ASUS Strix 970 overclocking and over-voltage details
ASUS Strix 970 overclocking and over-voltage details
I own an ASUS Strix 970...
Power Supply = Corsair GS 700
Processor = Core i5 2310k (2.9 GHz) OC @ 3.5 GHz
Second GPU = ASUS GTX 650 Ti BOOST DC2-OC 2GB (As PhysX Card)
I’ve already checked several forums before posting...
I’ve been using Nvidia Inspector for overclocking, and currently it works best.
For now, the most stable clocks I have are:
Base Clock Offset = (+82 MHz)
Real Base Clock = (1360 MHz)
Memory Clock offset = (+350 MHz)
Real Memory Clock = (3856 MHz) × 2
Power Target = 120%
Temp target = 91°C
Over Voltage = (+37.5 mV)
Real Voltage = (1212.5 mV)
I tried running Heaven Benchmark on Extreme preset all night, and everything was fine—temperatures stayed under 70°C.
(My room got hot, but that’s okay.)
I’ve seen others getting better performance from their Strix 970s...
I turned on OC Range enhancement in ASUS GPU Tweak.
When I exceed these base and memory clocks, the screen would go black randomly, requiring clock resets and driver restarts. I thought increasing voltage might help, but I couldn’t find a way to raise it further.
Just today I realized OC Range enhancement also allows raising voltage from 1212.5 mV to 1265 mV...
On benchmarking... : (http://i.imgur.com/FmxLjuN.png)
Here’s a screenshot of GPU Tweak, Nvidia Inspector, GPU Meter, and GPU Tweak Monitor...
(http://i.imgur.com/NaebN8A.png)
Temperature shouldn’t be an issue since the Strix 970’s fans are very efficient—they rarely exceed 40% duty cycle, even in high heat (my summer room reaches up to 70°C).
My room should be around 27°C thanks to the AC, which cools the open case.
Would it be okay to push the clocks even higher?
Any suggestions on how much voltage I should increase for better performance?
...but we don’t want the card getting damaged.
I followed the instructions from the guide and adjusted my original BIOS settings. The boost frequency was raised to 1506.5 MHz, all voltages set to 1268.8 mV across the table, and power limits increased accordingly. With a Corsair GS700 PSU, I checked whether the voltage, clock speeds, and power limits would work properly.
To boost voltage and reach higher power goals, you’ll need a tailored BIOS. I updated a custom BIOS earlier today for my 980ti and now it’s stable at 1500mhz with 1.274v and a 142% power target. Previously, I could only hit 1420mhz at 1.2v and a 110% target. The only drawback is that my GPU now draws 500 watts peak.
Here’s the link to the tutorial:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1523391/easy-...tx-970-980
Please wait while I prepare a custom BIOS for you. It should be ready in under an hour and uploaded shortly. After completion, I’ll upload it and provide a link for your use.
The Strix Custom.rom is the custom bios I created. It should have your boost clocks and overclock settings at their standard speeds. I also increased the voltage to 1.27v, giving ample headroom. Just keep in mind that I set the maximum power target to 200%, allowing you to adjust the limit between 50% and 200% if needed for additional power.
For backup, there is a stock bios file available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sxptg3qgf0aba...wvnYa?dl=0
I’m not liable if you harm your graphics card.
Here are the bios files. Please be cautious. I increased the maximum power target to 200%, allowing you to adjust the limit between 50-200% if needed for additional power. I’m not liable if you harm your graphics card. Before proceeding, remember that ASUS Strix uses a single 8-pin PCI-E power connector, whereas other GTX 970 models have both 6-pin and 8-pin connectors. Does this affect the 200% target? I’m completely new to overclocking beyond limits and will handle it carefully.
I just completed updating the BIOS. Restarting now, hoping it resolves the issue.
I tested the bios and it seemed to function properly. My new boost OC settings use GPU: 1460 MHz and Memory: 3903 MHz.
Running Heaven with the same extreme preset now achieves 76-78 FPS, which is smooth and stable.
Power target has been adjusted up to 199%.
However, voltage remains at 1212.0 mV and Power Target (set to 150%) never exceeds 115% during full load.
After comparing my original BIOS with your modified one, an error appeared indicating a mismatch at some offset.
Flashing the BIOS caused another error, which I couldn't capture. Could it be that the voltage settings haven't changed?
Checked and adjusted the voltages. Proceed with flashing. Adjust the power limit to 140% and observe if additional adjustments are required after updating the new BIOS. It remains in the same dropbox folder.