Software, Benchmarks and Scoring
Operating System
The software question was a hard one to answer. Although Windows XP is the de-facto standard for overclocking systems, we could not get Microsoft to support us with licenses for this event. The reason is obvious: Though Windows XP will still be supported for several years, Microsoft does not want to promote it any longer. Hence the operating system choice had to be Windows Vista Ultimate. After a lot of back and forth (and some surprise discoveries that the 64-bit edition was faster in many overclocked benchmarks) we went with the more tried and true x32 environment.
Benchmarks
We decided to put emphasis both on CPU overclocking as well as on graphics processor overclocking. All devices may be cooled by any means considered necessary, and we expect the teams to utilize our liquid nitrogen for both components.
CPU Benchmarks
There are three individual benchmarks, which we run at various settings:
- SuperPI 1.5 1M
- SuperPI 1.5 32M
- PiFast 4.1
- wPrime 1.55 32M
- wPrime 1.55 1024M
Graphics Benchmarks
- Aquamark V3
- 3DMark01 SE V.330
- 3DMark03 V3.6
- 3DMark05 V1.3
- 3Dmark06 V1.1
All of the graphics tests were expected to be run at their default settings, though the contestants were allowed to pick whichever driver settings they wanted in order to achieve the best possible numbers.
Scoring
The team reaching the best benchmark results in each test wins. For instance, reaching the best result in 3DMark06 will result in a score of 100 points. The second place receives 60 points, others receive a smaller amount.
| Winner | 100 points |
| 2nd | 60 points |
| 3rd | 30 points |
| 4th | 20 points |
| 5th | 10 points |
Should two teams reach the same score in a particular benchmark, then they will both receive the higher score (e.g. 100 points for 1st place, leaving the benchmark without a 2nd place).
We also decided to introduce a 5% score penalty should a team fry one of the components. There will be sufficient spare parts, but we cannot provide multiple spares.
Surprisingly, we didn’t lose any hardware in the US trial—likely a result of not being able to push voltages high enough on either the P45 motherboards or the GeForce GTX 280 graphics cards. We’re expecting the finals to heat up considerably—pardon the pun—with access to more aggressive settings.
Software Tweaks
We decided to allow tweaks on Windows Vista, the drivers and system components to maximize performance. However, it is not allowed to apply and modification to the benchmarks.
And so, with fully configured hard drives and copper pots ready for liquid nitrogen, all of our contestants prepare to do battle for the chance to duke it out in France. Stay tuned for a more in-depth breakdown of how the first event here in the States transpired.
I wish these competitions were based on market cooling instead of the liquid nitrogen cooling that we have become accustomed to seeing in these competitions.
I would actually like to see a overclock done on these competitions that I might realistically use. Why not start competitions with themes like "air cooled" or "water cooled" and actually have these overclockers try to peak out sustainable clock speeds for everyday use?
I understand the principle as to why overclocking exists. Unfortunately, the average enthusiast doesn't look at overclocking as a sport but as a means of gaining highest performance out of your chip.
Thanks for the read.
I would like to see some lower leve loverclocking comps, maybe sponsored LAN parties or the like. Different types of records with water and air!
These types of competitions are like drag races; push a car as hard and fast as it can go until you win, run out of gas or blow it up. You wouldn't drive a drag car on the streets every day to and from work, and the same concept applies here. That being said, this does make an interesting argument that you should/shouldn't use techniques and materials suitable for everyday use. I do agree that there should be some more in-depth articles about OC with consumer components as well. It is cool to see how they use the LN2 pots and volt mods, but maybe provide some more details into how to volt mod a board or GPU and how to run the highest clocks for 24/7 users.
The best overclocking you can do for 24/7 home use is phase-change, and that's been around for several years. Not a lot of folks do it though because water is a lot simpler, many times cheaper, and generally provides enough cooling to still get a satisfactory overclock.
Mind you, with a lifetime supply of R404A, phase-change makes a great investment.
^Freon? For what??
These types of competitions are like drag races; push a car as hard and fast as it can go until you win, run out of gas or blow it up. You wouldn't drive a drag car on the streets every day to and from work, and the same concept applies here. That being said, this does make an interesting argument that you should/shouldn't use techniques and materials suitable for everyday use. I do agree that there should be some more in-depth articles about OC with consumer components as well. It is cool to see how they use the LN2 pots and volt mods, but maybe provide some more details into how to volt mod a board or GPU and how to run the highest clocks for 24/7 users.
This is exactly it. This is an all-out drag race. Stay tuned Rubix, I'll have something for you on Monday with more daily-use overclocking that should address the points you bring up here.
Stay tuned Rubix, I'll have something for you on Monday with more daily-use overclocking that should address the points you bring up here.
I am glad to hear it and look forward to the write up. Just look at it this way, the number of car enthusiasts that take part in drag racing is a very small %. Same is true in these situations. I am glad your taking initiative to provide content relative to your mainstream audience.
I wish these competitions were based on market cooling instead of the liquid nitrogen cooling that we have become accustomed to seeing in these competitions.I would actually like to see a overclock done on these competitions that I might realistically use. Why not start competitions with themes like "air cooled" or "water cooled" and actually have these overclockers try to peak out sustainable clock speeds for everyday use? I understand the principle as to why overclocking exists. Unfortunately, the average enthusiast doesn't look at overclocking as a sport but as a means of gaining highest performance out of your chip.Thanks for the read.
While liquid nitrogen cooling can be likened to 6 second drag racing; air cooling and liquid cooling can be likened to endurance racing like 24 hours of Le Mans.
Both seek performance increases. Both are interesting to those who like that sort of thing. However, each has different set ups for different purposes.