What is laptop overclocking? How to overclock a laptop simply and easily

Overclocking a laptop helps to improve the performance of a laptop, but there are certain risks. So let’s find out with Tnhelearning.edu.vn what is laptop overclocking? How to overclock a laptop and notes when doing it!

What is laptop overclocking?

Overclocking a laptop is a process that increases the clock speed of the CPU , changing the settings of voltage, power, memory as well as other parameter values related to the laptop system.

As a result, overclocking the laptop helps the machine increase performance to meet the needs of users.

Notes on overclocking laptops

Get the basics of overclocking

The laptop overclocking process will affect many parameters as well as parts of the laptop to improve CPU performance. Therefore, you need to have a basic knowledge of the effects of overclocking such as:

• It is possible to damage the laptop’s internal components if you perform the wrong operation when overclocking or cause the voltage to be pushed too high .
• Learn about overclocked laptop specs and model parts, as each machine will have different characteristics, not just hardware.
• You should overclock the graphics card instead of overclocking the CPU if you want to increase gaming performance on a laptop.
• Overclocking is often done on desktop computers instead of laptops because the cooling capacity of laptops is often more limited than desktop computers. Overclocking can cause the laptop to overheat, causing the CPU to burn.

Warning

In addition to the basic knowledge of possible overclocking, you should also refer to the recommendations or warnings from the manufacturer about the laptop that is about to be overclocked, specifically as follows:

• The warranty may be voided after you perform an overclock on your laptop (depending on manufacturer recommendations).
• It is necessary to equip a good cooling system for the laptop to avoid the machine being damaged, causing the CPU to burn.
• Laptop hardware life can be reduced after you perform overclocking and voltage boosting.
• Not all laptops can be overclocked , as most Dell computers (except XPS series), HP computers, Acer computers, Gateway computers and Macbook computers do not have the option to change the CPU voltage. and the FSB in the bios so overclocking cannot be performed.

How to overclock a laptop

Here is the basic procedure for you to overclock your laptop:

Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools

You need to use some evaluation tools to test your laptop’s endurance when performing overclocking, in order to get the best results after doing it. Such as:

• CPU-Z : A program that helps read clocks and voltages on Windows. Download CPU-Z here.
• Prime95 : Is a commonly used laptop endurance program that can work continuously for testing. Download Prime95 here.
• LinX : A program to test the endurance related to other parameters of the laptop, usually used after each laptop adjustment. Download LinX here.

Step 2: Check the machine configuration and run the endurance test

First, you check the laptop configuration related to the motherboard and processor, especially the multiplier of the laptop is locked or not because it will be related to the results of the machine after overclocking. Basically, the overclocking process in Intel and AMD processors is the same.

For example, you can determine the processor family by pressing the Win + Pause key combination , and then looking in the System section.

Alternatively, you can refer to the ” technical documentation “ of the overclocked computer to determine the motherboard’s capabilities.

Next, you run a test to measure the basic endurance of the laptop that is about to be overclocked, to promptly detect and fix some unusual problems in the system.

For example, if the machine temperature exceeds 70 degrees Celsius, you need to apply more thermal paste or install a new heat sink to prevent the laptop from overheating, which can cause a fire during overclocking.

In case, if the laptop does not pass the basic endurance test, then most of the laptop’s hardware is having problems, you need to handle it before performing overclocking.

Step 3: Overclock the laptop

First, you access the BIOS by holding down the Del key (F10, F2 or F12 key) on the keyboard while the laptop is booting.

Depending on the system, the name of the overclock menu is different and the order of arrangement is not the same. Now you proceed to open Frequency/Voltage Control (Control voltage/frequency) to adjust CPU speed .

Then you reduce the connection speed between the northbridge chip and the memory – aka Memory Multiplier , Memory Ratio , or DDR Memory Frequency , as low as possible to avoid errors.

Next, you increase the base speed of the processor and base block (also known as bus speed or front side bus) by 10% to quickly reach the total core speed.

• For example, a base speed of 100 MHz and a multiplier of 16, the clock speed is usually 1.6 GHz. If increased by 10%, the base speed will quickly be 110 MHz and has a clock speed of 1.76 GHz.

Next, restart your computer and run the endurance test using the LinX program . If the system is unstable, then you should stop overclocking and should return the system to default settings, to prevent the laptop from crashing.

In case it is stable, you continue to increase by 10% and perform the same test as the previous step. At the same time, after each of these successes, you also reduce the increase from 5 – 10 MHz to find the most optimal speed for the computer.

So, you have understood what laptop overclocking is along with basic laptop overclocking methods that you can apply when you have a need to improve computer speed!