Should I boost my CPU speed? If yes, what steps should I take?
Should I boost my CPU speed? If yes, what steps should I take?
My configuration includes:
- CPU: AMD FX-8370 Eight-Core Processor
- GPU: AMD RX-470
- MoBo: Asus 970 Pro Gaming/Aura
I need to know if I should and how to overclock the CPU.
You have the option to test it. Be careful not to go too far; raise the speed gradually and perform a stress test until you reach a comfortable frequency.
Enter the bios, then navigate to the overclocking menu. If you let me know your motherboard brand, I can assist you further. Alternatively, you can open Task Manager.
If you're not sure about overclocking, don't try it. If you're confident, proceed carefully. Install a reliable cooler and gradually raise frequency and voltage in tiny steps while testing performance. If crashes occur, reduce the increment and check your setup. Maintain access to your CMOS battery or pins to reset the motherboard when instability appears. Avoid shorting the unit while powered on—unplug it, let it cool, then attempt to restart a few times to clear any residual charge. If issues persist, remove the CMOS battery or use a metal object to touch the pins with the reset switch.
I wouldn't invest much in pushing pre-Ryzen processors beyond their default settings, as a standard Ryzen 1600 would outperform a heavily overclocked FX-8xxx. AMD failed to learn from Intel's Netburst misstep and had to confront its own shortcomings by trying to match a Netburst performance. Pursuing higher clock speeds without reason doesn't make sense.