Introduction

In the fascinating realm of overclocking, the quest for extreme performance knows no bounds, and the latest target is the Raspberry Pi 5. A tech enthusiast like Pieter-Jan Plaisier from SkatterBencher.com is boldly attempting to push this tiny powerhouse to unprecedented frequencies of up to 4 GHz using a plethora of experimental methods—some might say he's venturing into the dark arts of computer science!

Motivation Behind the Overclocking Efforts

Plaisier explained his motivation to The Register, saying, "I enjoy tinkering with various chips and discovering just how much performance we can extract." While much of his focus has typically been on mainstream giants like Intel and AMD CPUs—where astonishing benchmarks have reached dizzying heights like 9 GHz—he decided to take on the Raspberry Pi 5 for a refreshing challenge.

Initial Challenges and Achievements

Initially, there was hope that this miniature computer could scale its performance akin to traditional desktop processors. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts, the pinnacle reached was a mere 3.6 GHz. This achievement came after upgrading the cooling system, but there was still a burning desire to see how far it might go.

Liquid Nitrogen Experimentation

Using liquid nitrogen to chill the equipment to below freezing temperatures, Plaisier aimed to push the operating frequency higher. After enabling NUMA emulation to enhance benchmark performance, he incrementally increased the frequency up to 3.6 GHz. But breaking through the 3,700 MHz barrier proved impossible, even at a frigid -40°C. Was insufficient voltage limiting further performance?

Integrating Advanced Power Control

Determined not to give up, Plaisier then integrated the ElmorLabs AMPLE-X1 power card into the Pi. This bold, warranty-voiding step allowed him to gain refined control over the power supply. Yet, despite his meticulous adjustments to the voltage, the 3,600 MHz threshold remained unbroken.

Tweaking the Oscillator

Not one to be easily discouraged, the next adventurous move was to swap out the default 54 MHz crystal oscillator. By carefully applying heat, he replaced it with the ElmorLabs External Clock Board, significantly increasing the adjustable frequencies. Although the maximum input clock wouldn’t exceed approximately 56 MHz, he could lower it to 46 MHz. This innovative tweak suggested that the Arm frequency could potentially reach 4,000 MHz.

Bittersweet Triumph

However, the triumph was bittersweet. Despite the Broadcom tool displaying a frequency of 4,000 MHz, the actual operational frequency turned out to be significantly lower, as calculations revealed a true speed of 3,407 MHz. “The actual frequency is 4,000 / 54 x 46 = 3,407 MHz,” explained Plaisier. Thus, the ultimate takeaway is that despite exotic cooling and extensive tinkering with voltage and oscillators, the Raspberry Pi 5 currently stands at a solitary 3.6 GHz in terms of achievable efficiency.

Conclusion

This spirited venture serves as a dazzling reminder of the enthusiasm and innovation present in the tech community, sparking intrigue about how far enthusiasts might go next with underdog devices. As technology progresses, who knows what the next remarkable feat in overclocking might hold? Keep an eye out—this is just the beginning!