How do I check Turbo Boost Technology? Max. memory bandwidth

At this point in time, Intel i5 series processors are among the most popular, as they ideally keep the balance between price/performance ratio. It is this processor that will be used as an example in this article, although the methods described in it are also suitable for other series. To increase overall computer performance, many users overclock their processor. This is a complex and responsible procedure, as you can get a broken, non-working processor, RAM and cooler, or a perfectly overclocked and fast computer that can quickly solve problems. i5 processors with the “K” prefix are excellent for overclocking, as they are designed with overclocking in mind. In this article you will find visual instructions for working with overclocking programs for the Intel i5 processor.

How to overclock an Intel core i5 processor - where to start

First of all, you should know these important things:

• To overclock the processor, your system unit must have sufficient power.
• Coolers must cope with cooling the system. If they don't, buy a laptop stand with coolers or change them in your computer.
• The load on the computer and all its components will increase significantly.
• You can increase productivity by a maximum of 15 percent. This is the threshold.
• Monitor core temperatures during overclocking.

So, first you should download the temperature tracking software, then the overclocking software and start the process.

How to overclock an Intel core i5 processor - temperature measurement

• The simplest and most accurate utility is CoreTemp. You can download it from the link http://www.alcpu.com
• Click on the “Download” link to start downloading.

• Installing the utility is quite simple and familiar to any user. Just click “Ok” or “Next”, select the program installation directory and agree to the license agreement.

• After installation, the program will open on your computer. At the very bottom you will see the processor temperature. Remember that temperatures above 97-100 degrees are excessively high. Leave the program open.

How to overclock an Intel core i5 processor - instructions

• Now you are ready to download the main SetFSB program. This can be done via the link http://www.softportal.com by clicking “Download”.

• It is better to choose the “From SoftPortal server” option, since the official website of the developer is Japanese, and some browsers may consider it malicious.

• In the downloaded archive, double-click on the SetFSB.exe file

• All overclocking will take place in this small window. First, in the “Clock Generator” field, set the model of your clocker, or as it is also called, clock generator. You can find out this value in special programs for analyzing the motherboard.

• Now click “Get FSB”, you will see the frequency value on your screen.

• Place the CoreTemp program window nearby to always see the temperature. Begin to slowly pull the slider to the right, thereby overclocking the processor. Watch the temperature and don't rush.
• Wait a couple of seconds before moving the slider further to the right.

• Once you are satisfied with the frequency and temperature, click “Set FSB” to lock the overclock. Now everything will remain exactly like this until you turn off the computer.
• Don't forget to watch the temperature while working on such a processor.

The Core i5-3230M is an excellent dual-core chip for mid-range laptops. If there is a discrete video card, such a mobile system can even belong to the class of gaming machines. It is its technical parameters and real computing capabilities that will be discussed in detail in the future.

Processor socket, generation of chip family and hardware features of the semiconductor crystal

This chip was released in 2013 for the FCPGA988 processor socket. This socket was widely used to create laptops based on CPUs based on the Core architecture and those belonging to its second or third generation. It is to the latter that How many cores were included in this central processor? Two real computing modules. But support for HT technology made it possible to increase the number of program code processing threads by 2 times. That is, at the software level, the number of cores was equal to 4.

Production technology

This silicon crystal was manufactured to a tolerance of 22 nm. The transistors in this case had a three-dimensional layout, which the manufacturing company Intel called TriGate. Modern processors in terms of miniaturization have advanced only one step forward and are produced using 14 nm technology, but the technological process has not changed, and the transistors in the CPU still have the same volumetric layout. Therefore, from a technological point of view, this processor continues to be relevant.

Cache organization

As with any other high-performance modern CPU, there are 3 levels of fast cache. Specifications indicate that at the first level its total volume is 128 KB. This volume is divided into 2 equal parts of 64 KB each, tied to a specific calculation block. Again, these 64 KB blocks are distributed into 2 more 32 KB blocks. One of them stores instructions, the second - data. The total cache size at the second level is 512 KB, and at the third level - 3 MB.

RAM controller

The RAM controller was part of the semiconductor chip. It was designed to work with DDR3 standard modules. The recommended frequency values ​​were 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz. The controller itself was two-channel. That is, the use of two strips of reduced size made it possible to obtain an additional increase in performance. For example, 2 1 GB modules were more profitable in terms of performance than 1 1 GB module.

Thermal features

Core i5-3230M has a thermal package of 35 W. Alas, this value does not allow the use of passive systems based on an aluminum radiator to cool this CPU. In this case, you can only use coolers. The maximum temperature for this chip is 105 0 C. In reality, with a high-quality active heat sink system, this value does not exceed 50 -60 0 C.

Frequency formula

Depending on the level of complexity of the processed program code and its thermal state, the Core i5-3230M can change its minimum value - 2.6 GHz, and the maximum for two computing units - 3.0 GHz. If one of the modules turns off and the CPU switches to single-core computing mode, the frequency can further increase by 200 MHz and reach 3.2 GHz.

Graphic component

This processor includes a built-in graphics accelerator from the HD Graphics model 4000 line. The technical specifications are very modest, but its presence is quite enough to solve the most simple and frequently performed tasks. Using a component based on this CPU, you can also create even entry-level budget laptops. The clock speeds of this GPU can vary from 650 MHz at minimum load to 1.1 GHz at peak video processing mode.

Results

Even now, mobile computing systems based on the Core i5-3230M can be found on sale. Of course, their performance level is lower than that of new generations of processors. But the cost of such laptops is significantly less. And it is for the last reason that buying such a PC will be truly justified.

For most computer users, “contact” with only consists of using MS Office, watching online movies, playing shooters, or communicating on social networks. Few people know what the “filling” of their favorite device is and how it works.

And very few people know that you can change the processor frequency on a laptop using only. In fact, the processor is absolutely inert in relation to the frequencies assigned to it. The main indicator of its functionality is consistently high performance.

Taking into account the needs of users, most manufacturers of computer devices deliberately reduce the frequency characteristics of their product, thereby increasing the performance of the device even at minimum cooling rates and maximum loads. And such a policy is completely justified, since many people do not know that overclocking a processor to suit their own needs is a very real and necessary task.

Overclocking a processor can be done in several ways, but to achieve the desired result, it is important to understand how it works: the processor clock frequency is always equal to the product of the base and processor multiplier.

Let's take a quick look at these variables:

1. Base frequency- bus frequency, which affects any device connected to it. It is not the same for different devices and largely depends on the type of processor. Increasing it will entail an increase in devices, such as RAM.
2. CPU multiplier- a variable value that does not have a significant effect on the operation of other devices and changes only within a certain interval specified by the manufacturer of the computer device. The multiplier is designed to change the processor power.

Despite the availability of various programs created specifically for overlocking, the best option would be to use the motherboard BIOS as a “springboard”.

Advice. Some people believe that the best option for overclocking a processor is directly through the operating system. But this method is very risky, because many overlocking programs simply do not take into account the individual characteristics of devices of various types. As a result, such overclocking can lead to disruptions in the operation of the entire system.

Overclocking Amd Athlon processor

Before you begin the process of overclocking your processor, consider all the risks. If it is carried out carelessly and inattentively, the result can be disastrous: unstable operation, failures, even failure of the system.

Advice. If you do not yet have sufficient experience in overlocking, we advise you to first read the instructions for the processor on your laptop in detail and find those items in the BIOS menu that are responsible for the frequency of the memory bus, FSB, etc.

If you are properly prepared, you can start overclocking. Below are detailed instructions for overlocking:

1. The first step is to enter the BIOS. To do this, press DELETE while the system boots. In the POWER BIOS SETUP tab, select the MEMORY FREQUENCY item and set the value to DDR400. This way you can reduce the memory frequency, which will remove the barrier to the overlocking process. Save the changes and restart the laptop.
2. After turning on the laptop, go into the BIOS again. In the characteristics menu, select the DRAM CONFIGURATION item. A window will open in front of you in which all items with the value AUTO must be replaced with the value to the right of “/”.
3. Now you can move on to the main part - overclocking. In the BIOS menu, find the POWER SETUP item and select the clock frequency.
4. Next, we find the CLOCK SPEED indicator there and increase its value to 250 Megahertz. After this, all that remains is to save the settings and reboot the system again.
5. To check the performance of the processor, run one of the test programs; if the system shows stable and high performance, you have achieved your goal.

Overclocking Intel Core i5, i3 processor

As for Intel products, it is not clear whether it is worth saying a categorical “no” to various programs whose goal is to increase processor performance. For a long time there has been heated debate about whether such programs are reliable. Supporters motivate it by ease of use, opponents by unreliability.

Let's immediately clarify one point: it has been noticed that i3-type processors are not very amenable to overclocking (this is in case you are the owner of just such a device and expect fantastic results).

In the meantime, the issue has not yet been fully clarified, it is better to use a proven method. In principle, the overclocking processes for Intel Core i5 and i3 processors are similar, so we will consider a scheme common to both models.

1. As in the previous case, during system boot you need to enter the BIOS using the DELETE or F2 key.
2. In the menu we find items related to the processor / system bus. Most often, their names contain words that indirectly speak about their attitude to overlocking.
3. Now let's start changing the BIOS settings. The first step is to change the base frequency so that it affects the system bus frequency.

Attention. If your laptop has an Intel processor whose name does not have the prefix K, then its multiplier cannot be overclocked.

So, if the processor supports the overclocking option using a multiplier, then our actions will be similar to the process of overclocking an AMD processor: each time we increase the multiplier by one point and reboot the system. After the reboot, the system is checked for consistently high performance, and so on.

If you are a fan of non-standard solutions, try overclocking the processor by increasing the frequency of both the bus and the multiplier. We recommend selecting the minimum indicator for stable processor operation. When overlocking, be careful about increasing the voltage, as too high can damage the processor.

Advice. If, after downloading the changes, the laptop begins to work incorrectly or does not boot at all, then this can only mean one thing - the system does not support the specified values. In this case, the only option left is to physically reset the motherboard. Just take the battery out and put it back in after a minute. Manufacturers of most computer devices have taken care of conveniently resetting previous settings by adding a special jumper to the motherboard.

So, we have provided you with some very useful information that will help you increase processor performance for more comfortable work on your laptop.

How to overclock the processor on a laptop: video

Processor Core i5-3230M, the price of a new one on Amazon and ebay is 13,195 rubles, which is equal to $228. Marked by the manufacturer as: AW8063801208001.

The number of cores is 2, produced using a 22 nm process technology, Ivy Bridge architecture. Thanks to Hyper-Threading technology, the number of threads is 4, which is twice the number of physical cores and increases the performance of multi-threaded applications and games.

The base frequency of the Core i5-3230M cores is 2.6 GHz. The maximum frequency in Intel Turbo Boost mode reaches 3.2 GHz. Please note that the Intel Core i5-3230M cooler must cool processors with a TDP of at least 35 W at standard frequencies. When overclocking, the requirements increase.

The motherboard for Intel Core i5-3230M must be with socket FCBGA1023. The power system must be able to withstand processors with a thermal package of at least 35 W.

Thanks to the integrated Intel® HD Graphics 4000, the computer can operate without a discrete graphics card because the monitor is connected to the video output on the motherboard.

Price in Russia

Family

Intel Core i5-3230M test

The data comes from user tests who tested their systems both overclocked and unoverclocked. Thus, you see the average values ​​​​corresponding to the processor.

Numerical speed

Different tasks require different CPU strengths. A system with a small number of fast cores will be great for gaming, but will be inferior to a system with a large number of slow cores in a rendering scenario.

We believe that a processor with at least 4 cores/4 threads is suitable for a budget gaming computer. At the same time, some games can load it at 100% and slow down, and performing any tasks in the background will lead to a drop in FPS.

Ideally, the buyer should aim for a minimum of 6/6 or 6/12, but keep in mind that systems with more than 16 threads are currently only suitable for professional applications.

The data is obtained from tests of users who tested their systems both overclocked (the maximum value in the table) and without (the minimum). A typical result is shown in the middle, with the color bar indicating its position among all systems tested.

Accessories

We have compiled a list of components that users most often choose when assembling a computer based on the Core i5-3230M. Also, with these components, the best test results and stable operation are achieved.

The most popular config: motherboard for Intel Core i5-3230M - Lenovo 10AB0010US, video card - GeForce GT 420.

Characteristics

Basic

Video core

RAM

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 number 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 initial clock frequency 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 are aware of the 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 Intel core i5, i7 and other processors, 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 based on Intel, VIA, AMD, ALI and SIS chipsets.

Unlike SetFSB, CPUFSB has a Russian translation, so it is much easier to understand how to use it.

The operating principle 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.