Hey there,
Hal is in the ball park here, but i`ll put things in plain english just to keep you informed.
Overclocking in its simplest form is setting up the system CPU (or other peripherals) to speeds unsupported and undocumented by its manufacturer. Going to a mfgrs site and searching the term "overclocking" usually results in a warning from that manufacturer that all warranties and performance specs will become null and void.
Simply, it`s asking a device (CPU for instance) to function ABOVE rated speed specs. Overclocking intails some risk however. This risk is relative to both hardware and installed software.
If done without certain safeguards, overclocking can damage hardware and render hard-disk data existing on the drive unusable and unretrievable.
While the rewards can be vary from a 1-5% boost to well over 50% boost in performance and usability.
Where one stands to achieve 50%+ returns is WHY folks overclock. This is very much the reason why "Hal" overclocked his system and me mine.
My personal motto is this:
"Intel CPU speed ratings are only RECOMMENDED MINIMUMS and anything above spec is gravy"
It is not uncommon for Intel based CPUs to perform at 100%+ of rated spec but at an additional cost and great aforethought.
For instance:
A Celeron 300a is rated at 300mhz by Intel.
When overclocked, most reach 450mhz without undue risk and minimal cost. Some have reached 500mhz+. This CPU is a "classic" overclocker and put "overclocking" on the map so to speak. This gave a nearly 2 fold performance increase for the cost of only the CPU and perhaps better cooling. Total cost about 60 bucks (us). Again, there are risks involved and research is well advized before one jumpes in with both feet. Most everyone on this board uses overclocking to some degree and we all can help guide you should this be appealing to you and you understand the risks invilved.
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