What does this mean?

[ValiantVenality]

What does overclocking really do and why would I want to overclock something?

[Motoman]

Overclocking is the process of forcing a computer component to run at a higher clock rate than designed or designated by the manufacturer. (for example) making the proccessor run faster in a GP2X. It speeds everything up allowing for faster, smoother and less choppier graphics. Althoug overclocking produces more heat and you run the risk of crashing the system.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overclocking lookey here

[Sparkfist]

Overclocking doesn't mean you're pushing it faster then it's designed to, hell AMD under clockes its CPUs.

In this area overclocking is very benifical. For example the SNES has a builtin slow-mo feature, which is really the result of a slow CPU. By overclocking the chip you can smooth out the video, improve graphics and make multiplayer much more barible.

Another example, check the Screen Savers for it. They had a guy (he's epicenter here) who over clocked a Genesis. The plus for the genesis is that you have no lag when running multiplayer in Sonic 2. So it's a good thing for even that console.

There are things you need to know. There is a limit to how much you can over clock. Going 2x or more over the default speed will cause problems, even crashes. It's best to research the system before you overclock it first, it verys between them. What works for the NES will not work for the PSone, or the Dreamcast.

I hope this answered your questions.

[SpongeBuell]

Also, when you overclock, it causes the processor to get a lot hotter than normal, so be sure to give it enough cooling (especially on a computer, video games aren't as big of an issue)

[Joes2Silly]

ya im thinking about overclocking my NES if I can get all of its parts to gether, currently it is in shoe boxes behind my door