New
#1
Is overclocking for graphics cards safe?
i dont have any idea how to overclock a graphics card..so hypothetically saying is it safe? and whats the downside of it?
Is overclocking for graphics cards safe?
-
-
New #2
Last edited by zigzag3143; 09 Dec 2011 at 01:23.
-
-
New #4
There is always a chance you chould burn a card. But aslong as you dont try to max them out without knowing what your doing you should be ok.
It is safe aslong as you have a good program (preferably form the manufacturer) and you keep an eye on the tempatures. When your not gaming put the cards back to their default settings.
I have a GTX 260 216 and these are the settings I use in Evga percision:
Setting 1: core clock-576 shader clock- 1242 memory clock- 999 fan-40% (default)
Setting 2: core clock-655 shader clock- 1412 memory clock- 1125 fan-40%
Setting 3: core clock-700 shader clock- 1509 memory clock- 1230 fan-80%
Since your in SLI you shouldnt need to OC it too much to max out games.
Make sure you have the card set to default settings at boot and when you first OC the cards keep and eye on the temps. 50-70șc is normal. I suggest you use the OC settings that I gave but if you want to use something different make sure you keep the core and shader clock linked.
-
New #5
no one here can say it's safe because it does come at a risk, you could brick the card making it a doorstop.
do it in small steps and see how it goes, always do thorogh testing after each overclock to see if it runs stable or not.
-
New #6
only overclock a card if you need to, say your struggling to play a game you want, or you want better frame rates one your favorite game. Dont just do it because its "cool" to say youve done it.
its as safe as any overclock if done correctly, but personally i just buy a card i know will play the games i want so i can leave it be :)
-
New #7
Any overcloking comes with a risk.
Heat is your main enemy.
Heat= shortened life span.
So you need to weigh the benifit of the overclock against the risk.
JMO Fabe
-
New #8
Always remember Dual cards more heat
So overclocking more really wouldn't help you cooling is a major factor
Safe practice is a dual gpu set up shouldn't be fiddle with to much because lack of space between the bridge connector space for air flow and adition measures of cooling to make sure it doesn't get to extreme temps
my advice if you have it set up leave it where it is im sure it can take any decent mainstream gpu
-
New #9
Overclocking on stock volts doesn't increase the heat as much compared to increasing the voltage and clock speed, but it still will increase.
As Solar mentioned having them in SLI reduces airflow (the top/primary card) will already be running a little hotter than the bottom one, so you can always try and fit a fan in your case to get as much airflow between them.
Lifespan can become a real issue if you are running at high temps for prolonged periods of time or if you plan to keep using those cards for several more years.
As for apps, MSI Afterburner is a good one. GPU-Z is also good for monitoring other temps.
Crash, system freeze - yes. Instant death, no. Adjusting voltages? - can definitely brick a card if too much.
It's also more than just monitoring the core temp of the cards - you also have to consider the VRM's (bits responsible for feeding your card voltage)
Ultimately it's 'safe enough' if kept within 'safe' parameters.
How hard you want to push the cards is up to you, but a good rule of thumb is if you can't afford to replace it, don't hammer it.
-
New #10
well said..well im thinking of changing the 260s and move to 570 or 590..and thinking as its a single one..might try OC.
Quote
Related Discussions