Article Advise

submitted: Apr 22nd 2008 | by: BillyZype | Total views: 5 | Word Count: 477 | |

Overclocking the components within your computer can be a lot of fun, but you really need to realize the ramifications of your actions along with the benefits that you stand to gain. Don't take this article to mean that you shouldn't overclock your computer, just that you should completely grasp what the end results can be.

Risks of Overclocking:

- It will void your warranty:

A voided warranty means that you won't be receiving any assistance or replacement from the manufacturing company. They only made their hardware to handle what it's set to, not what you set it to.

- Your system has to deal with added stress:

Computer components are meant to have a lot of life to them. That is, if you're running them how they're suppose to be run. By increasing their voltage and stress, you can't always guarantee how long you've got until you'll be replacing that piece of hardware.

- Your system runs a lot hotter:

Overclocking your components involves increasing the voltage that is sent through them. The more current, the higher the heat output, and the greater the risk of heat related damage. Heat issues will also cost you as you'll have to purchase various cooling devices to obtain your goal.

- Efficiency is not increased:

Instruction sets dictate what a CPU can do. You can't add new instruction sets to your CPU, so overclocking can only do so much. Don't think that overclocking will turn your $200 CPU into a $500 CPU.

- It isn't for everyone:

You've installed all your fancy new cooling devices and set up everything perfectly, but for some reason your system won't turn on. Looks like your back to the drawing board unless you want to admit defeat and call a friend over or buy new parts because chances are, your warrant is void.

Pros of Overclocking:

- Raised clockspeed:

You may not get the same efficiency as the CPU $200 more expensive then the one you bought, but you'll definitely see a jump in performance over the default speeds that it currently operates at.

- You'll save money:

New hardware costs big money, and while overclocking won't get you neck and neck with that new hardware, it will keep you close enough to not spend your vacation money on a new component.

- You'll know your system like the back of your hand:

Whether you have previous experience with computers or this is the first time you've opened one up, you'll gain a good grasp on how your system operates and what you may need to do to troubleshoot any issues.

- Geek Pride:

Unless you're reading up on this site to understand what you're friend or someone you paid will be doing to your computer, you'll have full bragging rights. While you may not be able to convince your boss that you deserve employee of the month for overclocking, you'll be able to proudly display your rig at the next LAN party.

About the Author

Before you start overclocking, make sure to read the most comprehensive guides on how to overclock a computer and read about what overclocking benchmark software needed.

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