The cheap overclocking party is over. An upcoming microcode update from Intel will close the door on a loophole that let users goose Skylake CPUs that weren't meant to be overclocked.
The company confirmed to PCWorld on Monday that an update would “align” the CPUs in question.
Intel regularly issues updates for our processors which our partners voluntarily incorporate into their BIOS,” an Intel spokesman said. “The latest update provided to partners includes, among other things, code that aligns with the position that we do not recommend overclocking processors that have not been designed to do so. Additionally, Intel does not warranty the operation of the processor beyond its specifications.
That’s basically a kinder way of saying: You shouldn’t be overclocking these CPUs, so stop it.
Why this matters: Since December, overclockers have been able to run lower-priced CPUs above their rated speeds by cranking up the bclock setting on a chip. Intel normally charges more for such capability, so budget-minded overclockers were overjoyed. That party, though, is about to end...
Read more: It's official: Intel shuts down the cheap overclocking party by closing Skylake loophole | PCWorld