when does OCing a GPU make a difference?

[blanketyblank]

Perhaps it's just because my card can't OC high enough, but
I'm not seeing any real benefit to overclocking my video card.
I have a 4850 and used the CC tool to OC it.
Default is 625 for the GPU and memory is at 993.
The highest stable OC I can get with the tool is 690/1100.
However I haven't actually noticed any benefit in OCing at all. I ran the performance test
in Devil May Cry 4, and end up with almost the same exact performance as at stock.

How high do you have to go, or what applications does OCing actually make a difference?

 

[Pelu]

i think u need a better processor and so on... if u overclock and card and there isnt a single piece of diference... the chances are that u are bottlenecked somewhere else... by the way now u make me feel like playing Devil May Cry 4 again...

 

[Painman]

Depends on the game engine. Some will respond strongly to extra GPU power (eg. Gamebryo stuff like Fallout 3 or Oblivion) and others are almost completely CPU bound (eg. X3: Terran Conflict).

 

[BFG10K]

It can make a difference but unless it's a large overlock, it won't be noticeable in actual gaming.

 

[AstroManLuca]

I OC'd my HD3850 from 670 MHz core to 775 MHz core and my 3dmark score went from ~6800 to ~7200. Didn't notice any improvement in actual games, though. I'm not sure if it's really worth it since the card already gets very hot under load.

Haven't tried OCing the VRAM yet.

 

[Denithor]

It also depends on your gaming resolution. GPU speed has more impact at higher resolutions than at lower (where CPU has a more noticeable effect).

 

[garritynet]

The only time I have ever noticed a difference is when my frame rates were a little too choppy to be playable. A little boost on my card can sometimes smooth things out enough that I can play the game.