• Overclocking your processor can boost your computer's performance.carte m?¡§re image by indeepdark from Fotolia.com
  
  Increasing the speed of your processor is a fairly simple, useful way to increase the performance of your computer. In many cases, you have to access the computer's basic input/output system, or BIOS, to tweak processor settings, but many programs are available to change the speed of your processor straight from your Windows desktop. However, changing processing speed can be risky business, especially if you are inexperienced with computer hardware.
  
  

CPU-Z

• CPU-Z is your best friend when it comes to overclocking. This program tells you all of the information about your processor straight from your desktop, which is very helpful in determining the ideal clock speed for your computer. The most important thing about this tool is it lets you view your multiplier, which is what you will edit in order to increase your clock speed.
  
  

SetFSB

• SetFSB is a very easy way to adjust the speed of your processor without going into your BIOS settings. You will need to look up your PLL, or phase locked loop, frequencies first. The PLL chip sets the frequencies that your frontside bus and RAM use, among other things. Knowing this frequency allows you to proceed with changes to your processor through SetFSB. If you cannot find your PLL, contact your manufacturer.
  
  

AMD OverDrive and Nvidia Ntune

• Though limited to certain chipsets, AMD OverDrive and Nvidia Ntune are specialized overclocking utilities that are available for free online. These programs allow you to not only monitor the settings of your board, but to change the speed of your processor as well. To learn if your chipset is supported, visit AMD's or Nvidia's websites.