In the gaming world, overclocking is an art form driven by PC enthusiasts, with its own subculture. The most extreme overclockers will do whatever it takes to try to break world records, such as cooling their components with liquid nitrogen. However, not everyone looking for a powerful gaming rig needs to be an extreme overclocker to get the best performance from their hardware.
Overclocking is the act of pushing components like the CPU to their maximum performance level, thus achieving greater performance and speed than those for which they were factory designed.
To achieve good overclocking, it’s important to use the right components, especially if you’re building a PC from scratch. That’s why Kingston FURY, the high-performance division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, shares a series of tips on how to choose the parts that will contribute to the potential and stability of overclocking. It’s not just about matching a memory kit with a motherboard, but also about selecting the right class of motherboard, processor, power supply, case, and cooling, all of which will influence stability and how far you can push speeds.
Processor
The first thing to consider is which of the two main processor brands you will select, either Intel or AMD, as this in turn makes it easier to choose the motherboard and vice versa. One aspect to consider at this point is that high-end processor models usually have more cores and higher speeds, as well as the ability to overclock memory. Lower-end models may be better for saving energy and offer plenty of performance for most applications, but sometimes limit or block memory overclocking.
Motherboard
Motherboards come in three main sizes: ATX, microATX (mATX), and mini-ITX. ATX is the most common motherboard size for desktop PCs and provides the most features, such as multiple M.2 and PCIe slots, and multi-channel memory slots. As with processors, high-end boards will support the fastest memory overclocking speeds and use the best materials for a stable experience, while mid- and low-range boards are excellent options for budget-conscious builders and will support good overclocking capability with reliable materials.
Case
This is where form and function can play an important role in the final purpose of the PC. Some cases are more about style, with transparent panels and RGB lighting, while others prioritize simplicity and maximum airflow. However, excessive heat is the biggest threat to the stability and potential of overclocking. Therefore, the main thing to keep in mind is whether the case is compatible with the CPU cooler.
If you opt for an air cooler (heatsink type), it’s important to check that the case is wide enough, as some coolers can be very tall for the processor. If, on the other hand, you choose liquid cooling, it’s important to select a case that can support a radiator and has the correct length.
Cooling
Cooling is crucial for overclocking, and there are two options on the market: air cooling and water cooling. Although air coolers are common, they are not always the most effective or quietest. For example, if the case does not have good ventilation, air coolers can trap heat and affect other components. Also, in places with poor circulation or high temperatures, an air heatsink is not the best option. On the other hand, water cooling systems are more complex to install, but can be a viable alternative when air coolers do not meet the PC’s requirements.
Storage
When considering storage options, you need to take into account your capacity and speed needs. Traditional hard drives (HDDs) are more economical per gigabyte and offer higher capacities, but are slower due to their mechanical nature and can generate noise and vibrations. In contrast, solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and have no moving parts, as they use flash memory chips to store data. SSDs come in different forms and have high-speed connection options. M.2 SSDs are considered excellent options for desktops and laptops. M.2 SSDs come in different interfaces, such as SATA, PCIe AHCI (older), and PCIe NVMe. It’s important to check what type of M.2 and PCIe slots the motherboard has to ensure they are compatible with the SSD you choose.
This is just a brief basic guide to some of the main factors that influence overclocking. However, there are other components to consider, such as the graphics card or power supply. For this, Kingston has various guides that explain in more detail the components and their relationship with overclocking:
How to Choose the Best RAM for Overclocking
Choose the Right Components for Overclocking
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About Kingston Technology Company, Inc.
From big data to laptops and PCs, including IoT-based devices like smart technology and wearables, Kingston helps manufacturers integrate solutions that are used to live, work, and play. The world’s largest PC manufacturers and cloud storage companies rely on Kingston to meet their manufacturing needs, and our passion fuels the technology the world uses every day. We go beyond our products to have a broader vision, meet our customers’ needs, and deliver solutions that make a difference. For more information on how Kingston is with you, visit Kingston.com.
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