How/Why is all this possible? Well, whenever chip makers make a batch of processors, they test each one to see how fast it can safely go without exotic cooling. So whenever they produce a batch of processors they get a few on the high end of the scale and a few on the low end of the scale. After they've tested them, they label them and ship them out. After the hobbyist purchases them, (aim for the low end) he'll try to devise a cooling strategy that will allow the processor to safely reach to the high end (or even beyond that).
Remember earlier about how it's the jumpers on the motherboard that determines what the speed of the processor runs? The reason that motherboard manufacturers make motherboards that can be modified is so that they can design, produce, and distribute one motherboard model to satisfy 6,000 customers; otherwise they would have to design, produce, and distribute 12 different motherboard models to only satisfy 500 customers each. (The math on that assumption is that since there are 3 clock frequencies and 4 multiplier settings 3x4=12 so total number of sales/12) So, by combining the 12 possibilities you only have to research, develop, test, produce, and distribute for only one model.
In a final work about overclocking, the key to doing it successfully is to have an overall cooling strategy. Usually this involves trying to get the most cool air to flow in the case and exhaust the hot air as quickly as possible. I've been told that moving the air in a straight line (bottom-to-top; front-to-back) which usually involves adding an equal number of intake and exhaust fans to keep the air moving through the case rather than just around inside the case. This includes being sure that cool air can get to the case and hot air can get out.
For more information about overclocking, run a search for overclocking on Google to see some of the wild stuff that is out there.
Sound fun/easy/convincing? Before cracking that case, let's hear a dissenting opinion on overclocking.
The key to remember is that research pays off in spades. If your thinking about buying a new systems and overclocking it, research every aspect of it first. Check out some online forums and ask others if they've had any luck, and after you've gained some experience, you can start helping others as well.
---Push it to 80!!!
