How to Overclock Your CPU: A Step-by-Step Guide

Would you like to know how to overclock your CPU? If so, you are on the right page. In this article, we will explore steps to overclock the CPU.

Intel Overclocking your PC's CPU (and occasionally other components like RAM) through customization allows you to achieve faster operating speeds than those specified in the manufacturer's system specs. Even if a CPU is rated to run at 3.4 GHz, Intel overclocking can cause it to reach 4.0 GHz or more.

Continue reading to see our comprehensive guide on safely overclocking your CPU. Next, learn how to overclock Intel CPUs, what precisely overclocking entails, and whether you can truly overclock your machine.

Automatic or Manual Overclocking

Decide whether to conduct the procedure manually or automatically using an overclocking tool.

Certain motherboards come with an auto-overclock feature, so you won't need any extra software to continue.

If this applies to you, consult the manual included with your motherboard to learn how to utilize this function.

In July 2019, Intel released an auto-overclocking tool for a select few of its most powerful gaming processors. You can install anything that can cause your computer to overheat by researching your options thoroughly before installing anything.

You have two choices: one of the numerous third-party programs available, or a first-party solution from the CPU manufacturer.

Let's get started with overclocking. The initial stages are the same whether you choose auto or manual overclocking.

How to Overclock Your CPU: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you prepared to begin? We are available to assist you at every stage of the procedure. Use our comprehensive guide to learn how to safely overclock your CPU.

1. Assess the performance of your CPU right now

Firstly, you need to establish a baseline by assessing what your computer can currently do. You can begin making adjustments when you've determined your starting position using one of the many performance evaluation programs available, such as Maxon Cinebench.

If you are using Cinebench Windows 64-bit, extract the archive first, then download and launch the program.

Once the CPU listing in the left panel is displayed, click the Run button.
The CPU listing in the left panel of Cinebench can be accessed by clicking the Run button.
Upon completion of the rendering, the current score will be displayed.
Keep track of that number so you can compare scores later.

In the process, make sure that your motherboard and CPU of the Intel i9 laptop are compatible with overclocking; otherwise, doing so would violate the warranty on your computer.

2. Verify the core temperature of your CPU

Before overclocking, you should measure the core temperature of your CPU to establish a baseline for further testing. Now check the temperature of your processor so you can compare any variations that occur when you overclock it.

3. Access the BIOS and UEFI

It's time to overclock your Intel CPU now that you've made sure your gear can support it and loaded the required software.

Launch the UEFI or BIOS

After restarting your computer, press the designated key during startup to access the BIOS/UEFI. You'll find the part where you can change the CPU settings once you're inside. Depending on the manufacturer of your motherboard, this may be referred to as an OC tweaker, overclocking, or something entirely else.

Adjust the multiplier

You must adjust the CPU multiplier first because it controls the clock speed of your CPU.

For instance, your CPU will operate at 4.0 GHz if the multiplier is set to 40 and the base speed is set to 100 MHz (100 MHz x 40 = 4,000 MHz or 4.0 GHz).

In detail: Start by gradually raising the multiplier (from 40 to 42, for example). This will raise the clock speed of your CPU gradually.

Adjust the voltage

Since overclocking consumes more power, you must modify the CPU's voltage. In the BIOS, this option is commonly known as Vcore. Carefully increasing the voltage is essential because increasing it too quickly can result in overheating.

Do test for stability

Once the voltage and multiplier have been adjusted, save the changes and restart your computer. Use your program to run your stress test to confirm stability.

Use AIDA64 or Prime95 for at least 15 to 30 minutes to ensure your system is capable of handling the overclock. Return to the BIOS and adjust the cooling or multiplier if your computer crashes if the temperature rises too much.

4. Adjust the settings

It's common for overclocking to involve trial and error. Once you have found a clock speed that works, it might still be necessary to tweak the parameters for optimal performance and stability.

Base Clock (BCLK) Adjustment

Aside from the multiplier, some knowledgeable users also modify the base clock (BCLK), which controls the frequency at which all parts, including the CPU, function. Performance can be improved by increasing the BCLK, but doing so is riskier because it also impacts other system components.

Step-by-step: First, raise the BCLK progressively (for example, from 100 MHz to 103 MHz). Conduct stress tests to verify system stability following every modification.

Balance temperature control and performance

A successful overclock requires striking a balance between temperature control and performance gains. If your system is overheating during stress tests, you may need to get stronger cooling or lower the overclock. To prevent overheating, check your temps frequently with CPU-Z or HWMonitor.

5. Finally, keep testing

Testing your overclock is the most important step in the process. After each increase in voltage or multiplier, save your settings, restart, and test. After using your stress-testing tool, launch your benchmarking tool. Keep an eye on the temperature of your CPU at all times.

Once the evaluation process is finished, compare the updated score to the initial one obtained using your benchmarking tool. Did it go up? In that case, your overclocking was effective!

Wrapping Up

Overclocking Intel processors can increase system performance, but it requires careful planning and execution. If you follow this guide's instructions, overclocking your CPU is simple and safe. Don’t forget to prioritize stability and monitor your system constantly to ensure a positive experience.