NoAffinity

This question gets asked at least once a day....sometime 2, 3, 4 or more times a day. Using the search button, I understand, is a very demanding task, and it can certainly be frightening for new members...what with it's big scary white letters and sneering pull-down menu. (okay, maybe I'm over exaggerating, but it does get asked rather frequently, and the answer never changes. )

So, here it is, the definitive answer to "Can I overclock my Intel mobo/dell/hp/compaq....?"

Short answer: no. Intel motherboards (which are used by all proprietary system builders, like dell, HP, etc) do not offer the necessary functions for BIOS overclocking. Without such options as CPU and RAM voltage adjustments, FSB adjustability and AGP/PCI bus locks, you will have little to no success.

Long answer: yes....via software. Software like clockgen (www.cpuid.com), cpusoft (now defunct, along with others), or other software utilities (included with motherboards that are intended for use by enthusiasts) may or may not support your Intel/proprietary motherboard, and is generally not very effective.

These are the facts, folks, I'm sorry to say. Hey, if you've successfully overclocked via software, then by all means, please post results as well as make, model, all pertinent system info and software used. At the very least, if some have had success, we can start compiling some information, for those who have not yet had success.

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Intel Overclocking Guide
RAM 101 (Intel systems in particular)

All statements, posts, recommendations, etc. are my . Sometimes they're worth a nickel, sometimes they're worth a penny, but I always do my best to at least ensure that my opinions are educated ones.

Sloth_Boy

This is a good thread. It's stopping heaps of those annoying posts about crappy rip off Dell, HP, Compaq, LG and Alienware which all the computers from them are the biggest rip off

jimbo

I used CPUFSB to software overclock a Dell P3 700Mhz Celeron to a grand total of 798Mhz (Disclaimer :- I got the system for free :P). Can't say I noticed much difference, and the hassle wasn't nearly worth it.

Sane

I have an Hp. Yeah the motherboard and some other components are cheap. It's better to build your own system. Hope to upgrade soon. But I might just buy a DFI or Mach Speed motherboard that supports my cpu. If I decide to overclock I'll fill you all in on some specs.

jwramc

Yea, but can I overclock my Dell or not?

FirstBlood

I believe everyone starts out with a mainstream rig so dont make us feel so stupid. Then we try to upgrade something and realize we bought a pile of **** and then seek out sites like this to help. Im just trying to learn and build. Yes I gotta Dell. I would like to know what is a good motherborad that can be OC'd. Check my specs and let my have some ideas. Would like to keep cost reasonable (not cheap). I also want to Know if Rambus Ram is restricting to what my choices are.

JBD1986

In there defense though, alot of posts reply by saying to check out the overclocking guide, which I don't find too helpful(if at all) in determining how well a particular setup will fare in overclocking.

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tw33k2514

finnally a descriptive post about this i get tired of people asking

Inquisitor

...didnt you just join like 15 days ago??


but yea... i'd like to see some people oc them with programs..


and are alienwares really not overclockable?.. tisk tisk I exspected more

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KSIMP88

which software would be best for my dell dimension 4550 with 2.0GHz intel?