Speeding up the operation frequency of a hardware component will increase its thermal output in a linear fashion, while boosting voltages will cause the generated heat to sky rocket. If improperly managed, these increases in temperature can cause permanent physical damage to the component or even “heat death”. Having said that, your computer will generally show signs of malfunction, such as crashes or lock ups, long before something dramatic happens giving you the chance to make the appropriate adjustments. Recent hardware is also equipped with thermal sensors that will trigger a throttle mechanism or even a complete shut down when the heat level is too high. Add to that the fact that you are a responsible overclocker and that you will provide sufficient cooling to your system, and you may go about your overclocking business without fear of explosions.
The main thing here is being able to tell the difference between ‘software’ and ‘hardware’ CPU parameters. Clock speed is a software concept: in power-saving mode it can drop down to hundreds of MHz, while during gaming jump back up to several GHz. So just by increasing your clock speed you won’t burn your CPU, but yes — it can perform inconsistently.
While voltage is a whole different area — it’s a hardware concept and the higher the voltage, the higher clock speeds become available for use. But every CPU has a safe voltage range, and if you exceed it — you can ‘cook’ your CPU. It won’t explode, but most likely just cease functioning.
No, absolutely not.
A CPU that is overclocked too far will generally just cease to function, resulting in a lock-up of the system or a crash. Many an infamous Windows "Blue Screen of Death" has been caused by excessive overclocking. In cases like this, the problem usually goes away with a simple reboot and a reduction in the overclocked speed of the CPU.
It is possible to destroy a CPU, but this generally requires that the user, by their own volition, override the default voltage settings and increase the Vcore (voltage delivered to the CPU by the motherboard) to a higher level. Unless the Vcore is set to a ridiculously high level, this generally won't kill the CPU immediately, but it will reduce its life. High CPU voltage, and the concomitant heat that it generates, cause degradation of the CPU silicon over time. In practice, you rarely see this occur, because most overclocking is done by hardware enthusiasts, many of whom have been hot-rodding their PC's for a very long time. They know what they're doing, and they never burn out an overclocked CPU, because they've upgraded to a newer one long before the chip dies from overvoltage.
Regardless of what you do, a CPU will never explode. If you push crazy voltages to one, it will simply burn out and cease to function. However, a poorly designed motherboard can explode. If you put a CPU rated for high power draw on one and the voltage regulator modules (VRM's) on the motherboard aren't up to the task, the VRM's can blow up and often do. I've never killed a CPU, but I have seen motherboards with second-rate electrolytic capacitors in the VRM section blow up before.
If you're forcing too much voltage into the processor and the sensors don't stop you, well the processor simply shorts itself out. You may see a small spark or even hear a pop, but that's really about it. Nothing dramatic or spectacular. Keeping your PC cool will help protect it from damage caused by overclocking. Even if overclocking doesn't do any harm, it could still void your warranty.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK AND PINTEREST
DISCLAIMER
The information is provided by Tecquisition for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. If you have any feedback, comments, requests for technical support or other inquiries, please mail us by tecqusition@gmail.com.
Comentarios