i was just wondering if you could overclock a cpu with a locked multiplier?
It depends on the specific CPU, but generally the answer is no, you cannot overclock the CPU directly. However, there are often other means to overclock the computer, such as increasing bus speeds.
That said, I am not a fan of overclocking either. It is typically done for bragging rights, not to increase a user's
productivity. In the vast majority of the cases, any performance gains are noticed only by the benchmarking programs, not the user (except by placebo effect). Even with games. Remember, game makers know most gamers don't have overclocked screamers - so they code to provide good "game play" on lessor systems.
So I am not a fan for the reasons amaltom61 provided, but also because most overclockers do not do enough (if any) homework first. I say most - you, Pc Geek, are asking questions! :beer:
Typical failings seen in the shop include:
- Failure to properly address the added cooling demands overclocking puts on the other motherboard devices, in addition to the CPU,
- Failure to consider the added demands on the PSU,
- Failure to monitor (in real-time) the inevitable increased temperatures,
- Failure to keep the interior free of heat trapping dust (a common problem, but a greater issue with OC'ed systems),
- Failure to learn the CPU warranty consequences of overclocking (or the use of alternative cooling),
- Using a overclocked machine for work or school projects, personal business, email, banking, etc. (see next point),
- Failure to have a viable backup plan in place, and a current backup on hand. Essential for when the overclocked system becomes unstable, hard crashes, and corrupts the drive and data on it.
Am I against, over clocking? No! Absolutely not! It can be fun and an excellent learning experience in how motherboards moves data about, cooling, power, and more.
Years ago, when self-built computers were still just for electronics enthusiasts, we used to "push" (as we called it then) our clock speeds but you had to set jumpers on the motherboard - by soldering a wire jumper to various points on the board! That was a bit nerve-racking - but fun. Thinking about that makes me feel even older than I am.
Oh well, the good ol' days.
Anyway, understand, overclocking is a pretty much a marketing gimmick, not a design feature. Engineers design to the specifications in the design proposal using common practice design methods. Or (if they have lots of money) they design to the limits the raw materials, construction techniques, and the Laws of Physic allow. The engineers do not build in overclocking. Some "overhead" - always, if possible. But "overhead" is not meant to be eaten up by overclocking.
Overhead is there to compensate for aging electronics, power anomalies, and other "
tolerance imperfections". And until Man can create perfection 100% of the time, there will always be tolerance imperfections that cause real-world and theory to never exactly mesh. Yet, marketing weenies market the overhead as OC capabilities.
And, worse, IMO, often "dummy down" specs so they can market the OC capabilities even more.
BUT!!!!
Regardless how easy makers (CPU and motherboards) make overclocking, any damage
while overclocking is NOT covered under any warranty! In fact, both Intel and AMD warranties state the CPUs MUST be run at specified voltages - and, if a boxed retail CPU, with the "supplied" OEM cooling solution too! Or else the warranty is void.
So my advice, if you want more power, buy it. If you are intent on overclocking, do extensive homework. Ensure your case can provide the necessary cooling and your PSU is 80+ certified from a reputable maker, and with ample wattage for the task. Use a good motherboard from a major maker. It does not have to be their high-end stuff, but stay away from the budget models if OCing.
Gigabyte, my preferred brand, provides some preset overclocking options through their EasyTune6 program. Some of the other major board makers provide such utilities too. If overclocking is pursued, I think it better to use one of the provided presets (but no extremes) than dinking with timings yourself - unless you have a total understanding of CPU, motherboard and RAM timings,
AND total understanding and control and of thermal management.
Sorry - didn't mean to rant. But as a hardware guy, I am tired of marketing weenies manipulating specs, and being so deeply involved in the final "tuning" of products.