First time overclocking

abc973 · Apr 23, 2004, 02:17 AM

I've never overclocked before and seeing I'm making use of the latest Omega drivers (2.5.36b) I thought I'd make the most of the supplied program RadLinker. I'm unsure what card I have because in; Display Properties>Settings>Advanced>Options>Details it simply says I have a 9600 Series card.

Can anyone direct me to a source for "overclocking for newbies"?

Judas · Apr 23, 2004, 02:23 AM

when the drivers says Series.. it usually means it's either Non Pro/SE .... or simply unsure.... what are the clock rates in Radlinker say?

abc973 · Apr 23, 2004, 09:01 AM

Clock Rates (Default methinks)
Core: 499.50
Memory: 249.75

I think I've heard the name XT-Pro somewhere in the past.

nuG · Apr 23, 2004, 10:55 AM

There is a program called ATI tool that is very good for finding the max clocks for your core/mem. If its a 9600xt in the setting there will be a number R360. All other 9600 are 350 i believe. Also if the default clock is at 500 mhz, its an XT. If is at 400mhz its a pro. I dont remember what the NP/SE clocks are but they are lower than 400.

abc973 · Apr 23, 2004, 07:33 PM

So my best bet to start with overclocking wouldn't be RadLinker but ATiTool?

Also, if I'm overclocking should I purchase a cooler (e.g. a fan) for both my core and memory?

nuG · Apr 24, 2004, 01:30 PM

I bought a VGA silencer revision 3 for my card foe $20, and some thermaltake ramsinks. But you dont have to if you just wat to over clock. They just gave me an extra 15Mhz on the core and 10MHz on the mem because it keeps the card cooler. Also blows exhaust out the back of a pci slot so my case is cooler too!

abc973 · Apr 24, 2004, 09:46 PM

How would I go about making the decision of the hardware I need to cool my card? I read about all this gear people use like you nuG and I have ABSOLUTELY no idea what they're saying.

I'm taking a look around right now on a few sites, but don't you need to buy gear that fits the chip and memory on your card (chip and memory width/length)?

Judas · Apr 24, 2004, 10:55 PM

well ABC... i would suggest backing off the idea of getting a replacement cooling unit for the card.... really, it is for those that are hardcore into overclocking and wishing to push the absalute max.... I myself haven't gone as far as to replace the current stock cooling.... And i think it'll take a bit before i do.... I'm just recommending you don't dive into this to quickly.... as you might get "burnt"... Start by using the ATI TOOL..... it's really excellent.. simply install it.. hit the "Find MAX Core" and wait a few minutes... while keeping an eye on things... and an eye on the Core Speed.... as soon as it stops moving... wait awhile.... as ATI TOOL will somewhat stress test it ..and start dropping it down a little at a time to gurantee a stable overclock.... As soon as you get the core clock set... try MEM next... run it the same way... after setting that up.... post the info back here.. with the orginal default speed. and the new ones that are stable... we'll see tell you if that's a good overclock... and safe on default cooling.... And possibly recommend other things..... Just be warned.... OCING VOIDS WARRANTY AND MAY INDUCE POSSIBLE PROPLEMS including hardware failure...

abc973 · Apr 24, 2004, 11:29 PM

No need for the warnings Judas, I know what I'm getting into

NOTE: I live in Australia and we're soon onto Winter. However, yesterday's temperature reached 30 degrees celcius in the shade. Today it's 28 in the shade.

GeXCube 9600XT
Core: 499.50
Memory: 249.75

I ran the ATiTool yesterday:
Max Core: 553
Max Memory: 290.25

Judas · Apr 25, 2004, 12:23 AM

that looks like a resonable overclock... have you done and Benchmark comparisons?

nuG · Apr 25, 2004, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by abc973
No need for the warnings Judas, I know what I'm getting into

NOTE: I live in Australia and we're soon onto Winter. However, yesterday's temperature reached 30 degrees celcius in the shade. Today it's 28 in the shade.

GeXCube 9600XT
Core: 499.50
Memory: 249.75

I ran the ATiTool yesterday:
Max Core: 553
Max Memory: 290.25

Thats an ok overclock, although i read a review on a Gecube 9600xt reaching 610/325 stock but it was an ultimate version meaning the stock mem is clocked faster and the heatsink on thaty tihng is freakin huge. looks loke a 9800xt coolor but with custom ramsinks. But ever card is different and your results are good.

abc973 · Apr 25, 2004, 01:41 AM

I'll add that I was running ATiTool whilst browsing the internet (quite a few open windows) and downloading files. Would that have had any impact on the outcomes?

Noting that it does get VERY warm in my cozy little computer corner, should I consider buying a fan like Arctic-Coolings' VGA Silencer Revision3?

I guess I should also note that I'm using Omega drivers; v2.5.36b not ATi's Catalyst 4.4's.

Judas · Apr 25, 2004, 03:25 AM

word of advice..... if the ambient temperature is already high.... installing better heatsinks and cooling won't impact overclocking potential to much....