Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobblehead
It isn't a direct correlation.
Here is a very simplified explanation:
The processor is made to run at a certain speed.
However, with some processors you can make them run faster. You do this simply by making them run faster (this is called overclocking (OC)).
In order to overclock, you need to increase the speed of the "clock", and you do that (one way) by changing a multiplier.
However, when you play with how fast the processor runs, you can't forget the memory - how fast can it save data, how fast can it supply data. So when you change the multiplier, on some motherboards it also changes how fast the memory needs to work.
Only about 1% of people every play with things like that. You need to worry about stability, memory timings, BIOS settings, power settings, and heat dissipation. But if you are willing to learn all that, you can buy a cheaper CPU, and speed it up so that it runs as fast as a much more expensive CPU. You need a fair bit of patience (and be willing to possibly burn out your CPU) .
99% of people don't need to worry about this. Get your CPU, motherboard, and recommended speed of memory and you will be fine.
Edit: Here are the steps on building a computer from a Blog I read.
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000905.html
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000907.html
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000908.html
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000918.html
http://www.hanselman.com/blog/GoneQu...veloperPC.aspx
(The first 4 links are the guy who built it. The last one is the guy who the machine was built for) |
Good article, thanks Bobblehead.
I got interested in overclocking from this thread at AVS Forum on building an HD HTPC. It's a popular thread and the thread starter endorses overclocking the new Intel core2 duo processors. The way he does is it, is to just increase the FSB [as only the most expensive core2 CPUs allow increasing the multiplier] to get the processor up to speed to run HD 1920x1080 content. With the latest GPUs such as the 8600GTS and the ATI 2600, this may no longer be needed, but still lots of these Home Theater buffs are overclocking because it is fairly simple. From reading this and going to Motherboard manufacturers sites, it seems that more than 1% are OClocking.
For me, I wanted to better understand my system and know what components went with what, as well as a having a little challenge. As has been stated, proceed at your own risk and anyone should READ as much as you can, so you don't do anything too stupid and fry your system.
Here's the AVS thread on HD HTPCs with a good list of recommended components and the reasoning behind his choices.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26/