Adjusting performance beyond limits for the RX 480 XFX GTR can lead to increased heat levels.
Adjusting performance beyond limits for the RX 480 XFX GTR can lead to increased heat levels.
Hello
I'm attempting to boost my GPU speed using MSI Afterburner. I've achieved stable 1390 MHz and 2200 MHz at normal voltage, but the maximum temperature is quite high (83 or even 84°C). I'm concerned this could harm the GPU. The fans are only running at 55% of their full speed during peak load. I'd like to raise the fan speed to 60%, but I don't want to mess with the fan curve or lower the max temperature to 80°C (currently around 90°C, and lowering it reduces the power limit). Any guidance from seasoned overclockers would be greatly appreciated.
Valley is designed as a GPU stress test or benchmark, so without VSync it will likely reach maximum usage and generate high temperatures. I’m not a dedicated overclocker; both my GPU and CPU are already heavily overclocked to meet performance demands. My GPUs run at stock speeds, though, since the current performance is sufficient. I still have custom fan curves configured in Afterburner because most cards prioritize noise control over temperature management. Xfx definitely tends to do that on every card I’ve tested. At around 80°C, I’d recommend keeping fans at a minimum of 70%.
I would lower the high-end temperature slightly, and the overclock provides minimal improvements in performance.
And the overclock provides minimal improvements in speed. I’d be concerned mostly about the 2200 Mhz memory clock. Have you verified any memory issues during testing at that frequency?
Results from Valley (stock|OC):
FPS: 34.3 | 35.6
Score: 1434 | 1490
Min: 19.5 | 20.4
Max: 61.3 | 65.5
I haven’t noticed any artifacts, neither in benchmarks nor in games. Temperature is my main concern. However, I’ve only played Cities Skylines for testing and experienced around 75C, while Valley pushes my GPU a bit more.
Should I stick to the stock settings?
Valley is designed as a GPU stress test or benchmark, so without VSync it will likely reach maximum usage and generate high temperatures. I’m not a dedicated overclocker; both my GPU and CPU are already heavily overclocked to meet performance demands. My GPUs run at stock speeds, though, since the current performance is sufficient. I still keep custom fan curves in Afterburner because most cards prioritize noise control over temperature management. Xfx definitely tends to do that on every card I’ve tested. At around 80°C, I’d recommend keeping fans at a minimum of 70%.
I'll keep it at the current level.
This act isn't worth the chance.