Ever feel like your PC could be faster? Maybe your favorite game lags, or your videos take forever to render. If that sounds like you, overclocking might be your secret weapon. When done right, it can boost your computer’s speed — without spending any money on new parts!
This guide will show you everything you need to know about how to overclock CPU, plus how to overclock GPU and even how to overclock monitor refresh rates. Whether you’re just curious or ready to crank up your system’s power, we’ve got easy tips and tools to help you.
Let’s speed things up!
What Exactly Is Overclocking?
Overclocking means making your computer’s parts — like the CPU (central processing unit), GPU (graphics card), or monitor — run faster than the manufacturer originally set them. It’s like telling your hardware, “I know you can do more. Let’s go!”
Don’t worry — with the right steps and a little patience, it can be safe and very rewarding.
🛠️ Think of overclocking like tuning up a car engine. It runs faster, but you need to make sure it stays cool and doesn’t break.
Key Benefits:
- Better performance in games and apps
- Faster processing and multitasking
- Stretch the life of your current PC setup
Of course, faster speed can mean more heat, more power used, and sometimes system crashes. But we’ll teach you how to handle that, too.
Let’s dive into how to overclock CPU, GPU, and your monitor step-by-step.
How to Overclock CPU
This is where most people start. Your CPU is like your brain, and making it faster improves your whole computer.
Step 1: Know Your CPU
Not every CPU can be overclocked. Intel CPUs that end with “K” (like the i5-12600K) and AMD Ryzen CPUs usually can be. You’ll also need a motherboard that allows overclocking (Z series for Intel, B or X series for AMD).
Bonus: a good CPU cooler helps a lot!
Step 2: Test Before You Tweak
Before changing anything, run a few tests so you know how fast — and hot — your CPU usually runs:
- Cinebench R23 (for performance score)
- Prime95 (for testing under heavy load)
- CPU-Z (shows details like clock speed and voltages)
Write down your results. This is your “before” comparison.
Step 3: Go into BIOS/UEFI
Restart your computer. As it turns on, tap DEL or F2 to open the BIOS screen.
Look for:
- CPU Ratio or Multiplier (controls base speed)
- CPU Voltage (Vcore)
- Load-Line Calibration (helps voltage stability)
Start small. Try increasing the CPU Ratio by one. For example, 38x means 3.8 GHz — change to 39x, and see if it works.
Step 4: Add Some Voltage (If Needed)
Sometimes, running the CPU faster needs a teeny bit more voltage. But don’t go crazy!
Increase the voltage little by little (like 0.01V). Test each time using:
- AIDA64 Extreme
- OCCT
Keep temps under 85°C during heavy use.
🧊 Tip: More cooling = more power potential!
Step 5: Test and Repeat
If things crash or get too hot, lower the speed by one level. Once it’s stable and safe — stop there. That’s your system’s happy place.
Best Tools to Overclock CPU:
- Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU)
- AMD Ryzen Master
- BIOS/UEFI (most powerful and safest way)
💡 Pro Tips:
- Use good cooling (even a strong air cooler works)
- Watch your temps with HWMonitor or HWiNFO
- Don’t just chase the highest numbers — going too far can make your PC unstable
How to Overclock GPU
If games are your thing, this one’s important. Your graphics card controls how smooth games look. And yep, you can often make it go faster too!
Step 1: Grab a GPU Overclock Tool
These are safe and easy to use:
- MSI Afterburner (most popular)
- EVGA Precision X1 (for NVIDIA cards)
- AMD Adrenalin Software (for Radeon cards)
These tools let you adjust:
- Core Clock (main speed)
- Memory Clock (RAM speed)
- Voltage and Power Limits
- Fan Speed
Start slow — your GPU should still feel cool and stable!
Step 2: Test Stock Performance First
Use a test program like:
- 3DMark
- Heaven Benchmark
- Superposition
Note your score, temp, and frame rates.
🔍 This is your “before” so you know if the overclock helps.
Step 3: Start Small, Go Up
Increase your core clock by 15–25 MHz and test again. If it’s stable, raise it more. If it crashes or shows weird colors (artifacts), go back a step.
Then do memory clock the same way — usually, you have more room to overclock memory.
Adjust fan speed to cool it down as needed, or set a fan curve so it gets faster as the GPU gets hotter.
Step 4: Open Up Power and Voltage (Optional)
Some cards let you move the power and voltage limit higher.
- On NVIDIA: slide the “Power Limit” to 110% (if supported)
- On AMD: use Adrenalin’s “Performance Tuning” tab
More power = more stable speed — but more heat too.
🧯 Watch your GPU temps. Try to stay under 80°C during heavy gaming.
GPU Overclock Troubleshooting:
- Visual Glitches or Artifacts = clocks too high
- Crashes = turn back your core or memory speed
- Black Screen = reset settings using Safe Mode or auto-reset button
Use GPU-Z to monitor your GPU health and track real-time performance.
How to Overclock Monitor Refresh Rate
Here’s a fun one! Some monitors can actually run at a higher refresh rate than listed. That means smoother motion with no new hardware.
🛑 Warning: Not all monitors can do this safely. Go slow and always check the result.
Step 1: Use Custom Resolution Utility (CRU)
Download CRU (Custom Resolution Utility) — it lets you create display settings manually.
Steps:
- Open CRU
- Choose your monitor from the list
- Add a new refresh rate (try going from 60Hz to 75Hz)
- Restart your computer
Check if your new setting appears in:
Settings → Display → Advanced → Refresh Rate
Step 2: Test It Works
Helpful tools:
- UFO Test (https://www.testufo.com)
- Blur Busters (to see motion blur or flicker)
If the screen looks normal and smooth — awesome!
If you see flickering, black screens, or weird behavior, go back to the default rate with CRU.
🧠 Pro Tip: This works better over DisplayPort than HDMI
💡 Monitors That Can Overclock:
- 60Hz panels → sometimes 75Hz
- 144Hz gaming monitors → could go to 165Hz
- G-Sync or FreeSync screens → often more flexible
Common Troubleshooting & Safety Tips
Overclocking is like tuning a guitar — sometimes something goes out of tune. Here are some fixes:
🧼 System Keeps Crashing?
- Too high overclock – lower multiplier or voltage
- Make sure BIOS and drivers are updated
- Check your power supply is strong enough
🔥 Overheating?
- Add extra fans in your case
- Clean out dust!
- Use custom fan curves to push air when it heats up
🛑 PC Won’t Start or No Display?
- Reset BIOS using CMOS jumper or battery
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Reseat RAM or GPU in their slots
🎮 Games or Apps Freezing?
- Lower your last GPU/CPU overclock setting
- Double-check for corrupted files with this command:
sfc /scannow (in Command Prompt)
📌 The secret to success? Go slow, test often, and don’t chase crazy numbers.
Final Thoughts: Is Overclocking Worth It?
Totally — if you want your PC to work harder without spending money. It’s free, fun, and gives you real performance boosts in the games & apps you use every day.
Learning how to overclock CPU, how to overclock GPU, and even how to overclock monitor refresh rates helps you unlock your device’s full power.
Even if you don’t go extreme, small tweaks can make a big difference. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
🎯 Ready to Get Started?
Start small, keep your system cool, and always test your changes. Overclocking is about making your PC yours — faster, stronger, and still safe.
Already boosted your system? Share your favorite settings and scores!
Happy Overclocking! 🔧🔥💻