Like any PC, the Raspberry Pi can work harder and faster by adjusting the speed of its CPU. Depending on your version of Raspberry Pi, you can also tweak the GPU settings to extract maximum performance. This extra computing power could come in handy if you’ve noticed some software isn’t running smoothly and you’re experiencing symptoms such as frame drops or extended loading.
In order to overclock your Raspberry Pi, you’ll need to change default values within a configuration file found in the boot directory. The figures will vary depending on which version of Raspberry Pi you own, so you should confirm how much to set values like core frequency and over-voltage before jumping in and possibly damaging the unit. Some versions include a configuration tool with built-in overclock values, which removes the trial-and-error process.
In addition, you should also add cooling to your Raspberry Pi, as it will generate significantly more heat than it did at stock values. A heat sink and fan will help prolong the life of your overclocked Raspberry Pi and help minimize rapid wear to components under increased load.
