AMD's OverDrive allows you to overclock your computer's AMD processor. Overclocked processors run faster than stock processors, but they also generate more heat and may become unstable, causing your computer to crash. OverDrive runs within Windows so you can make changes to your processor's clock settings without rebooting your computer.
Hardware Compatibility
AMD OverDrive can only increase your computer's speed if you are using overclockable hardware. AMD labels most of its overclockable processors as "Black Edition." Your motherboard must use a 790FX, 790GX, 790X, 785G, 780G or 770 chipset. OverDrive's RAM overclocking features are only compatible with certain Corsair, Mushkin, OCZ and Patriot RAM modules. If your computer does not have a compatible RAM module, you can still overclock the processor with OverDrive.
Computer Speed
By default, AMD OverDrive runs in novice mode. This allows you to improve your computer's speed without potentially causing damage or reducing system stability. In novice mode you can adjust your computer's speed by dragging a slider bar. OverDrive will automatically adjust your computer's speed as you move the slider bar higher. You can also utilize the auto clock feature in novice mode. Auto clock will adjust your computer's speed and attempt to find the best balance of speed, temperature and stability for you automatically. After you have adjusted your computer's speed you can use the "Benchmark" tab to measure the current level of system performance.
System Stability
Even in novice mode, overclocking your computer with AMD OverDrive can destabilize your computer. This can cause your computer to shut down unexpectedly or cause errors within programs. The "Stability Test" tab allows you to test your systems stability by running a series of tests. Check the test that you want to run and drag the slider to define a testing time. The testing time should be about the same as the longest amount of time that you spend using your computer. If the tests come back with errors, decrease your computer's overclocking level.
Computer Temperature
Overclocking your computer with AMD OverDrive will increase your computer's system temperature. If your computer is already well cooled, this may not create a problem. If it is not, your computer may automatically shut itself down to avoid causing damage to itself by high temperatures. You may be able to install a more powerful fan, a more efficient heatsink or more fans into your computer case to increase its cooling ability. If you want to overclock your computer to the fastest possible speed, you may need to have a water cooling system installed inside your case to keep your processor cool.
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