Question about GPU overclocking.

[RyanGreener]

I just have a few basic questions about GPU overclocking...and as a google search seems unreliable sometimes (due to the links you get sent to, as well as the old content):

1. Assuming you have a good motherboard, proper PSU, adequate case cooling, is overclocking a GPU safe provided you do the correct procedure? (ocing in small amounts)

2. Does overclocking the GPU put more stress on the motherboard or any other components excluding the PSU?

3. Are the gains generally noticeable, or does it have to be a HUGE overclock to even notice anything?

 

[tviceman]

I just have a few basic questions about GPU overclocking...and as a google search seems unreliable sometimes (due to the links you get sent to, as well as the old content):

1. Assuming you have a good motherboard, proper PSU, adequate case cooling, is overclocking a GPU safe provided you do the correct procedure? (ocing in small amounts)

2. Does overclocking the GPU put more stress on the motherboard or any other components excluding the PSU?

3. Are the gains generally noticeable, or does it have to be a HUGE overclock to even notice anything?

1. It's generally safe. As long as you aren't getting visual artifacts, and keep the inside of your computer case clean, and your computer is well ventilated, your GPU will be fine.

2. There is noadded stress to any other components, aside from the extra heat your video card may give off (which is generally negligible).

3. It depends on the card, but generally you need a sizable overclock to achieve noticeable real-world gains.

 

[Seero]

I just have a few basic questions about GPU overclocking...and as a google search seems unreliable sometimes (due to the links you get sent to, as well as the old content):

1. Assuming you have a good motherboard, proper PSU, adequate case cooling, is overclocking a GPU safe provided you do the correct procedure? (ocing in small amounts)

2. Does overclocking the GPU put more stress on the motherboard or any other components excluding the PSU?

3. Are the gains generally noticeable, or does it have to be a HUGE overclock to even notice anything?

GPU is just a circuit board, if you know how to repair a circuit board, ic debug problems and solder parts in and out, then it is relatively safe.

Parts ages by default as long as they are in use. Overclock means to push it harder, meaning age faster. If you don't know how to repair, but have no problem replacing the PC every 2 years, OC is find.

I can go all day with OC, but i guess you want simple answers. Well if the PSU and motherboard is expensive, then go ahead. It is not dangerous to OC assuming you are not modding the board physically. Read a lot and you should be fine.

 

[RyanGreener]

Well I want my motherboard to last long, but I don't care if the GPU fails in 1-2 years cause it'll probably be outdated by then. I plan on keeping the mobo for awhile cause AMD seems to use the same socket for awhile...

I'm just trying to see if overclocking a GPU adds stress to the motherboard.

 

[railven]

I'm going to piggy back on this thread.

What are reasonable temps for a stock Giga Radeon 5870 2GB?

What are reasonable temps for a stock Intel Core i7 930?

I'm using a Corsair H50 for my CPU, but due to having to RMA my board I had to reapply the TIM. I couldn't get my hands on Shin Etsu on time so went with AS5 after cleaning off the HS and CPU cover as thoroughly as possible.

I don't feel I have adequate air flow in my case at the moment. I only have one exhaust (chimney), I use the Pull In/Pull Out setup on my H50, and one front intake which cools the HDDs. I'll probably add a second exhaust on the window.

What's a good program to monitor ambient temps if possible? I've been using CPUID HW Monitor, CPU temps have hit around 60c during heavy load (about 90-95% usage) and GPU temps have hit as high as 70c but coast around 50-60c while just playing World of Warcraft.

I need to install Furmark to see how hot it gets in there.

What are safe OC levels for my mentioned GPU and CPU?

Rest of the system:
ASROCK X58 Extreme
3x2GB G.Skill Pi DDR3 1600
Corsair 750W
Cooler Master Scout Case
2x500 GB Raid 0 Seagate Barracudas
1x160 GB Maxtor (Back up drive, will be retiring it some time soon)
Creative SB Audigy X-Fi Titanium
1x BD Drive

 

[RyanGreener]

BTW what are some recommended benchmarks for CPUs / GPUs that are free?

EDIT: 64 bit compatible too.