5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Overclocking | Drawbacks & Benefits of Overclocking

What is Overclocking ?

Overheating is a process where the clock speed of a hardware component is increased manually. It functions faster than the speed it is equipped by the manufacturers. Most users overclock their components to achieve a performance they desire. Especially, it is useful for gamers who are keen on performance and benchmarks.

What can be Overclocked ?

Only the hardware components those with internal clock to synchronize its speed can be overclocked. Such devices include, CPU, GPU and RAM. While overclocking improves performance in many ways, it aren't flawless. If handled without caution it could do some serious damages to the internal components. Therefore, it is essential to take note of both benefits and risks before attempting this process.


In this article, I will be concentrating on 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Overclocking | Drawbacks & Benefits of Overclocking. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of overclocking.


Let's get started,

Advantages of Overclocking

1. Performance

The primary goal of overclocking a hardware component is to increase its performance. Some graphics intensive programs and games require immense graphics that can never be achieved without overclocking. 

 

Overclocking a CPU/GPU will eventually increase the clock speed which in turns drives to overall performance.


2. Cost Savings

Overclocking a hardware component leads to cost savings in many ways. For an example, users can purchase a graphics card for a cheaper price and overclock them to achieve a performance similar to a higher model. Thus, users can enjoy playing high end games still without spending much.


3. Maximized Speed

Some hardware manufacturers especially of GPU allow overclocking to a certain extent. The performance is lowered deliberately to reduce power consumption. 

 

Only by means of overclocking, the users can experience its full potential ; in terms of better graphics and faster response time.


4. Device Upgrade

Overclocking also makes old devices function closer to the newer ones. Especially for the devices with non-removable hardware components through means of overclocking a user can ensure that it fulfills current system requirements.


5. Test & Researches

At times overclocking is used for testing and researching purposes. Through overclocking, users will be able to compare it with other hardware components. Overclocking a CPU/GPU can make the user understand the maximum potential of a particular brand.

 

Disadvantages of Overclocking

1. Warranty Nullify

Most of the warranties of hardware is nullified once you overclock them. The clock rates of these components are set to a level that they exhibit their maximum functionality. 

 

Unless you are using a hardware component which supports overclocking from its manufacturer. These manufacturers will probably replace or repair the components that is been damaged by overclocking.


2. Damage Components

Always overclocking to a higher extent will result in damaging the hardware component. A hardware which is subjected to overclocking tends to get more damaged due to the voltages passing from it. As a result, the overall lifespan of a hardware components are greatly reduced.


3. Overheating

Furthermore, overclocking definitely releases excess heat which causes overclocking of components. The fan and the heat sink alone cannot remove this excess heat. 

 

For this, a proper cooling system needs to be installed. Without a cooling system, the system could experience frequent crashes or even damage the hardware permanently.


4. Noises

A CPU/GPU which undergoes overclocking will probably release heat a lot. For dissipating this heat, fans run at maximum speed producing a loud noise. This noises are considerably hearable if the room is in pin drop silence.


5. Power Consumption

Even though overclocking will definitely increase the performance of a hardware component at the same time it could double the amount of power consumed. 

 

The increase clock speed always draw more power from the PSU. Therefore, the system that undergoes overclocking cannot be energy efficient.