overclocking

1 definition found

overclocking - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  overclocking
  
     <hardware> Any adjustments made to computer hardware (or
     software) to make its CPU run at a higher clock rate than
     intended by the original manufacturers.  Typically this
     involves replacing the crystal in the clock generation
     circuitry with a higher frequency one or changing jumper
     settings or software configuration.
  
     If the clock rate is increased too far, eventually some
     component in the system will not be able to cope and the
     system will stop working.  This failure may be continuous (the
     system never works at the higher frequency) or intermittant
     (it fails more often but works some of the time) or, in the
     worst case, irreversible (a component is damaged by
     overheating).  Overclocking may necessitate improved cooling
     to maintain the same level of reliability.
  
     (1999-09-12)