Can't get above 1202MHz with GTX 670 OC

[ClaudeWalker]

I have a Gigabyte GTX 670. When using Precision X to overclock the max I can get is 1202. It's stock boost is 1100MHz. Is there a way I can go above 1202? If I put the core offset at +92 or +125 it still only goes to 1202MHz. I have the voltage settings maxed out (1.175)

Any idea why it caps at 1202MHz? Is the voltage holding it back?

Thanks,
JOe K.

 

[Termie]

Do you mean it crashes about 1202 or you can't actually select a boost above 1202?

If it's the former, that simply means you've reached your maximum overclock.

 

[ClaudeWalker]

It doesn't crash. It just levels off there. If at 1110MHz, I'll put +92 and it goes up to 1202MHz, between +93 and +125 it's still at 1202MHz.

 

[alcoholbob]

You probably need to tweak the voltage, it might be the highest that can be hit with stock voltages.

I think when you overclock, it follows a specific voltage table in the BIOS. For example I can't get a boost above +144MHz on my GTX Titan, it doesn't matter if I move the core boost bar to 160, 180, 200, 300 MHz, the core speed always tops out at 1136 MHz (992MHz max boost + 144).

 

[zaydq]

I thought you couldn't tweak the voltage on nvidia cards?

I believe the issue lies in the boost table. Essentially, the card will only boost to a frequecy that is dictated via a calculation that considers the max TDP and temperature. You could try and see if a more aggressive fan speed, or a different cooler, will make it go higher... But i'd imagine max TDP is going to be the wall and you just cannot get past that.

Also, with TDP being a major factor, that essentially negates any voltage increasing, which might actually hinder your boost potential. Nvidia has voltage tweaking on lock down.

 

[blackened23]

It doesn't crash. It just levels off there. If at 1110MHz, I'll put +92 and it goes up to 1202MHz, between +93 and +125 it's still at 1202MHz.

GTX 600 cards won't clock higher than they need to max a game out if vsync is on. My theory is that you're not seeing a higher boost because vsync is turned on - and if the game is frame-rate capped it won't use power that it doesn't need.

So the options if my theory is correct is to turn vsync off or play a more demanding game that could make sufficient use of the power and therefore clock higher.

 

[Termie]

Also, if you go above 70C or 80C, automatic voltage reductions occur that would also cap your overclock.

 

[Eureka]

Turn your fan up to 75% manually if you're trying to check clocks... boost only works properly when the chip is cooled.

Don't know what the fan profile on that Gigabyte is, but on the nvidia cards I've used, they tweak their fan profiles so that it's quiet (and allows it to go up to 90°C).

 

[ClaudeWalker]

GTX 600 cards won't clock higher than they need to max a game out if vsync is on. My theory is that you're not seeing a higher boost because vsync is turned on - and if the game is frame-rate capped it won't use power that it doesn't need.

So the options if my theory is correct is to turn vsync off or play a more demanding game that could make sufficient use of the power and therefore clock higher.

The problem happened during testing:
I have vSync turned off. I'm using Unigine Heaven so it's using everything it can.

 

[ClaudeWalker]

Also, if you go above 70C or 80C, automatic voltage reductions occur that would also cap your overclock.

The max temp was on average 57 and didn't get above 60. I have the Gigabyte card with 3 fans.

 

[zaydq]

Tdp wall.

 

[Eureka]

Tdp wall.

Sounds like it could be this. What is your power offset?

 

[ClaudeWalker]

power offset in precision X software? If that, maxed out to 112% and 1150mv. Otherwise, max I can achieve is 1.175 (I think)

 

[blackened23]

power offset in precision X software? If that, maxed out to 112% and 1150mv. Otherwise, max I can achieve is 1.175 (I think)

Where are you reading your clockspeed? Do not go by the clockspeed readout in heaven or valley. IT IS not accurate. I have found valley to be inaccurate well...nearly 90% of the time.

If you can't get the overlay in precision working properly, try MSI afterburner. You should always go by the clockspeed indicated in your overclocking software. I have found heaven and benchmarking software to report inaccurate clockspeeds as the norm.

Additionally, it goes without saying that you must have the latest versions of both precision or MSI afterburner.

 

[ClaudeWalker]

I'm using the overlay from Precision

 

[blackened23]

I'm using the overlay from Precision

Try other applications then. Try an actual demanding game and see if the clockspeed behaviour replicates. Additionally, (obviously) ensure vsync is off and set your control panel power management to maximum performance. Do not use adaptive for testing purposes.

 

[ClaudeWalker]

Try other applications then. Try an actual demanding game and see if the clockspeed behaviour replicates. Additionally, (obviously) ensure vsync is off and set your control panel power management to maximum performance. Do not use adaptive for testing purposes.

can I turn power management back on after the overclock is finalized?

 

[Stuka87]

can I turn power management back on after the overclock is finalized?

You need to leave it set to max if you want to see the highest clocks possible. otherwise it will auto de-clock your card so that it falls within the lower TDP.