Can I overclock my pre-built?

[xavierporter]

Hi, I'm relatively new to the desktop PC gaming world and I've heard lots of people talk of overclocking a processor to improve performance. Would it be possible for me to overclock this pre-built PC?

Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i5-9400F
GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 6GB
RAM: 16GB 2400MHz DDR4
Storage: 240GB SATA-III SSD | 1TB 7200RPM SATA-III HDD

The amazon site: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyberpower...eywords=cyberpower&qid=1584911300&sr=8-2&th=1

Thanks in advance!

 

[neeyik]

Simple answer is no: that Amazon link states the PC is using a H310 chipset motherboard , which doesn't offer CPU or memory overclocking options. That chipset was designed to be used in machines where costs need to kept down and adjustability isn't needed (e.g. office PCs).

The same is true with the CPU and memory you have: the i5-9400F isn't designed to be overclocked (or not easily, at least) as you can't override it's internal clock settings, even if it was put into a motherboard that could do it. The RAM is also rated to a speed (2400 MHz) that's lower than what the CPU is rated for (2666 MHz).

What you can overclock is the graphics card - you can use a program called MSI Afterburner to do this:

MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner is an overclocking utility that works with all graphics cards. Main features include GPU clock adjustment, advanced fan speed and GPU voltage control.

www.techspot.com

There are lots of guides and videos on using Afterburner; have a read of MSI's own advice:

MSI Global - The Leading Brand in High-end Gaming & Professional Creation

As a world leading gaming brand, MSI is the most trusted name in gaming and eSports. We stand by our principles of breakthroughs in design, and roll out the amazing gaming gear like motherboards, graphics cards, laptops and desktops.

www.msi.com

 

[xavierporter]

Simple answer is no: that Amazon link states the PC is using a H310 chipset motherboard , which doesn't offer CPU or memory overclocking options. That chipset was designed to be used in machines where costs need to kept down and adjustability isn't needed (e.g. office PCs).

The same is true with the CPU and memory you have: the i5-9400F isn't designed to be overclocked (or not easily, at least) as you can't override it's internal clock settings, even if it was put into a motherboard that could do it. The RAM is also rated to a speed (2400 MHz) that's lower than what the CPU is rated for (2666 MHz).

What you can overclock is the graphics card - you can use a program called MSI Afterburner to do this:

MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner is an overclocking utility that works with all graphics cards. Main features include GPU clock adjustment, advanced fan speed and GPU voltage control.

www.techspot.com

There are lots of guides and videos on using Afterburner; have a read of MSI's own advice:

MSI Global - The Leading Brand in High-end Gaming & Professional Creation

As a world leading gaming brand, MSI is the most trusted name in gaming and eSports. We stand by our principles of breakthroughs in design, and roll out the amazing gaming gear like motherboards, graphics cards, laptops and desktops.

www.msi.com

Thanks tons, I'll look into it!