Overclocking 68030 and 68040 PowerBooks

Some of the old 68030 and 68040 PowerBooks can be overclocked to achieve improved performance. This page has information on the PowerBook 140, 145, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 520 and 520c.

Many Mac models can be “chipped” to run at a higher speed. These pages provide information on the maximum reliable speed. This may vary from one machine to the next. Chipping is not authorized by Apple. Any modifications you perform on your Mac may damage it. Modifications are done at your own risk.

Be sure to visit The Clock Chipping Home Page, the definitive resource on chipping the Mac.

PowerBook 100 Series

PowerBook 140

The PowerBook 140 has a 16 MHz 68030 CPU supported by a 33 MHz oscillator. By switching to a 50 MHz oscillator, you can push the CPU to 25 MHz, a huge improvement.

PowerBook 145

The PowerBook 145 has a 50 MHz oscillator that sets the processor at 25 MHz. The fastest oscillator you can replace it with is 70 MHz, which will run the processor at 35 MHz.

PowerBook 150

The PowerBook 150 has a 66.667 MHz oscillator that runs the processor at 33 MHz. The maximum oscillator you can replace it with is 86 MHz to run the processor at 43 MHz.

PowerBook 160

The PowerBook 160 has a 50 MHz oscillator that runs the processor at 25 MHz. The top end oscillator you can replace it with is 67 MHz, to run the processor at 33 MHz.

PowerBook 170

The PowerBook 170 has a 50 MHz oscillator that runs the processor at 25 MHz. The highest speed oscillator you can replace it with is 70 MHz, to run the processor at 35 MHz.

PowerBook 180

The PowerBook 180 has a 67 MHz oscillator that runs the processor at 33 MHz. The fastest oscillator you can replace it with is 74.25 MHz, to run the processor at 37.125 MHz.

PowerBook 520 and 520c

The PowerBook 520 and 520c have a 12.5 MHz oscillator that runs the 68040 CPU at 25 MHz. The maximum oscillator you can replace it with is 22.5 MHz, to run the processor at 45 MHz.

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