Overclocking nVidia GeForce 9800GT 1GB

[Kub]

Im new to overclocking and i would like to overclock my graphics card for obvious reasons. Yes, i have red tutorials on the top, but last time i tried to overclock i burnt my card, wich was very painful for my wallet. So if anyone would be so kind to tell me, step-by-step and list all programs i need, i would be very thankful.

Here are some specs, i think might help:
nVidia GeForce 9800GT 1GB
Core Clock: 648 MHz
Core Shader: 1674 MHz
Memory Clock: 900 MHz
Windows Vista x64 Home Premium
Core temperature varies from 27-58*C, but it's most of the time at 41*C

I can provide pictures, anything that's needed. Just want to squeeze all juice this card holds.

Thanks in advance! Kub

 

[Marvin]

Main programs you'll need are:

1) MSI Afterburner
2) Furmark or MSI Kombustor

MSI Afterburner is used to monitor the temperatures, change the clock speeds and such, whilst Furmark/Kombuster (same thing really) is used to stress test the card.

What I'd do is start from stock settings, then increase the core speed by say 20MHz, then run Furmark for a few minutes. Be on the lookout for artifacts, and press Esc if you spot them (to hopefully prevent crashes) - though these are generally memory related.

Keep going until either:
a) the temperatures are getting silly
b) the frame rate drops substantially from previous lower speeds
c) it freezes (obviously)
d) you spot artifacts
e) it isn't as smooth as before

then downclock a bit and retest for 5-10 minutes (when the temperature has levelled out).

Do the same then for the memory.

You may want to set-up a more aggressive fan profile in Afterburner (you can set custom fan curves) to keep the heat under control, but it might get a bit noisy.

Just increase in small steps and be vigilant and honest about freezes/potential issues in testing.

 

[Kub]

Thank you, i'll give it a try and let you know about the results.

 

[gibb]

I will be interested to read what kind of FPS boost you get, my 8800gt is starting to show its age.

 

[Kub]

Core Clock 665 (+17)
Shader Clock 1726 (Linked w/ Core Clock)
Memory Clock 920 (+20)
Fan 35%

Tested on resolution 1440x900, MSAA 4x Open GL2, no improvements from stock.
Core temp 58-59*C
Usage 95-96%
18FPS
Fan 35%
_________
Overclocked to CC 680(+17+20) / SC 1766(Linked) / MC 920(no changes)
Tested on resolution 1440x900, MSAA 4x Open GL2, no improvements.
Core temp 58-59*C
Usage 95-96%
18FPS
Fan 35%
_________
Overclocked to CC 680(+17+20) / SC 1766(Linked) / MC 940(+20+20)
Core temp 59-60*C
Usage 95-96%
19FPS
Fan 35%

Results changed, so i'm going to wait for you to say it is okay or not and if i should continue.



Edit: What sings of improvement should i be looking for while testing stability, if any. Also i have red on nvidia forum about artefacts test program ATITool, should i use that as well?

will edit to give results

 

[Marvin]

ATITool's artefact tester is meant to be good, I've never used it though.

Basically just watch for flickers and anomalies in the ring of fluff.

 

[Kub]

I think, i have reached limit of my card at:
Core Clock 710MHz (+62)
Shader Clock 1843MHz (+155)
Memory Clock 960MHz (+60)

Testing screen started flickering with black stripes at CC720MHz/MC 970MHz

 

[MooMoo444]

I think, i have reached limit of my card at:
Core Clock 710MHz (+62)
Shader Clock 1843MHz (+155)
Memory Clock 960MHz (+60)

Testing screen started flickering with black stripes at CC720MHz/MC 970MHz

I assume you tested them individually? If you push both the core to 720 and the mem to 970 simultenously, you won't know which is limiting you.

 

[Kub]

I assume you tested them individually? If you push both the core to 720 and the mem to 970 simultenously, you won't know which is limiting you.

It was flickering on either one of them.