Overclocked

Overclocked refers to hardware that operates at a clock frequency higher than the manufacturer's specification. In consumer computing, overclocking is most common with central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and memory modules, though other components can be overclocked as well. Increasing the clock speed can improve performance in tasks such as gaming, video encoding, and scientific computing, but the gains are highly dependent on the specific hardware and workload.

Overclocking is usually performed by adjusting clock multipliers or base clock values in the BIOS/UEFI, or by using vendor-provided software on supported devices. Memory can be set to higher speeds with XMP profiles or manual timing changes, while GPU overclocking is typically done with dedicated utilities to alter core and memory clocks and voltages. Stable operation generally requires effective cooling and careful power management, since higher clocks raise heat output and power use.

Risks include increased electrical stress, instability, and potentially reduced component lifespan. Warranty coverage varies by manufacturer and model; some platforms explicitly disallow overclocking or void warranties, while others offer unlocked options. Not all hardware responds well to overclocking, and the achievable gains are often limited by silicon quality and cooling headroom.