Processor frequency and performance may be higher than specified in standard specifications. Also, over time the system is used, the performance of all main PC components (RAM, CPU, etc.) may gradually decrease. To avoid this, you need to regularly “optimize” your computer.
It is necessary to understand that all manipulations with the central processor (especially overclocking) should be carried out only if you are convinced that it will be able to “survive” them. This may require you to perform system testing.
All manipulations to improve the quality of CPU operation can be divided into two groups:
- Optimization. The main emphasis is on the proper distribution of already available core and system resources in order to achieve maximum performance. It is difficult to cause serious damage to the CPU during optimization, but the performance gain is usually not very high.
- Overclocking Manipulation directly with the processor itself through special software or BIOS to increase its clock frequency. The performance gain in this case is quite noticeable, but the risk of damaging the processor and other computer components during unsuccessful overclocking also increases.
Finding out if the processor is suitable for overclocking
Before overclocking, be sure to review the characteristics of your processor using a special program (for example). The latter is shareware, with its help you can find out detailed information about all the components of the computer, and paid version even carry out some manipulations with them. Instructions for use:
Method 1: Optimization using CPU Control
To safely optimize your processor, you will need to download CPU Control. This program has a simple interface for ordinary PC users, supports the Russian language and is distributed free of charge. The essence this method consists in evenly distributing the load on the processor cores, because there are a lot of modern ones nuclear processors, some cores may not participate in the work, resulting in a loss of performance.
Instructions for using this program:
Method 2: Overclocking with ClockGen
- This free program, suitable for accelerating processors of any brand and series (with the exception of some Intel processors, where overclocking is not possible on its own). Before overclocking, make sure that all CPU temperatures are normal. How to use ClockGen:
Method 3: Overclocking the CPU in BIOS
Quite a complex and “dangerous” method, especially for inexperienced PC users. Before overclocking a processor, it is recommended to study its characteristics, first of all, the temperature when operating in normal mode (without heavy loads). To do this, use special utilities or programs (AIDA64 described above is quite suitable for these purposes).
If all parameters are normal, then you can start overclocking. Overclocking for each processor may be different, so below is presented universal instructions performing this operation through the BIOS:
Method 4: OS optimization
This is the safest method to increase CPU performance by cleaning startup from unnecessary applications and disk defragmentation. Autoload is automatic switching on of a particular program/process when loading the operating system. When too many processes and programs accumulate in this section, then when you turn on the OS and continue working in it, CPU the load may be too high, affecting performance.
Cleaning Startup
Applications can be added to startup automatically, or applications/processes can be added themselves. To avoid the second case, it is recommended to carefully read all the items that are ticked during the installation of this or that software. How to remove existing items from Startup:
Carrying out defragmentation
Disk defragmentation not only increases the speed of programs running on this disk, but also slightly optimizes the processor. This happens because the CPU processes less data because... During defragmentation, the logical structure of volumes is updated and optimized, and file processing is accelerated. Instructions for defragmentation:
Optimizing CPU performance is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. However, if the optimization did not produce any noticeable results, then in this case the central processor will need to be overclocked yourself. In some cases, overclocking does not have to be done through the BIOS. Sometimes the processor manufacturer can provide special program to increase the frequency of a particular model.
It's usually not difficult to shake up a mid-range PC that's over five years old. As a rule, their bottleneck is not in the processor, but in RAM, but most often in the old HDD. Before updating the hardware, check whether the power supply you are using is sufficient if you install new components.
Increasing RAM
RAM should be more than 4 GB - less is not recommended, otherwise you will constantly notice stuttering while working with several programs or when opening several tabs in the browser. The CPU-Z tool will show you what memory your PC has and how much it has. After installation, run the utility and go to the “Memory” tab.
For detailed memory information, see the SPD tab. On the left side, select memory slots to see which modules are installed. If you use your PC mainly for web surfing and working with documents, 8 GB of RAM will be enough for you, but this is only available if you have a 64-bit Windows version. Otherwise, 4 GB is the ceiling, and the expansion will not help your PC. For 64-bit systems, the maximum is 16 GB.
Many older PCs still run on DDR3 or even DDR2 memory. DDR4 can be found in PCs manufactured in 2015 and later. But the modules need to be selected according to the motherboard. Please refer to the instruction manual for details; If you don’t have one at hand, look at the model in the “Board” tab of the CPU-Z utility motherboard and search for information on the Internet. Most manufacturers post detailed lists of devices compatible with their boards, including memory modules.
Modules with high frequency Ordinary users need memory only conditionally: they are intended primarily for gamers and enthusiasts, allowing them to increase computer performance by a few more percent.
Speeding up with a Solid State Drive
One of the most common reasons for a slow system startup is a regular storage device. magnetic disks. Compared to high-speed solid-state media, they are clearly inferior. When re-equipping an old PC, as a rule, they use SATA interface, models with modern technology NVMe is not considered: they take up little space and are characterized by high speed data transfer, but require an M.2 slot on the motherboard.
It is recommended to install solid state drives with a capacity of at least 250 GB - this should be enough for Windows, the most basic programs, including the office suite, graphics editor, photo viewer, and also, perhaps, some favorite toy.
Many manufacturers include a program with their products to transfer the system to a faster disk. If you don't have one, you can use EaseUs Todo Backup Free, a universal tool to transfer operating system on solid state drive. The latter will eventually be used as system disk, and on the old HDD you can store data, documents, movies and photos.
Rare case: changing the processor
Replacing the processor to optimize PC performance is usually not done. Firstly, the fact is that a processor with performance above certain specifications is no longer the bottleneck of the system. Secondly, installing a new CPU requires more painstaking work than any of the other options suggested here.
It often turns out that a new one needs a different socket, and therefore a new motherboard. CPU-Z will help you figure out if you need such a conversion: review the information about the processor you are using in the CPU tab. If a replacement is required, be sure to update your BIOS before you begin. Information about available new version you will find on the manufacturer's website. Compare your firmware number with the one listed on the download site and choose the latest one, even if it was released three or four years ago.
Intel Optane for special occasions
In special cases, the hardware can be optimized using fast Intel Optane caching drive, which is installed between the CPU and hard drive. The modules are available in two versions - 16 and 32 GB. Installation requires a modern motherboard with Kaby Lake microarchitecture or higher and an M.2 slot. Optane is ready to use once activated in UEFI/BIOS. The module speeds up not only the startup of the system, but also the launch of “heavy” programs - Photoshop, Premier, etc. The equipment will cost 3,000–6,000 rubles.
Installing a new video card
Modern video cards support the standard PCI Express. Many older PCs have a PCIe slot, so there's no stopping you from upgrading. It's another matter if the board only has an AGP or PCI connector - in this case, talking about retrofitting makes no sense, since only old cards can be installed in them. But the PCIe version does not matter. The main thing is that there are 16 lines (x16) - this can be checked in CPU-Z on the “Board” tab in the “Graphics bus” field.
You also need to make sure that the power supply is enough for the entire PC. New video cards, in fact, consume relatively little. How much exactly depends on the individual card. If the power supply cannot meet the system's power demand, image defects or malfunctions will occur.
Checking the status of the drivers
PC performance is greatly influenced by installed drivers. Many users use older versions because updates need to be found manually. The free Driver Booster Free tool immediately after installation scans your PC for drivers and, if found, outdated version with available updates, it offers to resolve the issue in a few clicks.
If, after taking all the suggested measures to improve performance, you are not satisfied with the speed of the system, you may still have to think about buying a new PC. Even the most sophisticated optimization methods will not correct all the shortcomings of outdated equipment.
Ashampoo Core Tuner 1.20- a program from a German developer that allows optimize the performance of your multi-core processor. Many modern computers work for two core processors, some even on quad core processors.
Unfortunately, Windows doesn't always manage multiple cores well, meaning you won't get the real power and performance out of the processor you buy. This program allows rectify the situation, optimizing your CPU performance. For instant results, you can click on the auto-optimization button, after which for all your running programs optimization will be made according to CPU usage.
However, you can also configure it yourself CPU usage for each program separately. In addition, you can debug individual processes and view them in real time the performance of each of your processor cores or improve overall system performance using additional tools built into the program. You don't need to have computer knowledge to use this program. Program independently manages your processor cores, allowing you to use their performance to its full potential. If you want to get the most powerful performance out of your system, then you can do fine tuning basic parameters for each program used manually. You can set the priority for each program at five levels, and you can also specify the number of cores to use in each program separately.
Program features:
Automatic performance optimization in one click
Manually optimize your CPU performance
Monitor your CPU performance in real time
Using Performance Settings Profiles
Built-in task manager
Startup management
Stylish and multilingual user interface
Program information Developer: Ashampoo Year of release: 2009 Platform: Windows XP, Vista, 7 Interface language: Russian Medicine: Present.
Download for free Ashampoo Core Tuner 1.20 you can use the following link Ashampoo Core Tuner 1.20.
AMD CPU Tool Stability- An excellent program that provides effective work for AMD AM2 processors. Software is a handy application that was made to help get efficient performance and stability from your processor. The program is especially designed for AM2 processors from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). You can add more power to your computer by customizing the main processor.
Year: 2011
Language: Eng
Medicine: Not required
Size: 6.26 MB
Download the program for free AMD CPU Tool Stability, you can use the following link AMD CPU Tool Stability.
As you understand from the title, we will talk about how speed up the processor, or more precisely (simply some inexperienced users call system unit so ;)) computer and Windows.
That is, today I decided to update and supplement one of the old and incomplete articles on optimization, and not just update it, but by inserting part of the material from one of the lessons into it ;)
It is important to enable core load monitoring in it, which is done by clicking the “View” - “ button Kernel time output" And "" - " According to schedule for each CPU”.
Ideally, do all this not in idle mode immediately after starting the computer, but in the loaded system mode, that is, with resource-intensive applications running, like games, photoshop, or whatever else is consuming your resources.
By the way, on 4 cores even in automatic mode The increase in productivity is noticeable, but for some reason it’s not always possible to achieve power with two, even manually.
In general, there is a huge field for experimentation here, which I hope you will explore, because everyone has their own system, set of programs and so on. By the way, the field is a minefield, because you can easily achieve the opposite effect instead of optimization, but it’s interesting to dig deeper :).
Try using different profiles in auto mode or manual setting to achieve maximum performance on your computer.
Afterword
In a nutshell, something like this. Someone, of course, will say that you shouldn’t bother with all this for the sake of some percentage increase and smoothness of work - your right.
I like to tinker with the system and bring its speed, convenience and all that stuff to new heights, albeit not always greater, but greater, that is, speed up the processor at least somehow.
Let's see what happens for you. In general, I recommend at least trying it.
Overclocking is a forced increase in the processor clock frequency above the nominal one. Let us immediately explain what these concepts mean.
A clock cycle is a conditional, very short time period during which the processor executes a certain amount of program code instructions.
And the clock frequency is the number of clock cycles in 1 second.
Increasing the clock frequency is directly proportional to the speed of program execution, that is, it works faster than an unoverclocked one.
In short, overclocking allows you to extend the “active life” of the processor when its standard performance no longer meets the user’s requirements.
It allows you to increase the speed of your computer without spending money on buying new equipment.
Important! The negative aspects of overclocking are an increase in computer power consumption, sometimes quite noticeable, an increase in heat generation and accelerated wear of devices due to operation in abnormal mode. You should also know that when you overclock the processor, you also overclock the RAM.
What should you do before overclocking?
Each processor has its own overclocking potential - a clock frequency limit, exceeding which leads to inoperability of the device.
Most processors such as intel core i3, i5, i7 can be safely overclocked to only 5-15% of the original level, and some even less.
The desire to squeeze the maximum possible clock frequency does not always pay off, since when a certain heating threshold is reached, the processor begins to skip clock cycles in order to lower the temperature.
It follows from this that for stable operation of an overclocked system, good cooling is necessary.
In addition, given the increased power consumption, it may be necessary to replace the power supply with a more powerful one.
Immediately before overclocking, you need to do three things:
- Update your computer to the latest version.
- Make sure that the installation is in good working order and reliable.
- Find out the original clock speed of your processor (look in the BIOS or through special utilities, For example,).
Also useful before overclocking test the processor for stability at maximum load. For example, using the S&M utility.
After this, it’s time to begin the “sacrament.”
Review of programs for overclocking Intel processors
SetFSB
An easy-to-use utility that allows you to overclock the processor on the fly by simply moving the slider.
After making changes, it does not require restarting the computer.
The program is suitable for overclocking both older processor models like Intel Core 2 duo and modern ones.
However, it does not support all motherboards, and this is an absolute necessity, since overclocking is carried out by increasing the reference frequency of the system bus.
That is, it affects the clock generator (PLL chip or, as it is called, a clocker) located on the motherboard.
You can find out whether your board is included in the list of supported ones on the program website.
Advice! To avoid processor failure, working with SetFSB is recommended only for experienced users who understand what they are doing and know about possible consequences. In addition, an untrained user is unlikely to be able to correctly determine the model of his clock generator, which must be specified manually.
So, to overclock the processor using SetFSB, you need:
- Select from the “Clock Generator” list the model of the clocker installed on your motherboard.
- Click the “Get FSB” button. After this, the SetFSB window will display the current frequency of the system bus (FSB) and processor.
- Carefully move the slider in the center of the window in small steps. After each slider movement, it is necessary to monitor the processor temperature. For example, using the program.
- Having selected the optimal position of the slider, you need to press the Set FSB button.
The advantage (and for some, the disadvantage) of the SetFSB utility is that the settings made in it will only be valid until the computer is rebooted. After restarting, they will have to be installed again.
If you don’t want to do this every time, the utility can be placed in startup.
CPUFSB
CPUFSB is the next program in our review for overclocking processors Intel core i5, i7 and others, which can be downloaded from the developer’s website.
If you are familiar with the CPUCool utility - a comprehensive tool for monitoring and overclocking a processor, then know that CPUFSB is a dedicated overclocking module from it.
Supports many motherboards on Intel chipsets, VIA, AMD, ALI and SIS.
Unlike SetFSB, CPUFSB has a Russian translation, so it is much easier to understand how to handle it.
The principle of operation of these two programs is the same: increasing the reference frequency of the system bus.
Operating procedure:
- Select the manufacturer and type of your motherboard from the list.
- Select the brand and model of the PLL (clock oscillator) chip.
- Click “Take frequency” to display the current frequency of the system bus and processor in the program.
- It is also necessary to increase the frequency in small steps, while controlling the processor temperature. After selecting the optimal setting, click “Set Frequency”.
CPUFSB allows you to set the FSB bus frequency the next time you start the program and when you exit. The current settings are also saved until the computer is restarted.
SoftFSB
Our review ends with the SoftFSB utility, another tool for overclocking a processor on the fly. It is no more difficult to use than previous programs.
Just like them, it supports many models of motherboards, various models of clock generators and any processors.
Unlike the paid SetFSB and CPUFSB, you can use SoftFSB for free.
However, there is no guarantee that it will run on your computer as it is no longer supported by the author.
To overclock a processor using SoftFSB, you also need to know the model of the motherboard, PLL chip and be a fairly experienced user.
Procedure:
- In the “FSB select” section, specify the model of the board and clock generator.
- Click the "GET FSB" button to capture the processor and bus frequencies.
- While monitoring the processor temperature, find the optimal frequency by moving the slider in the middle of the window.
- Having selected the appropriate value, press the “SET FSB” button.
As you can see, everything is the same here. A lot of other programs for overclocking processors under Windows work using a similar algorithm.
In addition to universal ones, there are utilities with overclocking functions that are produced by motherboard manufacturers themselves.
They are somewhat easier and safer to use, since they are designed for a simple user and obviously cannot harm the system.
Important! All the programs reviewed allow overclocking on both laptops and desktop PCs. But if you have a laptop, you should be very careful not to raise the system bus frequency to high values.
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