knowledges as is.
If you need to increase the range for adjustment, then check the box next to the " Ultra».
It is best to increase the frequency carefully, 10-15 MHz at a time.
After adjustments, press the “SetFSB” button.
If after this your PC freezes or turns off, then there are two reasons for this: 1) you specified the wrong PLL; 2) greatly increased the frequency. Well, if everything was done correctly, the processor frequency will increase.
What to do after overclocking?
We need to find out how stable the computer operates at the new frequency. This can be done, for example, in games or specialized programs for tests (Prime95 or others). Also monitor the temperature to avoid possible overheating when the processor is under load. In parallel with the tests, run a temperature monitor program (CPU-Z, HWMonitor or others). Tests are best completed in approximately 10-15 minutes. If everything works stably, then you can stay at the new frequency or continue to increase it, performing all the above actions in a new circle.
How to force the PC to start at a new frequency?
You should already know that the program works with new frequency only until a reboot. Therefore, in order for the computer to always start at the new system bus frequency, it is necessary to put the program in startup. This required condition, if you want to use an overclocked computer on a regular basis. However, in in this case we'll talk not about simple addition programs to the Startup folder. There is a way to do this - creating a bat script.
Opens " Notebook", where we will create the script. We write a line there, something like this:
C:\Desktop\SetFSB 2.2.129.95\setfsb.exe –w15 –s668 –cg
ATTENTION! DO NOT COPY THIS LINE! It should turn out different for you!
So, let's break it down:
C:\Desktop\SetFSB 2.2.129.95\setfsb.exe is the path to the utility itself. Your location and version of the program may vary!
-w15 - delay before starting the program (measured in seconds).
-s668 - overclocking setting. Your number will vary! To recognize it, look at the green field in the tab Control programs. There will be two numbers separated by a slash. Take the first number.
-cg is the model of your PLL. Your data may be different! You must enter the model of your PLL in square brackets as it is specified in SetFSB.
By the way, along with SetFSB itself you will find text file setfsb.txt where you can find other options and apply them if needed.
Once the line has been created, save the file as .bat.
The last step is to add the baht to startup by moving the shortcut to the “” folder or by editing the registry (you will find this method on the Internet).
Processor performance is calculated by the number of operations per second. A quantitative indicator of the operations performed is the frequency, measured in hertz. The larger this value, the faster the system as a whole works. As a rule, processor manufacturers never use the maximum clock speed capabilities and leave a certain reserve in order to increase the service life of the component part and save energy. However, there are special programs for overclocking Intel processor, which can significantly improve the performance of the entire system, and in this case the software (game) will launch and work much faster. This allows you to improve your computer without purchasing new components and use their maximum capabilities.
Before you start overclocking the processor, you need to know for sure the limits of the reserve clock frequency and the real indicators. If this is neglected, the processor may burn out and cannot be repaired. Intel Company in new lines it produces processors that provide for changing the frequency in the BIOS. Exactly similar models best suited for overclocking.
Do not set the clock frequency to the maximum permissible value. And although the system will work significantly faster, the intensity of the work will lead to increased heating of the component part and can lead to malfunction. In this case, be sure to take care of the installation powerful cooler, which will cope with the generated heat. And if the power supply was purchased without a power reserve for the system unit, it is also recommended to replace it with a more powerful one.
In order to overclock your processor without difficulty, you need to follow three steps:
- update the BIOS to the latest version available;
- install a good cooling system;
- with help special programs(or in BIOS) view the initial value of the frequency.
In order to find out the current (factory) clock frequency of the processor and check the limits to which it can be overclocked, you can use free utility CPU-Z, which can be downloaded from the official website. 
Before overclocking the processor, you can also use the S&M program, which can demonstrate the behavior of the processor under maximum loads. 
If you have completed all the prescribed measures, you can proceed to directly overclocking the Intel processor. This can be done using one of three special programs, which are the most secure and will not cause any harm to the system. Let's look at them in more detail.
This program allows almost any user to overclock, because its interface is intuitive. But the developers recommend not to experiment inexperienced users to avoid possible troubles. SetFSB allows you to overclock any processors, but is not suitable for all motherboards, on which a lot also depends when increasing the clock frequency. Before starting the process, check on the official page of this utility that your motherboard is supported.
Among the advantages of this program are its small size (only 300kb), regular release of updates and ease of management.
- select the clock generator model of your motherboard from the “Clock Generator” pop-up list;
- Click on the “Get FSB” button to display two sliders displaying the clock speed of the processor and the system bus;
- Gradually move the slider at small intervals and monitor the current processor temperature using additional utilities;
- after finding the optimal border, click on the "Set FSB" button.
It should be noted that when you restart the computer, these settings will be reset and to increase the frequency you will need to restart the program with the saved settings. To avoid this, you can put this program in autorun.
This program has big amount tools and supports much more models motherboards than the previous program. Also, due to the presence of a Russified version, the interface will be as clear as possible. But CPUFSB is paid product and to use it, it must be purchased.
To overclock the processor using CPUFSB, run next steps:
- using the drop-down lists, select your model of motherboard and PLL chip;
- click on the “Take frequency” button and you will see the current processor and bus frequency;
- by moving the slider, select a value that will correspond to the permissible processor heating;
- Click on the “Set frequency” item.
This program, like the previous one, after rebooting the system, resets the system settings and to increase the processor frequency, you must repeat the operation.
This utility also helps in solving the issue of overclocking the processor. A significant disadvantage of SoftFSB is the fact that it is not supported by developers, and it is not a fact that it will fit new models of processors and motherboards. Also, its interface is completely in English (there is no support for the Russian language) and it is designed for experienced users.
To overclock the processor, all actions are performed similarly to the previous program.
If you have never overclocked the processor, experts strongly recommend using utilities that are written by component manufacturers and under specific models.
In contact with
Increasing processor performance for some - the desire to have the highest available characteristics PC, and for others - a necessity for stable and comfortable work. Both categories of users need competent overclocking, otherwise it can lead to unpleasant consequences and financial waste instead of the expected savings.
First of all, in this case you will need good program for overclocking, which will be compatible with motherboard. We talked about similar programs for overclocking Intel processors, but now we want to consider analogues for AMD.
This program was created specifically by AMD for users who want to get a performance boost. It is completely free, but it is really effective and functional.
Let's start with the advantages, of which this program has plenty. For AMD OverDrive, it doesn't matter what kind of motherboard you have, as long as the processor is compatible. Full list The supported processors are as follows: Hudson-D3, 770, 780/785/890 G, 790/990 X, 790/890 GX, 790/890/990 FX. Actually, products are supported both new and “not the first freshness”, i.e. those released 5 years ago or more. But the biggest advantage of the program is the list of its features. It has everything for high-quality overclocking: control sensors, testing, manual and automatic overclocking. You will find a more detailed description of the possibilities by clicking on the link located just below.
The only downside that can be noted is the lack of Russian language, which, however, does not interfere with most home overclockers. Well, and the fact that Intel owners, unfortunately, will not be able to use AMD OverDrive.
ClockGen
KlockGen is a program that, unlike the previous one, is not as beautiful or convenient, but the main thing is that it is functional. In comparison with many small analogues, it is of interest because it works not only with the FSB bus, but also with the processor and RAM. For high-quality overclocking, there is also the ability to monitor temperature changes. The lightweight and compact utility supports many motherboards and PLLs, does not take up space on your hard drive and does not load the system.
But not everything is so wonderful: there is no Russian language again, and ClockGen itself has not been supported by its creator for a long time, so new and even relatively new components are incompatible with it. But old computers can be overclocked so that they get a second life.
SetFSB
This program is universal, as it is suitable for both Intel and AMD. Users often choose it for overclocking, noting such advantages as support for many motherboards, simple interface and use. One of the main advantages is that SetFSB allows you to programmatically identify the chip. This is especially true for laptop owners who cannot recognize their PLL. SetFSB works in the same way as ClockGen - before rebooting the PC, which significantly reduces possible risks, such as failure of the motherboard, overheating of devices. Since the program is still supported by the developer, he is also responsible for the relevance of supported versions of motherboards.
The disadvantages include the fact that residents living in the Russian Federation will have to pay approximately $6 for use latest version programs, and even after purchase there is no need to wait for Russification.
In this article we talked about three programs that are suitable for overclocking AMD processor. The user will have to choose a program based on the processor and motherboard model, as well as their own preferences.
As you already understand, we specifically selected programs that can work with hardware. different years release. For older computers, ClockGen is perfect, for those that are newer - SetFSB, but for owners of medium and new ones AMD help OverDrive.
In addition, the capabilities of the programs also differ. ClockGen, for example, allows you to overclock the buses, RAM and processor; SetFSB additionally helps identify PLLs, and AMD OverDrive has a huge number of functions for full overclocking with a quality check, so to speak.
Today we will talk about overclocking Intel processors and look in detail at the program with which it will be easiest to do this. But, in the beginning, we will find out what overclocking is, why it is needed at all, and what consequences of overclocking await us in the future. People who overclock are called overlockers.
Conventionally, all overlockers are divided into three categories
- The first type is beginner and economical overlockers. In order to save Money they want maximum productivity while spending as little money as possible. In this case, the computer is assembled from not the most expensive components, which may be obviously outdated. In general, they buy what they have enough money for. Naturally, the performance is similar computer system far from the desired level. Therefore, owners of such equipment are starting to overclock the processor in order to at least slightly increase the performance of their PC.
- The second type includes the so-called experienced overlockers. Their goal is to obtain maximum performance and the pleasure of the overclocking process itself, without spending extra money. Experienced overlockers, even at the stage of purchasing not the cheapest equipment, try to choose it with the expectation of a further upgrade. They thoughtfully choose every component of their future computer. If it is a motherboard, then it must have ample capabilities to support various components; if it is a processor, then it must have built-in overclocking capabilities, etc. As a result, very often similar systems after overclocking, they have at least comparable performance to top-end computers operating in nominal mode. But often such productivity is not vitally necessary, and the overlocker simply likes to enjoy a job well done.
- The third type of overclockers are extreme overclockers. For them, the goal of overclocking is to achieve the highest possible performance by any means necessary and regardless of price. They are in constant search older models, the most powerful components, reaching extremely low temperatures, etc. The main thing for them is to end up with a system with parameters that are inaccessible to most PC users.
Of course, such a division is conditional and there are no clear boundaries between overlockers. Over time, beginners move into the group of experienced ones; experienced ones, if they have the desire and opportunity, become extreme sports enthusiasts. But, one way or another, they all started somewhere, and any serious undertaking is preceded by theoretical preparation. So, first of all, we will deal with a little theory of processor overclocking.
Collecting system information
Before you start overclocking your processor, you need to have an idea of what you're dealing with. First you need to start studying your system. Identify all the components, study the manual motherboard, use information and diagnostic utilities, conduct performance tests, note the maximum and minimum temperatures at various system loads, etc. After overclocking the processor, you can compare the data obtained with the indicators that the system had before increasing the processor frequency. In addition, with the help of preliminary tests you can make sure that the system operates stably at the rated frequency and voltage.
Required programs
Both before and during overclocking, you will need special programs and utilities. Again, they are conventionally divided into several categories: programs for diagnostics, monitoring, overclocking, checking system stability, and utilities for measuring performance.
IN real life The clear boundaries between these categories are quite blurred. Using diagnostic programs, you can measure performance, and utilities designed for monitoring can overclock the processor. It’s just that each program has a main direction for which it is optimally suited and several auxiliary non-core functions.
Diagnostic information software is designed primarily to determine the configuration of your system. The most powerful and functional of them are Lavalys Everest and SiSoftware Sandra.
But these packages are not limited solely to defining the system configuration. These software systems capable of monitoring, measuring performance, and testing computer stability. However, the use of such programs for all areas at once is not always justified, especially since they are distributed for a fee, and in free packages Only a part of the possibilities is available. Such cumbersome programs can be replaced with lesser-known, but no less effective utilities. For example, it is extremely popular among overlockers. CPU-Z utility, capable of reporting information about both the processor itself and the motherboard and RAM. To carry out detailed control and manage memory timings, you can use the small MemSet program.
To overclock the processor, the best option will using BIOS. But, unfortunately, computer manufacturers do not always provide such an opportunity. In this case, you can use universal utility SetFSB, which we'll look at in more detail later. In addition, you should always familiarize yourself with the contents of the CD that comes with the motherboard. Manufacturers often supply programs complete with drivers. own development, with the ability to overclock the processor from Windows.
One important truth should always be remembered: none of the existing programs for overclocking processors cannot give you a 100% guarantee. But the chances will increase significantly if you use several different utilities for overclocking, monitoring and testing. The OCCT or S&M utilities will help you check the stability of the system.
Hundreds of special programs have been written to measure system performance. Such utilities test either the system as a whole or its components separately. A simple example, but functional program NovaBench can serve.
CPU Overclocking Basics
Overclocking is the forced operation of the processor at frequencies higher than the nominal frequency. The reasons why overclocking is even feasible can be different. This reason may be a large safety margin built into the processor architecture by the manufacturer or some other marketing moves. This is not so important, the main thing is to skillfully use the opportunities provided.
Despite the huge diversity computer components everything inside the PC to a large extent standardized. This is caused by the need to synchronize components from different manufacturers. The starting point is the system bus frequency –FSB. At the same time, various buses on the motherboard (channels), which connect various components of the board, have an information transmission frequency lower than the FSB. Therefore, when setting their nominal frequencies, dividers are used. But since modern processors have a noticeably higher frequency, multipliers are used in order for it to operate at its nominal frequency.
Let's give an example. The Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 processor operates at a bus frequency of 266 MHz. Its multiplier is x7. The product of the FSB frequency by this multiplier will give the final processor frequency of 1.86 GHz. Therefore, in order to overclock the processor, it is necessary to either increase the FSB frequency or the multiplier.
Older models modern processors free factors are characteristic. But such processors have high cost, which can be an order of magnitude higher than that of younger processors of the family. Therefore, purchasing such processors is not entirely rational, since with the help of overclocking it is possible to achieve performance of younger processors comparable to the performance of their older brothers.
Therefore, overclocking any processor usually means increasing the FSB frequency. If we take as an example overclocking an intel core 2 duo processor, then by increasing the bus frequency to 400 MHz, the processor frequency can increase to 2.8 GHz. If we increase the FSB to 500, then in this case the processor frequency will already be 3.5 GHz. This information is basic and already knowing it, you can head to the BIOS and start increasing the FSB frequency, thereby overclocking your processor. But still, before starting overclocking, you should carry out some preparatory work, which we will look at below.
Preparatory stage
Before you start overclocking the processor, you have to perform a couple of mandatory steps. The first thing you should do is go to the website of your motherboard manufacturer and check if a more recent one is posted there. BIOS version. There are many cases where completely unsuccessful motherboards after BIOS updates found a second life, literally a second life. In addition, updating the version can not only correct the errors found, but also introduce new parameters and capabilities into the board’s BIOS. Find out which BIOS version you are using in currently possible during the startup of the motherboard. If information appears for a very short period of time and you do not have time to read it, then press the Pause key on your keyboard. The BIOS version can also sometimes be seen using information and diagnostic utilities. Of course, not in all cases the new version BIOS is better suitable for overclocking than the old one, however in new version At least the bugs in earlier versions have been fixed.
Nuances of overclocking Intel Core processors
A characteristic feature of all processors with Core microarchitecture is high performance. Since they lend themselves well to overclocking, we will pay special attention to them.
Core processors except large quantity They also have a number of advantages that are unique to them, which still complicate the overclocking process. Such processors have their own feature - the so-called FSB Wall. This concept describes the maximum bus clock speed at which this processor can operate. By reducing the multiplier to x6, you can find out what maximum bus frequency your instance can operate at.
By the way, a processor with a nominal bus frequency of 200 MHz is almost never overclocked to a frequency exceeding 400 MHz FSB. This factor should be taken into account when choosing a Core series processor. Why pay for a processor from an older line, if it is much cheaper and easier to overclock a junior processor. It must be remembered that younger CPUs with a nominal x8 multiplier will most likely be limited due to the FSB Wall, and therefore the frequency after overclocking will not be able to go above 3.2 GHz. Therefore, in order not to limit yourself in advance to the maximum possible frequency, when purchasing, pay attention to processors that have a x9 multiplier.
Processors with a nominal bus frequency of 266 or 333 MHz are also selected as low-end ones and have a x7 multiplier. But here, in addition to the notorious FSB Wall, overclocking can be complicated in addition by the capabilities of the motherboard and RAM. Such processors should also be chosen with a multiplier of x8 or higher. However, here too a new danger awaits overlockers - FSB Strap.
FSB Strap, a parameter that characterizes not the processor itself, but the chipset and motherboard. This is the frequency at which the chipset switches operating modes. For example, after overclocking the processor, the performance of systems built on the motherboard Gigabyte board and the Intel P965 Express chipset crashes immediately. But the motherboard is from manufacturer Asus, built on the same chipset, shows high performance even at 400 MHz. When testing the Asus Striker Extreme motherboard with NVIDIA chipset nForce 680i SLI performance dropped during the transition from 420 MHz to 425 MHz FSB frequency.
Overclocking the processor using the SetFSB program
Now that the theoretical part is over, we can start overclocking the Intel processor. As an example, let's take a very popular and effective program SetFSB.
After launching the utility, a similar window should appear on your screen.
At the very beginning you select a PLL chip. You can see which chip is installed either visually on the motherboard or using special utilities. It may happen that your chip is not on the list, then you will have to look for other utilities that support your chip type. As a last resort, you can contact the author of this utility and ask to add the chip you need to the program. But this procedure will take a lot of time and it is not a fact that the developer will even respond to your request.
After you have selected your chip, click the Get FSB button.
The window will display different meanings frequencies, including the frequency at which the processor operates in this moment. The current frequency is highlighted in the Current CPU Frequency window. In our case, this is a frequency of 1198.2 MHz.
We will overclock the processor by increasing the system bus frequency. To increase the named frequency, you need to move the slider located in the center of the window to the right. Tabs and sliders that are located nearby are best left as they are to avoid unexpected problems. If you want to increase the frequency adjustment range, check the box to the left of Ultra, as shown in the previous figure.
Now move the slider a little to the right. As a result, the frequency should increase by 10-15 MHz.
For the changes you have made to take effect, you must click the SetFSB button.
If after you clicked the SetFSB button, the computer freezes or turns off, do not be alarmed. This just means that you either specified the wrong PLL, or you overestimated the frequency very much. After a reboot, everything will return to normal and you can make changes. If you did everything correctly, the processor clock speed will increase. Look at the picture below.
In order to make sure stable work computer after overclocking, you will need to test it using the utility. We chose Preime95.
After launching the utility, click on the Just Stress Testing button, as shown in the figure above. After that, the following window should appear on the screen of your PC:
Select the third item and click OK. After that, testing of your system should start.
If desired, simultaneously with the Preime95 utility, you can run HWMonitor utility, which will monitor the temperature of your processor, as well as other components, during the test.
The Prime95 program has the ability to generate a serious load on the computer processor. Testing will be successful if the processor works stably for at least fifteen minutes and does not freeze. After successful completion of testing, you can try to further increase the processor frequency and run system testing again.
If you want to abort the test earlier, you can do this using the menu, as shown in the figure below.
By increasing the frequency and immediately checking the stability of the system using Prime95 you can achieve maximum frequency processor, at which it will work stably over a long period of time at maximum loads. After all the manipulations with overclocking and determining the optimal frequency, you need to add the SetFSB program to startup. Otherwise, all your changes will be lost after the first reboot of the PC.
First of all, create a bat script. Why do you need a regular one? standard Notepad, in which you need to make something like this:
c:\Program Files (x86)\SetFSB 2.2.129.95\setfsb.exe -w15 -s668 -cg
c:\Program Files (x86)\SetFSB 2.2.129.95\setfsb.exe is your path to the SetFSB utility on your computer. Naturally different users it may differ.
w15 – with this parameter you set the required delay before starting SetFSB. Time is indicated in seconds.
s668 – entry indicating the overclocking setting. This parameter is very important. In the figure, in our case, this is the number 668 (the first number to the right of the slider, which is located in the green field)
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