How to Upgrade CPU Frequency
By Adam Cloe
CPU frequency is a measure as to how fast your processor runs. Most processors, though they are set to run at a default speed, can run at higher speeds if you change some of the settings. Faster processors have more computing power, so upgrading a CPU's frequency can dramatically increase your computer's performance. CPU frequency can be upgraded either by changing the hardware or by tweaking the hardware's settings.
Step 1
Install a faster processor; this is the easiest way to upgrade a CPU's frequency. You will need to purchase a processor that will fit into your computer's motherboard properly and will mesh with the other components. Your electronics retailer or your computer designer's website can help you pick a new processor as well as provide instructions for changing it.
Step 2
Overclock your computer. To overclock your computer, you will be supplying additional power to the processor, which will speed up its frequency. Open your computer's BIOS. To do this, reboot your computer and hold down the "F2" button the entire time it is rebooting.
Step 3
Find the processor speed settings. These will generally be located in either the "Ai Tweaker" or the "CPU" settings menu, which will generally be the second one from the left.
Step 4
Increase your CPU's frequency. Your BIOS may have an automatic overclock setting, which will allow you to raise your CPU frequency by up to 20 percent. Otherwise, you will need to look at the various frequencies and raise them by using your arrow keys to highlight their number and then typing in a new value. For example, the FSB setting can be raised to around 600 MHz, and the PCIE setting can go up to 150 MHz. Changing these settings will increase the power and clock speed of your processor, upgrading its frequency. It is important to only boost these numbers by 10 to 20 percent from their default value to avoid overheating your computer.
Step 5
Find the CPU's voltage. This will also be found in the same menu as that used in Step 4, and you will be looking for a setting that says "CPU voltage." Once you find it, enter in a new number (again, generally only a 10- to 20-percent increase is recommended) and then exit out of the BIOS and reboot your computer.
Warnings
- Overclocking can cause hardware malfunction and also can make your computer overheat. If you plan to overclock heavily, purchase a separate cooling unit.
Writer Bio
Adam Cloe has been published in various scientific journals, including the "Journal of Biochemistry." He is currently a pathology resident at the University of Chicago. Cloe holds a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry from Boston University, a M.D. from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in pathology from the University of Chicago.