But you need some specific criteria to access this free performance boost.

you gotta detect which CPU you possess to get a juicy result from overclocking your chip.

Whether it is Intels K-series or the AMD Ryzen series, your CPU will be overclockable.

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Lets dive into it.

The same thing goes for a CPU too.

A Question can arise, does your CPU get the cap & tie your hands from OC your chip?

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And even if your CPU is overclockable, can you OC it?

Here are the ways to ensure if your CPU is overclockable:

1.

However, this series is at an extinct point & the Ryzen series is dominating the market.

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On the contrary, Intel implements some limits to OC their chips except theK-series.

This K-series has anunlocked multiplierwhich is a requirement for an overclockable CPU.

Besides the K-series, all ofIntels X-seriesprocessor, which is intended for content creators, can also be overclockable.

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As mentioned before,all AMD Ryzen CPUs are overclock-ready.

Whether its an Intel or AMD chip, this method is handy for buying a hand-picked CPU.

One of my friends owns a pre-built PC.

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As a result, he did not know about the CPUs model.

What if this is the case for you?

I already covered that.

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On the top right side, you will find your CPU model name.

In theProcessor Typeline, you will find your processor model.

I use the B560M Aorus Elite motherboard.

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These steps are for this motherboard.

For your motherboard, steps & terms may vary.

Verify Motherboard Capability

Now you know whether you got an overclockable CPU or not.

But your motherboard is another factor in whether it can let you increase the CPU frequency or not.

The AMD Ryzen series hasA-series, B-series&X-Seriesmotherboards.

Though all Ryzen series CPUs are overclockable, it requires anX-seriesorB-series,such asX570orB550motherboardto accomplish the achievement.

Likewise, Ryzen series, Intel hasH-series, B-series&Z-seriesmotherboards.

Among these motherboards, onlyZ-seriesmotherboards such asZ790orZ690support an unlocked multiplier to OC the K-series CPU.

But there is a catch.

For the first time, some mobo manufacturers let the user increase BCLK to OC a non-K series chip.

But raising the BCLK also increases the frequency of other PC parts.

So, this is discouraged to follow.

Mount a Decent CPU Cooler

Most modern CPUs come with a decent bundled cooler.

But those coolers only handle the rated frequency set by the manufacturer.

To halt the thermal throttle, you will need an adequate aftercooler to get a decent OC result.

Unlock Power Limit

TDP, which is Thermal Design Power, also becomes a factor during OC.

The probable TDP for a CPU determines how much heat a CPU can dissipate.

This comes in handy to choose a CPU cooler to properly cool down a CPU.

If PL1 reaches the CPUs consumed power, it will reduce the chips clock frequency.

To gain the OCed frequency, you have to unlock PL1.

The funniest thing is, his processor was overclocked & was unstable.

As a result, he got BSOD sometimes & the chip temp was high.

New chips dont come as overclocked & its not an automated process.

Depending on your hardware, process path & terms may vary.

Go to your BIOS by pressing theDELkey from the keyboard during boot.

verify it is inADVANCED MODE.

Under theTweakersection, findCPU Clock Ratio.

Default value should beAuto.

If it is set at a higher number, then your base clock is overclocked.

For CPU-Z it is very straightforward.

For HWiNFO, after downloading the software, open it.

Dont checkbox for theSensors-onlynorSummary-only.

In theSystem SummaryWindow, under theCPUsection, you will find all the details of your processor.

Now from the acquired model name, search & find for the specific processors base frequency & turbo frequency.

Stress tests the CPU with some software like Prime95, OCCT, or AIDA64 Extreme.

Check the frequency in CPU-Z or HWiNFO.

If it is beyond base frequency or turbo frequency, then it is overclocked.

Is Overclocking CPU Worth the Risk?

There is No Gain without Pain.

But are those risks worth it?

To me, yes, it deserves every attempt.

CPU-intensive software that transcodes video also gets a huge benefit from overclocking a CPU.

These justify the risks.

FAQs

Can you overclock MacBook Pro?

Though If it comes with an Intel chip, there is a possibility of OCing.

Though for Macs poor cooling solution, it is not advisable.

How to OC Processor for Desktops?

you’ve got the option to use multiplier or BCLK in BIOS to increase the CPU frequency.

you could also use Intel XTU software or AMD Ryzen Master software to OC in a windows system.

How to OC Processor for Laptops?

you could OC processor for some high-end laptops which specify if it is overclockable or not.

Due to the compact structure, overclocking in laptops will generate excessive overheat.

Thats why most cases a laptops CPU is locked.

Should I need an aftercooler for OC?

Cpu overclocking will produce more heat for the extra voltages.

This is why a good aftercooler is necessary to stabilize the OC & stops the thermal throttle.

Final Thought

Gaining access to boosted performance is always enjoyable.

By knowing your hardware, it will be pitch-perfect to reach the highest frequency.

As not every player can end the marathon & cant reach the finish line.

Similarly, you oughta know whether your hardware is capable of overclocking or not to reach its peak performance.