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Overclocking Video Cards

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AARRGGHHH   06-01-2007 at 12:56:38 PM

I'm new to overclocking.

I know I've seen discussion of overclocking video cards, but I dont understand how that's done. From the little I know about CPU, FSB, and RAM overclocking, I understand that it's done via minor voltage changes in an overclocking friendly BIOS. How is it done on video cards? Are there only certain brands with overclocking as an option?

Thank you

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FeareX   06-01-2007 at 01:21:41 PM
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For nvidia you can use rivatuner and for ati atitool.
Overclocking for videocards is really easy, just search for the highest clockspeed it can handle (but watch you temps)

Reply to FeareX
oswold   06-01-2007 at 01:34:32 PM
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Yeah its much easier than OCing the CPU and RAM.

Using coolbits, you can let it do an automatic OC, and then just adjust the sliders untill highest stable. Mine still keeps under 50c.

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AARRGGHHH   06-01-2007 at 01:52:54 PM
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Thanks very much for the quick replies. 8)

One discussion of Coolbits noted that not all cards have temperature sensors, and that this varies from brand to brand.

I'd appreciate if someone could let me know what brands DO always have temp sensors, and if there's some place I could look for more details (it's not always mentioned in product descriptions on Web sales sites)

Thanks again

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Heyyou27   06-01-2007 at 03:00:23 PM
- 0 +

Quote :

Thanks very much for the quick replies. 8)

One discussion of Coolbits noted that not all cards have temperature sensors, and that this varies from brand to brand.

I'd appreciate if someone could let me know what brands DO always have temp sensors, and if there's some place I could look for more details (it's not always mentioned in product descriptions on Web sales sites)

Thanks again

Just about every brand of Nvidia card you'll find has integrated temperature sensors. My personal favorite is eVga thanks to their lifetime warranty which covers overclocking, and their step-up program.

Reply to Heyyou27
AARRGGHHH   06-02-2007 at 08:56:49 AM
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Thanks, that was very helpful.

Does anyone happen to know if PNY nVidia cards have temperature sensors?

I'm really looking forward to getting these parts ordered and this system put together. 8)

Reply to AARRGGHHH
JackCrackerMan   06-02-2007 at 10:02:20 AM
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I'm pretty sure, I'm running a BFG 7950GT OC (Stock) and it idles/load at 60/80 so I have to go buy a mod to switch out this POS cooler.

Reply to JackCrackerMan
AARRGGHHH   06-02-2007 at 11:37:28 PM
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Quote :

The sensor is built into the GPU itself. So if for example one 7900GS card has it then any manufacture that makes a 7900GS card will have it...



I've seen other comments that contradict that, maybe nVidia does put the sensor in all cards, but not all manufacturers active it.

I'm looking for details on PNY cards, as to whether they have the temperature sensor and are overclocking friendly.

Thanks

Reply to AARRGGHHH
Windfish   06-11-2007 at 04:28:37 PM
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I like to use ATI Tray Tools, (Not the same thing as ATI tool btw.). The new version lets you control the fan speed on the fly using global keyboard shortcuts, and also lets you activate your saved overclocking and/or performance profiles. I think it's really handy to be playing a game, and just press the button to turn up the amount of anti-aliasing, or to increase the memory/ core speed, or to control fan speed. The only problem is that it doesn't work too well with the catalyst control centre, apart from that it's great. I've not used the voltage changing options yet, but I can get a reasonable overclock without, and don't want to stress my card more that it is at the moment.

Reply to Windfish
accu   06-12-2007 at 01:46:04 AM
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thanks for the link, it was really helpful. i use riva tuner, i did oc a bit 576 core clock/ 900 memory clock. my core temp @ idle is 60, as right now i m using 100% fan duty cycle. whats the bad thing about using max fan duty cycle, i dont really care about noise that much.

Reply to accu
nhobo   06-12-2007 at 02:39:18 AM
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Here is a link to a volt mod guide for the 7900 series. Works on other cards, too, just Google to find what you need. A conductive pen and a good GPU cooler are necessary, as is a well ventilated case.

Reply to nhobo
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