Overvolting and Undervolting
lolfighter
Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
in Off-Topic
I'm doing some fact-checking on this. I've read up on the topic lately and want to "compare notes," so to speak. This is specifically regarding computer components, CPU and memory in particular. So without further ado:
Overvolting: Running a component at a higher voltage than rated.
Undervolting: Running a component at a lower voltage than rated.
Effects of overvolting: Potential increase in stability, particularly when overclocking. Increased power draw and heat generation, requiring better cooling and potentially reducing life expectancy.
Effects of undervolting: Potential decrease in stability. Decreased power draw and heat generation.
Necessity of overvolting: When overclocking a component, it might end up unstable unless voltage is increased to compensate.
Necessity of undervolting: Any?
I've also noticed that modern computers often underclock the CPU when idle, and it seems like my computer also undervolts it at the same time. I assume this is a power-saving feature, and normal behaviour.
Finally, I wonder if undervolting the RAM while still running it at the rated clock rate would/could lead to read/write errors? What about the CPU, erroneous calculations I presume?
I'm trying to educate myself on the topic, but I'm afraid that there's still a lot of superstition and "cargo cult" thinking embedded in my knowledge about hardware, so this is an attempt to learn more. If you know anything about the subject and see anything in the above that you can confirm, deny, or elaborate on (or which is just plain stupid and false), do reply.
Overvolting: Running a component at a higher voltage than rated.
Undervolting: Running a component at a lower voltage than rated.
Effects of overvolting: Potential increase in stability, particularly when overclocking. Increased power draw and heat generation, requiring better cooling and potentially reducing life expectancy.
Effects of undervolting: Potential decrease in stability. Decreased power draw and heat generation.
Necessity of overvolting: When overclocking a component, it might end up unstable unless voltage is increased to compensate.
Necessity of undervolting: Any?
I've also noticed that modern computers often underclock the CPU when idle, and it seems like my computer also undervolts it at the same time. I assume this is a power-saving feature, and normal behaviour.
Finally, I wonder if undervolting the RAM while still running it at the rated clock rate would/could lead to read/write errors? What about the CPU, erroneous calculations I presume?
I'm trying to educate myself on the topic, but I'm afraid that there's still a lot of superstition and "cargo cult" thinking embedded in my knowledge about hardware, so this is an attempt to learn more. If you know anything about the subject and see anything in the above that you can confirm, deny, or elaborate on (or which is just plain stupid and false), do reply.
Comments
As for RAM voltage, you should be able to leave it be. It's rarely necessary to "overclock" RAM anyway, as long as you got RAM who's upper specification is near where your CPU/FSB is going to be.
Like in my rig, my RAM is actually underclocked in order to get a 1:1 speed sync with my overclocked processor.
What sparked the desire to learn more about said subject
^^ That possibly got him interested.