Overclocking The Graphics Core By 90%
If you've decided to get a motherboard using the 780G chipset with its integrated HD3200 GPU, and don't have any money left over for a dedicated graphics card, you'll be glad to hear that there is a very simple way to get more 3D performance. At stock speeds, the on-board GPU runs at 500 MHz.
GPU-Z at stock speeds
Another look with the on-board graphics unit overclocked to 950 MHz.
Pressing CTRL+F1 in the BIOS of the Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H motherboard opens a hidden menu that allows you to change the GPU's clock speed. We were able to boost the sample's GPU frequency from 500 MHz to 950 MHz. All benchmarks ran much faster, and completed without errors or crashes.
Setting the GPU to 950 MHz
GPU frequency of 500 MHz
GPU overclocked to 950 MHz
The graphics driver recognizes the new frequencies correctly
A look at the HD3450 with GPU-Z
| Onboard 780G-GPU @950 MHz | |
|---|---|
| Benchmark | Performance Increase |
| Warhammer: | 21.7% |
| Supreme Commander: | 42.8% |
| UT 2004: | 18.4% |
| Serious Sam 2: | 47.1% |
| Quake 4: | 22.3% |
| Prey: | 21.8% |
| Average Overall: | 29.0% |
We were able to achieve a performance boost of 29% by overclocking the GPU to 950 MHz. The 55 nm process really pays off for overclockers here!