Download the program for overclocking an Intel card. Overclocking the processor through BIOS and special programs

Using the experience of other users, we can confidently say that the universal and most frequently used programs for “overclocking” the system are:

  • setFSB;
  • CPUFSB;
  • SoftFSB.

We will talk about them, but at the end of the article, but first we will study the theory and carry out preparatory work.

What is important to know before overclocking an Intel processor?

Of course, you can immediately go to the end of the article, download the software and get started. But thoughtlessly, without understanding the process itself, pressing the “pedals” in the program can lead to a somewhat unexpected result. And the instructions say that this software is intended for “experienced users.” Therefore, for now we just read and delve into it.

Frequency increase

So, an increase in system performance can be obtained by increasing the clock speed of the central processing unit (CPU) or the system bus (FSB - front system bus). But most modern CPUs do not allow increasing the clock frequency, because this limitation is imposed by the computer manufacturer. In this case, it is necessary to increase the FSB clock frequency. At the same time, you need to understand that changing the system bus parameters will entail a change in the operation of not only the CPU, but also other modules of the personal computer - memory, video card or network card.

Changing the multiplier

The frequency at which the processor or system bus operates is the clock frequency of the generator itself, multiplied by some number, a multiplier. You can determine the multiplier using specialized computer testing software, such as CPU-Z. In essence, “overclocking” is an increase in this particular parameter. You can change it both in the BIOS subsystem, before loading the operating system, and using programs launched already under the Windows operating system.

Increasing supply voltage

Increasing the clock frequency multiplier often leads to unstable operation of the system as a whole and does not give the expected effect without increasing the supply voltage. This is especially noticeable with a significant increase in multipliers. Consequently, it is necessary to increase the supply voltage of both the processor and the bus itself. However, when changing the voltage, care must be taken not to exceed the permissible limits. Also, you should be aware that increasing the supply voltage inevitably entails an increase in the CPU temperature and the need for effective cooling.

Preparing to overclock the processor

We have studied the theory and finally move on to practice.

We go into the BIOS and see if the manufacturer allows changing the frequency multiplier, processor supply voltage, etc. We are not changing anything for now, we are just studying the situation. We also find a jumper with the inscription “clear cmos”. It will be useful to us if, by changing the parameters, we cannot start the computer.

We boot the computer and run the CPU-Z program. This is free software and can be easily found and downloaded online. We study the system in detail, the current values ​​of frequencies and multipliers. There, on the Internet, we find another program - HWMonitor. Using it, we determine the current readings of the system temperature.

We try to load the computer with a stress test from the first program and measure the temperature with the second program.

If the temperature values ​​exceed 60 degrees without “overclocking”, you can stop there. Unfortunately, this system cannot be overclocked.

If the temperature test passes, you should search the Internet for information about the processor and motherboard installed in the computer. In addition, you need to determine which PLL chip - frequency generator - is installed on the motherboard. We need this information when using specialized software.

Overclocking an intel processor on a laptop

Let's take a short break and talk about laptops. The situation here is not very good, because laptop hardware systems are the worst to overclock, and there are several reasons for this:

  • an “overclocked” processor generates more heat, and cooling a hot chip in the limited space of a laptop case is quite a task;
  • The laptop power system is not designed for the increased power consumption of an “overclocked” processor or bus;
  • It is not always possible to find the necessary data (find out the frequency generator chip and select software) to overclock the processor or FSB of a laptop using software. And if it succeeds, then the practical implementation fails - the system freezes for one reason or another: either the laptop memory cannot operate at the specified frequency, or the built-in video card fails.

Therefore, laptop manufacturers limit as much as possible the possibilities of increasing the processor or bus frequency, as well as voltage values, using the BIOS subsystem.

Despite all this, sometimes it is possible to increase the performance of standard laptops, but as side effects we get an increase in fan noise and a decrease in the battery life of the laptop.

Overclocking the processor via BIOS

Let's continue! The simplest method, which has been used since the days of the first Pentiums, is to increase the frequency values ​​directly in the computer BIOS. Modern BIOS subsystems do not always allow you to change the set parameters, but if the manufacturer provides such an opportunity, then a wide field of activity is open to the user. The screenshots below show an example of BIOS settings before and after overclocking.

Changed parameters are marked in red.

If, after adjusting the values, the system freezes and access to the bios setup is impossible, you should reset the default settings by closing certain contacts on the motherboard or removing the battery.

Programs for overclocking Intel processors

If the motherboard manufacturer has limited overclocking capabilities by changing settings in the BIOS, you can try to overclock the system using special programs.

SetFSB

A very popular program among overclockers. Allows you to set the bus frequency, contains a large PLL database. It’s easy to work with the program, but it’s just as easy to crash the operating system. Therefore, we change the frequency values ​​smoothly, in small steps.

An unpleasant nuance. Starting from version 2.2.134, the program is paid, the setfsb button is inactive, and the command line mode does not work. There are two solutions to the problem: either use older versions of the software, or look for ways to register later versions.

So, step by step:

  • select “our” clock-generator
  • press the “get fsb” button
  • smoothly move the slider a couple of steps
  • press the “set fsb” button

We determine the stability of the system using stress tests. We repeat until we get BSOD or satisfaction from overclocking. Since all manipulations are performed only at the time the program is launched, after restarting the computer, the original settings are returned. To permanently use clock frequency settings, you must enable the program's command mode. Details are specified in the setfsb.txt file in the program folder. The same file contains a list of supported motherboards and frequency generators.

CPUFSB

An application similar in functionality. In this case, there is a correct translation into Russian.

Essentially, CPUFSB is a dedicated CPUCool software module - a utility for monitoring and overclocking the processor. The program supports a large number of motherboards from various manufacturers.

The operating procedure is similar:

  • select the type of motherboard;
  • select the PLL chip type;
  • “take frequency” - get current values;
  • change the current frequency values ​​- “set frequency”.

Frequency settings are saved until the system is rebooted.

SoftFSB

Another application for changing the clock frequency of the bus or processor. Unfortunately, the program is not currently supported by the author. Consequently, it may not run on modern systems, since it “does not know” about the latest PLL releases.

The principle of operation of the program is the same - select the correct motherboard and clock generator, read the data, smoothly change the current settings and write them down.

Consequences of overclocking are the user's responsibility

As a result, we have the following:

  • overclocking a computer involves increasing frequencies and voltages;
  • You can change the frequency values ​​both in the BIOS and programmatically;
  • Overclocking software operates in the same way. The differences between the utilities lie in the ability to support particular equipment;
  • not every equipment can be “overclocked”;
  • increasing frequencies and voltages should occur step by step.

And most importantly -

Responsibility for all actions taken related to changing the standard settings of the equipment rests entirely with the person who made these changes.

The desire for your computer to work at high speeds is familiar to every user. Some people need this for a comfortable time in games, while others need it for work, so that several applications can be successfully opened at once.

With a professional approach to overclocking a computer, its performance can increase to a tenth or even a fifth of the whole.

It is worth knowing that overclocking the processor does not always have a significant effect. If the RAM takes up 1GB, then increasing it by one more unit will give the desired result, and if you have a powerful computer, then increasing the processor may not be noticeable.

In any case, you can only find out whether your actions with the processor worked experimentally.

Warning!

However, you should not get too carried away in regulating the processor. This may cause it to break. Here are a few steps to help it stay in working order:

  • Study this topic. Special literature or forums with websites that will tell you what to do will help you with this. It's also worth looking at the specs of your processor. It may turn out that he is not capable of squeezing high speeds.
  • If you increase it, then only the processor frequency. There is no point in regulating the core power supply by changing the voltage.
  • Divide the increase in purity into several stages, let each be 100 MHz.
  • After each lifting step, test the system for stability and temperature performance. You should constantly monitor the temperature while you are working with the processor. When the maximum purity limit is exceeded, the computer will reset it to its initial characteristics. The higher the frequency, the higher the temperature. If it is reduced, the CPU crystal may break, and then it will have to be replaced.
  • If the user nevertheless decides to change the voltage, then this should be done carefully and carefully monitor the characteristics of the computer. Typically, this figure is increased in small steps of 0.05 - 0.10 V. However, exceeding the threshold of 0.30 V can lead to equipment failure.
  • Since the CPU is a fragile thing, you should stop any attempts to strengthen it after the first failures. It is necessary to leave it at the frequency at which it worked successfully, and not repeat attempts to improve it. There are cases when the processor frequency has increased and it works successfully, but it is always warm and does not have time to cool down. In this case, it is worth changing the cooling system.
  • The only thing you shouldn't overclock is laptops. Their cooling system is not designed to improve performance. But if you still decide to do this, then you should change the cooling equipment to a more powerful one.

Programs for monitoring device status

  • CPU-Z

— A common utility that will show the user voltage, frequency and other indicators that characterize computer performance


  • Prime95

Publicly available benchmarking software. Performs stress testing on the computer when the frequency increases. Capable of performing lengthy checks to obtain large amounts of data


  • LinX

Similar to the program above. One of the differences is support for the Russian language. It fully loads the processor and tests it. The user may feel like their device is frozen


  • CoreTemp

Another free program. Shows the temperature of the chip in the processor in real time. In addition, it often shows the FSB bus along with the multiplier.


The first point on choosing programs for successful overclocking of the system has been completed.

The list includes applications for benchmarking, stress testing, and chip temperature information.

Before starting work, it is worth checking your computer for stress using basic programs. They will calculate the initial characteristics and help in detecting various problems.

The next step is to check and study the specifications associated with the motherboard and processor. The data and potential of both may be different, so it's worth checking them out.

You should also pay special attention to the multiplier. If it is closed for changes, then you will not be able to overclock your processor.

To launch it, you need to hold down one of the following keys in the first seconds when you turn on the computer, when the POST screen appears: F10, F2, F12, Esc - the buttons for opening this application differ on different computers.


It is through this basic program that the process of overclocking the device will be carried out.

There are old and new BIOSes. They differ little from each other in terms of production, but they may have a different interface.

These programs are divided into two types:

  • AMI or Phoenix AWARD

The first tab is called Advanced, it can also be called JumperFree Configuration or AT Overclock.


The second one is called Frequency, Voltage Control, it can also be called as follows: overclock.


After performing these manipulations, you should open the advanced mode and select the following in it: AI Tweaker or, if the first does not happen, then Extreme Tweaker.


As a result of these actions, a window will appear in which you will need to increase the frequency.

First of all, you need to reduce the memory bus speed. Following these instructions will help you avoid memory errors. It's called Memory Multiplier or Frequency DDR. It is worth setting the minimum value that will be indicated there.


Then you should increase the fundamental frequency by a tenth of a hundred. This value is approximately 100 MHz.

It is hidden under another name - FSB bus. Its speed is the internal basis of your processor.

Basically, it is equal to a value of 100 MHz or more, which is multiplied by a certain multiplier indicated in the status information.

That is, if the initial power is 200 MHz, and the multiplier is 10, then the computer frequency will be 2 GHz.

Most computers can easily handle a 10% increase, meaning the frequency will now be 2.2 GHz.


However, if you encounter problems with stability or temperature, you should stop all attempts and reduce the settings to the default option.

A temperature of 85 degrees will be critical for any computer, and its processor will break down.

If successful, continue performing the stat upgrade. The stress test should be run after each increase in frequency.

Increasing processor power through multipliers

This option applies if your multiplier readings are unlocked. This is an easier option to set up.

You should first reset the basic frequency setting. Canceling it will help you adjust the frequency better.

When using a low base frequency with a large multiplier, operation stability is increased. A high frequency and a small multiplier gives excellent performance. In this case, you should look for a value at which stability and productivity will be equally strong.

After resetting the settings to default, you should start raising the multiplier. It is worth doing this in small increments of half a unit. The multiplier itself is hidden under the name CPU Ratio or CPU Multiplier.


Once lifted, run the temperature check and stress test process.

Then start increasing the multiplier again until the first problems with stability begin. If this is not enough for you, then you can start increasing the voltage.

Increasing it will make it possible to increase the multipliers by a few more points.

The following short article will help the reader on how to increase tension.

Increasing the voltage to power the core

You can increase the voltage using normal adjustment. Under the name CPU Voltage or VCore our voltage indicator is hidden.

If you nevertheless decide to increase it, then you should do this as carefully as possible.

If you randomly increase the voltage, it can go beyond safe limits. And this will ultimately damage not only the processor, but also the motherboard.

It is worth increasing in steps equal to 0.025 or any other minimum value.

However, do not exceed the 0.3 V limit.


This could end badly for the components of your device.

You should also perform a stress test after each lift.

With the last overclock you left the system in an unstable state, so after raising it it will begin to come to its senses.

If the system has already achieved stability, then you should monitor the temperature. It must not be high.

If the system continues to remain unstable, then it is necessary to reduce the multiplier or the base clock purity.

Your system will eventually stabilize. After that, you can go to raise the multiplier or frequency.

In this matter, you are pursuing one single goal - to achieve stable operation and high performance with minimal voltage.

Repeat all this work until you reach the maximum temperature or voltage. Eventually you will come to this conclusion: you will no longer be able to increase productivity. This will be the limit of your processor's components that you will not be able to go beyond. Only if you change the components, for example, the motherboard.

6398

Any equipment tends to become outdated over time and, accordingly, it ceases to satisfy the user’s needs. In such a situation, you can simply replace the outdated processor with a new version or go the other way, using overclocking programs. Using such utilities you can significantly improve the performance of your device.

There are two methods that can help overclock your processor. The first is changing parameters in the BIOS, and the second is using specialized programs. This article will discuss the latter method.

SetFSB utility

This type of program is primarily used by owners of fairly new computer models, but which have very little power. Modern processors do not use all their resources to their fullest, and such an application can speed up the PC as much as possible. Another advantage of this program is the large list of motherboards that it supports.

Among other things, the utility helps determine the existing PLL. Without knowing your own ID, it will be simply impossible to accelerate the processor. You can find out the PLL in another way, but to do this you will have to completely disassemble the computer in order to read the inscription on the chip. This procedure is quite simple for desktop PCs, but laptop users will experience great difficulty during disassembly.


After the computer restarts, all customizable acceleration settings are lost. On the one hand, this causes difficulties, because every time all the work has to be done anew, but on the other hand, you can be sure that no irreparable failure will occur in the system. Then, when you are sure that the optimal overclocking settings are specified, the utility can simply be added to autorun when the computer boots.

Unfortunately, this application is paid. In order to take advantage of its functionality, you will need to pay a subscription costing about $6.

CPUFSB program

This utility almost completely repeats the functionality of the previous application. But, it also has its own unique features. One of the invaluable advantages is the presence of a Russified version, which greatly simplifies working with the program. The functionality of the utility also allows you to set many additional settings and change frequencies for work. Moreover, the frequency changes in just a few clicks, which allows you to overclock the processor only during certain required periods of time.

The application has a huge list of supported motherboards, much larger than the previous utility reviewed. Therefore, users of rare and rarely found devices also have the opportunity to overclock their processor.


A significant drawback is the lack of automatic ability to determine PLL. Because of this, laptop owners will face great difficulties if they decide to use such a program.

SoftFSB application

Today there are still quite old devices for which there is practically no software. It is for owners of such computers that this program was created. It supports almost all little-known types of motherboards.

This application independently figures out the existing PLL, eliminating the need to disassemble the computer. The utility can be added to autorun, which will greatly simplify the work, since there will be no need to re-set the parameters every time the PC boots.

Unfortunately, this program has been abandoned for a long time and no updates have been released for it. Due to this, users who use modern computers will most likely not be able to use this application.

The article examined the most optimal programs that will help overclock the processor as much as possible and significantly speed up the computer. The main thing when carrying out such a procedure is to choose the utility that supports your specific type of motherboard.

An obvious fact for many is the strong development of technology in our time. Every day companies are developing new technologies and computer components. Few people know that in fact, a computer processor can be overclocked to a frequency slightly higher than specified in its technical parameters. This happens differently in each line of processors. Now I will tell you from my experience how to do this on intel and amd processors.

Program for overclocking intel processor

To overclock Intel series processors, I used the program. But before you start using it, you need to update your BIOS to the latest version. Next, you need to find out the model and type of your motherboard. Before overclocking, you need to check the functionality of the cooler, clean it from dust, replace the thermal paste, and if necessary, change the cooler.

So let's get started.

1 First, you need to download the Get FSB program to overclock the processor - http://hotdownloads.ru/setfsb

2 To overclock, you will need to select your “Clock Generator” in the program. You can find it out by the motherboard model on the website - http://www13.plala.or.jp/setfsb/

2 Having launched this program, the program settings window opens in front of us. We go to the “Clock Generator” list and from there select the required clocker model that is installed on our motherboard.

Next, click the “Get FSB” button and we will be provided with information about the system bus frequency, as well as the processor frequency. After this, carefully move the slider in small steps closer to the center. Do not forget to monitor the processor temperature so that everything goes smoothly and without incident. Having chosen the optimal frequency for yourself, click Set FSB.

These settings are only valid until the computer is restarted, so to apply them permanently, you need to put the program in startup.

Program for overclocking amd processor

To overclock the amd processor I used the AMD OverDrive program. This program is quite easy to understand.

So let's get started.

1 First, you need to download the AMD OverDrive program to overclock the processor - http://www.amd.com/ru-ru/innovations/software-technologies/technologies-gaming/over-drive

2 Launch the program and go to the “Clock / Voltage” tab on the left, and on it we will immediately see the processor frequency at the moment.

3 After that, go to “Turbo core control" and check the box "Enable turbo core". In the same window below, set the multiplier to the value that is the maximum allowed for you. Before doing this, it is better to find out on the Internet what maximum frequency you can overclock your processor to. After selecting the multiplier, click “ok” and return to our first tab “Clock / Voltage“.

4 In it we also set the multipliers to the maximum value. After this you will see that the frequency will change. Click “Apply" and the system will ask whether to launch this turbo mode when the system starts. This is up to you to decide at your own discretion. Next, click “ok” and our processor is overclocked.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the process of overclocking our processors. But it is better to do this if you have at least a little idea of ​​what you will be doing. But don’t forget that overclocking a processor may not always be successful, so you need to think carefully about whether it’s worth doing. And when overclocking, do not forget about having good cooling for your processor.

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

  1. The first type is beginner and economical overlockers. In order to save money, they want to get 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 of such a computer system is 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.
  2. The second type includes the so-called experienced overlockers. Their goal is to get maximum performance and enjoyment from 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 overclocking capabilities built into it, etc. As a result, very often such systems, after overclocking, have at least comparable performance to top-end computers operating in nominal mode. But often such performance is not vitally necessary, and the overlocker simply likes to enjoy a job well done.
  3. 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 constantly looking for older models, the most powerful components, achieving 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 motherboard manual, use information and diagnostic utilities, conduct performance tests, note the maximum and minimum temperatures under 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 very blurred. Using diagnostic programs, you can measure performance, and monitoring utilities 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 are capable of monitoring, measuring performance, and testing the stability of a computer. However, using such programs for all areas at once is not always justified, especially since they are distributed for a fee, and only a part of the capabilities are available in free packages. Such cumbersome programs can be replaced with lesser-known, but no less effective utilities. For example, the CPU-Z utility is very popular among overlockers, 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 is to use the BIOS. But, unfortunately, computer manufacturers do not always provide such an opportunity. In this case, you can use the universal SetFSB utility, which we will 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 their own programs with drivers, which have the ability to overclock the processor from Windows.

You should always remember one important truth: none of the existing processor overclocking programs can 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. An example of a simple but functional program is NovaBench.

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 kind of marketing ploy. This is not so important, the main thing is to skillfully use the opportunities provided.

Despite the huge variety of computer components inside a PC, everything is largely 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 of modern processors are characterized by free multipliers. But such processors have a high cost, which can be an order of magnitude higher than that of the 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 consider below.

Preparatory stage

Before you start overclocking the processor, you have to perform a couple of mandatory steps. The first step is to go to the website of your motherboard manufacturer and check if a more recent BIOS version is posted there. There are many cases where completely unsuccessful motherboards, after updating the BIOS, found a second life, literally. In addition, updating the version can not only correct the errors found, but also introduce new parameters and capabilities into the board’s BIOS. You can find out which BIOS version you are currently using when the motherboard starts. 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 BIOS version is better suited for overclocking than the old one, but the new version at least eliminates the errors of earlier versions.

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, in addition to a large number of advantages, also have a number of disadvantages 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 a Gigabyte motherboard and Intel P965 Express chipset immediately drops. But the motherboard from the manufacturer Asus, built on the same chipset, shows high performance even at 400 MHz. When testing the Asus Striker Extreme motherboard with the NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI chipset, performance dropped during the transition from FSB frequency 420 MHz to 425 MHz.

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 the very popular and effective SetFSB program.

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 various frequency values, including the frequency at which the processor is currently operating. 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 that your computer is stable after overclocking, you will need to test it using a utility. We chose Preime95.

After launching the utility, click on the Just Stress Testing button, as shown in the figure above. Afterwards, the following window should appear on your PC screen:

Select the third item and click OK. After this, testing your system should start.

If you wish, simultaneously with the Preime95 utility, you can run the 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 the maximum processor frequency at which it will work stably for a long period of time under 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 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, it may differ for different users.

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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