If you are owner of an original Intel motherboard, you may have noticed that overclocking it is hard. Intel did not permit overclocking until desktop board D975XBX2 was out. Intel has since made Intel Desktop Control Center, which allows overclock CPU, memory, and system bus speeds. Sadly, it supports a restricted number of motherboards. Other Intel models can be overclocked by following easy steps.

Instructions

1. Step 1

Open the case of PC. Check owner's manual for particular instructions on how to do this for model.

2. Step 2

Find phase-locked loop (PLL) number on motherboard. It shows as a silver square near processor. PLL number is on a tiny, black chip with maker's name on it and must start with either "IDT" or "ICS." Write down this number.

3. Step 3

Turn on PC and install an overclocking software program. For purposes of signifying how such programs work, remaining commands will detail how to utilize CPUCool program; other overclocking software must work also.

4. Step 4

Begin CPUCool and click "Configure." Below "Functions" tab, ensure the option "CPU Clock Frequency (FSB)" is checked. A message appears asking if you know company and type of mainboard. If you do, enter this information and click "OK"; or else, click "I Don't Know."

5. Step 5

Choose options from drop-down menus to display PLL information from motherboard. Click the “Set Frequency." Program must mechanically set frequency, and close it. If you obtain an error message showing frequency does not work with PLL, you must change frequency manually.

6. Step 6

Click "Fine Tuning" button. Check checkbox option "Use Frequency 'Fine 1' in CPUCool." Begin clicking "+10" until frequency matches what's shown below "Current Frequency," and then click it two or three further times. Ensure "Use Frequency in Tray and CPUCool Startup" is checked, and tick "Freq Set." The system will overclock at startup.