When the first models of personal computers appeared, naturally, low-power processors with such low clock frequencies were installed on them that it was not even worth talking about some kind of performance. At the same time, the first enthusiasts appeared who were involved in overclocking processors using physical methods (overclocking).
Today, any user who does not even know the principles of overclocking can feel himself an overclocker. An easy-to-learn utility called SetFSB can be used for this. How to use the SetFSB program will be described later.
But first, let us dwell on some theoretical information, without which the material given below will be incomplete.
SetFSB processor overclocking program: basic principles of operation
So, how did it happen that now you can use not physical, but software methods for overclocking the CPU? Indeed, the barbaric methods have gone into oblivion, but the principles used in overclocking have remained the same, and they come down to increasing the clock frequency of the processor generator, or rather, its bus frequency.
But you can immediately bring a bunch of objections to the fact that each processor model has its own frequency at which it can work, but, as you know, you can’t jump above your head (user reviews on various forums just show this) .
This is not entirely true, since processors, like many other equipment, have, so to speak, a margin of safety. That is, the parameters indicated in the technical documentation are averaged, if you like. Thus, depending on the expected range of the stock itself, the clock frequency can be increased. The only question is to what extent?
It is best to read such information on the website of the CPU manufacturer, choosing a description and TX for your processor model. Without this, it’s better not to overclock, despite the use of such a powerful utility as SetFSB.
The program for overclocking the processor. Working with SetFSB: Getting Started
Theory passed. Now we begin to practice. First of all, you need to download SetFSB for Windows and run the application on the computer on which it is supposed to overclock the processor (it is portable and does not require installation). To accurately and correctly configure the program, you will need to find out the model of the clock generator. Next, consider how to use SetFSB 2.2.129.956 (one of the latest versions).
Such information can be viewed directly on the processor chip. But, if you can reach the processor in stationary terminals, it is quite a complicated procedure in laptops. In this case, it is better to go to the website of the laptop manufacturer and find out the installed model there.
Further, we assume that we have all the data, and the program is running.
The first thing that interests us is the Clock Generator model selection field, where the PLL value corresponding to our model is selected from the list (we have already defined it).
Receive data on the current clock frequency
Now let's see how to use SetFSB in practice. First, we need to test the generator to determine the current clock frequency. To do this, in the application window to the right of the field with PLL, click the Get FSB button.
After a short test, the current value appears in the Current Frequency line. The indicator below, in the Select Frequency field, immediately attracts attention. Here, the frequency value will also be displayed, and both indicators are still the same. Why? Yes, only because the second field corresponds to the new (increased or decreased) frequency that we are going to set.
Change the frequency of the clock
Now let's see how to use SetFSB in terms of changing the clock frequencies. To perform the simplest actions in the program, below the frequency value selection field, there is a special fader (slider), moving which in the desired direction you can either increase or decrease the current indicator.
It’s worth mentioning right away that you shouldn’t immediately increase the value of the current frequency to a large range, since this can negatively affect the processor itself (too quickly, an increased load can instantly damage it).
Therefore, the slider shift for a safe change in frequency should not exceed the range of 15 MHz (judging by the reviews of experts, a maximum of 20). To access advanced settings, you can use the activation item Ultra. However, ordinary parameters are usually not required by the ordinary user, but may be needed by professionals who know exactly what options can be applied during overclocking. After setting the desired option value, just save the settings (Set FSB button).
CPU Monitoring Tools
How to use SetFSB, understood. There seems to be nothing complicated. But not everything is as simple as it seems. After each change in the value, it is strongly recommended that the temperature indicators of the CPU and its cores be monitored, so that in case of a critical exceeding of the permissible threshold, it will be possible to timely reduce both the frequency and the temperature, otherwise the processor will simply burn out. You understand that buying a new one will cost a fairly round amount.
To monitor temperature changes, you can use simple utilities like Core Temp or advanced programs like AIDA64 (former Everest application). If applications show peak loads exceeding at least one indicator for one core, the frequency should be immediately reduced to avoid troubles. Again, it should not be reduced immediately to the entire range to the original, but within the above limits.
Opinions about the program are divided
If you look at what users write about the program in the forums, it is easy to see that opinions about it are the most controversial. So, for example, some argue that the application fully meets the tasks assigned to it, but they do not advise increasing the frequency by more than 50%.
Others believe that the program is nothing more than children's entertainment, since it is simply impossible to increase the bus frequencies without increasing the voltage on it, and the application does not know how to do this (and they, by the way, are one hundred percent right).
In addition, many notice many problems in their work. In particular, this also applies to the “crash” of the application itself, and the reset to the initial settings after a system reboot.
Possible crashes and malfunctions
So, how to use SetFSB, it seems, is more or less clear. It remains to consider some issues related to possible failures and malfunctions. If you have installed an antivirus that is quite picky about installing programs, it’s better to disable it through temporary deactivation of protection during the tests and setting the necessary parameters (ten to twenty minutes will be enough).
If blocking is also performed in this mode, SetFSB will need to be added to a special list of exceptions. Along the way, in order to avoid problems in the future, it is advisable to perform similar actions in the settings of the Windows firewall (or, in the same way as for the antivirus, disconnect).
Another very common problem is that in the process of changing frequencies, the main application may freeze and stop responding to any user actions. In this case, it is recommended to force a reboot. If it turns out to be impossible by the usual method through the "Start" button, we use a combination of hot keys. Then you need to wait until the automatic disk check is completed, if it starts, or the system rolls back to a working state in case of a critical failure. Then you can re-measure the temperature, and, if necessary, bring the set parameters into proper form by lowering the frequency.
If automatic rollback cannot restore the system, try using the start menu (F8) to download the last successful configuration or enter safe mode, and then repeat the above steps.