<Dl> <Dd> Not to be confused with overclocking (mileometer / odometer) </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> Not to be confused with overclocking (mileometer / odometer) </Dd> <P> Overclocking is configuration of computer hardware components to operate faster than certified by the original manufacturer, with "faster" specified as clock frequency in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Commonly operating voltage is also increased to maintain a component's operational stability at accelerated speeds . Semiconductor devices operated at higher frequencies and voltages increase power consumption and heat . An overclocked device may be unreliable or fail completely if the additional heat load is not removed or power delivery components cannot meet increased power demands . Many device warranties state that overclocking and / or over-specification voids any warranty . </P> <P> The purpose of overclocking is to gain additional performance from a given component by increasing its operating speed . Normally, on modern systems, the target of overclocking is increasing the performance of a major chip or subsystem, such as the main processor or graphics controller, but other components, such as system memory (RAM) or system buses (generally on the motherboard), are commonly involved . The trade - offs are an increase in power consumption (heat) and fan noise (cooling) for the targeted components . Most components are designed with a margin of safety to deal with operating conditions outside of a manufacturer's control; examples are ambient temperature and fluctuations in operating voltage . Overclocking techniques in general aim to trade this safety margin by setting the device to run in the higher end of the margin, with the understanding that temperature and voltage must be more strictly monitored and controlled by the user . Examples are that operating temperature would need to be more strictly controlled with increased cooling, as the part will be less tolerant of increased temperatures at the higher speeds . Also base operating voltage may be increased to compensate for unexpected voltage drops and to strengthen signalling and timing signals, as low - voltage excursions are more likely to cause malfunctions at higher operating speeds . </P>

What does it mean to overclock your graphics card