Can I Overclock My Laptop?
Apple’s line of notebook computers does not support overclocking and hasn’t for many years.
Most modern consumer PCs also prevent overclocking.
TheBIOSis locked, meaning users can’t change the parameters to control the processor’s operation.
How will you know if a laptop can overclock?
Most laptops with this feature advertise it.
Try visiting the manufacturer’s website or review the laptop’s manual.
Alternatively, you might follow the steps below to see if they work.
Find the overclock button on the laptop.
It’s usually above the keyboard or in the function key row.
The laptop’s manual will also show its location.
Many laptops label this a ‘Turbo’ or ‘Boost’ button.
If the laptop is off, turn it on.
Wait for Windows to boot.
Close any open windows.
Press the overclock (aka Turbo or Boost) button.
The laptop will respond by opening a utility to show the feature is active.
It may also include an LED on or near the button that is lit when the feature is active.
The laptop will run hotter, and louder, then it would otherwise.
check that the laptop’s vents are not blocked when using this feature.
Download the software supported by the processor in your laptop.
Install and initiate the software.
The method of overclocking the processor differs between AMD Ryzen Master or Intel Extreme Tuning Utility.
It may also differ depending on the processor or software version you have installed.
Generally speaking, you must first select theManualoption.
This will reveal or unlock the processor clock control for all processor cores.
Increase the processor clock by a small amount (25 to 50MHz), then selectApplyorSave.
Use a processor benchmarkto test stability.
If the laptop crashes during the benchmark, it’s not stable and the overclock should be reversed.
The steps above will let you achieve a modest overclock.
Overclocking is complex, however, and maximum performance depends on many variables.
Want to push your laptop further?
AMD users should readHow To Geek’s guide to overclocking with AMD Ryzen Master.
Intel users shouldread our guide to overclocking an Intel processor.
Can I Overclock My Laptop With the BIOS?
The vast majority of laptops do not support overclocking with the BIOS.
The BIOS is the most basic operating system on a PC.
This is called an unlocked processor.
Those that are unlocked are designed to be overclocked with first-party software.
Is It Safe to Overclock a Laptop?
Overclocking a laptop is risky.
It’s best to make small changes and test them frequently.
It’s importantto watch for signs your laptop is overheating.
If it does, immediately block the overclock.
Continuing to use an overclock on a laptop that is overheating can cause permanent damage.
FAQ
Some manufacturers, like Intel, make it possible to speed up your RAM.
A higher refresh rate is particularly useful for gaming.
