What aspect of a CPU's performance does overclocking primarily affect?

Overclocking primarily affects the processing speed of a CPU. When a CPU is overclocked, it is configured to operate at a higher clock speed than the manufacturer's specifications. This increase in clock speed directly translates to an increase in the number of cycles per second that the CPU can execute, thereby improving its performance when handling tasks, running applications, or executing calculations.

Higher processing speeds can lead to significant performance gains, especially in tasks that require substantial computational power, such as gaming, video editing, or running complex simulations. As a result, users often overclock their CPUs to maximize performance without immediately investing in newer hardware.

While overclocking can also impact aspects such as electrical consumption and temperature management (since operating at higher speeds can lead to increased power usage and heat generation), the primary and most noticeable effect is on the processing speed, which is the core concern when users consider overclocking their CPUs.