Overview

What is iCook 1.0?

Overclock your iBook via software patch.

In depth

A closer look at iCook 1.0

iCook is a small OS X kernel extension that allows simple overclocking of the IBM 750FX processor found in some Apple iBooks. It should be compatible with all iBooks that have more than 16 megabytes of video RAM, but not the new iBook G4s. At this time iCook requires OS X 10.3 or higher, however this will change in a future version.

I first read about this feature of the 750FX. Since then Apple has made it more difficult to change the iBook's speed. It seems that current versions of OS X continually monitor the CPU speed and set it back to normal if it is changed.

iCook gets around this by patching the kernel image in memory to disable its ability to set the CPU speed. It then sets up a sysctl called hw.cpuspeed that allows the CPU speed to be set and monitored by the user. iCook makes no permanent changes and everything goes back to normal after a reboot.

I am able to run my 700 MHz iBook at speeds from 300-800 MHz, although 800 MHz is not entirely stable. CPU performance scales nicely along this range as can be seen in this graph of results from Apple's Skidmarks GT benchmark. iCook allows speed settings from 300-1200 MHz in 50 MHz increments and comes with the full GPL'd source code.

Verdict

Should you download iCook 1.0?

iCook 1.0 runs on Mac OS and is available under the Freeware license — the installer is 42 KB. We’ve catalogued it under System.

Verified clean. Every iCook 1.0 build on SoftLookup is scanned for viruses, spyware, adware, trojans and backdoors. We re-test on every update.

iCook 1.0 specifications

Category: System
Publisher: Pat Swieskowski
Last updated: Jan 7, 2025
License: Freeware
Operating system: Mac OS
File size: 42 KB
Price: Free
Page views: 481

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iCook 1.0

What is iCook 1.0?

A closer look at iCook 1.0

Should you download iCook 1.0?

iCook 1.0 specifications

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