GPU OC problem! Can't Pass 1100MHz core on HD 7850 2GB

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

Hi everyone!

I am trying to overclock my Powercolor HD 7850 2GB GPU.
Currently, I'm on 1100MHz core and 5200MHz on the memory at 1.185 volts.

Adding even 5MHz on the core causes instability. I tried adding more voltage but i think it doesn't help.

I think it can do more. I already upgraded it's cooler with a 3-heatpipe and 2 pieces of 80mm 5000RPM fans on it and it's always on max. I also added heatsinks on its voltage regulators. It's very noisy but it doesn't matter.

All I want is to squeeze more performance out of it.

I'm using Asus GPU TWEAK to overclock it and MSI kombustor/Furmark to test it's stability.

My system is composed of:

Intel core i5 2400
Asrock H61M-VS
G Skill Ripjaws 4GB x2
Powercolor HD 7850 2GB
FSP 500W PSU

Is the wattage of the PSU enough?

What other things should i do to overclock it more?

Please help! Any ideas and suggestions are welcome.. Thanks!

smeezekitty · Apr 9, 2013

Did you crank the power limit up?

Sakkura · Apr 9, 2013

That's already nearly a 30% overclock. It's quite possible the GPU has reached its limit.

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

smeezekitty :

Thahks for answering! Yes, I already cranked up the power limit to it's max position. I also disabled AMD Overdrive on CCC since I can now vary all the clocks on ASUS GPU tweak..

Is it wrong to disable AMD overdrive? I read somewhere that it interferes with other overclocking software so I decided not to use it and stick on asus GPU Tweak..

DarkSable · Apr 9, 2013

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised at all if your GPU CAN'T go further than that - especially since it's PowerColor, even with an aftermarket heatsink.

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

Sakkura :

Thanks for the reply!

Yes..its about 31% overclock on the core. But I read somewhere that you could squeeze more MHz by adding more voltage as it increases the stability. I think i still have headroom for the voltage cause I can still crank it up to 1.225 volts..

DarkSable · Apr 9, 2013

Phenom Xone :

That's correct, but there will be a voltage 'cliff' - basically a spot where, in order to get any significant further overclock, the voltage has to go up by a LOT.

You've likely hit that, and I'd avoid going up to 1.225v, as that's quite a lot, especially when your cooler is working hard enough as it is.

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

DarkSable :

Thanks for your reply! haha yeah...I'm on a very tight budget that's why i picked it up. Is there any other method or way to further oc it? Is my PSU enough?

DarkSable · Apr 9, 2013

Phenom Xone :

See my above post. Your PSU is plenty, but you've probably hit the cap of what that chip can do.

That being said, it's an extremely respectable overclock. May I ask what it is you're asking of it that makes you feel like you need more power?

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

DarkSable :

Thanks again! that's very informative... by the way, do you think my PSU is enough? based on HWMonitor, my 12 volt rail drops to about 11.933 volts on full load... Maybe my PSU isn't giving enough power and regulation for my system?

DarkSable · Apr 9, 2013

Phenom Xone :

Learn to hit refresh, son!

Your power supply is VERY good quality, and I would consider it more likely that it would be able to put out MORE power than rated for than less.

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

DarkSable :

Thanks as always! By the way this PSU is almost 4 years now so I can't help my self to doubt it's capabilities..I'm glad to know that it is still fine.. One more thing, do you think I can achieve more if i switch to MSI afterburner? with of these three do you consider the best GPU OC software?

1. Asus GPU TWEAK
2. MSI Afterburner
3. Sapphire Trixx

Thanks again!

DarkSable · Apr 9, 2013

Phenom Xone :

Hmm... You could certainly buy a multimeter to test it with, if it worries you - a professional multimeter will be $100+, but you can get a good one for about $30.

As for the overclocking programs, I'd avoid Trixx, but I consider afterburner and GPU tweak to be about of equal quality.

oddlyinsane · Apr 9, 2013

Download Techpowerups's GPUZ and check to see what the ASIC quality of your GPU is.
The higher it is, the better the overclocker it will be.

Like everyone has said, it may be your limit. But try upping the voltage to 1.225. Use Sapphrie Trixx as its IMO better. Personally, my Gigabyte can run at 1200 Mhz core at 1.225. Temperatures are always below 60C and never above that.

If you've slapped on an aftermarket cooler, the temperatures should be even cooler.

Hope this helps.

DarkSable · Apr 9, 2013

oddlyinsane :

Good point on GPUz, but I love that you come and contradict all my advice.

Have you had decent experiences with Trixx? I've played around with it and didn't find it to do as well. I'd also avoid running a core voltage that high, but I get a little paranoid when it comes to voltage and heat if I don't have my hands in the machine so I can tell exactly what I'm doing.

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

DarkSable :

Phenom Xone :

Hmm... You could certainly buy a multimeter to test it with, if it worries you - a professional multimeter will be $100+, but you can get a good one for about $30.

As for the overclocking programs, I'd avoid Trixx, but I consider afterburner and GPU tweak to be about of equal quality.

Thanks again..i'll try to measure it with voltmeter later to verify its output..

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

oddlyinsane :

Thanks for your reply! My ASIC quality is 78.6%.. what can you say about it?

oddlyinsane · Apr 9, 2013

@DarkSable Well, sorry about that

Guess I can't help it.

I like Trixx for its simplistic design. I've tried GPU Tweak, MSI Afterburner and Trixx (in fact, I run them all at the same time, lol) and I like Trixx for overclocking.
They will all do the same thing, and I don't find any differences in terms of overclocking.

With regards to 1.225, I don't use it for 24/7 use. Only for benchmarks. I only run at 1150 Mhz as the 50 Mhz increase does not justify the huge voltage increase. But for me, as long as the temps are below 85C, iz aall goodh.

@OP Your PSU is fine, but it is getting a little long in the tooth.
Anyway, I don't find much performance increase from 1100 to 1150 to 1200 anyway. So you shouldn't worry about it. Sometimes, I find I'm trying to push my card just because of seeing other people's cards getting 1200 easily. My ASIC quality is poor (71 ish)

oddlyinsane · Apr 9, 2013

BUT I know of some people with 90+% ASIC quality getting poor overclocks. But generally, it does suggest how well it will overclock.

Your OC:ASIC seems about right.

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

oddlyinsane :

Thanks! But your card can clock higher than mine.. what score do you get on 3dmark11? I get about P6880 ...my graphics score is 7453..

Thanks!

oddlyinsane · Apr 9, 2013

Sometimes it's just like that unfortunately...
I haven't ran 3DMark11 to be honest. Of course higher clocks=better score, but in the end, what matters is how much fps you get in games.

Phenom Xone · Apr 9, 2013

oddlyinsane :

That's right...haha Thanks a lot!

GPU OC problem! Can't Pass 1100MHz core on HD 7850 2GB

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