GPU overclocking query
GPU overclocking query
I increased the overclock on a 3060 using more costly thermal pads this time. Do you consistently run your overclock or occasionally revert to the standard setting?
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
After being overclocked, they stay that way unless you notice artifacts or anomalies that weren’t there before. Remember, even with better thermal pads, ensure your case’s airflow is correct and your PSU provides consistent power (through a well-built one).
Always begin with the default, non-OC GPU configurations. Disable applying previous settings upon startup in afterburner/X1 or similar tools.
To the best of my understanding, video cards generally lack built-in options to enable overclocking unless you manually update the vBIOS. When you stop using software like MSI Afterburner, the card reverts to its standard settings. For me, I follow customized V-F curves tailored to my tasks and desired performance levels. I've observed that some games let the card run at higher power without significantly improving frame rates, while in other cases I don’t see a noticeable slowdown, so I prefer keeping it near the base clock.
I usually purchase more hardware than necessary so I can maintain it for longer. For instance, on my new 6900-xt I undervolt it. When a GPU bottleneck appears, I'll run it at stock settings. If another bottleneck occurs, I'll gradually increase the OC as required throughout the card's lifespan. By the time I replace it, it will be set to its maximum cooling capacity.
You might feel let down by the slight variation in performance across the three situations you mentioned. This largely varies from person to person. I currently have my 6900 XT overclocked and undervolted, achieving a graphics score above 22k in Time Spy while keeping the total power draw under 300W. Many users on overclock.net are pushing the card to exceed 450W, adjusting settings with MPT and only managing around 23.5k-24.5k for the same game. 300W seems to be the optimal balance for this model in terms of efficiency and longevity. If your goal is to extend the card's lifespan, consider these adjustments: - Disable the zero-RPM fan mode immediately. This prevents higher heat spikes compared to a low setting that gradually increases with temperature. - Apply the easy pcb back thermal pad modification if you have a reference unit or another card without proper thermal pads on the rear, even with a metal enclosure. See the link below for details: https://forums.
I stopped overclocking with my 3080, but I still undervolt it. I tried overclocking again and it helped synthetic scores, though the actual gaming performance didn’t change much. The added noise and heat were really noticeable, so I returned to the stock settings and focused on undervolting. This approach gives games a similar feel but with a cooler and quieter system.
Most modern GPUs seem to agree that you should begin with undervolting before thinking about overclocking. In most cases, doing so improves performance, keeps frame times more stable, and raises low FPS numbers by about 0.1% to 1%, even if it doesn’t significantly boost raw FPS. This often isn’t necessary for much improvement. The advantage lies in undervolting without overclocking, which extends the lifespan of components by reducing operating temperature and electrical strain.