xt0m

The process of forcing an electronical component of a computer to operate at a higher clock speed (rated in MHz) – than they were originially constructed for by the manufacturer – is generally referred to as ‘Overclocking’. Enthusiasts like myself use overclocking to get our computers to run applications, benchmarks and games faster.

Components, which are the primary focus of overclockers are usually processors, video cards, motherboards and memory modules (RAM). Operating frequency is typically incrementally raised by changing a multiplier and a base rate (i.e. FSB or BCLK) until a new maximum stable speed is achieved. Although the idea in principle can seem very simple there are infinite variations in electrical and physical properties of computer systems, which complicates the process.

Electronic circuits produce heat generated by the movement of electrons. As the speed increases so does the heat generated by overclocked components. Because of that increased heat it is therefore imperative to make use of an efficient cooling system to avoid damaging hardware.

Air cooling

Since most standard computers are designed for just the right amount of Watt produced in non-overclocked daily use, overclockers typically resort to more efficient cooling solutions than just powerful fans or heavy-duty cooling profiles. Here, both size, shape and material will have a direct influence on the ability to dissipate heat.

Liquid cooling

A water cooled system transfers heat to a ventilated and cooled radiator. Both car engines and nuclear reactors use essentially the same method, and also use a form of water. Liquid cooling is very strong, especially a Waterchiller in comparison with the more ordinary air cooling. Alternate variations of water cooling technology is submersion or immersion cooling, sinking a computer in an actively cooled thermal-conductive liquid with sufficiently low electrical conductivity.

Thermo-electric cooling

Peltier elements, also known as TEC-cooling units, are still somewhat popular especially in connection with Intel and AMD processors with high Thermal Design Power-rating. Thermo-electric cooling creates differences in temperature between two metal plates by passing an electric current through them. While effective the disadvantage is a lot of added heat that often requires supplemental convection based heat sinks or even liquid cooling.

Compressor Cooling

Another exotic cooling method is forced convection with phase-changing cooling units. The basics are comparative to liquid cooling systems; Heat is via a liquid moved from one place to another where it is filtered into the atmosphere. A compressor system is complicated and more efficient because it manipulates the liquid – and changes it to gas or vapor and back. This is called shifting the liquid phase, hence the name “phase shift” or in proper English, “Phase-Change”.

Extreme cooling

In its most extreme form you will find liquid nitrogen and dry-ice being used as refrigerants in extreme record attempts rather than to the everyday cooling of a computer. These methods are impractical in longer terms run as they require constant refilling. Note that silicon-based transistors also deteriorate at around -173 degrees Celsius and eventually cease to operate at about -233 degrees C. Therefore, these extremely cold coolants may cause crashes and permanent damage to hardware.