ASUS 9800XT (sorta long)

[klc314]

Don't know where to start. A little background, I'm a noob to high end video cards, that is, the last one was a Matrox G400Max, so, a long time ago. I got spoiled by the 2D, and never upgraded the card. I don't play demanding games, and never had any real reason. Then, a while ago, I decided to try an Nvidea 5600, and kind of liked the speed, but was still no convinced the 2D met my expectation. So, took the plunge and got the ASUS 9800XT.
Holy crap! This thing is pretty amazing. I use a pic of Michael Schumacher in a Ferrari in a qualifying session as wallpaper, very colorful, very detailed. The ASUS card is easily the match of the Matrox, and a step or two above the Nvidia. The card itself is gorgeous, with a really heavy copper heatsink front and back. The packaging, which I hardly ever notice, is impressive, and the collection of software is appealing. A couple of utilities I find useful, and am intrigued by a couple of others.
To get to the question part, I've never overclocked a video card, and know nothing of the fine points. For instance, how big a step to move up each time, voltage increases, etc.? And what if any real life gains will I get? Any help, advice, comments?

 

[Tab]

You dont need to overclock!

 

[Rogodin2]

I'd say don't worry about it-but if you want to You could download rage3dtweak from rage3d.com.

rogo

 

[klc314]

Actually, the card comes with a monitoring and overclocking utility from ASUS called Smartdoctor. I just don't know how much to try, I'm assuming it voids the warranty, and don't want to blow anything up. The utility monitors temp, fan speed, and offers the opportunity to have the fans controlled by the software, with various temperatures controlling the speed. How hot is too hot? It seems to be running at 40C now, nothing in the box is overclocked. And the room is cold, or at least cool.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: klc314
Actually, the card comes with a monitoring and overclocking utility from ASUS called Smartdoctor. I just don't know how much to try, I'm assuming it voids the warranty, and don't want to blow anything up. The utility monitors temp, fan speed, and offers the opportunity to have the fans controlled by the software, with various temperatures controlling the speed. How hot is too hot? It seems to be running at 40C now, nothing in the box is overclocked. And the room is cold, or at least cool.

40C is nothing, Should be good up until around 60 or 70C. The GFX5900 isn't rated to throttle down until 120C. Surface of the sun<GFX5900.

 

[klc314]

Well, I didn't need to overclock! After playing around with SmartDoctor, overclocking minorly, and watching the Aquamark scores go up, I went back to playing games. It didn't make any difference in the games I tried. I usually play RTS games, mostly Age of Mythology right now, but tried some of the stuff bundled with the card, mostly Battle Engine Aquila. At default options for the card, it played the same as when I overclocked it. I gotta get some kind of game pad, it has a couple of driving games, and I can't drive with the keyboard. Love this card!