Overclocking
From Wiki-Scene
Written By: User:Robivy64
Overclocking is the process of forcing an electronic component to run faster than it's manufacturer's recommended frequency. In reference to game consoles, overclocking forces the game system's CPU, or processor, to run faster. This can be a blessing as well as problematic. Each CPU is rated for a maximum frequency in which it is designed to operate. Overclocking exceeds this recommended limit and pushes the chip even faster. Often times the operational limit is printed on the chip, but this does not indicate how fast the chip can operate reliably.
Example: Motorola 68000 CPU
Manufacturing code stamped on chip: MC68HC000FN10
The number in bold is the factory recommended operational frequency. The number indicated above represents 10 MHz, or 10,000 processor cycles-per-second. Each CPU manufacturer as their own unique way of labelling the recommended operating frequency.
Issues with overclocking
Overclocking can create new problems for game systems, most notably: stability. When a game system's hardware is designed, it's core specs never change throughout it's lifespan. This is to ensure all games stay compatible from the first release to the last. Changing the CPU speed can corrupt the gameplay of some games that are written and timed based on the CPU's operating speed; or "Clock Frequency". Another such issue is communication. Often times, the CPU is the main communication device between components, especially in older consoles.
Heat is another issue relative to overclocking, although mostly in newer game systems such as the Sega Dreamcast. There are only a few consoles that have been overclocked that require extra cooling to operate efficiently: Sega Dreamcast, and Nintendo 64. All older consoles have a CPU that does not put out enough heat to require any type of cooling, even if the operating speed was doubled.
The benefits of overclocking
Overclocking can be very benefitial if a certain game works the CPU to much, this is known as lag. Lag can occur when the CPU is overwhelmed with the amount of data it is trying to process. In game consoles, this causes the GPU to display the same frame several times instead of drawing a new one every refresh cycle since it is having to wait on information from the CPU. Overclocking simply allows the CPU to be able to handle more tasks since it operates on a higher frequency. An overclocked game system is better able to process data and output a new frame every refresh cycle.
A faster CPU allows for smoother gameplay without or with minimal slowdown if the CPU is being overworked.
FAQ
Won't overclocking break your game console?
No. This misconception has been brought on by the PC overclocking world. Heat is the only damaging element to a CPU. Currently there are no overclockable game consoles that need any sort of extra cooling to keep the console from being damaged.
Won't your game console overheat?
In the game systems that are currently overclockable, this is not an issue. Older CPUs barely operate out of room tempurature even while overclocked.
Won't the games run in fast-forward?
This is the most frequently-asked question regarding overclocking. Overclocking does not physically speed up the gameplay beyond the speed of a stock game system. It merely helps the CPU to maintain a consistant 60 Hz framerate.
