Advantages and Disadvantages Associated With Overclocking

by Billy Zype

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.

Disadvantages of Overclocking:

- You’ll most likely void your warranty:

What you’re doing to your system is modifying it to operate differently then it was initially intended to. Once you’ve overclocked the component, you will no longer be able to take advantage of the warranty that the manufacturer has offered.

- 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.

- Increased heat output:

Don’t want to fry your components instantly? Get ready to drop some extra dough on cooling devices for whatever you overclocked, and even for just your case in general. Just because your overclocked hardware can handle the heat without added cooling, doesn’t mean other components can.

- Efficiency is not increased:

Your CPU runs on a specific set of instructions programmed into it. So just because you’ve managed to get the speed of your cheaper CPU up to the $200+ model, doesn’t mean it can handle the same type of load.

- It isn’t for everyone:

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:

- Improved performance:

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.

- You’ll save money:

New components are outdated the second they hit the shelf, so why would you want to keep buying new hardware when you could tweak your old one?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.

- Increased understanding of your system:

Delving into the depths of your system is a great way to learn more about it. Hands on learning is the best way to understand your system and control all aspects of it directly.

- Showing Off:

Unless you’re reading up on this site to understand what you’re friend or someone you paid will be doing to your computer, you’ll have full bragging rights. While you may not be able to convince your boss that you deserve employee of the month for overclocking, you’ll be able to proudly display your rig at the next LAN party.

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