The performance of a computer video card directly depends on the clock frequencies. It is on them that the main work of the graphics processor and video memory is performed. The higher the number of clock frequencies, the greater the throughput of frames per second. The optimal level of this characteristic for a modern video card is 60 fps, sometimes 24 fps is enough for users (for example, to watch movies on a computer).
Why do you need overclocking a video card
Many users are wondering how to overclock the NVidia graphics card, since they do not have the means to replace or reconstruct an outdated computer.
To increase the video card throughput up to 20%, it is necessary to speed it up (overclock). This process consists in increasing the frequency of the core and memory, as well as tuning the operation of the cooling system. After the video card is overclocked to its maximum value, the cooler noise level will noticeably decrease, and computer video games will load and run faster.
Danger during acceleration
Many computer users are looking for the answer to the question - how to safely overclock the NVidia Geforce graphics card. Acceleration is always associated with certain risks that must be considered before conducting this operation. Here are some of the main problems that a PC user may encounter:
- unstable system operation. If the process of overclocking the card is not carried out correctly, a “blue screen of death” may appear;
- graphic artifacts may appear on the monitor screen that will require additional processor power from the computer;
- increasing the power of the computer can lead to overheating, which will subsequently lead to equipment failure;
- during the launch of the game on the PC, performance may noticeably decrease;
- due to a significant increase in temperature during the operation of the card, thermal grease can be evaporated, which is located between the radiator and the video chip;
- it is possible to increase the noise from the fast operation of the cooler, which is forced to absorb thermal energy;
- as a result of a change in the operating mode of the system, the amount of electricity consumed will increase.
As it becomes clear from the list, after being able to overclock the NVidia graphics card on a laptop, numerous problems can arise. However, it is worth remembering that such situations only happen if the process of computer acceleration is not performed correctly. In addition, if the computer has weak equipment (motherboard, processor, insufficient RAM, limited power of the unit supplying the computer), then overclocking is not worth it, since it will not work to achieve significant performance. To prevent unforeseen situations, it is necessary to prepare.
What you need to speed up the card
On the Internet, the question is quite often - how to properly overclock the NVidia Geforce graphics card. There are no special devices for accelerating a video card. Nevertheless, during the increase in PC operating parameters, heat dissipation increases significantly, so if you have poor cooling, then it is better to abandon this upgrade.
In the event that there are no problems with the operation of the cooling system, you can use a number of computer utilities. When setting up the software, do not forget that you should not squeeze the maximum out of the equipment, as you can damage the computer.
Before overclocking the NVidia graphics card, you need to study the capabilities of the graphics accelerator. Sometimes the factory settings are set to the maximum value, so it will not work to upgrade the device without the risk of damage. If the PC owner is willing to take risks, it is possible to use unofficial programs, but no one can guarantee the result of the flawless operation of the video card.
The risk of using pirated software lies in the fact that after accelerating the video card, you need to select the correct parameter for the frequency of the chip, as well as install additional coolers for more efficient heat removal from the microcircuits. Instruction on accelerating video equipment on a PC.
Video overclocking methods
To answer the question of whether there is a utility for overclocking an NVidia video card, you should know that there are three ways to speed up a video card:
- Using the driver.
- Using official software developed by the manufacturer.
- Using pirated software. One of the most effective and affordable is the Riva Tuner.
What will change after overclocking
All three of these methods are very similar to each other, they have the following modernization options:
- changing the factory settings of the video card;
- hardware acceleration using a driver or directly;
- change of cooler operation parameters;
- setting the refresh rate of the screen;
- real-time testing of a computer system;
- measurement of the number of displayed frames on the screen per second.
Download and install software for work
To find out how much you can overclock the NVidia Geforce graphics card, you should first download from the Internet, and then install all the necessary software on your computer. For example, take the popular and free program Riva Tuner, which will help to disperse the equipment. You will also need a utility called Everest. Thanks to it, it is possible to monitor the temperature inside the case of the system unit. After testing, the 3D mark program is suitable for testing the system.
The Riva Tuner program is installed simply, after installation it is generated, which will take several minutes. If the error "Unsupported driver" appears on the first start of the program, then it can be ignored. This situation arises due to the fact that the program needs to upgrade to the latest version. There should be no problems downloading and installing other programs.
Getting started to speed up your computer
After successful installation of the programs, you need to run the utility for overclocking the NVidia video card. To do this, open the "Registry" tab in the main window near the clock. In the Riva Tuner Fun branch that opens, set parameter 3 in Auto Fun Speed Control. After completing this operation, you should exit the program.
The next step is to go through the "Start" menu to the same program and select the "System Settings" tab. Next, you need to put a mark in the list and in the item “Cooler” select “low level control”. After that, the computer needs to reboot, but before that you need to click on the "Define" item. In this menu, you need to change the auto settings to a constant mode of operation of the cooler, setting its operation at the level of 95%. All previously made settings should be saved. In the same menu, you can reduce the noise emitted by the cooler by several percent. In this case, everything should be saved, and check the box "Load settings at system startup."
At the next stage in setting up the equipment, you need to return to the “Acceleration” section. There it is necessary to find scales without ticks, there should be two of them. Check the box “low-level acceleration control”. After additional settings are available, you need to increase the core frequency by 10%.
At the final stage of setting up the program for overclocking the NVidia video card, you should conduct testing by clicking on the “Test” item, then “Apply”. Next, run the Everest program and 3D mark and proceed to test the accelerated video card.
During testing, it is important to constantly monitor the heating temperature of the card. It should not be higher than 90 degrees Celsius. If a distorted picture of the image appears on the monitor screen, then the acceleration process must be stopped immediately, and then lower the frequency by 20 points. After that, you can continue the experiment. If the temperature rises, you also need to reduce the performance of the card.
If the process goes smoothly, you can gradually increase the frequency by a few percent until the first distortions appear. After the appearance of artifacts, record the indicators, and then reset the frequency to the minimum.
At the next stage, it is necessary to set the frequency to the level that was earlier, before acceleration.
Memory overclocking
The next stage of tuning is to overclock the memory. It accelerates in the same way as the core. After fixing the maximum memory indicator, you should set the factory parameters of the kernel. Then again it is necessary to conduct testing.
After overclocking the NVidia graphics card, the parameters are set to the maximum available level, you can proceed to the test by launching video games. You should still be monitoring your fps while your computer is running. If the screen shows even the slightest distortion, you should reduce the memory performance by 15 points.
In the event of performance degradation, you must run the test again. If after tuning the memory frequency has decreased by more than 70 points, then you should also reduce the kernel performance, and at the same time increase the memory frequency.
Cooler overclocking
In order to properly overclock NVidia video cards for both mining and modern games, you will also need to configure the cooling system. For high-quality and more efficient operation of the cooler, you should configure. To do this, select the “Cooler” tab in the Riva Tuner program, and then go to the “Cooler Performance Improvement Criteria” menu.
The setting can be done both in automatic mode and installed independently. In order to keep the equipment working on a computer, it is necessary to set the cooling efficiency to 100%. However, it should be borne in mind that the noise level will be slightly increased. To save the results, you need to check the box "Start from OS". After completing these settings, you can launch a modern video game for testing.
Overclocking the card in the BIOS
To learn how to overclock the NVidia graphics card in the BIOS, you should follow the instructions below:
- go into the BIOS;
- configure boot in flash drive mode;
- reboot the equipment;
- After loading the flash drive, save the BIOS firmware. In case of problems, it will be possible to restore the stable operation of the computer using the recorded information;
- install the program for overclocking an NVidia graphics card called the X-BIOS Editor. After starting the utility, in its menu you need to find the “Initialization” item and you need to change the frequency indicator;
- A file containing information about flashing the card should be saved on a bootable USB flash drive. After overclocking, boot the OS from the flash drive, and then select Update VGABIOS. While the equipment is being flashed, the computer cannot be turned off. After completing this procedure, be sure to reboot the system, and then check the result.
Overclocking a card using Afterburner
Many users are interested in how to overclock an NVidia graphics card through MSI Afterburner. This utility is designed to increase the performance of the GeForce 8X00, as well as more modern models of the same manufacturer. Using this program, you can control the rotation speed of the cooler, adjust the power of the GPU, as well as adjust the core frequency.
The program interface is quite simple and translated into Russian. You can download it absolutely free on the Internet.