Overclocking a processor is not difficult, but requires some knowledge and caution. A competent approach to this lesson allows you to get a good increase in productivity, which is sometimes very lacking. In some cases, you can overclock the processor through the BIOS, but if this feature is absent or you want to perform manipulations directly from under Windows, then it is better to use special software.
One of the simplest and most versatile programs is SetFSB. It is good in that it can be used to overclock the intel core 2 duo processor and similar old models, as well as various modern processors. The principle of this program is simple - it increases the system bus frequency by acting on the PLL chip installed in the motherboard. Accordingly, all you have to do is know the brand of your board and check if it is included in the list of supported ones.
First you need to find out the name of the motherboard. If you do not own such data, then use special software, for example, the CPU-Z program.
Once you've identified your board brand, head to. The design there, to put it mildly, is not the best, but all the necessary information is there. If the board is in 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 need to deposit approximately $ 6 to receive the activation code.
There is also an alternative - download the old version of the program, 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 starting, you will see such a window.
To start overclocking, you first need to know your clock generator (PLL). Unfortunately, it's not so easy to recognize him. Computer owners can disassemble the system unit and find the information they need manually. This data looks something like this:
PLL Chip Software Identification Methods
If you have a laptop or don't want to disassemble your PC, 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 to determine the PLL chip company itself.
Let us dwell on the second method. Switch to the " Diagnosis", In the drop-down list" Clock Generator»Select« PLL diagnosis", Then click on the button" Get FSB».
We go down below, in the field “ PLL Control Registers"And we see a table there. We are looking for column 07 (this is Vendor ID) and look at the value of the first row:
If the value equals xE, then the PLL from Realtek, for example, RTM520-39D;
if the value equals x1, then the PLL from IDT, for example, ICS952703BF;
if the value equals x6, then the PLL from SILEGO, for example, SLG505YC56DT;
if the value is x8, then the 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 be located not in the seventh byte (07), but in the sixth (06).
Checking software overclocking protection
You can find out if there is hardware protection against software overclocking as follows:
We look in the field “ PLL Control Registers"On column 09 and click on the value of the first row;
look in the field “ Bin"And find the sixth bit in this number. Note that the bit must start from one! Therefore, if the first bit is zero, then the sixth bit will be the seventh digit;
if the sixth bit is 1, then a hardware PLL mod (TME-mod) is needed to overclock via SetFSB;
if the sixth bit is 0, then no hardware mod is required.
Getting started 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.
As a reminder, overclocking is done by raising the system bus frequency. This happens every time you move the center slider to the right. We leave all other half-marks as they are.
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 adjustment, click on the "SetFSB" button.
If after that 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 is at the new frequency. This can be done, for example, in games or specialized test programs (Prime95 or others). Also, monitor the temperature to avoid possible overheating when the processor is under load. In parallel with the tests, run the temperature monitor program (CPU-Z, HWMonitor or others). The tests are best done for about 10-15 minutes. If everything works stably, then you can stay on the new frequency or continue to increase it, performing all the above actions in a new circle.
How do I get my PC to start at a new frequency?
You should already know that the program works with the new frequency only until the restart. Therefore, in order for the computer to always start with the new system bus frequency, it is necessary to put the program into startup. This is a must if you want to use an overclocked computer on a permanent basis. However, in this case we are not talking about simply adding a program to the Startup folder. There is a way for 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 be different for you!
So, we parse it:
C: \\ Desktop \\ SetFSB 2.2.129.95 \\ setfsb.exe is the path to the utility itself. You can differentiate between location and version of the program!
-w15 - delay before starting the program (measured in seconds).
-s668 - overclocking setting. Your figure will be different! To recognize it, look at the green field in the Control tab of the program. There will be two numbers separated by a slash. Take the first number.
-cg is your PLL model. This data may be different for you! In square brackets it is necessary to enter the model of your PLL as it is indicated in SetFSB.
By the way, along with SetFSB itself, you will find the text file setfsb.txt, where you can find other parameters and apply them if necessary.
After the line has been created, save the file as .bat.
The last step is to add baht to startup by moving the shortcut to the "" folder or by editing the registry (you can find this method on the Internet).
Perhaps many people know, and who does not know, we will tell you that the speed of any computer can be significantly increased not only by replacing the existing hardware with a new one with higher performance, but also by overclocking the old one.
Overclocking or overclocking implies an increase in the performance of such components of the PC hardware as a processor, video card, RAM, motherboard by improving their nominal characteristics. In the event that the processor is overclocked, we will increase its clock frequency, multiplier, and supply voltage.
How to increase the frequency
So how to overclock an intel processor? When talking about methods of this type, let's start with increasing the frequency characteristics. Where does this opportunity come from? The fact is that manufacturers of microprocessor technology always supply their products to the market with a certain margin of safety, the value of which ranges from 20 to 50% of the characteristics declared in the passport. For example, your Intel 2.5 GHz PC has a maximum clock speed of 3 GHz.
In other words, in the course of a properly executed overclocking process, you can achieve an increase in its characteristics up to 3 GHz. However, this does not mean at all that in such a mode it will work longer than at its passport frequency. The peak frequency is reset to the minimum values \u200b\u200bwhen the processor is very hot. In addition, there are absolutely no guarantees that you will be able to increase this indicator, however, some simple manipulations will allow you to increase it by 20-30% without any problems.
Each processor is characterized by the presence of such a parameter as a multiplier. If we multiply the value of this parameter by the FSB bus frequency (BCLK), we will find out the frequency. Therefore, the simplest and absolutely safe method for overclocking Intel is to increase the FSB (BCLK).
The availability and simplicity of this method boils down to the fact that the FSB (BCLK) can be changed directly in the BIOS, as well as programmatically, using a 1 MHz step for this purpose.
In more "ancient" models, the use of such a method could turn into sad consequences - the processor could simply burn out. Today, in order to "kill" modern multi-core Intel just by increasing its clock frequency, it will take incredible efforts. But we do not set ourselves such a goal, and, therefore, this method is completely safe.
In the event that a novice overclocker even overdoes it with the setting, the system will instantly reset the set settings, reboot and will function as usual. To change the bus frequency, enter the BIOS, then find the value of the CPU Clock value, press the Enter key within this value, and then enter the value of the bus frequency.
Attention! It is recommended to only overclock desktop processors. It is better to leave the processors in notebooks in their current state. they cannot cope with the increased heat generation of processors under overclocking. To enter BIOS, the “Del” key is usually used when the PC boots. Read this article:. But only to get acquainted with the frequency and other parameters.
So, we enter BIOS, open information about the CPU and see:
Set new values \u200b\u200bin the FSB or BCLK line settings. In this screenshot, BCLK is equal to 100 MHz, which when multiplied by a factor of 33 gives a processor frequency of 3300 MHz. If you set the BCLK value to 105, the resulting frequency will be 3465 MHz. Remember that most modern Intel processors are sensitive to changes in this value. It is better to overclock them by increasing the multiplier. Read about multipliers below.
In order for the overclocking result to be as effective as possible, it is necessary to replace the existing cooler with a more efficient one. To determine the efficiency of a particular fan model, you should measure the Intel temperature at its maximum load. Programs such as Everest, 3D Mark will help with this. If the temperature value at maximum load is 65-70 ° C, either increase the fan performance to the maximum value, or decrease the FSB bus frequency (BCLK).
How to change the multiplier
Also, an increase in performance can be achieved by changing the multiplier. This is only possible if the existing "stone" is unlocked with a multiplier. Typically, these devices are labeled "Extreme". If the version of the available Intel does not belong to this category, you should not be upset, since the first option will be enough to get it. Or you may need to increase the tension.
We change the multiplier up from the standard, as in the screenshot.
There is no need to set large multipliers right away. Try adding 2-3 units to start. Save and restart your computer. If it works stably, you can add another unit. And so on until stability is broken. Suppose that the computer freezes when turned on after setting the multiplier to 45. Then it is better to set the Total multiplier to 43. This way the computer will work stably.
If the motherboard cannot reset the settings on its own, help her. You need to remove the round battery on the motherboard. If you do not know what it looks like, you better not tackle the overclocking of the processor!
How to increase the supply voltage
How to overclock intel processor by increasing processor voltage? The principle of increasing productivity by increasing voltage is quite simple. To implement it, you just need to increase the power supply of the device. In order to translate what you want into reality, you must:
- install a more efficient cooler;
- do not increase the voltage value higher than 0.3 V from the nominal.
In order to increase the voltage, you need to go into the BIOS, find here an item called “Power Bios Setup \u003d\u003e Vcore Voltege” or something similar, increase the supply voltage by 0.1 V. Then, you need to set the cooler to the maximum value and set a higher FSB frequency (BCLK) or multiplier.
Overclocking is an ever-evolving art. Computer users want to get the most out of every component of their PC, and overclocking is designed to satisfy that desire. Because this is one of the most popular ways to make your computer run at full capacity.
Previously, you might need to replace parts on the motherboard itself, but now you can increase the operating frequencies directly from the BIOS menu. Even setting through the BIOS is not necessary - there are many overclocking programs. In this article, we have compiled the best overclocking software of 2019.
There are plenty of free overclocking apps. Here we have collected the best programs for overclocking a computer or video card with Windows on board. Go!
1. MSI Afterburner
One of the most recognizable graphics card overclocking programs.MSI Afterburner gives full control over the video card. Also youcan you test the video card and adjust its cooling.
If you are inexperienced in overclocking, then this program is for you. A simple interface, free - all this will allow you to overclock your video card to the limit. You can adjust the core frequency and enable an overlay to monitor performance in games. You can also check the overclocking stability and heating level of any video card.
2. EVGA Precision X
This is a fairly common processor overclocking program, especially popular with gamers. You can create up to ten overclocking profiles. UnlikeAfterburner, EVGA Precision X only supports graphics cardsNvidia. You can customize the cooler, create custom templates, and more. Also in EVGA Precision X you can overclock RAM and GPU frequency.
3. AMD Overdrive
One of the simplest programs for overclocking an amd processor, especially if you have an old processor... Overdrive you can change the voltage and frequency of the cores. After overclocking, you can check the system for stability right from the program. Simple interface and clear design madeOverdrive popular overclocking application.
4. Ryzen Master
This is the best program for overclocking processorsRyzen. It gives full control over new processorsAMD and allows you to overclockthem to the limit.
If you need to change the voltage, frequency of cores, check the temperature of the processor or even disable the cores in it - this program is for you. It almost completely replacesOverdrive, but only works onWindows 10 and with motherboards with socketAM 4.
Ryzen processors have an unlocked overclocking multiplier, so anyone can increase the power of the processor under thepublic needs... You can create four profiles to keep your CPU and DDR overclocking settings4 memory. You can also change the RAM latency and disable individual cores and processor threads.
5. Intel XTU
Intel XTU is very simple and is used by both pros and beginners in overclocking. The program works best with processorsIntel. XTU allows you to monitor system performance, analyze temperature and test the processor during overclocking.
You can also change the voltage, frequency of memory, video card and processor, while being confident in the stability of the PC. But keep in mind that overclocking can lead to hardware damage.
6. CPU Tweaker
This program is designed for usersfamiliar with overclocking and know what they are doing. CPU-Tweaker works only with processors that have a memory controller (AMD Phenom, Core i3, i5, i7 etc.). With such CPUsCPU Tweaker works best; in other cases you can tryMemSet th not inferior in functionalityTweaker. Please note that the interface is not intuitive and takes some getting used to. However, these are some of the most advanced software available for free.
7. SAPPHIRE TriXX Utility
This free program only works with video cardsAMD, from older Radeon to modern R9 Fury. TriXX allows you to change the frequency of the GPU, voltage, memory frequency. The program has a built-in stability test to check the performance of your PC during overclocking. If you have a video cardAMD, then you should definitely try this app.
8. SetFSB
This unique app allows you to individually customizeFSB. This bus connects the processor to the RAM, so properly tuning them can significantly improve performance.
9. NVIDIA Inspector
The purpose of the Nvidia Inspector is show information about the video card installed in the PC, but it is often used for overclocking. But she has rather limited opportunities in this matter. You will not be able to check the temperature and stability, so you will need other applications such as3DMark and HWMonitor , for these purposes. HaveInspector simple interface, so it is easy to overclock the video card in this program.
10. ASUS GPU Tweak
It is a relatively simple program forWindows, with a simple and beautiful interface. It is easy to adjust the frequency of the GPU, voltage and frequency of the video memory. To check the stability of the acceleration and heating, we recommend installing a separate program.
Conclusion
These are all the main best programs for overclocking your computer in 2019. We hope our article was useful to you. We are confident that you will be able to overclock your PC and experience significant performance improvements. Of course, without sacrificing the stability of the computer.
Overclocking is a forced increase in the processor clock frequency above the nominal. Let us immediately explain what these concepts mean.
A cycle is a conditional, very short time period during which the processor executes a certain number of program code instructions.
And the clock frequency is the number of clock cycles per second.
The increase in the clock frequency is directly proportional to the speed of program execution, that is, it works faster than an unclocked one.
In a word, overclocking allows you to extend the "active life" of the processor when its standard performance no longer meets the user's requirements.
It allows you to increase the speed of your computer without spending on buying new equipment.
Important! The disadvantages of overclocking are an increase in computer power consumption, sometimes quite noticeable, an increase in heat generation and accelerated wear of devices due to abnormal operation. You should also know that by overclocking the processor, you also overclock the RAM along with it.
What should be done before overclocking?
Each processor has its own overclocking potential - the clock frequency limit, exceeding which leads to the inoperability of the device.
Most processors, such as intel core i3, i5, i7, can be safely overclocked by only 5-15% of the original level, and some even less.
The desire to squeeze the maximum clock frequency out of the possible does not always justify itself, since when a certain heating threshold is reached, the processor starts to skip clock cycles in order to reduce the temperature.
It follows from this that good cooling is necessary for stable operation of an overclocked system.
In addition, given the increased power consumption, it may be necessary to replace the power supply with a more powerful one.
There are three things to do just before overclocking:
- Upgrade your computer to the latest version.
- Make sure the installation is in good condition and reliable.
- Find out the initial clock speed of your processor (look in the BIOS or through special utilities, for example).
Also useful before overclocking test the processor stability at maximum load. For example, using the S&M utility.
After that, it's time to start the "sacrament".
Overview of overclocking programs for Intel processors
SetFSB
An easy-to-use utility that allows you to overclock the processor "on the fly" by simply moving the slider.
After making changes, it does not require restarting the computer.
The program is suitable for overclocking both old processor models like Intel Core 2 duo and modern ones.
However, it does not support all motherboards, and this is an absolute necessity, since overclocking is carried out by increasing the reference frequency of the system bus.
That is, it affects the clock generator (PLL chip or, as it is called, clocker) located on the motherboard.
You can find out if your board is included in the list of supported ones on the program's website.
Advice! To avoid processor failure, it is recommended to work with SetFSB only for experienced users who understand what they are doing and are aware of the possible consequences. In addition, an untrained user is unlikely to be able to correctly determine the model of his clock generator, which must be specified manually.
So, to overclock the processor using SetFSB, you need:
- Select from the "Clock Generator" list the model of the clocker installed on your motherboard.
- Click the "Get FSB" button. After that, the SetFSB window will display the current frequency of the system bus (FSB) and processor.
- Carefully move the slider in the center of the window in small steps. After each movement of the slider, you need to control the temperature of the processor. For example, using a program.
- Having chosen the optimal position of the slider, press the Set FSB button.
The plus (and for some, the minus) of the SetFSB utility is that the settings made in it will be valid only until the computer is restarted. After a restart, they will have to be reinstalled.
If you do not want to do this every time, the utility can be placed at startup.
CPUFSB
CPUFSB is the next program in our review for overclocking processors Intel core i5, i7 and others, which can be downloaded from the developer's website.
If you are familiar with the CPUCool utility - comprehensive tools for monitoring and overclocking a processor, then you should know that CPUFSB is a dedicated overclocking module.
Supports many motherboards based on Intel, VIA, AMD, ALI and SIS chipsets.
Unlike SetFSB, CPUFSB has a Russian translation, so it is much easier to understand how to handle it.
The principle of operation for these two programs is the same: increasing the reference frequency of the system bus.
Operating procedure:
- Select your motherboard manufacturer and type from the list.
- Select the make and model of the PLL (clock generator) chip.
- Click "Get Frequency" to display the current system bus and processor frequencies in the program.
- It is also necessary to increase the frequency in small steps, while controlling the temperature of the processor. After choosing the optimal setting, click Set Frequency.
CPUFSB allows you to set the FSB bus frequency at the next program start and at exit. The current settings are also saved until the computer is restarted.
SoftFSB
Our review ends with the utility SoftFSB - another tool for overclocking a processor on the fly. It is no more difficult to use than previous programs.
As well as them, it supports many models of motherboards, various models of clock generators and any processors.
Unlike the paid SetFSB and CPUFSB, you can use SoftFSB free of charge.
However, there is no guarantee that it will run on your computer as it is no longer supported by the author.
To overclock a processor with SoftFSB, you also need to know your motherboard model, PLL chip and be a fairly experienced user.
Procedure:
- In the "FSB select" section, specify the board model and clock generator.
- Press the "GET FSB" button to capture the CPU and bus frequencies.
- While controlling the temperature of the processor, find the optimal frequency by moving the slider in the middle of the window.
- After choosing a suitable value, press the "SET FSB" button.
As you can see, everything is the same here. A lot of other programs for overclocking processors under Windows work by a similar algorithm.
In addition to universal ones, there are overclocking utilities that are produced by the motherboard manufacturers themselves.
They are somewhat easier and safer to use, since they are designed for a simple user and certainly cannot harm the system.
Important! All considered programs allow overclocking both on laptops and on stationary PCs. But if you have a laptop, you should be very careful not to raise the system bus frequency to high values.
For personal computers, there are two major companies - Intel and AMD. If there are alternative solutions, then either there are too few of them to somehow squeeze the presence of the first two, or these are outdated models (they really existed before).
When you visit various sites and forums devoted to computer components and processors, in particular, it becomes obvious that now an incredibly popular topic is considering overclocking an Intel processor.
A bit of theory
Overclocking, or overclocking (from the English. Overclock) - is an increase in a standard microcircuit above its nominal value. For example, it is known that the frequency of the dual-core is 3300 MHz. This is the value provided by the manufacturer, at which the stable continuous operation of the microcircuit is guaranteed. However, with the help of a few settings it is possible to "force" the device to work at a higher frequency: 3.5 GHz or more (if you are lucky). This gives a tangible increase in productivity, sometimes in excess of 50%. For example, it was overclocking 4 that allowed this model to exist on the market for a long time along with the new Core2Duo. Without increasing the frequency, the comparison was clearly not in favor of the fourth Pentium, but the overclocking completely changed the situation. Now, of course, these processors have already disappeared from computers, significantly inferior in performance even to budget modern models.
On the other hand, even now, by overclocking the Intel Celeron processor (cheap modifications), you can achieve an increase in the speed of performing mathematical operations.
There are two types of overclocking. One is the prerogative of enthusiasts. As a rule, flasks with liquid nitrogen installed on the processor are used to cool extremely overclocked cores. It is quite clear that it is impossible to work with such a system, and the results obtained are used to determine the theoretical "ceiling".
Ordinary users are more interested in the second method. When it is executed, the overclocking of the Intel processor consists in a smaller increase in frequencies, but with the preservation of the standard air cooling system. This makes it possible to use the computing system as usual.
Practice
The frequency of operation of a microcircuit is determined by two indicators - its reference value and a multiplier. That is, 1000 MHz can correspond to 100 MHz * 10. Thus, overclocking an Intel processor is possible by increasing any of the multipliers. In order to prevent such performance gains, Intel has locked the base multiplier in its latest chip designs. The exception is the “K” series, where it can change both up and down. And since these solutions are quite expensive, the only available overclocking of an Intel processor is through the reference frequency. To change it, you need to go to the motherboard BIOS ("Del" button immediately after turning on the computer), find the section with frequency settings, specify the manual mode and set the desired value. For example, 100 MHz is now standard. Therefore, you need to specify 110 MHz, save the changes and restart the computer. The total depends on the multiplier. So, for the mentioned Core i3 it is 33. Thus, instead of 100 * 33 \u003d 3300 we get 110 * 33 \u003d 3630. 330 MHz Free!
You should not overestimate the frequency too much, since it is tied to. Sometimes a slight increase in the voltage of the nuclei may be required (done in the BIOS). Also note that budget boards may not support overclocking.
