Introduction

In its original incarnation as a HEXUS.community forum thread, this beginners guide to overclocking Intel Core 2 Duo processors written by David Marshall (aka Clunk) has already had over a quarter of a million reads - so we thought it time to turn it into a proper article.

This guide is intended to offer a quick and easy way for beginners to start overclocking their Intel Core 2 Duo processors.
The guide is not aimed at experienced, hardcore enthusiasts but at ordinary people who would like to benefit from the extra bump in speed that can be had by overclocking their Core 2 Duo CPUs.
So, we're going to keep things as simple as possible.
However, it's necessary for us to make certain basic assumptions about your PC being suitable for overclocking - so if these are not true for you, make sure to get your PC ready for overclocking before you start out.
Our first assumption is that your PC is stable at stock speeds. For your own peace of mind, run the Orthos stress tester overnight before you start making any changes.
That way, you'll know if there are any issues with your system that need to be sorted out before you continue down the overclocking path.
We're also assuming that you have the system housed in a well-vented case with decent air-flow within - and that you are using some kind of third-party cooler for the CPU.

Intel® Pentium® Processor T4400 (1M Cache, 2.20 GHz, 800 MHz FSB) Socket P Intel® Pentium® Processor T4500 (1M Cache, 2.30 GHz, 800 MHz FSB) Intel® Pentium® Processor U5400 (3M Cache, 1.20 GHz).

Intel's stock coolers are fine for running at stock speeds but they aren't necessarily up to the job of keeping down the temperature when a CPU is overclocked.
To find our more about third-party coolers, check out our LGA 775 CPU cooler mega test.
As well as Orthos, you'll need to download a few other pieces of free software:
CPU-Z
Core Temp
Intel TAT (Thermal Analysis Tool)
Overclocking - all things aren't equal
Every piece of hardware is unique. You might have a friend with all the same gear as you whose PC can be overclocked quite a bit higher than yours (or lower). Well, sometimes this is just down to luck - no two CPUs, sets of RAM or motherboards will give exactly the same results.
But, if you follow our advice, get to know your hardware and are patient, you're on your way to getting the best results that your particular combination of hardware is able to deliver.
Don't scrimp on the power supply unit (PSU)
One of the most important parts of the computer is the power supply. This is often overlooked when budgeting for a new PC, so people end up with the generic PSUs that come with cheap cases or buy unbranded PSUs.
You might be lucky and find that these cheapies work okay, giving years of trouble-free service. However, when a PSU does break down it can take other components with it. Imagine spending a grand or more on a new PC, only for the cheapo PSU to blow, taking your £300 graphics card, your CPU and your RAM with it.
So don't scrimp on the PSU. Get a decent brand from a maker such as Corsair, Seasonic, Enermax, Silverstone or Tagan. If you are unsure of your individual power requirements, please ask on the HEXUS.community forums. You may find that you need much less than you think.

Don't scrimp on RAM, either
The type of RAM you're able to use will of course be totally dependent on the motherboard in your system but there are some rough and ready rules to understand.
For overclocking, we'd suggest that, as a minimum, you use PC2-6400 RAM and avoid cheap, unbranded, generic RAM. Currently, prices for modern RAM modules are cheap and, from experience, the small saving made on generic RAM can be more trouble than it's worth.

PC2-6400 RAM will give you a theoretical CPU overclock of 3.6GHz on an E6600/E4300; 3.2GHz on an E6400; and 2.8GHz on an E6300. These figures represent the maximum CPU overclock without even overclocking the RAM. More on the ins-and-outs of that later on.
What's a good CPU for overclocking?
If you are starting off and haven't yet bought a system, then the CPU you choose will depend on your budget. The great thing about Core 2 Duo CPUs is that most of them will overclock well. So, with very little skill and effort, you could take your £99, 1.8GHz CPU to 3.0GHz and beyond.

1. Overclocking in Windows using Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel® XTU) For a long time, overclocking was done manually through the BIOS, the basic input output system that loads the operating system.
2. This GPU overclocking software includes supporting the 6th generation Intel core processors. This intel overclocking software is windows based and it is a software meant for novices and experienced persons alike. It helps to monitor, overclock and stress a system.
3. Intel XTU software was developed by Intel for use in overclocking, performance tuning, and performance monitoring of some of the latest CPUs. The performance tuning software has features that allow Intel CPU users to overclock and monitor their systems.
4. SetFSB is an easy way to overclock a processor. This little program lets you adjust the frequency of the FSB directly from Windows. It’s compatible with a wide range of motherboards and requires.

One other critical bit of advice

Read this guide thoroughly before making any changes and don't forget to print it out, too. If anything goes wrong, you don't want to have to visit a friend or an internet cafe to find out how to recover the situation!

Well, let’s agree on one thing that everyone loves speed. Even if it’s in terms of riding an automobile vehicle or switching tabs on your computer. While talking about the speed of a computer device, it’s in direct relation to boosting PC performance. And that’s where overclocking comes in that’s been created to increase the performance level of a computer.

Overclocking lets you reset the built-in components provided by manufacturers so that the system can run faster than before. It’s like opening a backdoor that is going to improve your system’s performance.

Not every experiment can only have pros because knowing that it increases the speed of my PC, makes me want to use it more & more. However, more speed means the device can get heated earlier that can result in device damage. Short & sweet, “try to keep your CPU cool”.

Also Read: How Safe is Overclocking| Should it be Done or Not

Best Overclocking Software for CPU, GPU, and RAM:

1. MSI Afterburner

Undoubtedly, the most reliable & recognized CPU overclocking software that lets you control your graphics card as a whole. The most amazing thing is that it’s completely free to use and you can also use it with any of the brands’ graphic cards. Isn’t it amazing??

The tool also comes with different themes that let you customize it as how it will be displayed. The latest update of the software included OC Scanner that lets you track the PC performance in real-time and I’m sure that will come in handy. OC scanner automatically searches and finds the highest suitable overclock setting for your PC and that’s huge.

Go ahead and get one of the best CPU overclocking software MSI Afterburner here.

2. EVGA Precision X

Alike MSI, EVGA is also another powerpack bundle that helps you to improve the speed of your PC. The latest version of the software EVGA Precision XOC has been discontinued by the company due to unknown reasons. However, EVGA launched Precision X1 that comes with more improved features and updates.

The software helps you to tune in your NVIDIA graphics card in a way that the result comes in maximizing PC performance and cooling, obviously. Same as MSI, EVGA also has the OC scanner update that automatically will look for the most reliable and fit overclocking tuning. The promising overclocking software for CPU, GP, and RAM is compatible with Microsoft Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and Vista.

Tap, download and start using this better than ever CPU overclocking software.

3. Intel XTU

Well, I think just the name is enough to support the reliability factor for this software. Intel XTU stands for Intel Extreme Tuning Utility that’s been designed to help out beginners as well as pros. Know that if you Intel processor or equipment, it’s the best you can wish for.

Now it’s quite evident that Intel XTU is compatible only with Intel processors that can be considered as a limitation. A performance-betterment software that monitors as well as overclock the system, Intel XTU is great with customized displays as well.

Fsb Overclock Program Intel Pentium

This advanced CPU overclocking software helps you overclock the individual PC components such as GPU, RAM, processor, etc.

4. AMD Ryzen Master

Advanced Micro Devices Ryzen Master is the perfect combination of an easy user interface and the most updated overclocking software for CPU. If you are using an AMD processor, then you are in for a treat because overclocking for you will be a piece of cake.

AMD lets you adjust almost everything from an integrated graphics frequency to the memory timings. You can also overclock GPU in AMD Ryzen Master for higher gaming performance while overclocking other components of your PC.

Alike MSI, AMD Ryzen Master helps you with real-time monitoring of clock rates and temperature on highest and average points.

Download the most promising CPU overclocking software for Windows here.

5. SAPPHIRE TriXX Utility

Another power-packed software that’s been created to overclock as well as troubleshoot your PC. Like the above software, TriXX Utility lets you overclock CPU, GPU, & RAM to boost up the PC performance.

One of the limitations with SAPPHIRE TriXX Utility is that It supports AMD graphic cards along with older ones including Radeon R9 Fury series. In order to keep the system stable, the tool also does real-time monitoring of PC components.

Download SAPPHIRE TriXX Utility and boost up your system performance.

6. ASUS GPU Tweak

Fsb Overclock Program Intel Celeron

Gamers, this is specifically for you. ASUS is all about gaming and transforming the overall experience. It has always been considered the most suitable brand to go for when it comes to visual appearance. All the functionalities to overclock the PC components are on your fingertips.

The tool comes in three different modes i.e. Overclock, Gaming, & Silent mode. While using the Overclock mode, all you need to do is enable the OC scanner mode. This will auto-check the suitable tuning for boosting the PC performance while you play the most demanding games.

Fsb Overclock Program Intel Core I5

Download the Gaming-supporting-beast ASUS GPU Tweak here.

7. SetFSB

All you need is to have SetFSB in your PC and you are all set to overclock different components (CPU, GPU, & memory) to give your PC a good boost. FSB stands for Front Side Bus that is quite different from the above-mentioned CPU overclocking software for Windows.

If you want something to be done correctly, do it from the top so that there is no possible loophole. Similarly, FSB directly connects to the main memory because the tool functions in a way that it auto=corrects the settings so that the PC performance increases. And I believe that’s new.

Must Read: CPU Overheating Issues? Here How To Fix in 2020!

Wrapping Up

Though there are 100s of overclocking software for Windows, the above enlisting is the best one you can go for. It’s a combination of reliability, advanced update, most used, and best overclocking software for CPU that gives your system quite a good boost.

Fsb Overclock Program Intel Core I3

Dig in and go through all the above. Use the one that meets your requirements and let us know your experience in the comments below.