Steve Smith talks about whether or not overclockable CPUs are necessary, and how they can be useful, too.
Episode #8-02 released on September 1, 2017
No, they aren't, however they are some good reasons to buy them regardless. However, there are a few extra expenses you need to take in account when deciding between an overclockable and non-overclockable processor.
Overclockable processors have the potential to have and need much more power than non-overclockable processors. First, overclocked processors do exhibit more performance than non-overclocked and non-overclockable processors. The tradeoff is, they require better cooling, and better power supplies. Better cooling to begin with does help preserve the lifespan of a processor, and a better power supply can protect your computer better than a cheap power supply.
Faster processor speeds can make common tasks easier and faster to do, even over the long run. With less wait times, you do save a lot of time, over a large enough period of time. Then, there is, also, the long-term benefit of overlocking the computer later on to continue to compete with newer standards, allowing the computer to be relevant for a long period of time, as well. Even if you don't immediately plan to overclock the processor immediately, doing so down the line may prevent you from having to buy a new computer, reducing waste and providing a better cost to performance reason for having the option open for use.
There is, however, some requirements that you need to look at when buying overclockable processors. You need a mainboard that supports this, and the processor, also, has to support the option. You need a stable power supply. As I mentioned before a better power supply will protect your investment, but, also, provide a more even and stable power flow to your computer, as well. Unstable power flow may hurt performance, and lead to system damage. Seek power supplies with an 80+ rating, as those are of much better quality for the most part.
Then let us talk about cooling. Stock fans are not as cool as you think. Sorry for the pun, but it is true. They can do the job for stock clock speeds, but anything more will lead to thermal throttling, reducing any benefit of overclocking. Better fans will cool your processor better, and in some cases, can be reused in further builds, as well.
Now, let us talk about components you may be able to keep years later for future builds. While, the immediate cost be a little higher. Cooling fans or kits, 80+ power supplies, even well-ventilated computer cases can be reused. So, while the cost of entry to overlocking may be a little higher, even if the plan is to use years later, the cost of upgrading after, will be lower because you will already have many of the components you require to build a newer better computer later on down the line, with parts you know are good and stable.
Host : Steve Smith | Music : | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Dot Net