Technical Terms - Hardware (A-Z) - Overclocking

What is overclocking?

• Upgrading the operating system

• Adding more RAM to a computer

• Decreasing the clock speed of a processor beyond its stock setting

• Increasing the clock speed of a processor beyond its stock setting

What are the potential drawbacks of overclocking?

• Improved system stability and performance

• Increased power usage, heat generation, system instability, and physical damage

• Decreased power usage and heat generation

• No impact on the processor

Which processors are typically unlocked for overclocking?

• Intel processors with product numbers ending in 'T'

• Intel processors with product numbers ending in 'K' and most AMD processors

• AMD processors with product numbers ending in 'X'

• Intel processors with product numbers ending in 'M'

What is the first step in overclocking a processor?

• Installing liquid cooling system

• Upgrading the motherboard

• Increasing the voltage supplied to the processor

• Adjusting the processor's frequency multiplier

What can cause system instability or boot failure during overclocking?

• Using the default heat sink and fan

• Decreasing the voltage supplied to the processor

• Not adjusting the frequency multiplier at all

• Adjusting the frequency multiplier too high

How can you reach higher clock speeds during overclocking?

• By increasing the voltage supplied to the processor

• By decreasing the voltage supplied to the processor

• By using the default heat sink and fan

• By not adjusting any settings

What is the purpose of Turbo Boost on Intel processors and Precision Boost on AMD processors?

• Automatically decrease clock speed when additional power is needed

• Increase system instability

• Disable overclocking features

• Automatically increase clock speed when additional power is needed

What can happen if the voltage supplied to the processor is increased too far during overclocking?

• Cause permanent damage to the processor

• Improve processor performance

• Reduce heat generation

• Enhance system stability

What is required in a motherboard to overclock a processor?

• Chipset that automatically overclocks the processor

• Chipset that only allows RAM upgrades

• Chipset that restricts any modifications

• Chipset that allows modification of frequency multipliers and voltage settings

How can you manage the heat generated by an overclocked processor?

• Increase the voltage supplied to the processor

• Decrease the clock speed

• Keep using the stock heat sink and fan

• Upgrade to a third-party HSF or install a liquid cooling system