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games that come with GPU
- Thread starter superp
- Start date
30 Mhz in it
overclocking a graphics card is as simple as it gets. Just use you preferred software e.g. rivatuner to increase the core/shader/memory clock speeds in increments, testing for artifacts with ati tool and 3dmark06 each time. Even if pay extra for a pre-clocked card the chances are you can push it quite a bit higher. Pre-overclocked cards can be a big waste of money.
Hmmm, well what you've just said gives me confidence in attempting to OC my next GPU. How do you know when you've reached your highest clock etc? Are there not benchmarks what others have set that one could use as potential guidelines?
Many thanks...
Many thanks...
yes, use other peoples overclocks as a guide to give you a base overclock to work up from. For example, you may be able to increase all the clock speeds by 100MHz to start with, then increase from here in smaller steps (say 25MHz but decrease this as you get near the known limits of the card). With the old 6800GT cards almost everyone was able to clock to 6800Ultra with a couple of minutes work.
You've gone too far if the card locks up but it will probably show artifacts in 3dmark before you hit this point. Once you've pushed too far you need to decrease the clock slightly until you are stable.
It is best to increase the core, shader and memory frequencies independently so you can optimize each one. It really depends how long you want to spend tweaking.
You've gone too far if the card locks up but it will probably show artifacts in 3dmark before you hit this point. Once you've pushed too far you need to decrease the clock slightly until you are stable.
It is best to increase the core, shader and memory frequencies independently so you can optimize each one. It really depends how long you want to spend tweaking.
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Great reply there Rich, cheers...
I've just d.loaded RivaTuner208 and had a quick look at that... Haven't a clue where to start, so many bloody options!
You say 'it will probably show artifacts in 3dmark before you hit this point', how do I do this as such? I've got 3DMark06 on my pc. Is there a specific test I have to run while OC'ing my GPU to make sure all is fine and dandy?
I'm very keen to start learning about OC'ing but I don't want to rush into anything and ruin my system!
I appreciate your patience and thanks for your help...
I've just d.loaded RivaTuner208 and had a quick look at that... Haven't a clue where to start, so many bloody options!
You say 'it will probably show artifacts in 3dmark before you hit this point', how do I do this as such? I've got 3DMark06 on my pc. Is there a specific test I have to run while OC'ing my GPU to make sure all is fine and dandy?
I'm very keen to start learning about OC'ing but I don't want to rush into anything and ruin my system!
I appreciate your patience and thanks for your help...
watch for imperfections in the rendering. Sparkling white spots (sparklies) are normally an indication that the memory is clocked too high. Excessive core and shader clock frequencies will give other artifacts such as textures appearing the wrong shape or colour. ATI tool can be used for quick tests. Once stable make sure the overclock is applied on each restart or all your work will go to waste.
It is highly unlikely you will kill your card if you use small increases. It is usually volt mods which kill cards. The same applies to overclocking CPUs and RAM, it is usually extra voltage which causes damage. Keep an eye on your temps too, for GPUs you may be ok up to 80-100 or more celcius.
It is highly unlikely you will kill your card if you use small increases. It is usually volt mods which kill cards. The same applies to overclocking CPUs and RAM, it is usually extra voltage which causes damage. Keep an eye on your temps too, for GPUs you may be ok up to 80-100 or more celcius.
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Looking at your spec you would benefit from a better graphics card if you are into gaming. Overclocking a 8500GT isn't worth spending a lot of time on tbh. An nvidia 8800 or ati 3870 series card would give a big boost. 9600GT is good if your budget is tight too.