Users looking to squeeze a little extra performance out of their Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) or Intel Corp. processor now have an easier way to overclock their CPU (central processing unit) thanks to Elitegroup Computer Systems Co. Ltd. (ECS). ECS, in Taipei, on Wednesday introduced its EZ-Buddie line of PCs which let users overclock their CPUs by adjusting a dial located on the front of the PC case. Expected to be available worldwide in May, the EZ-Buddie is based on either an Intel Pentium 4 processor, Intel Celeron or AMD Athlon processor and will be priced starting from around $700 to $800, depending on the exact configuration, said Frank Niessen, marketing director for ECS in Germany.

Overclocking can be a risky venture and motherboard makers and CPU makers are quick to remind users that they will not take responsibility for attempting to run a CPU at a speed faster than that which it has been rated for. Promotional literature for the Ez-Buddie is no exception, warning, "Any CPU stressed beyond its limit is not guaranteed."

Thanks to: MSFN.org