Overclocker`s Software
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If you have visited our forums or read any article on computer hardware or overclocking, you might have come across some software that flew over your head. Or perhaps you know about the software but don't know how to get the most of out of the programs. I'll try to help you out with understanding what programs you should use, and what you need to know about them.
There are multiple programs that offer the same functions and features. I will cover the most common programs and the recommended ones you will see our forum members using.
CPU-Z
This first program is one of the most common and requires no user input. CPU-Z is a freeware program that gathers information about your CPU, motherboard, and RAM. This is very useful; this information will help you figure out any problems you may have with your computer, and what upgrade might be best for you.
The information you're likely to use most often is that from the CPU. The first tab provides loads of information about your CPU. You can find out the model, core name, socket, the speed and cache all in one place. It also provides the CPU voltage, if this is your only means of measuring the voltage; use it, but a multimeter would be best. While it works, sometimes it doesn't always read an accurate temperature. When overclocking with increased voltage, it may show a false reading.
CPU-Z is updated frequently, and will have the correct information for any CPU you can buy unless you can get a hold of early preproduction samples of CPUs. It is the easiest and most accurate program for reading CPU clock speeds around.
ClockGen
This useful program is made by the same company that makes CPU-Z. ClockGen allows you to control the FSB on your computer. I'll give you a brief overview on how overclocking works. The computer runs at the FSB, and the chipset communicates at this speed with all the other parts. The CPU takes this speed and has its internal multiplier; the multiplier times the FSB is the speed at which the CPU runs. Increasing the FSB will cause the CPU to run faster. This is what ClockGen does; it can modify the FSB of the motherboard.
What makes this the most commonly used program when there are many programs that do the same thing? It's because it is simple and it works with many motherboards. It also shows how the change on the FSB will affect the AGP/PCI and memory speeds. If either of these gets too high, it may cause problems for your computer.
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