Overclocking a processor is not difficult, but requires some knowledge and care. A competent approach to this lesson allows you to get a good increase in productivity, which is sometimes very lacking. In some cases, you can overclock the processor through the BIOS, but if this feature is absent or you want to carry out manipulations directly from under Windows, then it is better to use special software.
One of the simplest and most versatile programs is SetFSB. It is good in that it can be used to overclock the intel core 2 duo processor and similar old models, as well as various modern processors. The principle of this program is simple - it raises the system bus frequency by acting on the PLL chip installed in the motherboard. Accordingly, all that is required of you is to know the brand of your board and check if it is included in the list of supported ones.
First you need to find out the name of the motherboard. If you do not own such data, then use special software, for example, the CPU-Z program.
Once you've identified your board brand, head to. The design there is, to put it mildly, not the best, but all the necessary information is there. If the board is in the list of supported ones, then you can happily continue further.
Download features
The latest versions of this program, unfortunately, are paid for the Russian-speaking population. You need to deposit approximately $ 6 to receive the activation code.
There is also an alternative - download the old version of the program, we recommend version 2.2.129.95. This can be done, for example,.
Installing the program and preparing for overclocking
The program works without installation. After starting, you will see such a window.
To start overclocking, you first need to know your clock generator (PLL). Unfortunately, it's not so easy to recognize him. Computer owners can disassemble the system unit and find the information they need manually. This data looks something like this:
PLL chip software identification methods
If you have a laptop or don't want to disassemble your PC, there are two more ways to find out your PLL.
1. Go in and look for your laptop in the table.
2. The SetFSB program will help to determine the PLL chip company itself.
Let us dwell on the second method. Switch to the " Diagnosis", In the drop-down list" Clock Generator»Select« PLL diagnosis", Then click on the button" Get FSB».
We go down below, in the field “ PLL Control Registers"And we see a table there. We are looking for column 07 (this is Vendor ID) and look at the value of the first row:
If the value equals xE, then the PLL from Realtek, for example, RTM520-39D;
if the value equals x1, then the PLL from IDT, for example, ICS952703BF;
if the value equals x6, then the PLL from SILEGO, for example, SLG505YC56DT;
if the value is x8, then the PLL from Silicon Labs, for example, CY28341OC-3.
x - any number.
Sometimes exceptions are possible, for example, for chips from Silicon Labs - in this case Vendor ID will be located not in the seventh byte (07), but in the sixth (06).
Checking software overclocking protection
You can find out if there is hardware protection against software overclocking as follows:
We look in the field “ PLL Control Registers"On column 09 and click on the value of the first row;
look in the field “ Bin"And find the sixth bit in this number. Note that the bit must start from one! Therefore, if the first bit is zero, then the sixth bit will be the seventh digit;
if the sixth bit equals 1, then a hardware PLL mod (TME-mod) is needed to overclock via SetFSB;
if the sixth bit is 0, then no hardware mod is required.
Getting started overclocking
All work with the program will take place in the " Control". In field " Clock Generator"Select your chip and then click on" Get FSB».
At the bottom of the window, on the right, you will see the current processor frequency.
As a reminder, overclocking is done by raising the system bus frequency. This happens every time you move the center slider to the right. We leave all other half-marks as they are.
If you need to increase the range for adjustment, then check the box next to the " Ultra».
It is best to increase the frequency carefully, 10-15 MHz at a time.
After adjustment, click on the "SetFSB" button.
If after that your PC freezes or turns off, then there are two reasons for this: 1) you specified the wrong PLL; 2) greatly increased the frequency. Well, if everything was done correctly, the processor frequency will increase.
What to do after overclocking?
We need to find out how stable the computer is at the new frequency. This can be done, for example, in games or specialized test programs (Prime95 or others). Also, monitor the temperature to avoid possible overheating when the processor is under load. In parallel with the tests, run the temperature monitor program (CPU-Z, HWMonitor or others). The tests are best done for about 10-15 minutes. If everything works stably, then you can stay on the new frequency or continue to increase it, performing all the above actions in a new circle.
How do I get my PC to start at a new frequency?
You should already know that the program works with the new frequency only until the restart. Therefore, in order for the computer to always start with the new system bus frequency, it is necessary to put the program into startup. This is a must if you want to use an overclocked computer on a permanent basis. However, in this case we are not talking about simply adding a program to the Startup folder. There is a way for this - creating a bat script.
Opens " Notebook", Where we will create the script. We write a line there, something like this:
C: \\ Desktop \\ SetFSB 2.2.129.95 \\ setfsb.exe –w15 –s668 –cg
ATTENTION! DO NOT COPY THIS LINE! You should get it differently!
So, we parse it:
C: \\ Desktop \\ SetFSB 2.2.129.95 \\ setfsb.exe is the path to the utility itself. You can differentiate between location and version of the program!
-w15 - delay before starting the program (measured in seconds).
-s668 - overclocking setting. Your figure will be different! To recognize it, look at the green field in the Control tab of the program. There will be two numbers separated by a slash. Take the first number.
-cg is your PLL model. This data may be different for you! In square brackets it is necessary to enter the model of your PLL as it is indicated in SetFSB.
By the way, along with SetFSB itself, you will find the text file setfsb.txt, where you can find other parameters and apply them if necessary.
After the line has been created, save the file as .bat.
The last step is to add baht to startup by moving the shortcut to the "" folder or by editing the registry (you can find this method on the Internet).
There are two of the most popular ways to overclock a processor. Using UEFI / BIOS or using software running in the operating system. The second method is simpler and allows using specialized utilities to perform overclocking as needed.
Useful tools
Before carrying out overclocking work, you should stock up on tools that allow you to view all the necessary parameters of the motherboard and processor and control them during operations. A universal example of such a tool is the program CPU-Z... It works in Windows and Android operating systems. Below in the figure, for example Intel Core i5, you can see what characteristics this program can read. The program is constantly updated, modern processors are added to it, and it will perfectly cope with the latest models. Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen.
Despite the fact that overclocking is planned to be carried out using software, it will not be superfluous to first update the BIOS to the latest version. This will add functionality to the motherboard anyway.
Well, it goes without saying that you must be sure that the cooling system of the electronic friend can cope with the increased loads and is also ready to accelerate.
Having completed these preliminary steps in advance, you can begin to explore the capabilities of specialized software.
SetFSB
The first program with which we begin to study overclocking software will be SetFSB... As the name implies, it is designed to overclock the processor over the system bus... You can download it on the official website. This utility differs in its small size and comes in the form of a zip archive. Having unpacked the archive, let's look at its contents, which are presented below.
In the program folder you can find a text file setfsb.txt... Having opened it, you can examine the list of motherboards with which it is capable of working. It is worth carefully studying it to find your model and make sure in such a way that, by running it on your computer, you get the expected result.
During startup, a small window will first appear in which you will need to enter the code indicated at its top. According to the developer, this will serve as an additional confirmation that you understand how to overclock the processor with this program and take all the consequences of your actions.
The next window is already the main one for this program, and in it you will need to select the type of clock frequency generator, which is determined by the motherboard model and is written in the setfsb.txt file, which was studied above.
Having chosen the correct Clock Generator parameter, you will gain access to changes in its parameters and, accordingly, you will be able to adjust the FSB frequency. The program will store the selected characteristics until the OS is rebooted. If you want to automate this operation, you will need to place a bat file specially created in a text editor into the startup.
Another option for overclocking an Intel processor is. Its functionality is almost the same as that already discussed by us. SetFSB, for the better it differs only in the presence of the Russian interface. Therefore, it may well be suitable for novice overclockers, as an introductory one.
The work is based on the same principle, that is, on the interaction with the "hardware" of the motherboard. Supported boards in this utility are visible directly in the drop-down list, which is quite convenient. It is required to select a manufacturer and then indicate the type of PLL generator, which is responsible for increasing the frequency of the system bus.
After the required input parameters have been specified, you can start overclocking the processor through the program.
AMD overclocking software
At one time, AMD, which had somewhat lost its position in the processor market, made a good marketing move. It has released a series of unlocked multiplier FX processors and developed its own overclocking software. The AMD processor overclocking program is called AMD OverDrive and we will now get to know her in more detail.
AMD OverDrive
So, the first thing you see after running this program to overclock AMD processors will be the traditional warning from manufacturers. In a nutshell, its content boils down to the fact that the operations performed to change the processor parameters can lead to malfunctions in your computer, and by performing them, you are aware of your actions and accept responsibility. Of course, we should agree with this. Pressing the OK button will open the main program window with the main parameters of the processor installed in the system.
As you can see below, this information is similar to that obtained using the program CPU-Z and provides general, but comprehensive, information about the characteristics of this processor.
We are interested in the tools of this program for overclocking AMD processors in the section on the left. Performance control". In it, you must select the item " Clock / Voltage»And proceed to the analysis of the device operation method.
In the above figure, we see the processor's indicators before overclocking and, accordingly, the parameters available for adjustment. To access the value change, you will need to enable the desired function using the Turbo Core Control button, which will have a green highlight highlight before the operation.
In the window that opens, check the box next to " Enable turbo core».
Thus, access to the processor parameters is obtained, and you can proceed directly to overclocking. The figure clearly shows that when you move the slider to the right in the section " Clock»The multiplier is increased by the available 3 points. A little higher, you can see how the frequency indicators of the processor cores are shifted from the position of 3300 to 3900.
Utility test CPU Speed \u200b\u200bProfessional, shows the effective frequency of the processor with a default multiplier of 16.5.
The figure below shows the result of our manipulations. A CPU with a multiplier setting of 19.5 is overclocked to 600 MHz.
The operation of the utility was considered in sufficient detail AMD OverDrive... I must say that this software from the manufacturer works great with the entire line of processors and accelerates their work, starting with processors AMD Athlon.
Motherboard utilities
Let's take a look at one more area of \u200b\u200boverclocking software development. These are specialized utilities that are placed by some motherboard manufacturers on the accompanying driver disk.
The three largest players in this market offer the following programs:
On the disks of less well-known motherboard manufacturers, you can also look for analogues of such programs, with the only exception that they usually come only with products of the upper price segment.
Direction of software development
Above, we have considered the most popular solutions for working with processors from leading manufacturers in this market - Intel and AMD. It should be noted that such a solution as a program for overclocking the processor directly from the operating system is dying. This is due to the current trends in the development of basic systems that control the work of "hardware". Over the past ten years, there has been a significant expansion of BIOS functions and the transition of all motherboard manufacturers to use UEFI, its extended version.
Actually UEFI itself became an operating system in miniature. It has an attractive graphical interface and mouse support. If earlier, to edit the parameters of the basic I / O system, the user required certain knowledge and skills in working with keyboard switches, now this is no longer necessary.
The conclusion from this follows. Owners of AMD processors shouldn't worry any time soon. The manufacturer himself has developed and maintains a high-quality overclocking utility, and the latest models of devices in the series Ryzen are produced with good potential in this area. If you have an Intel processor, then in light of the latest developments in the motherboard industry, you should pay attention to the study UEFI... In the next few years, old motherboards will go to their well-deserved retirement and the Intel platform can be overclocked exclusively in this way. Even despite the release of the "K" series of processors with an unlocked multiplier, Intel prefers to work with its brainchild - UEFI, and third-party developers in such conditions simply curtail their activities.
Conclusion
According to the tradition that has developed among overclockers, we recall once again that all the consequences of switching the processor to an accelerated mode of operation lie only with the user, and no manufacturer is obliged to accept a claim in case of unsuccessful actions. Don't forget this and always be careful. Better to achieve a small but stable result than to hurry up and get nothing.
Related Videos
Every year more and more new games are released with cool graphics, super effects and thousands of fans. But not everyone can upgrade a computer every time for a new toy. But you really want the long-awaited gaming novelty not to slow down, so that you can play at maximum settings with sophisticated and colorful effects, completely immersed in the gameplay with incredible graphics.
In the case described above, the so-called programs for gamers can help - software for overclocking a computer, namely video cards, processors, and in general for optimizing the system. These utilities find a rational approach to the section of computer resources, and some even allow you to emulate a more powerful video card, so you can run some games that you did not want to work before.
In addition, gamers and everyone who wants to can use programs that provide information about computer resources. With the help of them, you can find out almost all information about the installed components: the model of the motherboard, RAM modules, processor and many other hardware parameters, including software.
Typically, overclocking software improves performance by increasing the clock speed of the CPU and GPU and increasing the supply voltage. This should be treated with caution, because with an increase in the capacity of a stationary machine or laptop, the temperature of many elements rises. Therefore, the main thing here is not to overdo it and be sure that your power supply or cooling system will cope with the load, because you can fix a laptop or computer, but it takes your time and money.
You can do without using overclocking programs by changing the settings in the BIOS of the motherboard and video card. But if you have never encountered this, then it is better to neglect this method. Due to the complexity of this method, we will not dwell on it, but go directly to the description of programs for gamers and computer overclocking.
In addition to the main function of overclocking computer components, optimization programs can contain various tools to improve the performance of the operating system by freeing up memory, defragmenting hard drives, disabling unnecessary Windows fonts, all kinds of widgets, etc. Thanks to this optimization, all resources computers will be focused on the operation and performance of the required application, in our case, the game.
Razer Game Booster
Razer Game Booster is a powerful free software designed to optimize your operating system and speed up your computer. Improving the performance of the game is achieved by temporarily optimizing the OS, namely defragmenting the RAM, closing unnecessary background processes during the game, diagnostics of DirectX and other processes.
This program for overclocking a computer does not climb into the registry, does not speed up the work of iron and does not change Windows settings. "What does she do then?" - you ask. When you are going to play the long-awaited game, you must first launch Game Booster and the utility will clear the system of unnecessary braking luggage with a slight movement of your hand. Upon completion of the program, everything will return to its place.
The program interface is quite simple and straightforward. For the lazy, Razer Game Booster has a great button that will automatically optimize without forcing you to choose optimization settings yourself. In just one click, your computer will be completely ready to play, and if you wish, you can configure everything yourself.
If you need to overclock your computer, then you should download Razer Game Booster.
Game fire
Modern games are quite demanding on system resources, and if a significant consumption of resources for the operating system is added to this, then the game can only work at low settings, or even not work at all. The Game Fire program will help partially solve this problem.
By disabling running Windows services and visual effects that are unnecessary for the game, it optimizes the system for games. Thanks to this optimization program, the system will not consume precious resources and they will all be directed only to the game. The utility is easy to learn and contains automatic shutdown by default. You can also specify manually which process you would like to disable.
You can download Game Fire for free.
RivaTuner
RivaTuner is perhaps one of the most popular overclocking and performance testing utilities for video cards from NVIDIA and AMD. It allows you to overclock the video card directly through the hardware or through the driver and fine-tune its operation.
Of all the available functions, the following can be distinguished:
- work with Direct3D and OpenGL parameters of the video card driver,
- setting video modes and screen refresh rate,
- adjustment of brightness, contrast and gamma,
- control of the fan settings on the video card,
- setting the frequency of the core, memory and shader unit,
- providing a report on the characteristics of the video card, drivers, etc.,
- monitoring the temperature, voltage of the video card and the cooling system.
The program has the ability to create profiles for launching each application, there is a built-in database of driver settings and a tool for editing the Windows registry.
The RivaTuner utility is primarily useful for the owner of GeForce video cards, while the owners of ATI video cards have to use a program with limited functions.
You can download RivaTuner absolutely free of charge and customize the video card for your pleasure.
EVGA Precision X
EVGA Precision X is a very handy overclocking software for NVIDIA-based graphics cards. Unlike RivaTuner, this program is not overloaded with different settings and can be used as its simplified alternative.
Despite its light weight and simplicity, it can still be a powerful tool for overclocking video cards. Among the functions of the utility for optimizing the operation of the video card are the following:
- memory, core and shader frequency control,
- fan control in automatic and manual mode,
- creation of up to 10 profiles with assignment of hotkeys for each,
- view the temperature in the tray, create screenshots of the game and much more.
EVGA Precision X is a free overclocking tool for your graphics card.
EVGA Precision X is only available for Windows computers.
3D-Analyze
3D-Analyze is not updated for a long time, but a very useful program that is designed to run new games and applications on old video cards.
The program is able to emulate the settings and parameters of new video cards (for example, support for pixel shaders), or completely pretends to be a specific video card model. The utility does not require installation.
For the new game to work, you need to launch the 3D-Analyze program, select the executable file of the game (usually with the extension exe or bat) and try to set the desired settings in the program window.
In the future, the set settings will not have to be set again, since the program changes the original game file.
By the way, if you are not satisfied with any specific settings, you can use this program again to set the optimal characteristics.
PowerStrip
PowerStrip is one of the most popular programs for working with video mode and video cards. The program supports almost any video card and is able to significantly increase their performance.
With its help, you can switch the screen resolution, change the color palette, contrast, brightness, flicker frequency, etc. In addition, you can assign individual settings to different programs and assign hot keys to change various parameters.
Download PowerStrip - a program for optimizing work with video cards.
We draw your attention once again, incorrect operation with overclocking a computer and, in particular, video cards can lead to a sad outcome. Therefore, try to avoid overloading the computer components.
Overclocking veterans: This Asus P2B motherboard brings back fond memories of the past. Click on the picture to enlarge.
Variety of software
In this article, we are going to tell you about several different applications that allow you to overclock your processor and graphics card. Some of them can even change the memory frequency and latency. It is clear that you use such programs at your own peril and risk, but if you do not go beyond reasonable limits, then there is no big danger of damaging the hardware, and the advantage in additional performance is often significant.
Two favorites: CPU-Z and GPU-Z
Before proceeding with the description of overclocking programs, we would like to dwell on two applications that, in our opinion, are the necessary sources of system information: CPU-Z and GPU-Z. These two small utilities (which actually have nothing in common other than similar names) allow you to display information about the components of your system. CPU-Z provides information about the processor, motherboard, and memory, while GPU-Z provides information about the video card.
CPU-Z
CPU-Z is a very complete and efficient program written by French developers that is regularly updated to support most of the processors and chipsets available on the market. It allows you to get detailed information about the installed processor, system bus frequencies, CPU voltage, memory frequencies and latencies (via SPD), etc. This utility also includes functions for validating overclocking values \u200b\u200bto avoid fraud.
Before you start overclocking the system, we recommend downloading the CPU-Z program.
Tip: make sure you have the latest version of the CPU-Z program if you want to have a function to validate the overclocking values. If you are using an older version of the program, then the plausibility check may not work.
Despite the similar names, GPU-Z is not the brainchild of the CPUID development group that created CPU-Z, and has nothing to do with them. GPU-Z is a compact program that can display extremely important information about video cards: its exact name, type of GPU used, GPU, memory, shader unit frequencies (if the video card is compatible), the number of Raster Operator Units (ROPs) , memory bus width and much more. This utility is still in development, and from a practical point of view it can still be improved, although it is already fully usable.
The most recent version of GPU-Z can be found.
SetFSB CPU Overclocking Utility
SetFSB is an easy way to overclock the processor. This small program allows you to adjust the FSB frequency directly from Windows. It supports a wide range of motherboards and only requires you to know the PLL used by your board.
PLL of our motherboard. Click on the picture to enlarge.
PLL (Phase Locked Loop) is a chip on the motherboard that generates frequencies for various components. Many modern motherboards have at least four reference frequencies: FSB, memory, PCI Express bus, and PCI bus; it is the PLL that generates these frequencies. In practice, in most motherboards, the FSB and memory frequencies are linked (using a factor that can be selected in the BIOS), while the PCI Express and PCI bus frequencies are fixed (100 MHz and 33 MHz, respectively). On some motherboards, like the one in the picture above, PCI Express and PCI frequencies are also linked.
Tip: PLL chips are usually manufactured by ICS. You just need to find a chip with that name to find out the PLL version.
SetFSB at work. Click on the picture to enlarge.
Changing frequencies
Select the name of your PLL chip from the drop down menu and click on "Get FSB". The program should find the current FSB frequency, after which it will allow you to change it by simply moving the slider.
It is important to remember two things. First, do not get carried away with excessive frequency changes, otherwise it may harm your computer. Second, not all PLL chips provide the same frequency ranges; some motherboards limit the available frequencies. Note also that if you check the "Ultra" checkbox, you will get access to additional frequencies (depending on the PLL). Once you've selected a new frequency, click on "Set FSB" to start using that frequency (and pray that nothing bad happens to your computer). If the system crashes, restart it and try again. You don't adjust the voltage here, so at least the hardware won't be damaged.
SetFSB is a must-have overclocking utility that is updated frequently to support newer versions of PLL chips. The latest version of this program can be downloaded.
Motherboard utilities
If you are not interested in an application like SetFSB, then it will be useful for you to know that major motherboard manufacturers provide overclocking programs with their motherboards.
Asus
Asus includes a fairly wide range of software in the package. Perhaps the most notable utility in the AI \u200b\u200bSuite is the AI \u200b\u200bBooster. It allows you to overclock your system from Windows, just like many other overclocking programs. It's worth noting that you don't have to look for the type of PLL chip here, as the AI \u200b\u200bBooster only works with Asus motherboards. Besides adjusting the FSB frequency, it allows you to change the CPU voltage (VCore) and memory frequency. Therefore, despite the limited compatibility, in fact, this program is much more functional than the general universal utilities.
The EasyTune6 utility looks much less attractive than the Asus utility; in its ergonomics, it resembles the CPU-Z. However, EasyTune6 is a complete program that allows you to get information about your hardware, as well as overclock the processor and fine-tune the frequencies and voltages of components on the motherboard.
MSI
While Gigabyte's utility looks rather modest, MSI (like Asus) likes to dress up its product (in this case, even too much). The Dual Core Center utility included with some MSI motherboards is a pretty catchy program with its own vision of beauty. However, like competing applications, the Dual Core Center allows you to overclock the system and adjust voltages. If anything, it is a functional alternative to SetFSB.
Other manufacturers also include overclocking software with their high-end motherboards; we just settled on the utilities of the largest suppliers.
nTune and OverDrive: Overclocking from AMD and Nvidia
AMD and Nvidia also provide their own overclocking utilities: OverDrive and nTune, respectively. They are less specialized than utilities from motherboard manufacturers, although they are limited to specific chipsets rather than motherboards.
nTune nForce only
Nvidia nTune utility. Click on the picture to enlarge.
Nvidia's own utility nTune only supports chipsets from this manufacturer (at least when it comes to CPU overclocking). It will not work with Nvidia's first generation chipsets and mobile versions. But if you have an nForce chipset, then nTune will allow you to overclock the processor and memory, change their voltages, as well as the chipset voltage.
The latest version of nTune can be downloaded.
Tip: nTune will run on platforms that do not use the nForce chipset, but will only allow you to adjust the graphics card parameters, but you will not be able to overclock the processor.
OverDrive: AMD and Overclocking
AMD OverDrive utility. Click on the picture to enlarge.
AMD OverDrive Utility is equivalent to Nvidia's nTune software: it is an application for monitoring motherboards that use the manufacturer's processors. OverDrive only works with AMD chipsets (7 series) and AMD processors. In this case, you can overclock your processor in a very metered manner. For example, you can choose different frequencies for each Phenom core. Of course, the memory and performance of the HT (HyperTransport) channel can also be adjusted, as well as the voltages.
The latest version of OverDrive can be downloaded.
Tip: We tested the OverDrive program with the Phenom processor in one of our articles titled " New AMD 790GX Chipset: RV610 Integrated Graphics for Enthusiasts? "However, the new SB750 Southbridge options such as ACC (Advanced Clock Calibration) are only available on motherboards that have new I / O logic.
The applications mentioned above are very good for overclocking the processor and memory, but just in terms of memory, their capabilities are limited. Fortunately, there is Memset, another program written by French developers that provides fine tuning of memory latency, eliminating the need to access the BIOS (by the way, if you are using an AMD or Nvidia board, the OverDrive and nTune utilities will provide you with many of these functions).
Arsenal of delays
Memset allows you to change the memory latency. And not only the standard CAS and RAS-to-CAS parameters, but also less common settings such as Read Delay, Write to Read Command, Read to Precharge, etc. However, keep in mind that changing latencies on the fly is quite dangerous, and if you tune the memory subsystem for the highest possible performance, system crashes are possible.
Tip: Memory with a lower frequency (for example, DDR2-800 in 667 mode), as a rule, allows more aggressive latencies, and some overclockers prefer latencies to raw frequencies.
Drivers make overclocking easier
Unlocking frequencies with Catalyst. Click on the picture to enlarge.
Simplest way - AMD drivers
The easiest way to overclock your video card is to use drivers. In the case of AMD, this is easy to do, since there is an "ATI OverDrive" panel right in the Catalyst driver. The downside is that there is a limitation on the available frequencies, as AMD obviously doesn't want to show frequencies that are likely to cause overheating and system instability, causing frustrated gamers to start attacking tech support.
The latest drivers for AMD graphics cards can be found.
Tip: The "Auto-Tune" function takes care of everything: it automatically checks the overclock settings for stability and then automatically applies the new frequencies. This method is less effective than manual overclocking, but it is simpler.
Nvidia ForceWare + nTune
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ForceWare + nTune. Click on the picture to enlarge.
In Nvidia's case, the overclocking features are not built into the standard ForceWare drivers, but they can be activated using nTune. As with AMD drivers, this method limits the available frequencies. Please note that the nForce chipset is not required to use nTune with a graphics card.
The latest Nvidia drivers can be downloaded.
RivaTuner "Overclocking" tab.
There is an effective solution for overclocking video cards: RivaTuner. This feature-rich application isn't limited to Nvidia graphics cards; it can also be used to overclock AMD graphics cards. (If you remember, the first Nvidia accelerators were called Riva. You can read about the history of Nvidia video cards in the article " The history of nVidia in graphics cards: 13 years of success ".
Dosed acceleration
RivaTuner allows you to overclock the system without any frequency limits (in any case, you can go much further than AMD and Nvidia would like when using the interface for overclocking in their own drivers), and can also desynchronize certain frequencies. An interesting feature of RivaTuner is that it can change the frequency of shader units regardless of the GPU, while other programs can only act in accordance with the GPU (the frequency of shader units is set relative to the GPU frequency).
You can download the RivaTuner utility. By the way, this is the utility that we used to adjust the fan speed for video cards of the 4800 family before the Catalyst 8.10 driver appeared.
PowerStrip cannot overclock the GMA 950.
One of the oldest overclocking programs is PowerStrip. This utility for managing PC graphics options has been helping to overclock graphics cards for many years and is quite mature. Its only drawback is that it is not free, unlike other programs that we have talked about. However, PowerStrip can be used for more than just overclocking.
A program that is worth the money
The big advantage of PowerStrip is that it works with most graphics cards on the market, not just models from AMD and Nvidia. It can be launched from the Windows taskbar, which means that you can set the necessary parameters faster than through drivers. In addition, PowerStrip can adjust many display parameters such as refresh rate, and more interestingly, output resolution: a necessary option for some HDTV users.
The PowerStrip program can be found.
ATI Tray Tools and ATITool are two different programs
The following two utilities have very similar names, but in reality they are completely different. ATI Tray Tools only supports AMD graphics cards, and ATITool (despite the seemingly self-explanatory name) works with both AMD and Nvidia models.
ATITool and its test image.
This overclocking program is compatible with all Nvidia and AMD video cards and is interesting for at least one reason: it has 3D animation rendering, which loads the graphics core of the video card and allows you to check if the overclocking settings work by detecting artifacts. It also has a function to determine the maximum frequency that the GPU can accept (similar to the Auto-Tune function of the Catalyst driver).
The latest version of ATITool can be downloaded.
ATI Tray Tools for AMD only
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ATI Tray Tools. Click on the picture to enlarge.
This little program sits in the system tray (hence the name) and helps tune AMD (formerly ATI) graphics cards. ATI Tray Tools has one small problem: its maximum frequency detection function is too optimistic, which leads to crashes. Like some other applications, this utility is capable of storing profiles that can be loaded in accordance with a particular program, for example, a profile for games, a profile for office applications, etc.
Updated versions of the ATI Tray Tools are located.
It is quite possible to overclock notebooks using the utilities we have described, although they rarely have a programmable PLL, and the cooling system is not designed for overclocking. Of course, this does not prevent specialty stores from building and overclocking "desktop replacement" machines.
EeeCTL
EeeCTL is a program that can change the processor frequency of notebooks equipped with a Celeron M processor (factory clock speed 900 MHz), such as the Eee PC 701 and 900, and models using the Atom N270. As for the latter, 2 GHz (compared to the factory clock speed of 1.6 GHz) seems perfectly acceptable. EeeCTL also lets you adjust display brightness, fan speed and CPU voltage.
The latest version of EeeCTL can be found.
Conclusion
In this article we have walked you through some of the most useful overclocking utilities, most of which are available for free (provided you purchase the necessary hardware from the appropriate vendor). Of course, we have not covered all the available applications.
We also wanted to show you that the image of an overclocker armed with a soldering iron and jumpers is a thing of the past. Even the most advanced overclockers use overclocking software; this is much more convenient than tweaking in the BIOS (even though the Extensible Firmware Interface specification has improved the situation; read more about EFI technology, in English).
Finally, remember that the art of overclocking is constantly evolving. All the utilities presented here are evolving very quickly, since processors and video cards are components that are often updated. In fact, the release of the Core i7 is likely to trigger a new generation of software, as the new processor is very different from the current Core 2 in the way it controls frequencies.
Finally, we will give this recommendation: sometimes it is better to overclock the system through the BIOS. This makes sense for two reasons: firstly, because of efficiency (for example, some programs do not display frequencies as they should), and secondly, because of the choice of the operating system (most of the programs that we talked about are only for Windows).
Any equipment tends to become obsolete over time and, accordingly, it ceases to satisfy the user's needs. In such a situation, you can simply change the outdated processor to 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 you overclock your processor. The first is to change the parameters in the BIOS, and the second is to use specialized programs. This article will consider the latter method.
SetFSB utility
This program is primarily used by the owners of fairly new computer models, but which have very weak power. Modern processors do not use all their resources to the fullest, and such an application can speed up your 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 to determine the available 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 for this you have to completely disassemble the computer in order to read the inscription on the chip. This procedure is simple enough for stationary PCs, but laptop users will have great difficulty disassembling.
After the computer restarts, all configurable acceleration parameters 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 there will not be any irreparable failure in the system. Then when you are sure that the optimal overclocking settings are indicated, the utility can simply be added to autorun when the computer boots.
Sorry, this app is paid. In order to use its functionality, you will need to pay for 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 availability of a Russified version, which greatly simplifies the work with the program. Also, the utility's functionality allows you to set many additional settings and change frequencies for operation. Moreover, the frequency changes with just a few clicks, which allows you to overclock the processor only at certain required periods of time.
The application has a huge list of supported motherboards, much larger than that of the previously reviewed utility. Therefore, users of rare and rare devices also get the opportunity to overclock their processor.
A significant drawback is the lack of an automatic ability to determine the 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 the owners of such computers that this program was created. It supports almost all obscure motherboard types.
This application independently finds out the available PLL, thus avoiding 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 each time the PC boots.
Unfortunately, this program has long been abandoned and no updates are released for it. Due to this, users who use modern computers will most likely not be able to use this application.
The article analyzed the most optimal programs that will help to 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 exactly your type of motherboard.
