On Sun, 2011-12-11 at 15:28 -0500, V G wrote:
> People generally tend to spew a lot of crap on the Internet regarding
> overclocking CPUs, so I avoid reading answers on those forums.
>=20
> Q: From an engineering perspective, if I overclock my core i7 from 3.8GHz
> to around 4.4GHz and increase the voltage to support the higher
> frequencies, what effect does it have on the lifespan of the CPU (assumin=
g
> I cool it adequately to under 55 degrees under full load)? Do the higher
> than standard voltages slowly damage the inside of the CPU? I don't reall=
y
> know anything about the insides of ICs yet...

The answer is yes, it does reduce the lifetime of the CPU.

There are a few reasons for that, and it varies TREMENDOUSLY on the
particular piece of silcon involved.

That said: CPUs are engineered to last a VERY VERY long time. It's not
surprising to hear a CPU that's 30 years old still running without
issue.=20

So, you are taking a CPU, designed to run for decades, and probably
affecting it's life by at most a few years. Does that matter?

Chances are, even in the WORST case, your CPU will still outlive, by
far, it's useful life (10 years from now it's very unlikely you'll care
if that particular chip fails).

My experience with overclocking has been only positive. I say go for it.
The worst that happens in my experience is the particular piece of
silicon you get won't overclock as much as others.

TTYL

--=20
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