BIOS Overclocking Control via South Bridge Trigger Signals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current overclocking methods for computer systems are complex and require users to be familiar with parameter ranges, leading to uncertainty in operation, as adjustments are typically made through software under the operating system.

Innovation Solution

An overclocking control device and method that uses a power button and a reset button to generate triggering signals, allowing the BIOS to select and load overclocking information from a look-up table into registers, simplifying the overclocking process by enabling users to control working frequency and voltage without needing to understand parameter ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If software-based overclocking adjustment is used, then overclocking function can be achieved, but operation complexity increases and user-friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverclocking operation simplicityVSAvoidoverclocking control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a BIOS-based intermediary layer that mediates between simple button presses and complex overclocking parameter adjustments. When an overclocking application is detected, the BIOS enters overclocking mode and interprets button press signals to automatically adjust parameters, shielding users from complexity while enabling overclocking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the overclocking application state and configuring appropriate parameters without requiring manual user knowledge. The BIOS monitors application execution states and autonomously adjusts overclocking parameters based on detected applications, reducing the need for user expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If detailed parameter adjustment is enabled, then overclocking precision improves, but operational uncertainty increases for average users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverclocking parameter precisionVSAvoidoperation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures safe overclocking parameters within the BIOS before user operation. The system prepares overclocking mode in advance with predetermined parameter settings that are automatically applied when an overclocking application is detected, eliminating the need for users to manually calculate or guess safe parameter values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by monitoring application execution states and automatically adjusting parameters based on detected applications. The BIOS continuously checks for overclocking applications and responds by loading appropriate parameters from lookup tables, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user needs while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8380968B2Overclocking control device and overclocking control method
Publication Date: 2013.02.19 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US8380968B2 patent drawing
  • US8380968B2 patent drawing
  • US8380968B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An overclocking control method cooperates with an overclocking application of a computer system when the overclocking application is started. The overclocking control method includes the steps as follows. A BIOS enters an overclocking mode according to an executing state of the overclocking application. The BIOS receives a first triggering signal outputted from a south bridge chip, and the first triggering signal is generated by the south bridge chip according to a first button of the computer system. The BIOS selects a piece of corresponding overclocking information from a look-up table and loads the overclocking information into a register of the BIOS according to the first triggering signal to control the overclocking of the computer system.