We all know the Advantages of Overclocking what are the DISADVANTAGES?

[Ray Charles]

We all know the Advantages of Overclocking what are the DISADVANTAGES?
I hear alot of speculated disadvantages like reducing your proccersor lifespan from 10yrs to 8yrs or 5yrs but really what are all the disadvantages for all components CPU, GPU, PSU, Memory etc.
Are there any real test or studies to support these negative claims? 

I know most overclockers would say there is no disadvantage if you do it right , well back this claim up with some sought of evidence!   

I think this is important for potential overclocker who may be afraid of overclocking!!!

[phoenix31tt]

the only disadvantages can occur is when you overclock with a voltage that is higher than the maximum recommended voltage for your particular component...

as long as you stay within those voltages you should be safe.

added to that, the effects of overvolting can for the most part be eliminated by proper cooling

but if you are afraid of o/c just stick to the maximum recommended voltage for your component (will post more late)

[TriniXaeno]

biggest disadvantage.....stability....or lack there of.

If your machine locks up, game crashes or bsod, you'll be left wondering.....was it a software problem or as a result of your OC.

Call me overly cautious, but that's the reason I don't OC myself. To eliminate that risk.

Everything runs stock so whenever a game crashes on....I know its a software issue and not me pushing my hardware past its limit to blame.

It's a very unpopular opinion on GATT though as every other mc on this site overclocks with wreckless abandon. lol

[Berzerk]

I second wyatt's op

Ive had serious stability issues, even with heavy research, proper cooling and accurate voltages in the past. And also although a particular component may be made to overclock, your mileage my vary when purchasing various parts.

Im not saying dont overclock, but be prepared for instability and some hiccups, after all it is a risk.

[Spazosaurus]

Check google for any studies on impacts of overclocking on lifespan of parts. Personally, i've overclocked every piece of kit I bought since 2003, often to their breaking point and never had something blow out on me. Of course, I never really hold on to any one component for more than 1.5yrs so who knows. I always sell over my gear and never recieve complaints that it stopped working.

The main thing is to ensure that you have adequate cooling and you monitor your temps regularly. Ensure that you dont blow past recommended voltages for the component. Check your stability with your tester of choice and you're good to go.

Yes, there WILL be hiccups as finding the best combination of settings for your hardware is a VERY timeconsuming and painstaking task and your results WILL vary but once u get through that, you'll reap the benefits of your efforts with a faster system that cost you nothing but time.

[phoenix31tt]

again i would hav to agree with capt...

de only disadvantage is the time it takes to get the system stable... but if you know your electronics.. once you keep ur voltages and temperatures in check you have nothing to worry about...

like capt i've been overclocking ALL machines that i have... and this was since back in 2000... i've personally never had any stability issues with any of my rigs after i was done with them.
of courses issues came up during the process, but with a little time and elbow grease you have smooth running systems.. and i usually push my systems to the maximum recommended 3 years pc life (although that is shortening)

[W1nTry]

Dielectric breakdown, google it

[TriniXaeno]

ok I did and this is what I found:

"The physical effects of ESD and EOS [electrical overstress] on ICs can be
categorized as thermally induced or electric field induced failures. Among
the thermally induced failure mechanisms are drain junction damage with
melted filaments, polysilicon gate filaments, contact metal burnout, and
fused metallization. Typical field induced ESD-related failure mechanisms
are dielectric breakdown (gate oxide rupture) and latent hotcarrier damage."

Dielectric breakdown is caused by the excessive voltage itself, not any
heat created by the greater voltage. The electrons almost literally punch
holes.

Now thats sounds pretty scary.

Next thing a man will say OC causin aids.

[phoenix31tt]

great.. so as i said... stick within recommended voltages and you good to go...

* phoenix31tt checks post to ensure thats what i said

btw... dont let those phrases fool you...

1. You wont be able to get ur voltage high enough to have dielectric breakdown, without insanse cooling

2. there is manufacturers recommended voltages, and then there is the real voltage that the chips can handle

modern day ocin is so easy... with so many failsafes built in to both mainboards and cpu's...
so easy.. a caveman could do it lol...

[Saxito Pau]

so easy.. a caveman could do it lol...