As a beginner or advanced PC user, you must have come across the term “overclock” at one point. CPUs come with a base clock speed that is often measured in GHz. Overclocking a CPU means increasing the base clock speed to increase processing speed. So, how do you know if your CPU is overclocked?
Apart from overclocking the CPU, you can also overclock the RAM, GPU and other components of the computer. However, it’s best if you don’t overclock your PC unless you clearly need your CPU or other components to perform at a certain speed.
This article further explains how to know if your CPU is overclocked.
How to Check if Your CPU is Overclocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Overclocking your CPU can provide a performance boost, but it also comes with risks if done improperly. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to check if your CPU is overclocked:
Method 1: Use System Information Tools
- Task Manager (Windows):
- Right-click on the Taskbar and select “Task Manager” or press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc. - Click on the “Performance” tab and select “CPU” from the left sidebar.
- Check the “Base speed” and “Speed” values. If the current speed exceeds the base speed, your CPU might be overclocked.
- Right-click on the Taskbar and select “Task Manager” or press
- System Profiler (Mac):
- Go to the Apple menu and select “About This Mac.”
- Click on “System Report” and navigate to “Hardware” > “Processor.”
- Look for the “Clock Speed” or “Nominal Clock Speed” to compare against the CPU’s stock specifications.
Method 2: Employ Third-Party Software
- CPU-Z:
- Download and install CPU-Z, a tool widely used to monitor CPU information.
- Open the application and go to the “CPU” tab. Here, you’ll find the “Core Speed” and “Multiplier.” Compare these values with your CPU’s stock specifications.
- HWMonitor:
- Install HWMonitor and launch the application.
- Look for the CPU section to find the current clock speed. Cross-reference it with the CPU’s default clock speed.
Method 3: BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Access BIOS/UEFI:
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the prompted key during startup (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc).
- Check CPU Settings:
- Navigate through the settings to find CPU-related information.
- Look for the CPU clock speed settings. If the current clock speed surpasses the default value, your CPU might be overclocked.
Method 4: Stress Testing
- Use Benchmarking Software:
- Employ software like Prime95 (Windows) or IntelBurnTest (Windows) to stress test your CPU.
- Monitor the temperature and clock speeds during the test. Overclocked CPUs might show instability or overheating at higher speeds.
Additional Tips:
- Research your CPU: Understand its default clock speeds and specifications from the manufacturer’s website.
- Monitor Temperatures: Overclocking can lead to increased temperatures. Use software like Core Temp (Windows) or iStat Menus (Mac) to monitor CPU temperatures.
- Consider Professional Help: If unsure about overclocking or checking for overclocking, seek advice from professionals or experienced enthusiasts.
Final Thought:
Checking if your CPU is overclocked involves comparing its current clock speed with the manufacturer’s specified default speed. Utilizing system tools, third-party software, accessing BIOS settings, and stress testing are effective methods to determine if your CPU has been overclocked. Always proceed cautiously with overclocking, as it can affect system stability and warranty, and ensure adequate cooling to prevent overheating.