To speed up the computer beyond the manufacturer's specifications in order to run faster. Common in the gaming world, overclocking the CPU is accomplished by changing the clock ratio of the frontside bus (FSB) in the BIOS setup (see
CPU multiplier). Older methods were changing a jumper on the motherboard or changing the clock crystal. Although enhanced cooling systems are typically added when a CPU is overclocked, over time, the CPU or the motherboard may not be able to handle the increased speed. Contrast with
underclock. See
mod,
multiplier lock and
CPU cooler.