This is the definitive guide to overclocking, the process of running a computer's CPU, video card, or RAM faster than the manufacturer intended. In many ways, overclocking is like hot-rodding for hardware geeks.

Until now, "Most overclocking information was scattered around [the Web] and was often old and out of date," says co-author Scott Wainner. "Many users have learned about overclocking by reading bits and pieces of incomplete information in message board posts — a sure recipe for a failed overclock. 'The Book of Overclocking' offers hardware hobbyists a complete and accurate resource, showing how to overclock, how far to push individual processors, what settings to use, when to overclock, and how to deal with problems that arise." It includes coverage of:

* Why the PC industry does not want you to know about overclocking
* CPU cooling techniques and ways to improve overclocking results and system stability
* Specifications, overclocking tips, and specific recommendations for over 100 individual Intel and AMD processors, including the newest Athlon XP and Pentium 4
* How to overclock a processor using only BIOS and motherboard settings
* PC troubleshooting and benchmarking techniques

Overclocking can be risky (it voids the manufacturer's warranty and it can result in component meltdown or failure), but it can also be a very cost-effective way to quickly improve PC performance. With the right know-how and an authoritative resource like "The Book of Overclocking," most anyone can quickly increase their processor's clock speed to get more out of their PC.

Overclocking is the ultimate hardware geek hobby", says No Starch Press Publisher, Bill Pollock. "With the help of 'The Book of Overclocking,' I overclocked three machines in our office last week simply by loading an unofficial BIOS and changing the clock speed on a cheap Athlon XP processor. It's very cool. When you overclock, you really do feel like you're more in control of your hardware. It's like souping up a car but without getting your hands dirty.