Overclocking...What the &#%@!?

[ejhdmbfan]

How and why can you overclock a processor? What exactly happens and why do the manufacturers "underclock" their product? Wouldn't they want the fastest processor out there!?! :exc: How can you overclock a PDA? Is it hard? Does it affect the PDA in a negative way?

[Howard2k]

Sometimes "good enough" isn't. Hardware hackers who feel this way often resort to overclocking to boost the speed of their PCs--changing motherboard settings in order to push components beyond their rated speeds. For instance, a 233-MHz Pentium II processor may be overclocked to run at 266 MHz. Hardware makers warn against overclocking, and the practice doesn't always work. But many computerphiles have been tweaking a bit more speed out of their systems this way for years.

or

This is setting the processor speed above the normal recommended speed. With the right cooling and voltages set this is a good way to speed up your system. However make a mistake and you will fry your system. I suggest experts only!

Just for those that want bigger, better, faster, more. If you run some emulation games it can be handy. For most PDA uses it just drains the battery faster :)

Just for those that want bigger, better, faster, more. If you run some emulation games it can be handy. For most PDA uses it just drains the battery faster :)

Exactly!!!! I really don't need a 1Ghz PDA....yet....

[Howard2k]

Right. Want one. But don't need one :)

[Virtus]

How and why can you overclock a processor? What exactly happens and why do the manufacturers "underclock" their product? Wouldn't they want the fastest processor out there!?!

The most common method of overclocking comes from the fact that chip makers will create a chip (CPU, memory, etc...) that operates at a given speed. To ensure that they will have a steady flow of "new" products, they start their new products at a conservative speed. As manufacturing processes improve and the chips become more reliable they bump up the speed. This is why you see CPU speeds increase incrementally over a period of time without any actual changes in the CPU (example Athlon XP 1600, 1700, 1800, etc...). It's the same chip operating at different speeds. Once a chip can no longer be reliably sped up, the manufacturer releases a new generation with newer features (Pentium 2, Pentium 3, Pentium 4).

Overclocking generally increases power consumption and heat (which can adversely affect the lifespan of the part). These are two things to avoid in a PDA. And, as mentioned above, CPU intensive tasks are usually limited to games and video on a PDA.

Overclocking CPU's generally involves adjusting the bus speeds, voltage, and/or the clock multiplier.

Desktop computers can see a real benefit from overclocking. My home computer is a 1.6ghz P4 operating at 2.5ghz. At the time it was built it was the equivelent of saving over $150 on the CPU alone.

[mmiller2002]

Manufacturers also get higher yields of the higher speed processors as the line matures. They screen the parts for the rated speed, some can perform better, some worse.

[tOfuTurtLe]

people who usually overclock their desktops will screw their warranty up, if i were to overclock my pda, will that screw my warranty with dell?

[mr.inky]

people who usually overclock their desktops will screw their warranty up, if i were to overclock my pda, will that screw my warranty with dell?

I would say so.

Theoretically, it could, but you're not making any hardware modifications. Also, if you use it sensibly, you aren't really going to hurt the processor. I have an OC app installed on my Axim, and I've rarely overclocked it. I actually used it more to underclock to save power when turned off :)

[Choirguy]

people who usually overclock their desktops will screw their warranty up, if i were to overclock my pda, will that screw my warranty with dell?

How would Dell know? Remove the battery, let the PDA run out of juice, and let it revert back to its ROM image without the overclocking software.

Not that doing so is ethical, but really, how would they know?

[Hopester]

i have heard that overclocking can cause the unit to overheat. I would check further on this prior to doing it.

How would Dell know? Remove the battery, let the PDA run out of juice, and let it revert back to its ROM image without the overclocking software.

Not that doing so is ethical, but really, how would they know?

I love my 624MHz just fine. Its insainly fast on the internet.....(when i can get a signal)

[Seanz0rz]

overclocking is great if you bought a 1.8 GHZ processor for say $200, when the 2.4's were selling for $350. so if i can get an extra 600 mhz, for 150 less.

thats the primary reason for overclocking. the other is the "penis size contest" ohhh, my computer runs 1 mhz faster than yours!. that kinda thing.

still, an extra 10 frames/sec does make a difference. if your autocad can redraw the image twice as fast, productivity goes up.

gotta add this: now, my friend has a saying. "Putting a wing on a Honda is like putting a wing on a hampster." so i think the same can be said about overclocking a ppc. why? so solitare runs just a touch faster? so your notice for your appts. pops up a nano second sooner? its kinda stupid on a ppc, but i can understand it on a desktop pc.