Overlocking the 8800GTS -- tips?

[imported_trajan]

I just got EVGA's factory overlocked 8800GTS, running at core 576mhz. I know its overclocked already, but is it safe for me to push it further? And if so, how far?

Just a few minutes ago I installed ATITool and ran the "Find Max Core" option. It slowly marched up to 693.00 MHz without any detected artifacts, then froze.. about 30 seconds later I got a bluescreen (blaming the graphics driver, no surprise). The heat has also been increasing steadily, it was getting into the low 70s I think.

I suppose my questions from this are.. if 693.00 was my last working speed, and I had no artifacts, can I safely run it at say, 650? Not conservative enough? Too conservative? Not overclock at all?

And at what temp level should I start to worry?

Thanks for any and all advice

 

[thilanliyan]

I can't remember what my regular GTS maxed out at with ATITool but I currently run it at 650/1000 core/mem. Getting it to 693 is pretty good. I myself would run it at around 650-670MHz but probably closer to 650. Find the max memory speed as well and go for a good balance.

Try not to let it go above 75-80C. Currently my card gets to 80C with the fan at 75%.

 

[imported_trajan]

Thanks for the advice, I will try that.... I think mine will get hotter than that without the fan on full, only because the room temp tends to be higher, and my case is pretty well vented but not *very* well vented.

I ran the memory test a little while ago, it had some weird results.. ATITool very gradually moved it up to around 1066, then started slowly dropping it back down to normal, then kept going down.. to the point that I started getting artifacts, and then complete system shut down --it went below 200 mhz. (is that supposed to happen with ATITool?!). In any event.. it was doing 1066 at least before the tool reversed, and I never had artifacts. I think i'll try what you said, and go with 650/1000 and see how it works out. Especially with temps.

 

[Misterboy]

Hi. Can I get you guys to give me a quick rundown of the software you use to overclock your cards?

I am familiar with ATITool, RivaTuner, Nvidias NTune. What process do you go through to 1) Determine your overlcock (I'm guessing ATITools) 2) Implement your new clock settings.

Also, what are you using to determine your GPU fan speed??

Thanks!