GTX 970 Strix Overclock Help
GTX 970 Strix Overclock Help
Hey there, just got a new GTX 970 (Asus Strix Model) and I'm curious about the benefits and needs for overclocking. The base speed is 1114 MHz and the factory boost clock is 1253 MHz. Is that already quite good? Could pushing it higher bring noticeable gains? Right now the idle temps are around 55°C and spike to about 76°C during intense games like Shadow of Mordor. Is that a concern? Would overclocking be risky or harmful? Thanks for your help!
I'm really unsure about the "recommended temps." As I mentioned before, when the GPU hits its thermal limit it will slow down. Knowing the temperature at which it throttles might help you understand your suggested maximum. Any temperature that can maintain performance over extended periods without causing system issues is ideal. When you hit your precise operating capacity (where it doesn't slow down), reduce the clock slightly to allow some buffer in case of overloads that could lead to throttling.
Keep in mind there are many reviews of the GTX 970 that cover OC tests, which can serve as a guide for your limits.
Just one more point, since GPUs are typically clocked at lower speeds than CPUs, so they...
You could try OCing it if you want, just do it with baby step increases, 10-15 MHz each time. OC is try and error, you increase clocks, run a stress test, watch temps if there's no throttling and if it passes, you may repeat. When a GPU reaches its thermal celling it will clock down (throttle) by its own to avoid burning itself. When you do it this way you avoid the risk of burning your GPU.
You might consider testing OC with small adjustments, around 10-15 MHz each step. This approach involves trial and error—raising the clocks, performing a stress test, and monitoring temperatures. If the GPU operates without throttling and passes, you can continue. Once the thermal limit is hit, the GPU will automatically slow down to protect itself. This method helps prevent damage while trying to extend its lifespan.
When planning for long-term use, aim for a safe temperature range and avoid exceeding it significantly.
I'm really unsure about the "recommended temps." As I mentioned before, when the GPU hits its thermal limit it will slow down. Knowing at what temperature it throttles can help you estimate your ideal maximum temperature. Any temperature that allows stable operation for extended periods and avoids system issues is acceptable. When you hit your precise operating point (where it doesn't slow down), reduce the clock slightly to leave some buffer in case of overloads that might trigger throttling.
You'll find many reviews of the GTX 970 that include OC tests, which can serve as a guide for understanding your limits.
Keep in mind that GPUs generally run at much lower speeds than CPUs, so they can't achieve high clock rates. A small increase like 160 MHz isn't noticeable on a CPU but is significant for a GPU. That's why such adjustments should be around 10-15 MHz.
I really don't understand the "recommended temps". As you mentioned before, when the GPU hits its thermal limit it slows down. If you notice at what temperature it throttles, that can help you estimate your ideal maximum temperature. Any temperature that allows the overclock to last for extended periods without causing system issues is acceptable. When you hit your precise overclock ceiling (where it doesn't slow down), reduce the clock slightly so you have some buffer in case of an overload that might trigger throttling.
You're right, many reviews of the GTX 970 include OC tests and can serve as a reference for your limits.
Just a note, GPUs generally run at much lower speeds than CPUs, which means they can't achieve very high clock rates. A 160 MHz boost isn't huge for a CPU but significant for a GPU. That's why the adjustments should be around 10-15 Mhz.
Thanks for the useful info. I'll check what others have accomplished with the GTX 970. Appreciate your help.
Good luck, man.
The record should be around 2 GHz, using liquid nitrogen, of course.
Brunostako :
Hope you're doing well.
The record should be around 2 GHz, definitely with liquid nitrogen.
Haha, I saw that stream too—it's really impressive. I've heard a GTX 970 can reach about 1500 MHz with air cooling, still stable (obviously it's pushing the limits). And thanks
Your temperatures are significantly higher than what you'd expect from a regular GTX 970. I'm seeing 44 on idle (with fans off) and 61 max during intense games like Shadow of Mordor and BF4, even at 42% fan speed. I've shut down the case fans completely, but the idle temperature remains around 47°C for about half an hour while using Facebook. While your temps aren't extreme, it's still quite high for a GPU drawing 145W.
Your temperatures are significantly higher than what you'd expect from a regular GTX 970. I'm seeing 44 during idle (with fans off) and up to 61 under heavy loads like Shadow of Mordor and BF4, even at 42% fan speed max. I've already shut down the case fans, and my idle temps reach 47 for about 30 minutes while using Facebook. While your temps aren't extreme, it's quite high for a GPU drawing 145W.
Do you think adjusting settings with Asus GPU Tweaker could help? Lowering the target temperature might be worth considering. It could be due to the stock overclocking at 1253 MHz, which increases power consumption and heat generation.
I believe my case setup is solid—there are multiple intake fans providing cool air to the GPU and a few exhaust fans for ventilation. My CPU stays very cool, rarely going above 40°C under full load.
Are you missing anything?