Underclocking graphics card on a notebook

[rssarma]

Just wondering if its a good idea to do that, so as to save battery power and reduce heat?? My X1000 has a MR9200 which by default runs at 250MHz core and 220MHz memory, during normal use I underclock to 175 core and 155 memory...is this OK, or does this affect the card?

 

[UltraWide]

it should be fine. the newer ATi cards have that dynamic clocking feature as well.

 

[Yomicron]

Underclocking shouldn't affect the card. There is no real reason for you to be doing this though. When graphics processing power isn't needed, the chip's own power saving features will automatically reduce the clock to 80MHz core / 80MHz memory (at least for the 9000, I'm not sure about the 9200). Just make sure you have Powerplay enabled (Display Properties --> Settings --> Advanced --> POWERPLAY --> Enable POWERPLAY).

 

[rssarma]

Originally posted by: Yomicron
Underclocking shouldn't affect the card. There is no real reason for you to be doing this though. When graphics processing power isn't needed, the chip's own power saving features will automatically reduce the clock to 80MHz core / 80MHz memory (at least for the 9000, I'm not sure about the 9200). Just make sure you have Powerplay enabled (Display Properties --> Settings --> Advanced --> POWERPLAY --> Enable POWERPLAY).

What notebook are you using? most importantly, what drivers are you using? I haven't got the POWERPLAY option in my settings? How can I install it?

 

[Yomicron]

I've got an IBM T40 with the MR9000. My drivers are the ones supplied by IBM.

 

[rssarma]

I believe POWEPLAY is a feature in all the mobility cards starting 7500 right?? Why would it not be available as an option in my notebook?

 

[MDE]

Go to Omega Corner and download the newest ATI drivers, this should give you the PowerPlay tab.

 

[rssarma]

I have that installed and still no POWERPLAY, am I doing something wrong?