In this review, we’ll show you how to overclock the i3-540. This microprocessor was introduced in 2010 and belonged to the first generation of chips based on an architecture codenamed Core. Today, this CPU is completely out of date. But if you overclock it by increasing the clock frequency, then the difference between modern microprocessors and the hero of this review will be minimized. It is the implementation of this operation that this material will be devoted to.
Selection of equipment. Recommendations
Before overclocking the i3-540, you must properly equip your personal computer. The clock frequency of the microprocessor after the implementation of this operation increases significantly, as does heat dissipation. Therefore, it is only possible to increase the speed of the CPU with an improved modification of the cooler. If this condition is not fulfilled, then the processor may overheat and further breakdown during such abnormal operation. With a standard heat sink system, this operation is not recommended.
Also, the motherboard must be ATX. In addition, its power system should be based on solid-state capacitors and reliable semiconductor elements. If this condition is not met, the motherboard may break down and the remaining elements of the personal computer may fail along with it.
Another important element when increasing the clock frequency of the CPU is the RAM. Usually its frequency is 1066 or 1333 MHz. But when performing this operation, it is recommended to use modules with a higher value. For example, 1600 or even 1866 MHz. This will allow overclocking the CPU of this modification not to control the specified parameter and provide a certain margin to improve performance.
Another element of a personal computer to which higher requirements are put forward in this case is the power supply. Its power should be at least 650 watts. In the process of increasing the clock frequency, the power consumption of the computing system increases significantly. If the power supply has insufficient power, then it will not be able to function normally and will break. Also, at the same time, the remaining elements of the personal computer may break down.
It is also recommended to pay attention to the layout of the system unit. Inside it, air circulation must be ensured. Moreover, it is recommended to install additional fans for these purposes. This will eliminate the overheating of the personal computer.
To maximize the speed of a personal computer, you need to equip it with a solid state drive. If the PC has a regular hard drive, then the result from the implementation of this operation will not be so high.
Acceleration order. General implementation algorithm
As previously noted, the i3-540 microprocessor belonged to the first generation of the Core architecture. Therefore, it has an unlocked multiplier. Accordingly, its performance can be increased only by increasing the value of the latter. But in this case, not everything is so simple, and attention will be focused on some key features of this operation. This will maximize the speed of a personal computer with a minimum of errors.
The acceleration order of the i3-540 is as follows:
- First, download the AIDA 64 test package from the Internet and install it on a personal computer. Reboot the PC.
- When you turn on the PC, go to the BIOS. To do this, just press DEL or F2.
- After opening the interface of this system, go to the Advanced tab.
- In it we find the item “Memory Clock”. Its value is reduced to 1200-1300 MHz. To do this, use the PgDn key. This solution will increase the multiplier of the microprocessor without paying attention to the frequency of RAM.
- Further, the parameter “Voltage CPU” on this same tab is increased to 1.4 V. This is the maximum value, above which it is impossible to rise.
- Then select the “Multiplier CPU” item and use the PgUp key to increase its value to 30. This will change the CPU frequency from 3.06 GHz to 3.99 GHz. We save the changes and exit the BIOS.
- After the PC is finished loading, we check the stability of its operation. To do this, run the AIDA 64 utility and select the "Stress PC" item in it. If you successfully pass it, you can go into the BIOS and even increase the value of the multiplier. And so on until the PC stops working stably. As soon as the stability test of the computing system fails, we lower the factor to the previous value and save. Actually, this is the limit to the performance increase of such a personal computer. A further increase in the frequency of the microprocessor can lead to its unstable operation.
Health Check
Actually, this is where the overclocking of the Core i3-540 is over. Now it is only necessary to check the reliability of the PC in addition after this operation. To do this, you need to run the most demanding programs on a personal computer and work out some time in them. If within 2-3 hours there are no problems, then everything is fine and you can leave the PC operating mode unchanged. Otherwise, if a malfunction occurs, it is necessary to reduce the multiplier according to the previously described methodology and repeat the check.
Feasibility of implementation
Overclocking Intel i3 - 540 allows you to increase the speed of a personal computer. Moreover, if we take the frequency, then the real increase will be at least 25 percent. Depending on the optimization of the software, the increase in the speed of operation can even reach 30%. Therefore, this operation is still relevant, and users often use it to improve the performance of a personal computer even now.
Real results
Overclocking the Intel Core i3 - 540 allows you to increase its clock frequency to 4.0-4.2 GHz in combination with an air cooling system. If you use a liquid cooler, then you can already reach 4.5-4.7 GHz. In rare cases, this value can be 4.9-5.0 GHz. Therefore, carrying out this operation on such PCs is really justified and can significantly increase the speed of their work.
Reviews
Overclocking the i3-540 processor allows you to increase the performance of your PC with minimal investment. Moreover, the increase in speed is quite serious. Therefore, the owners of such PCs strongly recommend resorting to it.
Conclusion
As part of this review, the acceleration of the i3-540 was considered. This is a fairly simple operation, even a poorly trained user can handle it on their own. The effect of its implementation can reach a 25 percent increase in speed. Therefore, both technically and economically, it is fully justified.