However, most of us own laptops that aren’t capable of overclocking, both because of the change Intel processors underwent when moving from a traditional FSB to a BCLK setup several years ago, and because our cooling systems aren’t able to handle that thermal output. Many enthusiasts prefer to handle this via BIOS, but Intel XTU provides options for modifying metrics such as core voltage, clock speed multiplier (on supported CPUs), and turbo boost power limits (if the manufacturer has enabled this option). CPU manufacturers like Intel lock the frequency of some models of their lineup for added stability.Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) is a Windows-based program that Intel promotes as a way to overclock and performance-tune your system. The second thing you need for overclocking is a CPU that has an unlocked frequency. And if the cooler is severely limited, the system will eventually shut down to protect the components. If your cooler is not good enough, this excess heat will cause your CPU to thermal throttle, reducing its performance. And more power equals more heat generation. When you increase the CPU frequency, the CPU draws in more power. Related: The Best Cooling Systems for Your PC And one of the steps that you can take to safeguard your CPU is to invest in better cooling. So, before you jump head-first and put a massive overclock on the processor, make sure you know the risks and how to minimize them.

In other words, by overclocking the CPU, you are assuming the risk of general system instability and even component death. Overclocking is the process by which you increase the CPU frequency beyond the standard, manufacturer-decided frequency.

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