Is Overclocking Your Computer Worthwhile?

If you’re unfamiliar with overclocking, it’s the process of setting your CPU multiplier higher so the chip speeds up and increases your PC’s overall performance. For serious users, it’s a common way to amplify performance. However, overclocking has its share of risks, especially for newcomers.

Overclocking typically involves the primary processor, though you can also overclock a discrete GPU for a boost in graphics processing. There’s no one rule in how fast you can speed up a processor, but every overclocking project produces different results. That makes your decision to overclock rather difficult.

Is overclocking worth it? Yes – and no.

Overclocking: Do you need it?

Overclocking can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you have little experience tinkering with PC components. In addition to changing your multiplier, you may need to alter voltage settings, fan rotation speeds, and other important, fragile fundamentals.

So when you really get down to it, do you need to overclock?

Overclocked processors are often associated with gaming, but here’s a reality check: Speeding up your CPU may not do much to improve your gaming experience. It helps particularly demanding programs run faster, certainly, but you probably won’t notice the same effect in today’s PC games. Why? Because the GPU simply does most of the work.

In games, the CPU typically deals with player input, AI, calculations — essentially everything that’s not visual. However, CPUs can take a larger, more stressful load in MMORPGs as it handles additional players, their actions, and their conversations.

That said, overclocking the CPU leads to better performance in advanced 3D-imaging programs, professional video editing apps, and similar software for complex work projects. For smoother action and better graphics, overclocking your dedicated graphics card is a more reliable solution. Still, if your machine is new enough to run the latest PC games, its CPU and GPU may be sufficient without diving into the overclocking waters.

Of course, how many people overclock because they really need to? Relatively few.

Most people overclock their PCs simply because they can. Afterward, they boast about their glorious man-over-machine achievement. It’s a way to tinker with your computer and get more from it using a few simple tools. That appeals to a lot of do-it-yourself system builders who would rather start with a lower-cost, lower-speed processor and amplify it themselves.

However, this also invites a major problem common to all overclocks – overuse. You can’t give your computer steroids without drawbacks. An overclocked processor consumes more energy, produces more heat, and eventually wears out more quickly. Overclocking may cost you more money in the long run.

Even more, overclocking will void any warranties your CPU may have. Do you want to take that chance?

How much faster are we talking?

How fast do you want? Multipliers are easy to set, but processors are also easy to fry – there’s a give and take.

A small overclock, say a 10% boost, isn’t difficult to implement. It won’t put a heavy strain on your processor, but the effects may be underwhelming. Adding several hundred megahertz to your system, by contrast, is common and avoids the danger zone for most PCs.

But increasing your CPU’s speed by 1GHz is a whole other ballgame that requires extra cooling and perhaps new power units. It’s possible but not advisable for casual upgraders.

What do I need?

What sort of overclocking do you want to try? How in-depth are you willing to go? Here are some important tools so you can judge the work level for yourself.

• The right computer or CPU: You should invest in a CPU — like one of Intel’s K-series processors — that supports overclocking. An overclock-friendly motherboard is also important, so don’t go by the processor alone. The newest mod-friendly CPUs and motherboards often come with software that replaces some of the tools listed below. Finally, if you’re buying a pre-built PC, check the system specs before assuming it supports overclocking.
• Grab a second computer: You’ll want another computer to use while stress-testing and in case something goes wrong.
• Data display software: Programs like CPU-Z allow you to glance at the clock speed, see the voltage usage, and other important tracking factors. Downloading one of these tools will make the project much easier while tinkering.
• Stress test software: You must stress-test to ensure your overclocked processor is stable and safe. Prime95, LinX, and AIDA64 can help, though some overclockers prefer to run more than one program and compare the results. Applications like RealTemp are also useful for tracking processor temperatures.
• A heat sink/coolant unit: For serious overclocking, you’ll need a better cooling system installed inside your PC. That may be a larger processor heatsink and additional case fans.

How long will it take

Most importantly, the overclocking process depends on how much time you are willing to spend to do it correctly. You can do a quick and janky overclock procedure just by downloading the right software and changing a few settings. However, this may cause a lot more trouble than it’s worth.

A proper and safe overclock requires research beforehand. You may even need to order additional parts, such as a bigger cooler.

After the proper prep work, start implementing basic tests, download the right stress test, and make CPU alterations – these are all relatively quick steps which may only take an hour. Running the stress test, which you should do after every alteration, should take a few hours as it monitors temperature and activity for stability. That’s a pretty full afternoon, assuming everything goes perfectly and you know what you’re doing every step of the way.

If your computer overheats, crashes, or fails to perform as expected, you must make adjustments and run the stress test again. If you need to install a coolant system or heat sink, tack on additional time.

Overall, the process can often take several days of tinkering to get it just right, which may be too long for you to gain a casual boost in CPU speed. On the other hand, if you are a hobbyist, spending a couple of weekends on an overclocking project may sound like fun.

Final word: To clock or not

While overclocking is easier than ever before, and no longer particularly risky, it does require a good bit of knowledge and plenty of patience. But it’s not an exact science. Every result is a little different based on materials, skill, and the hardware on hand.

If you can handle the element of uncertainty, the necessary tests for stabilization, and tinkering with the most elemental parts of your computer, overclocking is well within your grasp. If you can’t afford accidentally frying your CPU, the right overclocking tools, or a willingness to dive deep into hardware management, overclocking isn’t for you.

In either case, you shouldn’t expect overclocks to transform your typical computing experience. Aside from bragging rights, the main reason to pursue overclocking is to improve the performance of applications that lean heavily on computing speed. You won’t see the most benefit if you never use such software.

Finally, if you want to take the overclock plunge, follow our step-by-step guide, How to Overclock Your CPU.

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