Programs for overclocking the celeron processor. Safe overclocking right from Windows
Hello.
What user doesn't want his laptop to run faster? There is no such! Therefore, the topic of overclocking will always be relevant...
The processor is one of the most important parts of any computer, significantly affecting the speed of the device. Overclocking it will improve the performance of the laptop, sometimes quite significantly.
In this article I want to dwell on this topic, since it is very popular and quite a lot of questions are asked about it. The instructions will be quite universal (i.e. the brand of the laptop itself is not important: be it ASUS, DELL, ACER, etc.). So…
Attention! Overclocking can cause failure of your equipment (as well as refusal of warranty service for your equipment). Everything you do according to this article is done at your own peril and risk.
What utilities will be needed for work (minimum set):
- SetFSB (overclocking utility). You can download it, for example, from the softportal: http://www.softportal.com/software-10671-setfsb.html. The utility, by the way, is paid, but the demo version, available above at the link, is also suitable for testing;
- PRIME95 is one of the best utilities for testing processor performance. Detailed information about it (as well as links to download it) can be found in my article on PC diagnostics:
- CPU-Z is a utility for viewing PC characteristics, also available at the link above.
By the way, I also want to note that you can replace all the above utilities with analogues (of which there are plenty). But I will show my example with the help of them...
I have a lot of articles on my blog about optimizing and cleaning Windows from junk, setting optimal operating settings for maximum performance, etc. I recommend that you do the following:
- clean your laptop of excess “garbage”, the best utilities for this are given;
- further optimize your Windows - (you can also familiarize yourself with);
- check your computer for viruses, about the best antiviruses;
- If the brakes are related to games (usually because of them they are trying to overclock the processor), I recommend reading the article:
It’s just that many users start overclocking the processor, but the reason for the brakes is not due to the fact that the processor “can’t handle it,” but to the fact that Windows is simply not configured properly...
Overclocking a laptop processor using the SetFSB utility
In general, overclocking a laptop processor is not so simple and easy: because the performance gain will be small (but it will be :)), and you also often have to deal with overheating (and, God forbid, some laptop models get hot without overclocking...).
On the other hand, in this regard, the laptop is a “reasonably smart” device: all modern processors are protected by a two-level system. When heated to a critical point, the processor automatically begins to reduce operating frequency and voltage. If this does not help, then the laptop simply turns off (or freezes).
By the way, during this overclocking I will not touch on increasing the supply voltage.
1) Definition of PLL
Overclocking a laptop processor begins with the need to identify (find out) the PLL chip.
In short, this chip generates the frequency for various components of the laptop, ensuring synchronization. Different laptops (of the same manufacturer, same model range) may have different PLL chips. Such microcircuits are produced by companies: ICS, Realtek, Silego and others (an example of such a microcircuit is shown in the photo below).
PLL chip from ICS.
To determine the manufacturer of this chip, you can choose a couple of ways:
- use some search engine (Google, Yandex, etc.) and look for a PLL chip for your motherboard (many models have already been described and rewritten many times by other overclocking enthusiasts...);
- disassemble the laptop yourself and look at the microcircuit.
By the way, to find out the model of your motherboard, as well as the processor and other characteristics, I recommend using the CPU-Z utility (a screenshot of its operation is below, as well as a link to the utility).
One of the best utilities for determining the characteristics of the equipment installed in a computer. There are versions of the program that do not require installation. I recommend having a similar utility “at hand”, sometimes it helps a lot.
CPU-Z main window.
2) Choosing a chip and increasing the frequency
Various frequencies will appear in the window (at the bottom, opposite Current CPU Frequency, the current frequency at which your processor is operating is shown).
To increase it, you need to check the box next to Ultra, and then move the slider to the right. By the way, please note that you need to move it by a very small division: 10-20 MHz! After this, for the settings to take effect, click the SetFSB button (picture below).
Move the slider to the right...
If everything was done correctly (the PLL was selected correctly, the manufacturer did not block the hardware from increasing the frequency, etc. nuances), then you will see the frequency (Current CPU Frequency) increase by a certain value. After this, the laptop needs to be tested.
By the way, if the laptop freezes, reboot it and check the PLL and other characteristics of the device. Surely you made a mistake somewhere...
3) Testing the overclocked processor
Usually, if there is some problem, then the processor will not be able to carry out calculations in this program for more than 5-10 minutes without errors (or overheating)! If you wish, you can leave work for 30-40 minutes. (but this is not particularly necessary).
The best AMD processor overclocking software will allow your computer to run significantly faster and perform complex tasks more efficiently.
AMD is a type of microprocessors for personal computers and laptops that are manufactured and produced by AMD.
The technology of such microprocessors allows you to perform tasks with high performance for 32-bit systems.
The processor built into the system does not use all its resources. Thus, its service life is extended. Acceleration must be carried out purposefully and irregularly.
Otherwise, you can cause serious damage to the hardware components of your PC or laptop.
Let's look at the most effective applications that can increase the operating frequency of an AMD processor.
Over Drive utility
Powerful application for AMD 64. The program is free.
Immediately after the first launch of the program, a dialog box pops up, which warns the user that he bears full responsibility for all actions performed in the program that may lead to processor failure.
After agreeing with the information provided, the main program window will appear.
Follow the instructions to overclock the system microprocessor:
- On the left, find an item called Clock Voltage;
- Carefully examine the window that appears. The first column of data is the clock speed of each available microprocessor core. The second tab is the ordinal factor of the kernel, this is the number that needs to be changed;
- To adjust the multiplier, you must click on the Speed Control button. It is highlighted in green in the picture below. Then adjust the sliders.
Overclocking with Advanced Clock Calibration
ACC is an overclocking feature for AMD athlon. The peculiarity of this application is that the adjustment and selection of the required frequencies are carried out very accurately.
You can work with the application both in the operating system itself and in the BIOS.
To adjust the operation of the central microprocessor, go to the Performance Control tab in the motherboard menu.
The key is located at the top of the main toolbar of the utility.
ClockGen program
The main goal of the utility is to increase the clock frequency of the microprocessor through a program in real time.
Also, using the convenient program menu, you can overclock other hardware components: system buses, memory.
The program is equipped with a powerful frequency generator and several system monitoring tools, with which you can regulate the temperature of components and control the operation of the cooling system.
Brief instructions for use:
- To overclock the processor, run the utility. In the left panel of the main window, find the PLL Control item and click on it;
- Two sliders will appear on the right side of the window. Change the position of the Selection slider little by little. Remember! This needs to be done little by little and very slowly.
Dragging suddenly can cause overclocking and instant failure of the processor or other hardware components of the computer; - Click the Apply Changes button.
In the same way, you can speed up RAM and system buses. To do this, select the required component in the PLL Setup window.
Thanks to the use of the AMD program, quite effective processor overclocking is ensured. It is a specific type of microprocessor for laptops and computers manufactured by AMD. As a result of its use, the performance of these devices significantly increases.
The processors have technology that makes it possible to implement complex tasks with high performance for 32-bit systems. Their latest types also have support for 64-bit computing.
In real life, the capabilities of the processor built into the system are not fully used, since this ensures an extension of its operational period. The overclocking procedure should be carried out gradually. Otherwise, significant damage to the components of the laptop or PC may be caused.
It is necessary to obtain information about the most effective applications that can significantly increase the frequency of the processor manufactured by AMD.
Page where you can install the application
After the initial start of the program, a dialog box opens on the screen. It provides users with information that they bear full responsibility for actions that may result in failure of the processor. After familiarizing yourself with it, access to the main page of this program opens.
Scheme of actions for overclocking a microprocessor:
Overclocking with Advanced Clock Calibration
ACC is an application that creates AMD athlon overclocking. With its help, the most accurate selection and adjustment of frequencies is ensured. Operation can be carried out not only in the operating system itself, but also in the BIOS.In order to debug the working processes of the central microprocessor, you need to open a tab called Performance Control in the motherboard menu. The button required for this is located at the top of the main toolbar.
The effectiveness of overclocking depends on the operation of the cooling and power systems of the laptop or computer.
Program
An important task is to increase the clock frequency of the microprocessor using a program at the moment. In addition, as a result of using the application menu, overclocking components such as memory and system buses becomes possible. This program provides a high power frequency generator and means to test the system. With their help, it becomes possible to regulate the operation of cooling systems and the temperature conditions of components.
Application principle:
- after launching the application, open the corresponding PLL Control item on the left side of the main panel;
- Several sliders will appear on the right side of the window, the position of one of which (Selection) should be gradually changed (moving too quickly can cause high overclocking and malfunction of the processor or other hardware components);
- confirm the changes made using a special key.
Using a similar scheme, it is also possible to accelerate the work processes of system buses and RAM. For these purposes, in the PLL Setup window you need to find the component required for adjustment. In the top panel you can see a device that displays the operating power of the hardware components.
When the microprocessor frequency goes beyond the set value, the agreement on the use of the hardware component is violated. If the processor breaks down, its warranty is lost, just like any other device after overclocking.
Every user, one way or another, has come across the concept of processor overclocking. Quite a lot of words have already been said about this. This was especially true for the period when computer hardware manufacturers themselves began to adapt to the first full-fledged operating systems, starting with Windows’95 (Windows 3.x does not count). That’s when the idea of overclocking processors began to emerge, from which it was possible to “squeeze” much more than their nominal characteristics implied.
Overclocking
The very concept of overclocking implies not only overclocking the central processor, but also accelerating the entire system by increasing the performance of one or another “hardware” component. Please note that this applies not only to the central processor, but also, say, to the processor installed on the graphics accelerator.
Here, an important role is played by how the entire system will react to all this. It is absolutely impossible to say that after overclocking the same processor everything will not go to hell, as they say. Here you need to take into account all the fundamental characteristics and performance reserves that the manufacturer himself has included in his own device, present inside a stationary computer terminal, laptop, netbook, ultrabook, etc.
Another important condition is that today physical overclocking methods are not used by the most knowledgeable and far-sighted people. Advanced users use, say, overclocking an Intel processor through a program, which is ultimately the simplest and safest solution.
A little history
If you delve a little into history, you will notice that previously the procedure for overclocking processors was associated purely with physical methods of influence. It was necessary to change jumpers, remove processors from the motherboard, resolder contacts, change bridges, apply increased voltage, etc. and so on.
All this boiled down to the fact that with the wrong approach, all computer hardware was rendered unusable even when the computer was turned on normally (short circuit due to improper soldering, incorrect installation of the processor or jumper in the connectors, etc.).
Now this problem has disappeared by itself. Few manufacturers of the same processor systems leave a wide field for overclockers to operate. But software developers have gone much further. They did it in the simplest way: if it is impossible to increase the system performance physically, you can overclock the processor using programs.
And this turned out to be an even more effective method than overclocking in terms of physical intervention and reinstallation of some components on the motherboard.
Where to begin?
First, you need to understand that processors, like any other devices, have, so to speak, a margin of safety. The main and final result is considered to be an increase in the clock frequency at which the processor is capable of operating, or an increase in the frequency of the bus on which it is installed. So, absolutely any processor, despite the specified operating clock frequency, can operate at frequencies that exceed the nominal by 1.2-1.5 times (it all depends only on the manufacturer and what power reserve factor was invested in the device at its creation or production).
If you are already doing overclocking, you should first evaluate the capabilities of the processor itself, the chipset and the motherboard on which it is installed. For example, any program for overclocking an Intel processor will, of course, immediately display the characteristics of the device.
But don't rush. It's better to use apps like Everest. Although this utility is shareware (requires activation after 30 days), it is the one that is capable of providing the user with the most detailed data not only about the central processor, but also about all other components, including even information about the “motherboard” or the same system bus.
Having assessed all the factors, you can begin. True, there are several basic methods.
Physical overclocking
If we talk about what physical overclocking is, then the same program for overclocking an Intel processor is not required in this case. There is no need to solder anything either.
In principle, in this case the simplest example can be given. Take a regular light bulb and connect it to a power supply equipped with a voltage regulator. As the voltage increases, the light bulb begins to glow brighter and vice versa. The same thing happens with processors.
However, with this overclocking option, you need to be extremely careful not to apply too high a current to the input, otherwise not only the processor, but also the motherboard and everything on it will crash.
It is better to look in advance at the characteristics of the card and the processor in terms of what maximum voltage can be supplied to them.
Using the BIOS
The program cannot always overclock an Intel processor. The easiest way in this regard is to use the BIOS settings (note, at your own risk). When booting a computer or laptop, you need to enter the BIOS settings, called up by keys like Del, F2, F12 (depending on the manufacturer), and then go to the Advanced tab.
After this, you need to use the Jumper Free Configuration line, where you select manual adjustment of the system bus or processor frequency (Manual) in the All Overclocking field. First you need to fix the bus frequency (PCI-Express Frequency) at 101 MHz, and then increase the processor frequency (CPU Frequency) in 10 MHz increments. Now you need to save the parameters, usually using the F10 key (Save & Exit command).
After the reboot, if the system is stable, you can start increasing the processor frequency again. Only in this case it is necessary to use a step of no more than 1 MHz, again, each time saving the changes and testing the entire system for performance.
Program for overclocking Intel processor
As for the applications applicable to processors of this type, there are quite a lot of them today. For example, a utility for overclocking an Intel processor such as SetFSB will be suitable for this.
True, there is one important factor to consider here. The fact is that the application does not overclock the central processor itself, as such, but can vary the system bus frequency. There is a special slider for this. By moving it, in the value fields you can see the initial and current value of the frequency indicator in real time.
It’s worth saying right away that such a program for overclocking an Intel processor is not recommended for beginners. Rather, it is designed for professional overclockers, because by moving the slider too quickly to set extreme values, you can simply “ruin” the entire system, not even in terms of failure of the operating system, but also in the aspect of complete inoperability of the entire hardware.
Overclocking AMD processors
Programs for overclocking Intel and AMD processors have a lot in common. However, according to many specialists and experts, the AMD OverDrive utility is considered the best application.
Compared to the program described above for Intel processors, it has a lot of advantages. First of all, it is worth noting the automatic settings (presets), which allow you to customize the overclocking of absolutely all components without damaging the system. It should also be noted that this software product uses the same principle of sliders. However, when you configure one component, the application is able to automatically align the settings of all the others. So the “crash” of the system can be avoided.
For experienced users, the program provides a special mode in which the sliders are independent of each other, and adjustments are made manually. But even here you need to be careful.
Problems after overclocking
It’s worth saying right away that not a single application, be it a program for overclocking an Intel processor or utilities for AMD chipsets, can give any guarantee that after applying all the steps described above, the computer system will operate in normal mode. This concerns not only the excessive load on the main “hardware” components, which over time may simply become unusable. For example, after the processor has been overclocked, useful programs and utilities can affect both the RAM and even the battery of the same laptop, which will use more electricity when the voltage supply to the central processor increases.
Bottom line
Apparently, every user has already realized that even a program for overclocking an Intel or any other processor cannot guarantee the stability of the computer system. In this case, you can only give advice not to do this if you are not a real specialist in this field.
For inexperienced users, I would like to note that all the methods described above can be used, but only if this is done consciously, at your own peril and risk. Even hardware manufacturers, and even more so software developers, do not provide guarantees of system performance.
Overclocking is a forced increase in the processor clock frequency above the nominal one. Let us immediately explain what these concepts mean.
A clock cycle is a conditional, very short time period during which the processor executes a certain number of program code instructions.
And the clock frequency is the number of clock cycles in 1 second.
An increase in clock frequency is directly proportional to the speed of program execution, that is, an overclocked processor runs faster than an unoverclocked one.
In short, overclocking allows you to extend the “active life” of the processor when its standard performance no longer meets the user’s requirements.
It allows you to increase the speed of your computer without spending money on buying new equipment.
Important! The negative aspects of overclocking are an increase in computer power consumption, sometimes quite noticeable, an increase in heat generation and accelerated wear of devices due to operation in abnormal mode. You should also know that when you overclock the processor, you also overclock the RAM.
What should you do before overclocking?
Each processor has its own overclocking potential - a clock frequency limit, exceeding which leads to inoperability of the device.
Most processors such as intel core i3, i5, i7 can be safely overclocked to only 5-15% of the original level, and some even less.
The best of the Intel family is the K-series, which is specially oriented towards this with an unlocked multiplier.
The desire to squeeze the maximum possible clock frequency does not always pay off, since when a certain heating threshold is reached, the processor begins to skip clock cycles in order to lower the temperature.
It follows from this that for stable operation of an overclocked system, good cooling is necessary.
In addition, given the increased power consumption, it may be necessary to replace the power supply with a more powerful one.
Immediately before overclocking, you need to do three things:
- Update your computer's BIOS to the latest version.
- Make sure that the processor cooler is installed properly and securely.
- Find out the initial clock frequency of your processor (look in the BIOS or through special utilities, for example, CPU-Z).
It is also useful to test the processor for stability under maximum load before overclocking. For example, using the S&M utility.
After this, it’s time to begin the “sacrament.”
Review of programs for overclocking Intel processors
SetFSB
SetFSB is an easy-to-use utility that allows you to overclock the processor on the fly by simply moving the slider.
After making changes, it does not require restarting the computer.
The program is suitable for overclocking both older processor models like Intel Core 2 duo and modern ones.
However, it does not support all motherboards, and this is an absolute necessity, since overclocking is carried out by increasing the reference frequency of the system bus.
That is, it affects the clock generator (PLL chip or, as it is called, a clocker) located on the motherboard.
You can find out whether your board is included in the list of supported ones on the program website.
Advice! To avoid processor failure, working with SetFSB is recommended only for experienced users who understand what they are doing and are aware of the possible consequences. In addition, an untrained user is unlikely to be able to correctly determine the model of his clock generator, which must be specified manually.
So, to overclock the processor using SetFSB, you need:
- Select from the “Clock Generator” list the model of the clocker installed on your motherboard.
- Click the “Get FSB” button. After this, the SetFSB window will display the current frequency of the system bus (FSB) and processor.
- Carefully move the slider in the center of the window in small steps. After each slider movement, it is necessary to monitor the processor temperature. For example, using the Core Temp program.
- Having selected the optimal position of the slider, you need to press the Set FSB button.
The advantage (and for some, the disadvantage) of the SetFSB utility is that the settings made in it will only be valid until the computer is rebooted. After restarting, they will have to be installed again.
If you don’t want to do this every time, the utility can be placed in startup.
CPUFSB
CPUFSB is the next program in our review for overclocking Intel core i5, i7 and other processors, which can be downloaded from the developer’s website.
If you are familiar with the CPUCool utility - a comprehensive tool for monitoring and overclocking a processor, then know that CPUFSB is a dedicated overclocking module from it.
Supports many motherboards based on Intel, VIA, AMD, ALI and SIS chipsets.
Unlike SetFSB, CPUFSB has a Russian translation, so it is much easier to understand how to use it.
The operating principle of these two programs is the same: increasing the reference frequency of the system bus.
Operating procedure:
- Select the manufacturer and type of your motherboard from the list.
- Select the brand and model of the PLL (clock oscillator) chip.
- Click “Take frequency” to display the current frequency of the system bus and processor in the program.
- It is also necessary to increase the frequency in small steps, while controlling the processor temperature. After selecting the optimal setting, click “Set Frequency”.
CPUFSB allows you to set the FSB bus frequency the next time you start the program and when you exit. The current settings are also saved until the computer is restarted.
SoftFSB
Our review ends with the SoftFSB utility, another tool for overclocking a processor on the fly. It is no more difficult to use than previous programs.
Just like them, it supports many models of motherboards, various models of clock generators and any processors.
Unlike the paid SetFSB and CPUFSB, you can use SoftFSB for free.
However, there is no guarantee that it will run on your computer as it is no longer supported by the author.
To overclock a processor using SoftFSB, you also need to know the model of the motherboard, PLL chip and be a fairly experienced user.
Procedure:
- In the “FSB select” section, specify the model of the board and clock generator.
- Click the "GET FSB" button to capture the processor and bus frequencies.
- While monitoring the processor temperature, find the optimal frequency by moving the slider in the middle of the window.
- Having selected the appropriate value, press the “SET FSB” button.
As you can see, everything is the same here. A lot of other programs for overclocking processors under Windows work using a similar algorithm.
In addition to universal ones, there are utilities with overclocking functions that are produced by motherboard manufacturers themselves.
They are somewhat easier and safer to use, since they are designed for a simple user and obviously cannot harm the system.
Important! All the programs reviewed allow you to overclock Intel processors on both laptops and desktop PCs. But if you have a laptop, you should be very careful not to raise the system bus frequency to high values.
How to overclock an amd (Intel) processor without BIOS and programs
3 best programs for overclocking an Intel processor
