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OC without Root?

jojo29

Well-Known Member
Nov 22, 2009
100
2
I was just wondering if there was a way to overclock my Motorola Droid without having to "root" it? I don't mind installing software or whatnot, just i consider myself pretty tech savy ( ive built my own computer rigs for the last 6 years,) in terms of computers and software and whatnot, but just im pretty satisfied with the way the Droid runs as is...just wouldn't mind oc'ing it a lil.

UPDATE: Ok i finally got this damn thing to run, i will post exact steps for people like myself that are a lil tech savvy but need additional information. I consider myself an "okay" techie, so follow these at your own risk, it was a tough job for me, thats why im trying to simplify it as simple as i can get it, but, you might run into problems that i didn't so, come here or to other fabulous threads here at AndroidForums, these guys really helped me out, and im just trying to repay that favor

NOTE: If any of you guys find this useful i don't mind if you guys copy and paste any of these steps elsewhere :) just throw me a good tip :)

These are the programs you will need to download FIRST:

SPRecovery Method:

Phase 1:
This is the very first step that you will need to do, before you even start messing around with your phone. This is the only way i know how so read on!

Download and install these on your computer, i recommend saving/intalling on your desktop
Windows programs you will first need:

Winrar: Thank you for downloading WinRAR (32-bit) from Download.com

SPRecovery_ESE81 SPRecovery_ESE81.sbf

RSDlite: http://androidoverdrive.com/downloads/RSDLite4.6.7z

Windows USB Drivers: 32bit: http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/Co
64bithttp://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/Co

Ok now that this step is done, you should have installed only 2 things: The drivers and RSDLite. The SPRecovery should just be a SPRecovery.sbf file on your desktop somewhere.
Once your finished with this step, move on to Phase 2

Phase 2:

Now that you have your drivers installed, RSDlite installed, and your SPRecovery.sbf file ready, NOW you can go ahead get your phone from wherever you are holding it.

Go ahead and turn it off. Plug your phone into your computer.(doesn't matter what order you do this)
Hold down the "UP DPAD" on the DPAD while you turn on the Droid
You should get a "OK to Program" screen. It will be all black
Dont touch anything else on your phone

Now go to your computer screen and run RSDLite.
Your phone should still be in that Ok to Program screen and plugged in
Now, click the "..." button in RSDLite, and select the "SPRecovery.sbf" file located in your Desktop.
Click Start
Dont pay attention to RSDLite's process really, it lags behind, what you want to look at is your Droid
You will get the messaged "hacking your phone" <--something like that
When its done, it should reboot on its own.
Once its rebooted, go ahead and unplug it and close RSDLite, forget the warnings.
You should now have SPRecovery on your phone
NOTE: There really is no icon or way of telling, the way you can tell is when you boot up your phone, you will be able to hold down "x" and it will boot into SPRecovry. Thats how you know. On to Phase 3

Phase 3:
Okay now the hard part.
You will need to find whatever ROM you want. SPRecovery allows you to "flash" these roms. I hope im using the right terminology

You will need the following programs:
SetCPU ($2 bucks from the market place)
ROM

Here goes the one i am using:http://androidoverdrive.com/pete/ESE81/KERNEL/BEKIT7X1100SV.zip

Download that onto your computer Desktop. Rename it to "update.zip"
Drag it on your Droid /SD folder ( that means just drag it so its part of the main files on its own)

Now, turn off your phone.
When you reboot your phone hold down X
you will get into the SPRecovery screen
Go ahead and wipe all data and clear cache
Next choose Install
Click Allow Update ( when you click it, it looks like it did nothing, but don't worry it did)
Now choose Install SD card/ Update <---
Watch it go through the process
When its done it will say "Install complete" on your phone, now hit the power button ( the power button is the "back" button, so hit that till you see "ok to reboot" phone and it will reboot.
Your phone is now rooted with a new OC'able kernel

Now, you won't be able to OC till you download SetCPU, i currently have mine at 1.0Mhz max and low at 700mhz...not sure if this is good but im trying it out anyways

Hope this guide clears up at least a little of the headaches this process can be :)
 
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Ok, sounds promising. Okay, i have a couple questions regarding rooting;

I want my droid to function as is...just the way it is right now. I know rooting can be fun and what not with all the customization options and whatnot...but i m very satisfied with how the phone runs.

The problem is im a "tinkerer"...especially fond of OC'ing processors...i have a E8500 Wolfsdale 3.1 GHz that i managed to OC to 3.6something, on air cooling alone :) not too shabby right.

Anywhoo what im worried about is rooting if i will "break" anything when the phone gets a new firmware update?

That all really the key features/questions i have about rooting are:

- Will everything run the same as it was prior to rooting?
- When firmware updates ( ex. update 2.1, the inc 2.2) will i just be able to update or will i have to wait on the root to update then update??
 
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It depends on which ROM you choose to use. Generally they'll have the same functionality as stock with extra tweaks on top.

When there is an update to the OS, there is a BIG chance you will get it before the official release - no waiting for a root version (2.1 hit the Droid as early as late Feb/early March IIRC). But, yes, if you want to keep your root customizations, you will no longer be able to use the official updates.
 
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It depends on which ROM you choose to use. Generally they'll have the same functionality as stock with extra tweaks on top.

When there is an update to the OS, there is a BIG chance you will get it before the official release - no waiting for a root version (2.1 hit the Droid as early as late Feb/early March IIRC). But, yes, if you want to keep your root customizations, you will no longer be able to use the official updates.

Hmm, i don't get it because you mentioned we would get the, for example, 2.2 update before it releases...but then i won't be able to use the official updates?

Sorry for being such a rook...honestly, i just want to be able to enjoy whatever new features are released ( flash support) on a rooted droid...if that is the case i don't mind rooting, but if its not, then..
 
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Once you're rooted, you'll forget completely about "official" updates because you'll get all those features weeks before they are "officially" released.

Just like 2.1, we (rooted users) had multitouch browsers, galleries, etc. months before the OTA rolled out.

Perhaps 2.2 won't be as delayed, but there is no disadvantage to being rooted. You will never not get the official update features, even though you won't be able to do the official updates and maintain root.
 
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Once you're rooted, you'll forget completely about "official" updates because you'll get all those features weeks before they are "officially" released.

Just like 2.1, we (rooted users) had multitouch browsers, galleries, etc. months before the OTA rolled out.

Perhaps 2.2 won't be as delayed, but there is no disadvantage to being rooted. You will never not get the official update features, even though you won't be able to do the official updates and maintain root.

to quote one of my favorite actors from the movie Pulp Fiction:
"Daamnn, you sending the wolf?
Yeah you feel better motherf*
Hell yeah N* thats all you had to say! <---(pertains to what i want to say about rooting and updates
 
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There are tons of ROMs... lol.. CyanogenMod is a very popular one (it is what I am on at the moment) as is Pete's Buggless Beast... Either one of those is available with the stock theme, CyanogenMod is a bit much for first time ROM users as it is written from the ASOP source for the Nexus1 and ported over to the Droid so it has a lot of extras...

I would highly suggest Buggless Beasts v 1.0. There is a thread about it in the everything root section of this forum, you should join us over there... There are a lot of very very knowledable and helpful people that will be able to get you up and running... :)
 
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Ok guys wish me luck, im gonna go with the easy route and just use the provided link..to overclock my droid, after i download the link and follow those steps, what do i need (if any) application do i need to OC it?

Also, what are some "safe" OC speeds?
Any recommended OC/Temp apps i need to pick up?

Also, how do i got back to -un-root if i needed to or wanted to?
 
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Okay, i tried following the link and the instructions, but they are a bit, staggered.

I downloaded the SPRecovery .sbf file...whats my next step to install it? I just drag and drop it into my Droid? then what? Sorry if these are easy questions, just first time rooting or hacking anything lol
 
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After you root your droid you will have to download a kernel. There are many out there. Before i started using NexBeast i used a kernel called p3droid clocked at 1 ghz. I believe you can get them that go up to 1.2 ghz but i just don't want to push it. That is just my preference though. After you download the kernel you will have to download another program called setcpu. This program is available on the market but i can't remember the cost. Believe me it is well worth it. It works with the: kernel and adjust the speed according to your desires. You have to have it.

Happy overclocking!
 
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Okay, i tried following the link and the instructions, but they are a bit, staggered.

I downloaded the SPRecovery .sbf file...whats my next step to install it? I just drag and drop it into my Droid? then what? Sorry if these are easy questions, just first time rooting or hacking anything lol


B. http://androidoverdrive.com/downloads/RSDLite4.6.7z (RSDLite 4.6)
C.
http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/Co ... _4.2.0.zip (32-bit Motorola USB Drivers)
or
http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/Co ... _4.2.0.zip (64-bit Motorola USB Drivers)

Instructions:
1. Download all of the files above including the 32-bit OR 64-bit Motorola USB Drivers.
2. Install RSDLite AND the 32-bit or 64-bit Motorola USB Drivers (Depends on your system most will need 32-bit some will need 64-bit)
3. Connect your phone to USB and turn it off then turn it back on, while your phone is booting hold up on the DPAD. (Some users have said it is easier to hold the volume down button and camera button instead.)
4. Run RSD Lite 4.6 as Administrator (For all you Vista and 7 folks out there. If you are using XP you may not need to run as Administrator)
5. Click the ... next to the filename box and browse to where you saved the .sbf file and double click the .sbf file.
6. Hit start and below it should give you completion progress and all of that.
7. Once your phone is done being flashed (It may take a while so don't unplug it) it will reboot and you will have spr installed.
8. Done
 
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okay im getting ready to plug in the droid and finish this off just one question: Will this wipe all my data? pics/contacts/apps? just so i know if i should back them all up again?


No on Pics and Contacts. Just as long as you have gmail setup, your contacts should sync and your pics are on your SD card. The apps yes but you can just re-download or use a back up app prior to rooting. I personally just re-download.
 
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Sweet, i guess now i have a "rooted" droid???

Now...which kernel do you guys recommend for the OC speed?


There's quite a few options. Bekit, Chevy's, P3Droids...etc. You'll have to try them out yourself because unfortunately not all droids are equal. Oh and you'll have to get SetCPU it's in the market to purchase.

Edit: Oh by the way, check out the Root forums. There's a lot of answers there.

Have fun!
 
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Hi all i just need one more step and i should be all set up and can start OC'ing incrementally! help! i have to go in about 40 minutes and won't get a chance to do this for at least 2 days, im heading to frisco after work and i don' t have a lap top!

how do i install the kernel, i downloaded the file this one:
BEKIT7X1200IV.zip

It lets me oc up to 1.2 i believe, but i have the file on the computer i just want to know how to install it please help!
 
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Make sure the zip is on the \SDCARD.

Now that you're rooted, get Rom Manager (u can get the free version).

You can use Rom Manager and choose "Install Rom from SD Card". Although this isn't a ROM, it just installs it as if it was.

You may have to initially choose the first option "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery".

This was written in a rush...
 
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