Overclocking Gpus

**PwnageBot2000** · 01-15-2007, 21:55

Hi guys, I currently have two SLI configurated 7900GS's in my computer. I've heard all about overclocking and how it improves performance if I'm not mistaken. If someone could explain to me further what overclocking is, how I can do it, and what benefits I get, that would be nice. I've also heard there are some consequences to it as well, and if someone could explain those to me. My goal is to run Medieval II total war WITH THE SHADOWS, along with the already high anti-aliasing.

Thanks. PwnageBot2000.

**Beirut** · 01-15-2007, 22:06

The consequences are roasting your hardware. "KABOOM!"

One of our resident experts can define overclocking for you better than I.

You should mention exactly what CPU you have.

**Xiahou** · 01-15-2007, 22:12

I experimented with overclocking a couple of graphics cards... generally, I didn't find it to be worth the risks/drawbacks. I suppose if you wanted to take extraordinary cooling measures (3rd party heat sinks/fans), you might be able to get a noticeable, stable improvement- but otherwise, I doubt it's worth it.

In my experience, I was able to maybe pick up a frame or two tops... if I went higher, sometimes it would run ok for awhile and then start developing on screen artifacts/glitches and sometimes it would lock up altogether. Either way, I didn't think the risks of long-term damage was worth the small benefit.

**PwnageBot2000** · 01-15-2007, 22:13

I have cooler master liquid cooling, will that help?

**Big King Sanctaphrax** · 01-15-2007, 23:28

Liquid-cooling should allow you to significantly increase clock-speeds above what would be possible with air-cooling alone.

What are you looking to overclock? Your CPU, your RAM or your graphics cards? I would suggest that you read the wiki article on overclocking, and then, if you want to proceed, find a specialist overclocking site and ask for advice on getting started.

**Phatose** · 01-16-2007, 04:18

Eh, it's an nVidia setup. Download coolbits and use the one overclocking utility built into nVidia's drivers that coolbits unhides.

Unless you're almost playable at those settings as is though, I wouldn't expect miracles. If you're getting 5 fps now, you ain't gonna overclock your way to 30.