How to... overclock a graphic card?

[slaves123]

I (and perhaps more people) need help to overclock grapchic card, i don't idea of how to do it, and i know it is possible and it worth it, in my particular case i've got a GeForce 4 MX 440 with DDR memory, I know, nothings new right now, but when i bought it it was all, so i would like to squeeze every Mhz of it, thanks for your help

 

[BlueWeasel]

Basically, overclocking any video card involves using software to raise the core and memory frequencies higher that the default speeds on the card.

I'd recommend using RivaTuner or Powerstrip to OC the card. RivaTuner is a great, free program and can be
downloaded here.

You don't want to raise the core and memory speeds a large amount all at once. Raise them 5mhz at a time, run a game that stresses the video card, and check for arctifacts, corruption, or crashes. If after 5-10mins of playing, you don't any problems, then raise the values again. Keep going until you see these problems, and you have reached the maximum overclock for the card. Back the values a little lower, and you're set.

Some GF4 440 OC'ing results by others

 

[myocardia]

I hear that there are many different programs to do it with, but really, for an nVidia card, the best and easiest is the one that's already built-in to your nVidia driver. It's called CoolBits, and the reg. hack to enable it is right here. I've used it for many years now, and never had any problems at all with it. It runs my 175mhz core, 200mhz ram GeForce3 Ti200 at 238/550 very reliably.

edit: The reason not to use PowerStrip or RivaTuner, is that you have to leave the program running, which lessons the advantages of OCing. CoolBits actually doesn't "run" at all, that's why I recommend it.

 

[lifeguard1999]

Powerstrip