Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Overclocking | Computers

By BillyZype
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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.

Disadvantages of Overclocking:

- You'll most likely void your warranty:

What you're doing to your system is modifying it to operate differently then it was initially intended to. Once you've overclocked the component, you will no longer be able to take advantage of the warranty that the manufacturer has offered.

- Added stress on your components:

Even with the proper cooling and management of your components, you still risk damage to them and a shorter lifespan by opting to overclock them. While this doesn't always mean you'll end up burning out your components, you need to understand that it is very possible for it to happen.

- Your system runs a lot hotter:

While frying an egg on your system may be appealing, you'll need to do something about the heat your overclocked components will be giving off. Unfortunately, this means spending money. Higher voltage means more heat, and that heat can effect all the components in your system, not just the overclocked ones.

- Overclocked? Yes. More efficient? No.

Just because you've managed to overclock your CPU, doesn't mean that it's as efficient as a more expensive chip that operates by default at that speed. No matter what you do overclocking wise, the instruction set for the CPU will still remain at what it was mean to, limiting your efficiency gain.

- 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.

Advantages of Overclocking:

- Increased speed:

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.

- In-depth system knowledge:

Computer knowledge is gained through hands on activities. By opening up your system and getting a feel for it, you'll be able to grasp a lot more than you were before. Even if this isn't your first time inside your computer, you'll definitely learn something new.

- Geek Pride:

Nobody overclocks their system just to keep it to themselves. Chances are, you're looking for performance increases for your gaming rig and thats why you're overclocking your computer. So the next time you frag your opponent, rub it in his nose that your system out performs his, big time.

About the Author

Overclocking can be difficult so make sure you understplus how to overclock a computer plus have the necessary overclocking benchmark software when starting.

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