Overclocking CPU within windows

[Electronix]

Hey Linus Tech Tips,

 

Perhaps this is a dumb question but be easy as I'm somewhat new to the PC enthusiast game but would it be feasible or possible to overclock my CPU within Windows as opposed to in the BIOS similar to how you overclock your GPU within Windows using software like MSI Afterburner?

[Vitalius]

Hey Linus Tech Tips,

 

Perhaps this is a dumb question but be easy as I'm somewhat new to the PC enthusiast game but would it be feasible or possible to overclock my CPU within Windows as opposed to in the BIOS similar to how you overclock your GPU within Windows using software like MSI Afterburner?

Depends on the motherboard.

Some motherboards have utilities for this very thing which usually come on the driver disks with them. 

You'd need one of those motherboards.

[Volbet]

It is possible with programs like Intel Extreme Tuning Utility and Asus AI Suite (if you have an Asus motherboard). I don't recommend doing in OS overclocking, since it can be buggy, but it is definatly possible

[Electronix]

Depends on the motherboard.

Some motherboards have utilities for this very thing which usually come on the driver disks with them. 

You'd need one of those motherboards.

 

I have an Asus Z87-A motherboard

 

Link:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131981

[ASUSTECHMKT]

It is very easy

 

I would make sure you have done these two steps before hand.

 

1. Update the UEFI to the latest version

 

2. Download the latest version of AiSuite III from support.asus.com

 

From there all you need to do is

 

1. Load the UEFI defaults in windows.

 

2. Enter windows and pick the auto tuning.

 

You can pick the fast or custom option

 

Fast will offer an approximate 4.2GHz overclock and the custom option will provide a more extensive cpu and cooling specific result.

 

 

You can check out the video for more on how it works. It is pretty straight forward

 

Keep in mind the results are defined by

 

CPU quality ( which varies )

Thermals ( your ambient temperature and cooling solution )

The voltage that is required for a specific frequency. Our auto tuning process to ensure safe operation has a defined max limit as opposed to a manual overclock option where users can apply more voltage than can be safe or effectively dissipated.

 

Best of luck to you overclocking! Hope this helps.

 

If you really just want to go a simple route ( you can flip on the TPU swich on the motherboard ) this is equal to the 4.2GHz fast overclock.

[Jumper118]

Hey Linus Tech Tips,

 

Perhaps this is a dumb question but be easy as I'm somewhat new to the PC enthusiast game but would it be feasible or possible to overclock my CPU within Windows as opposed to in the BIOS similar to how you overclock your GPU within Windows using software like MSI Afterburner?

it is possible to do it from within the os but it is better to do it in the bios because software in windows can be very inaccurate sometimes whereas its correct 99.999% of the time in the bios.

[Opcode]

I have an Asus Z87-A motherboard

 

Link:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131981

You can grab the AI Suite III software from the official website.

 

*Note: Run "setup.exe" within the "AISuite3_1.00.68/AppSetup" folder.

 

[Buckley]

If you have an AMD based CPU, you can use AMD Overdrive. Its actually laid out very well and is extremely easy to use. Basically idiot proof!

[Analog]

Typically you can overclock the processor within Windows by using various kinds of software, depending on your platform and motherboard manufacturer. Despite that it is not recommended, because usually it causes instability, glitches and other kinds of annoying problems. The easiest and most practical way to overclock a CPU is within the BIOS and there are numerous guides who to do it for every specific platform.