What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
In a January 2023 test, Tom’s Hardware found that an MSI B660M Mortar Max motherboard that could overclock an Alder Lake Core i7-12700 could not expose the same base-clock (BCLK) workaround with a Raptor Lake Core i7-13700. The reported explanation was that Intel had not provided motherboard makers the pre-release microcode that had enabled the Alder Lake behavior. This was a limit on that workaround in the reported setup—not proof that every later unofficial modification is impossible.
What was the non-K overclocking trick?
Intel’s non-K desktop CPUs have locked multipliers, so users generally cannot raise their core frequency by changing the multiplier. BCLK overclocking offered a workaround on certain Alder Lake systems: raise the motherboard’s base clock, which the processor uses with its core multiplier to reach its base frequency.
The method depended on more than the CPU. The motherboard needed an external clock generator and firmware that allowed the relevant clock changes. Tom’s Hardware reported that a development microcode version had accidentally enabled BCLK manipulation on some Alder Lake non-K processors; motherboard makers subsequently provided firmware options to load that older version. It was not an official Intel unlock.
What changed with Raptor Lake?
Tom’s Hardware’s January 20, 2023 comparison used the same MSI B660M Mortar Max board with an Alder Lake Core i7-12700 and a Raptor Lake Core i7-13700. The board’s older-microcode option was available for the Alder Lake processor, but disappeared with the Raptor Lake processor. The report attributed that difference to Intel not having made the same pre-release microcode mistake for Raptor Lake. HotHardware reported the same practical outcome: the BCLK route was not available for the Raptor Lake non-K chip in that configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- [16GB RAM + 628GB Storage (128GB UFS+ 500GB Ext)] Reams of high-bandwidth 16GB DDR4 RAM to smoothly run your games and video-editing applications, as well as numerous programs and browser tabs all at once. Non-volatile 128GB UFS storage handles multiple read and write requests simultaneously; power gating increases power efficiency. Enjoy additional portable storage with 500GB external drive.
- [13th Gen 4-Core Intel N150 Processor] 13th Gen Intel N150 (Up to 3.6 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 Cache, 4 cores, 4 threads). Save time and increase productivity with powerful performance and smooth multitasking. Access fast web applications, edit photos and videos, and get the responsiveness you're looking for.
- [14 Inch HD Display] Watch videos and create colorful presentations in excellent, high-definition quality rendered with 1 million pixels. The anti-glare panel lets you enjoy time outside without glare on your screen. HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones. Online Class, Google Classroom, Remote Learning, Zoom Ready.
- [Windows 11 Home in S Mode] Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. (You can EASILY switch to regular Windows 11 Home: Open Microsoft Store > search and select "Switch out of S Mode" > select "Get".)
- [6-in-1 HubxcelAccessory with 1-Year MS Office 365] HubxcelAccessory includes wireless earbuds, 500GB external drive, USB extension cord, HDMI cable, mouse pad, and wireless mouse. Free Microsoft Office 365 Personal 1-year subscription included Al Powered Copilot. For Home, Student, Professionals, Small Business, School Education, and Commercial Enterprise.
That is a specific historical comparison, not a survey of every motherboard, BIOS release, or later unofficial firmware modification. The cited reports establish what happened in the tested setup in January 2023; they do not establish that every subsequent workaround is impossible.
Can you overclock a non-K Raptor Lake CPU?
The tested BCLK method was unavailable for the Core i7-13700 on the MSI B660M Mortar Max in Tom’s Hardware’s report. Do not assume that a board capable of the Alder Lake workaround will restore it for a Raptor Lake non-K CPU: the processor generation and the firmware or microcode behavior matter as well as the board.
Rank #2
- 【POWERFUL PROCESSING PERFORMANCE】: Equipped with the latest 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor, featuring 10 cores (6 Performance + 4 Efficient), 16 threads, an 18MB Smart Cache, and turbo speeds up to 4.9GHz. Engineered for high-performance computing, it delivers exceptional speed, seamless multitasking, and unwavering reliability — perfect for power users who demand more from every core.
- 【HIGH-SPEED RAM & AMPLE STORAGE】: Configurable up to 64GB DDR5 RAM for effortless multitasking and blazing-fast response times, paired with up to 4TB PCIe M.2 SSD for ultra-fast boot-up and efficient data handling.
- 【ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY AND VERSATILITY】 1 x USB-C (5Gbps, 15W charging), 1 x Microphone jack (3.5mm), 1 x Headphone/mic combo jack (3.5mm), 1 x Audio-out (3.5mm), 1 x Power button, 4 x USB-A (5Gbps), 2 x USB-A (Hi-Speed), 1 x USB-A (5Gbps, Smart Power On), 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS, 1 x VGA, 1 x RJ-45 (Ethernet), Wi-Fi, Wired Keyboard & Mouse
- 【COMPACT, DURABLE, AND TRUSTED LENOVO QUALITY】: Weighing approximately 9.3 lbs and measuring 3.6 x 11.5 x 13.4 inches, the Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 30s Gen 5 Small Form Factor (SFF) Desktop is engineered for modern business environments. Its sleek, space-saving design fits seamlessly into any workspace, while military-grade durability, efficient thermal management, and enterprise-level reliability ensure it keeps up with demanding day-to-day operations.
- 【OPTIMIZED FOR PRODUCTIVITY】 Windows 11 Pro - Organize open apps with pre-configured layouts to optimize productivity, Navigate with more intuitive experience to get things done, Collaborate with teams with more features
Intel’s general overclocking brief describes multiplier overclocking with an unlocked Core processor and a Z/X chipset board. For someone specifically seeking Intel multiplier overclocking, the relevant product category is an unlocked K-series processor paired with a compatible Z-series motherboard. That is a different platform choice, not a way to unlock a non-K Raptor Lake processor.
How the options differ
| Route | What it involves | What the cited sources establish |
|---|---|---|
| Alder Lake non-K BCLK workaround | Specific motherboard hardware, including an external clock generator, plus firmware that could load older microcode. | Tom’s Hardware reported the method working with an Alder Lake Core i7-12700 on the MSI B660M Mortar Max; TechSpot also covered Alder Lake non-K testing and boards with external clock generators. |
| Raptor Lake non-K BCLK workaround | The same general base-clock approach, but dependent on generation-specific firmware and microcode support. | Tom’s Hardware reported that the old-microcode option was absent with a Core i7-13700 on that same board in January 2023. |
| Intel multiplier overclocking | An unlocked Core processor and a suitable Z/X chipset board, as described in Intel’s general brief. | This is Intel’s general overclocking setup, not an unlock for a locked non-K processor. |
What are the risks of overclocking?
Intel warns that altering clock frequency or voltage may damage or shorten the useful life of the processor and other components, and may reduce system stability or performance. Its guidance also says operation beyond specifications may not be covered by product warranties and identifies increased cooling capability as critical to overclocking. These are general cautions about overclocking; they are not evidence that the Raptor Lake BCLK limitation itself causes damage.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Intel Core i5-12400F Desktop Processor 6 (6P plus0E) Cores Up to 4.4 GHz Turbo Frequency LGA1700 600 Series Chipset 65W Processor Base Power
- Item Package Dimension: 4.92L x 4.33W x 3.18H inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.99 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - COMPUTER PROCESSOR
Is this related to Intel’s later voltage-instability issue?
No. In an August 9, 2024 update, Intel said microcode 0x129 addressed incorrect voltage requests that could cause elevated operating voltage in 13th- and 14th-generation processors. That later issue is separate from the non-K BCLK limitation described in the January 2023 reports.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor provides lightning fast speed and peak performance for the toughest of tasks and games
- With 32 GB of memory, runs as many programs as you want without losing the execution
- The 13.3" FHD+ Touchscreen provides a great movie watching experience
- 512GB total SSD capacity is enough to store your essential documents and files, favorite songs, movies and pictures
Rank #4
- Intel® Core® i3 3.30 GHz processor uses less power and the hyper-threading architecture delivers high performance for demanding applications at an affordable price
- 12 MB of L3 cache rapidly retrieves the most used data available to improve system performance
- Built-in Intel UHD Graphics 730 controller for improved graphics and visual quality. Supports up to 4 monitors.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
