overclock
verb
run (the processor of one's computer) at a speed higher than that intended by the manufacturers.
Overclocking; we've all done it at some point, haven't we? If you're a HEXUS reader, or a tech enthusiast, the general perception is that you're probably reading this on an overclocked PC. But do these assumptions still hold true?
Historically, the idea behind overclocking among the enthusiast community was to purchase cheaper components - such as the CPU or GPU - and overclock them to run at the speeds of more expensive parts.
Setting new overclocking records was always part of the fun, as was exploring new techniques and methods, but for most overclockers, the key reasoning was quite simple; overclocking could offer you more performance for your pound.
But times are changing, and today's PC architectures aren't as tweakable as they once were. Intel's second-generation Core processors, for example, are technically the most advanced consumer CPUs we've ever seen, but out of the 30+ models available, less than half-a-dozen are designed with overclocking in mind. And those that are tend to be the most expensive - which somewhat defeats the purpose.
We're left wondering if PC overclocking is a dying hobby, so we're putting the question forward to you: the readers. Do you still overclock, or is overclocking losing its appeal? Share your thoughts on the subject in the HEXUS forums.
