First OC Attempt [GTX 460 HAWK]

[Doomedspeed]

My first attempt at Overclocking in general. Just got Dirt3 Wanted to test it and my GTX 460 HAWK out.

EDIT: Now using 3d mark to test stability Taken new Benchmarks on dirt 3.

Stock: (780/3600) [HIGH]

Avg: 46.47
Min: 33.81

OC: (820/3900) [HIGH]

Avg: 51.84
Min: 36.87

OC: (850/4000) [HIGH]

Avg: 61.90
Min: 40.64

Nearly 17% min FPS Improvment.

 

[nutsnut]

You could increase the voltage our back the over clock dOwn, you not changing the memory clock?

 

[TAC4U]

I wouldn't use Furmark to test the stability of an overclock, as drivers respond to it differently (to prevent cards from overheating). I find that 3DMark 11 is the best tool, as it is quite sensitive to unstable overclocks. Obviously if you're getting a crash where you normally wouldn't it's a safe bet that your overclock isn't stable.

 

[Doomedspeed]

You could increase the voltage our back the over clock dOwn, you not changing the memory clock?

Memory clock is the next stage, got a bit late at night to think about that. Haha! Im not sure i really want to touch the voltage yet.

I wouldn't use Furmark to test the stability of an overclock, as drivers respond to it differently (to prevent cards from overheating). I find that 3DMark 11 is the best tool, as it is quite sensitive to unstable overclocks. Obviously if you're getting a crash where you normally wouldn't it's a safe bet that your overclock isn't stable.

Thanks for the tip. I will give that a go then. I thought as much.

 

[biuro74]

My Hawk did 920, but after some time started to hang up at that speed. Now it's stable @ 880 when OCing.
Check ASIC quality under GPU-Z.

 

[Doomedspeed]

Check ASIC quality under GPU-Z.

65.4%, good or bad?

Will OCing the memory at the same time help me achieve better core clock or is that not the case? Are they independant?

 

[HeX]

460's really like their mem OC'd, gives them a good boost, 4-4.2GHz should be doable.

I used to run my 460 at 850/4200 if I remember rightly.

 

[biuro74]

65.4%, good or bad?

Will OCing the memory at the same time help me achieve better core clock or is that not the case? Are they independant?

65% is not "selectable" card I've got 73%. Memory is independent, I'm OCing them to 4 GHz with ease, it could be more probably, but I don't need it. If you OC memory, set up fans to 100% just in case.

 

[ShakeNBake]

LOL

If it's your first overclocking attempt, you do know you are supposed to increase the settings slowly?? Like 10 MHz each attempt?

A GTX 460 will probably not work above 850MHz without increasing the voltage. 880MHz is probably not going to happen.

Increasing the voltage on graphics cards can be kinda risky, it increases the temperatures and reduces the life-span of the card.

You can whack up the memory clock a fair bit too.


Also, make sure you set up a fan profile which turns the fan up to 100% after around 60 degrees C, you've got to be quite careful with temperatures when overclocking a graphics card. The fan generally pumps air straight into the case, and if you don't have good case ventilation, things will start to get very toasty very fast.

 

[HeX]

You really don't need 100% fan at 60C.

GPU's are fine into the 80's for everyday use.

Keep them out of the 90's where poss and you'll have no problems.

 

[Doomedspeed]

LOL

If it's your first overclocking attempt, you do know you are supposed to increase the settings slowly?? Like 10 MHz each attempt?

A GTX 460 will probably not work above 850MHz without increasing the voltage. 880MHz is probably not going to happen.

Increasing the voltage on graphics cards can be kinda risky, it increases the temperatures and reduces the life-span of the card.

You can whack up the memory clock a fair bit too.


Also, make sure you set up a fan profile which turns the fan up to 100% after around 60 degrees C, you've got to be quite careful with temperatures when overclocking a graphics card. The fan generally pumps air straight into the case, and if you don't have good case ventilation, things will start to get very toasty very fast.

I worked my way upto 880 to start with (10mhz at a time), testing stability as i thought appropiate, obviously not the best way. Then dropped to 850 for the benchmark, then trying 880Mhz. I wasn't jumping the gun. If it wasn';t so late at night i would have tried 860. May do that now.
I have a custom fan profile set up. 85% at 60C. I think that should be alright. shouldn't it? Highest temp it have got is 81C.

 

[Doomedspeed]

EDIT: Now using 3d mark to test stability Taken new Benchmarks on dirt 3.

Stock: (780/3600) [HIGH]

Avg: 46.47
Min: 33.81

OC: (820/3900) [HIGH]

Avg: 51.84
Min: 36.87

OC: (850/4000) [HIGH]

Avg: 61.90
Min: 40.64

Nearly 17% min FPS Improvment.

EDIT: Updated First post too.