Many gamers try to squeeze better performance from their computers.  This can also breathe some new life in older hardware by making the notebook able to play newer games.  Overclocking is an option.

Overclocking is the process of making your computer running faster than its original specifications.  You can get better performance out of your machine at the cost of more heat, and the reduction of its operating life.  You can think of overclocking as similar to the race cars in the Fast and the Furious:  when they add NOS to their motor, their cars increase speed, but at the same time they may blow the engine.  Many overclockers feel that the rewards outweigh the risks.

Overclocking laptop components is even more dangerous than desktop machines.  Usually notebooks are already running hotter than their desktop counterparts and they do not handle the extra heat very well.  In this case either extra cooling is required, either a custom solution or using a notebook cooling pad.  Also, if you do manage to damage any internal component in the laptop, be prepared for the large repair bill:  the components inside the notebook are more expensive than a desktop machine.

If you do decide to try overclocking your notebook, try out the following utility:  Speedfan.  It will help you to watch the temperature on your computer and let you know when it is running too hot.  Hopefully that will help save your computer from damage.