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Advantages and Disadvantages Associated With Overclocking
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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.
Risks of Overclocking:
- It will void your warranty:
By tinkering around with your systems components in a fashion other than what it was meant to do, chances are you've voided the warranty. While this may not be that serious to some, fact is that you won't be able to return that product or even get support on it anymore.
- Your system has to deal with added stress:
Your components where tested to operate at their defaults for an extended period of time. By pushing their limits, you're increasing the stress that is being applied to it. This will result and a shorter life span of the component when compared to an unmodified version.
- Your system runs a lot hotter:
Overclocking your components involves increasing the voltage that is sent through them. The more current, the higher the heat output, and the greater the risk of heat related damage. Heat issues will also cost you as you'll have to purchase various cooling devices to obtain your goal.
- Overclocked? Yes. More efficient? No.
Instruction sets dictate what a CPU can do. You can't add new instruction sets to your CPU, so overclocking can only do so much. Don't think that overclocking will turn your $200 CPU into a $500 CPU.
- It's not always an easy task:
Overclocking can be very frustrating. Even if you're patient you risk frying components or winding up with a computer that just won't turn on for some unknown reason. Unfortunately, if you've hit the point of frustration and want to give up, the only easy option is to buy new components as your warranty is now voided.
Pros of Overclocking:
- Increased speed:
Your CPU is now faster than it was before, and while that may not be as efficient as the next step up, it's definitely competition.
- More dough in your pocket:
New components are outdated the second they hit the shelf, so why would you want to keep buying new hardware when you could tweak your old one? Overclocking can give you more life and versatility and leave a lot more money in your pocket.
- You'll know your system like the back of your hand:
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
Before you start overclocking, make sure to check out the most comprehensive guides on how to overclock a computer plus download all the overclocking benchmark software needed.
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