What is overclocking?

Overclocking is the practice of forcing a computer's mechanical components to function at a higher standard than they were designed for, which leads to increased performance. This also increases the power used by the system, which leads to increased heat output that must be addressed.

Adding liquid cooling systems or additional fans can increase the life of an overclocked system, though they are not always necessary. Additionally, regular stress tests help pinpoint any instabilities in an overclocked system, as overclocking often leads to crashes and operational problems. Finally, overclocking a system voids the retailer warranty in many cases, so it should be done with caution, according to PC World.