Today there are 83 different CPU overclocking software. We spent 67 hours comparing the top 50 to find the seven best you can use to supercharge your computer's performance.
What is the Best CPU Overclocking Software?
- SetFSB — best of the best
- Intel XTU — best for Intel CPUs
- AMD Ryzen Master — best for AMD CPUs
- EVGA Precision X — best for advanced features
- CPU-Z — best for ease of use
- RivaTuner — best for CPU monitoring
- ZOTAC FireStorm — best for gamers
1. SetFSB
Our Verdict — Best Of The Best
Price: Free forever
SetFSB is the tool of choice for those wanting to push their CPU performance to the limit. We think it’s the best because of its user-friendly interface, customizable settings, and wide compatibility with various motherboards.
The Best Part:
It’s highly compatible. SetFSB works seamlessly with many popular CPUs, no matter if you're team Intel, AMD, or VIA.
The Worst Part:
It’s a double-edged sword. If you know how to set up overclocking correctly, SetFSB is a dream come true; if not, you might damage your system and hardware.
Get it if you want a flexible CPU overclocking software with robust customization options for all kinds of CPUs.
I recommend you download SetFSB for free.
(free download)
Best For
SetFSB is best for pro gamers and PC enthusiasts who want straightforward software with extensive customization options to maximize their system’s performance.
Top Features
- Keeps it cool. Monitor crucial system parameters like temperature and CPU frequency in real-time as you overclock with SetFSB.
- Slide your way to performance. Quickly fine-tune FSB, DDR, AGP, and PCI frequencies with SetFSB's straightforward sliders.
- Real-time settings. Adjust your CPU frequency on-the-fly without constant system restarts.
- Custom-fit overclocking. Pick the right clock generator to secure seamless compatibility and top-notch performance with SetFSB.
- Dodge crashes like Neo from Matrix. Keep your PC safe during overclocking by concentrating on frequency adjustments, without messing with voltage levels.
Pricing
SetFSB offers a single pricing plan:
Free: Free forever, for pro gamers and PC enthusiasts who want a reliable and versatile overclocking software to boost their system’s performance.
Try SetFSB today with a free download.
2. Intel XTU
Our Verdict — Best For Intel CPUs
Price: Free forever
Intel XTU is a comprehensive CPU software specifically designed for Intel processors. We think it’s the best for Intel CPUs because of its straightforward interface, advanced system monitoring, and built-in benchmarking tools.
The Best Part:
Integrated monitoring options. Intel XTU monitors valuable system information such as package temperature, CPU utilization, max core frequency, thermal throttling, and power limit throttling.
The Worst Part:
Steep learning curve. Intel XTU takes some time to master, especially for those unfamiliar with overclocking software.
Get it if you want a powerful and advanced overclocking software to safely boost your Intel CPU performance,
I recommend you download Intel XTU for free.
(free download)
Best For
Intel XTU is best for Intel users who want a specialized tool to maximize and monitor their system performance.
Top Features
- Integrated benchmarking. Test and compare system performance before and after overclocking.
- Advanced tuning. Take control over advanced CPU settings such as core ratios, cache ratios, and voltage adjustment.
- System stability testing. Use Intel XTU’s testing options to confirm your overclocked system remains stable under different workloads.
- Temperature monitoring. Keep an eye on CPU temperatures during overclocking to prevent overheating and stay safe.
- Customizable voltage offset. Fine-tune your CPU core voltage offset to strike the perfect balance between stability and performance.
Pricing
Intel XTU offers a single pricing plan:
Free: Free forever, for Intel processor users who want a dedicated overclocking software for their CPU.
Try Intel XTU today with a free download.
Our Verdict — Best For AMD CPUs
Price: Free forever
AMD Ryzen Master is a dedicated CPU overclocking software for AMD Ryzen processors. We think it’s the best for AMD CPUs because of its AMD name tag, automatic profile switching, and comprehensive system monitoring.
The Best Part:
It keeps it in brand. Developed by AMD themselves, AMD Ryzen Master is the ideal solution for users who want to overclock AMD CPUs.
The Worst Part:
Limited language support. AMD Ryzen Master only supports English, German, French, and Simplified Chinese, which can be a drawback for users who only speak other languages.
Get it if you want a robust overclocking software with advanced capabilities for AMD processor users.
I recommend you download AMD Ryzen Master for free.
(free download)
Best For
AMD Ryzen Master is best for PC enthusiasts and gamers with AMD CPUs who want to push their systems to the limits with advanced overclocking settings.
Top Features
- Automatic profile switching. Set profiles to be automatically applied when certain programs or processes are detected, allowing you to seamlessly switch between over or underclocked profiles.
- Vigilant system monitoring. Keep a hawk eye on your hardware health with real-time tracking of CPU temperatures, frequencies, and power usage.
- Multi-threading configuration. Manage the number of active threads on your processor to optimize performance for specific workloads or applications.
- Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO). Turn on PBO to let your CPU automatically change its speed and power use, based on its workload and your system's capabilities.
- Integrated graphics control. Tweak your AMD processor's integrated graphics settings effortlessly to improve performance in gaming and multimedia apps.
Pricing
AMD Ryzen Master offers a single pricing plan:
Free: Free forever, for AMD processor users who want a specialized and powerful overclocking software that’s built specifically for their CPUs.
Try AMD Ryzen Master today with a free download.
Our Top Three Picks
Here’s a quick summary of our top three picks:
- SetFSB — best of the best
- Intel XTU — best for Intel CPUs
- AMD Ryzen Master — best for AMD CPUs
Here’s a quick comparison of our top seven picks:
Tool | Entry Offer | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
SetFSB | None | Free forever |
Intel XTU | None | Free forever |
AMD Ryzen Master | None | Free forever |
EVGA Precision X | None | Free forever |
CPU-Z | None | Free forever |
RivaTuner | None | Free forever |
ZOTAC FireStorm | None | Free forever |
Here are the top 50 CPU overclocking software we considered in this review:
- SetFSB
- Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel XTU)
- AMD Ryzen Master
- EVGA Precision X
- CPU-Z
- RivaTuner
- ZOTAC FireStorm
- Intel Performance Maximizer
- ASUS GPU Tweak II
- AMD Overdrive Utility
- ClockTuner For Ryzen (CTR)
- ClockTuner For Ryzen (CTR)
- Real Temp
- AIDA64 Extreme
- PCMark 10
- Catzilla
- Unigine Engine
- GPUPI 32B
- Nvidia Inspector
- MemSet
- SAPPHIRE TriXX
- HWMonitor
- nTune
- Intel GMA Booster
- ATI Tray Tools
- DRAM Calculator For Ryzen
- CPU Tweaker
- Gigabyte Xtreme Engine
- AMD Software: Adrenaline Edition
- Palit ThunderMaster
- Kombustor (MSI)
- ThrottleStop
- NZXT CAM
- 3DMark
- OCCT
- ASUS TurboV EVO
- GameBoost HD
- AMD Memory Tweak Tool
- F-Stream Tuning (ASRock)
- SMC Fan Control
- GPU Shark
- LatencyMon
- AMD WattMan
- Prime95
- AMD Fusion Utility for Desktops
- GLBenchmark
- LinX
- HeavyLoad
- PowerStrip
- HWiNFO
What programs overclock Intel CPU?
For overclocking Intel CPUs, the best software available is Intel XTU (Intel Extreme Tuning Utility). It is a comprehensive CPU software specifically designed for Intel processors, offering a straightforward interface, advanced system monitoring, and built-in benchmarking tools. Intel XTU monitors valuable system information such as package temperature, CPU utilization, max core frequency, thermal throttling, and power limit throttling. It allows users to take control over advanced CPU settings such as core ratios, cache ratios, and voltage adjustment.
What should I use to overclock a CPU?
To overclock a CPU, using a reliable and versatile overclocking software is essential. SetFSB is considered the best overall software for this purpose. It has an intuitive interface, voltage control options, and an overclock scanner. SetFSB is compatible with various graphics cards, including AMD, Nvidia, and Intel. Other options for overclocking software include Intel XTU for Intel CPUs, AMD Ryzen Master for AMD CPUs, and EVGA Precision X for advanced features.
Does overclocking CPU boost FPS?
Overclocking a CPU can potentially boost the frames per second (FPS) in games and other applications by increasing the processor's performance. However, the actual improvement in FPS will depend on various factors, including the specific game or application, other hardware components in the system, and the extent of the overclock. It is crucial to ensure proper cooling and monitoring of system temperatures to avoid overheating and maintain stability while overclocking.
Is it worth it to overclock CPU for gaming?
Overclocking a CPU for gaming can be worth it in some cases, as it may result in a performance boost that improves gaming experiences, including smoother actions, higher FPS, and reduced latency. However, it is essential to weigh the potential risks, such as reduced hardware lifespan, increased power consumption, and system instability. Proper cooling and monitoring of system temperatures are crucial to avoid overheating and maintain stability while overclocking.
How much can I safely overclock my CPU?
The safe amount of overclocking varies for each CPU, as it depends on the specific processor model, cooling solution, and other factors. It is generally recommended to start with a conservative overclock, such as a 5-10% increase in clock speed, and then test the system's stability and temperatures under stress tests and during gaming sessions. Gradually increase the overclock in small increments while monitoring system stability and temperatures to find the optimal setting.
When overclocking, it is crucial to maintain a balance between performance improvement and system stability. Proper cooling plays a vital role in ensuring that the CPU can handle the increased workload without overheating. Investing in a high-quality air or liquid cooling solution can help maintain optimal temperatures while pushing the CPU's performance.
Moreover, it is essential to monitor the voltage settings during the overclocking process. Increasing the voltage can provide additional stability for higher clock speeds, but it also generates more heat and can potentially shorten the CPU's lifespan. Fine-tuning the voltage levels can help strike a balance between performance gains and system longevity.
Finally, remember that each CPU's overclocking potential is unique due to the manufacturing process's inherent variability. Some processors may be able to achieve significantly higher overclocks, while others may have limited headroom. Patience and careful experimentation are key to finding the optimal overclock for your specific CPU.
Is Intel XTU good for overclocking?
Yes, Intel XTU (Intel Extreme Tuning Utility) is a powerful and advanced overclocking software specifically designed for Intel CPUs. It offers a straightforward interface, advanced system monitoring, and built-in benchmarking tools. Users can take control over advanced CPU settings such as core ratios, cache ratios, and voltage adjustment, making it an excellent choice for overclocking Intel processors.
Intel XTU's integrated monitoring options provide valuable insights into the system's performance, including package temperature, CPU utilization, max core frequency, thermal throttling, and power limit throttling. This information is essential for understanding the impact of the overclock on the system and making adjustments as needed.
One of the most useful features of Intel XTU is its system stability testing options. These tests allow users to confirm that their overclocked system remains stable under various workloads, helping to minimize the risk of crashes or data loss due to instability. By using Intel XTU's testing options, users can fine-tune their overclock settings to achieve a balance between performance improvement and system stability.
Intel XTU also offers customizable voltage offset control, allowing users to adjust CPU core voltage offset for the perfect balance between stability and performance. This feature can be particularly useful for power users who want to push their Intel CPU to its limits while minimizing the risk of damage or reduced lifespan.
The Bottom Line
To recap, here are the best CPU overclocking software to try this year:
- SetFSB — best of the best
- Intel XTU — best for Intel CPUs
- AMD Ryzen Master — best for AMD CPUs
- EVGA Precision X — best for advanced features
- CPU-Z — best for ease of use
- RivaTuner — best for CPU monitoring
- ZOTAC FireStorm — best for gamers
