Overclocking

Overclocking runs a processor, graphics card, or memory outside its standard frequency or voltage settings to seek extra performance. Users change these values through UEFI firmware or vendor tuning software. The cost can include higher heat, greater power draw, intermittent application errors, blue-screen stops, or file corruption that looks like a software problem. When a PC becomes unstable, return CPU, GPU, and memory settings to factory defaults before replacing drivers or components; even a previously stable setting can fail as temperatures or workloads change. Save important data before stress testing, monitor temperatures, and avoid raising voltage without understanding the hardware limits. Stability is more valuable than a benchmark improvement on a daily-use machine.