Start your first PC build with an i7+gtx980 and decide on the next steps.
Start your first PC build with an i7+gtx980 and decide on the next steps.
Hi,
This is my first PC build and the initial setup. Everything I use is stock, intended for gaming, possibly for YouTube uploads, and I occasionally stream.
Should I consider overclocking the video card or the CPU?
I understand some components might be too much for my needs—especially the GPU, which isn’t sufficient for 4K on a monitor, though adaptive sync still functions.
I’m concerned about power limitations if I start overclocking, given the 650W PSU.
If I decide to overclock, which one should I target—CPU or GPU?
I’ve never actually done any overclocking before, though I’ve read about it.
Thanks!
System Specs:
CPU: i7-4790k
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-SLI
GPU: MSI GTX 980 Gaming 4G
Monitor: Samsung UD590 4K UHD 28"
Ram: G-skill Ripjaws X-series (2x8GB) DDR3 2133
PSU: [link]
CPU cooler: [link]
PC Case: [link]
SSD: Samsung 850 Evo (500gb)
OS: Windows 10 Home edition
That is a huge resolution you are running at and the Frame rates should be between 40 and 50. If you want more you will probably have to bring it down to 2560x1600.
You could either try a second 980 in SLI (does not scale properly in most games and CPU/chip set may cause cards to run 16x by 8x or 8x by 8x and you will need a bigger power supply) or maybe go up to a 980ti.
With Pascal just around the corner I would wait. You can over clock it like said above with little to no problems with the system you have but do not expect huge FPS gains at those resolutions.
Check this out...
http://www.pcgamer.com/nvidia-gtx-980-te...ns/#page-2
Both your CPU and GPU excel at overclocking. It really pays off.
How do you enable G-Sync if your monitor can't support it?
Your PSU should easily manage significant overclocking.
You should try overclocking both, as more is better.
It's simple enough—just use a CPU OC guide; GPU OC is even easier.
Happy overclocking!
The issue comes down to the same question many have asked before:
"Should I over clock?"
The response has remained consistent:
"What are you aiming to achieve?"
Are you overclocking because a game demands better performance to reach its full potential at the highest settings and desired FPS? Then yes, overclocking can help and may save you money compared to buying a newer model, such as the 980ti or Titan X.
Previously, people often advised against overclocking due to warranty concerns or reduced device lifespan. Nowadays, most devices include safeguards to limit voltage increases, so manufacturers often allow it. Plus, upgrading before your card’s lifespan ends makes sense, right?
I’m not entirely sure this fully addresses your concern.
Both your CPU and GPU are well-known for their strong overclocking capabilities. It's definitely worth trying.
Understanding how to use G-Sync when your monitor doesn't support it is a challenge.
Your PSU should be capable of managing significant overclocking.
It makes sense to overclock both, the more you push the better.
The process is quite simple—just follow a CPU OC guide; GPU OCing is even easier.
Happy overclocking!
I personally don’t rely on G-sync because it only limits frames based on your monitor’s refresh rate, which helped reduce tearing and eye strain. Although I’d like higher frame rates in some games, I’m not sure about that.
Reading about PSUs suggests they perform best around 80% load. Under heavy use, the GPU might exceed 300W, and the CPU is uncertain about the exact draw. Probably over 100W still. Could you share some references? My continuous power supply is 650W, so it shouldn’t be a problem. It will definitely surpass 80% if I push the settings.
So far, using MSI Afterburner/Gaming app’s auto-overclock feature, I’ve reached up to 1380MHz. This boosts my frames during 4K playback, though I notice this card isn’t ideal for smooth 4K gaming on unoptimized titles like Ark Survival.
JimF_35:
The issue really comes down to the same question that's been asked countless times before:
"Should I overclock?"
The response has always been:
"What are you aiming for?"
Are you overclocking because a particular game needs higher performance to run at its best settings and maximum FPS? Then yes, overclocking can help and save you money compared to buying the latest model, which in your case is just a 980ti or a Titan X.
Used to be, people would advise against overclocking since it could void your warranty or reduce the lifespan of your gear. Nowadays, most manufacturers have built-in protections to prevent excessive voltage, so overclocking is often accepted. Plus, you're likely upgrading before your card's lifespan ends—so why not push it a bit?
Not sure if this fully answers your concern.
I didn’t realize there were those protection limits! Thanks a lot, I might try pushing a little more overclocking because in Ark I get around 12 FPS at true 4K resolution, which matches my monitor. (I know I won’t instantly hit another 30 FPS, but it could help fine-tune some settings.)
Another thing I mentioned to the other user was about the power supply. I’ll be drawing over 80% of its capacity, and I’m worried it won’t provide enough power for overclocking my CPU, GPU, and running four fans plus a watercooled CPU cooler!
The discussion centers on whether to overclock the system. The response explains that the decision depends on the goal—whether performance is needed for specific gaming requirements or simply to extend hardware lifespan. It notes that modern devices often include safety mechanisms to prevent damage, and upgrading before the equipment reaches its end-of-life is advisable. The author also mentions concerns about power supply capacity when pushing high loads, suggesting it should suffice unless multiple graphics cards are used together.
The power supply should work as long as you're not using a second graphics card in SLI. Are you planning to overclock the CPU later? I purchased this CPU to play current games and plan to overclock it for future titles. 3+ years from now.
Also, I'm curious if your video card is the issue when it comes to 4K frames or if the problem lies with the CPU.
What is the display resolution you're using? (4k offers a broad spectrum)
Which refresh rate is configured for your graphics card?
3840x2160 is the ideal resolution for my monitor, which I use in Ark, and I have limited my frames to match my monitor's refresh rate of -60hz.
I turned on Nvidia control panel, enabled vertical sync, and set it to adaptive. This effectively limits my frames to 60.
It has made gameplay much smoother in certain titles.