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How-To Geek Forums » Windows Vista

Cpu Clock?

(12 posts)
  • Started 2 weeks ago by Tryder1
  • Latest reply from ProstheticHead
  • Topic Viewed 290 times

Tryder1
Posts: 53

Can anyone point out where I can learn how to tweak my CPU Clock for my P.C.? I'm working with Windows XP Professional. My P.C. is now quite fast since I received a fresh install but, I am an up-and-coming/inspiring music producer, and I need more power for my audio needs.

Do you think it would be safe to do so? I was told to leave it alone from the person who fixed my p.c. but, he doesn't really understand why I want to tweak it.

Please do respond. Thank-You!

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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Santo
Santo
Posts: 486

I would say it is recommended to leave it alone. You can tweak it only if it supports overclocking. Overclocking puts lots of pressure on the CPU and it leads to hardware failure, if not done correctly.
But there are processors that has feature to overclock it, it is always recommended to check with its manufacturer. Even if it allows be prepared to add additional or a bigger system cooling fan.

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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ProstheticHead
ProstheticHead
Posts: 440

Hi Tryder1. What CPU, memory and motherboard do you have? You can use something like Belarc Advisor to find out.

Some overclocking methods put extra strain on the motherboard, memory and possibly even the PSU. It's never completely safe, and not all applications will benefit from a faster CPU anyway so not always a good idea. That said, OCing was originally about extracting more power from cheaper components.

Considering what you do (creating/processing music?) and assuming your memory and mobo are up to scratch, I think you could benefit from a few more Mhz. Post your spec and maybe somebody can help you.

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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mickeyblue
mickeyblue
Posts: 391

yep, i agree list your parts here and we can see if its advisable to overclock them just a tad, some parts actually "encourage" overclocking and are build for that sole purpose but others just cant take it.
a small overclock is not too bad, but once again it all depends on your parts, so list them here : )

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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Tryder1
Posts: 53

Thanks for the feedback fellas. I will list my parts in a bit. I'll be back

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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Tryder1
Posts: 53

O.K. everyone, let me know if this is enough info:

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 ; CPU 2.40 GHz / MEMORY: DDR > SIZE-2048 MBytes

MOTHERBOARD: Manufacturer - ECS ; MODEL: P4VMM2---1.0

CHIPSET: VIA

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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ProstheticHead
ProstheticHead
Posts: 440

Hmm. I don't envy you Tryder1. The P4 is quite old, I have the pleasure of waiting for one as part of my work. Although it runs at 2.6Ghz I still find it painfully slow.

I have never tried to overclock this chip, so advising you further would be a fools errand. Maybe someone else can help.

Would it be out of the question to upgrade your PC? Even a modest Core 2 Duo system would be MUCH faster than your current system.

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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Tryder1
Posts: 53

That's why I'm so madd because I had to have someone help me get my computer out the shop, and it cost just about the same as buying parts to build one. I know someone who could have put one together for me but, I couldn't get in contact with the person and I was in a hurry to get my p.c. back.

A Core 2 Duo System is what I need! Although I'm running with the P4, it does work pretty fast. I just can't use all of my high quality plug-Ins the way I need to. And it takes a long time to download big files, which I can't stand!

Well, can anyone assist me to find an artical on how to go about "over-clocking"? I'll be looking as well.

Thanks for trying to help ProstheticHead and others.

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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mickeyblue
mickeyblue
Posts: 391

okey dokey, i had exactly the same PC a while ago, well almost exactly part from the motherboard.
anyway, ive tried overclocking the P4 and its not easy, here are some reasons...
the P4 doesnt like to be overclocked heavily, but a slight overclock to about 2.8ghz is the maximum.
you will have to enter the Bios to do this, the P4 has a locked multiplier so the only way to change the clock speed is by increasing the FSB (bus speed) in your bios there should be a section on overclocking or advanced features.
Overclocking this CPU is a long process you have to increase the FSB by 10mhz increments and then restart and make sure the system is stable and the temperatures are not too high, if not then you have to add voltage.
im no expert on overclocking i gave it a try but failed miserably, ha ha.
there are a number of articles on the web about overclocking the P4 google "overclocking P4 2.4ghz and you will find many results.
hope this helps.

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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Tryder1
Posts: 53

Thanks a million "Mickeyblue". I will definitely do some extensive reading up on this in the days to come and hopefully I will be able to accomplish this task.

I think a minor adjustment from 2.4 to 2.8 will be just what I need. Thanks again!

Posted 2 weeks ago #
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Tryder1
Posts: 53

ProstheticHead,

back to what you were saying -"Hmm. I don't envy you Tryder1. The P4 is quite old, I have the pleasure of waiting for one as part of my work. Although it runs at 2.6Ghz I still find it painfully slow.

I don't know ProstheticHead, my p.c. is running quite fast and it even works great with my audio applications. I guess it's because I had my p.c. wiped slate clean and upgraded to Xp Pro from Xp Home Edition. I don't think there is a need for me to even tweak the Cpu Clock anymore. Although I just might for the heck of it!

Posted 1 week ago #
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ProstheticHead
ProstheticHead
Posts: 440

That's because I'm used to my core i7 at home :) Plus the PC at work has been used and abused for several years now, I'm sure it could be faster but my boss doesn't believe in preventative maintenance. Still, it gives him a reason to keep me around :)

Seriously though, If you're happy enough with how it runs now, don't mess with it.

Posted 1 week ago #
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