Well, the clock speed of a processor is more complicated than one
might think, and if you are thinking about 'overclocking,' there
really isn't a truly fool proof way of doing it.
CPU speed = Base cpu multiplyer X FSB speed
The most basic thing you can do that will make sure your processor is
working as fast as it should be is to set your front side bus (fbs)
speed to match that of your RAM speed.
In new bios these days, you can manually adjust your FSB speed.
Now, figuring out your maximum FSB speed is somewhat complicated. If
you set it too high your computer may not function.
Usually the base speed of motherboard FSB is 100mhz, but that may be higher now.
DDR 266 mhz RAM can handle a FSB speed of 133mhz. This is because DDR
runs at a double data rate, so it is 266/2=133.
DDR 333mhz RAM can handle a FSB speed of 166mhz.
etc. . .
Be sure to check what your motherboard supports in the manual as well.
So, lets say your cpu base multiplyer is 12.5:
at FSB 100mhz the clock speed is 1.2ghz
at FSB 166mhz the clock speed is 2.1ghz
This will raise your cpu temperature slightly, but if you are using a
desktop case fans and a cpu fan, you will be fine.
Now, there are ways to change the voltage and base multiplyer, but
that will greatly effect your CPU and should only be done by someone
who knows what they are doing to an extent. |
