Overdrive PC
Encyclopedia
Overdrive PC is a privately held computer manufacturer located in Richmond, VA (USA), specializing in extreme high-end computers. Overdrive PC’s product line includes gaming systems, notebooks, and digital media creation workstations. Overdrive PC claims to offer some of the fastest gaming PCs in the world through their exclusive HyperClocking technology which allows them the overclock parts far beyond factory settings while still maintaining stability.
In 2001, Overdrive PC was offered an opportunity to appear in Maximum PC
's boutique roundup article entitled "Minor League, Major Performance". The review that appeared there helped propel Overdrive PC onto the national stage and earn it the rabid enthusiast following it still enjoys today. In February 2009, 2 years after being acquired by Velocity Micro, Mario Cifaldi left Overdrive PC.
, HyperClocking is the practice of raising default clock speeds of core components to values higher than stated by the part manufacturer. This advanced engineering process allows Overdrive PC to create “the fastest systems in the industry” while still using traditional air cooling methods.
, another independently owned PC builder, acquired the former competing boutique builder. Since that acquisition, Velocity Micro has incorporated Overdrive PCs Hyperclocking techniques into many of its own extreme gaming systems. Overdrive PC has since moved to Velocity Micro’s Richmond facility and remains a separate brand under Velocity Micro ownership.
and HP, as well as boutiques such as Alienware
, Puget Systems
, VoodooPC
, and Falcon Northwest
.
History
Overdrive PC began in 1999, by Mario Cifaldi, in Atlanta, Georgia as a builder of overclocked gaming PCs.In 2001, Overdrive PC was offered an opportunity to appear in Maximum PC
Maximum PC
Maximum PC, formerly known as boot, is an American magazine and web site published by Future US. It focuses on cutting-edge PC hardware, with an emphasis on product reviews, step-by-step tutorials, and in-depth technical briefs...
's boutique roundup article entitled "Minor League, Major Performance". The review that appeared there helped propel Overdrive PC onto the national stage and earn it the rabid enthusiast following it still enjoys today. In February 2009, 2 years after being acquired by Velocity Micro, Mario Cifaldi left Overdrive PC.
HyperClocking
Overdrive PC’s claim to fame is its so called “HyperClocking” technology. Essentially an extreme form of overclockingOverclocking
Overclocking is the process of operating a computer component at a higher clock rate than it was designed for or was specified by the manufacturer, but some manufacturers purposely underclock their components to improve battery life. Many people just overclock or 'rightclock' their hardware to...
, HyperClocking is the practice of raising default clock speeds of core components to values higher than stated by the part manufacturer. This advanced engineering process allows Overdrive PC to create “the fastest systems in the industry” while still using traditional air cooling methods.
Velocity Micro Acquisition
In May 2007, Velocity MicroVelocity Micro
Velocity Micro is a privately held computer manufacturer located in Richmond, VA , specializing in custom high-end computers. Its high-performance product line includes gaming systems, notebooks, netbooks, home servers, digital media creation workstations, home and home office PCs, home...
, another independently owned PC builder, acquired the former competing boutique builder. Since that acquisition, Velocity Micro has incorporated Overdrive PCs Hyperclocking techniques into many of its own extreme gaming systems. Overdrive PC has since moved to Velocity Micro’s Richmond facility and remains a separate brand under Velocity Micro ownership.
Competitors
Overdrive PC’s major competitors include large manufacturers such as DellDell
Dell, Inc. is an American multinational information technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest...
and HP, as well as boutiques such as Alienware
Alienware
Alienware is an American computer hardware subsidary of Dell, Inc. It mainly assembles third party components into desktops and laptops with custom enclosures for high-performance gaming. These products also support graphically intense applications such as video editing, simulation, and audio editing...
, Puget Systems
Puget Systems
Puget Systems is a custom computer business based in Kent, Washington. They operate primarily through their website, and sell a mixture of custom and preconfigured computers including laptops, desktops, and servers. The business was founded by Jon Bach in 2000....
, VoodooPC
VoodooPC
Voodoo Computers Inc. or VoodooPC was a luxury personal computer brand owned by Hewlett Packard. Voodoo was originally started as a niche PC maker in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was founded in 1991, and in September of 2006 Hewlett Packard announced they would acquire Voodoo. Voodoo specialized...
, and Falcon Northwest
Falcon Northwest
Falcon Northwest is a personal computer manufacturing company located in Medford, Oregon, USA which was founded in 1992 by its current president, Kelt Reeves. The company began its existence focusing on high-end systems for Flight Simulation...
.