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    overclocking. Good or bad ?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by deceptron, Jul 14, 2011.

  1. deceptron

    deceptron Notebook Guru

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    Hi again :)

    I'm new to this gfx overclocking stuff.. what are the pros and cons in overclocking a gfx card ?

    I have alienware m15x with 1GB gtx 460m and is it possible for me to overclock it ? if so can you guide me how to do them or any link ?

    Code:
    Pros:
    
    
    Cons:
    
    
    How to:
    
    I hope this will also help many other people that are new to overclocking stuff

    Thanks for the help. Much appreciated
     
  2. Esco

    Esco Notebook Consultant

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    overclocking is very easy there are many tools for that like:

    EVGA Precision (my favorite), MSI Afterburner, Gainward ExperTool and so on...

    i can overclock my GTX 460 to 800/1600 mhz without any probs,
    but this always depends on the card, every card has its own potencial, some can be overclocked higher than others.
     
  3. dhruv300

    dhruv300 Notebook Consultant

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    Pro: Much stronger.
    Cons: Heat increases. If overclocked too much the GPU may throttle.
     
  4. xeroxide

    xeroxide Notebook Deity

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    overclocking is pushing hardware above system spec, getting extra performance.

    the issues include heat, but also the fact that stressing the gpu above what it was designed for may reveal potential faults and cause the hardware to fail. no hardware lasts forever, overclocking will generally shorten it's life span (which is usually longer than is necessary before being replaced).

    bottom line is, if you're not willing to risk it, don't overclock it. this is the first question you must answer for yourself.

    as to how, the overclocking tools designed specifically for this.
    a popular one is sapphire trixx.

    know your stock clocks, and work slowly. increase the core and memory in small steps. play a little, look for artifacting/glitches in game. also keep an eye on your temps to ensure they're not out of control.
     
  5. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    @xeroxide: TriXX won't be any help with the OPs 460m :D

    @OP: MSI Afterburner is a very comfortable tool for overclocking a 460m, if you want some more options, take a look at NVidia Inspector.
     
  6. ElectricTurtle

    ElectricTurtle Notebook Consultant

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    Pros: Your laptop will run faster in term of gaming. And a plus, you'll get to see your laptop flying with fire coming from the back if u push it hard enough XD

    Cons: You'll need a helicopter to chase your laptop back XD

    ps: don't take this seriously, overclocking is not that dangerous lol XD. Just use AfterBurner and hwinfo to check the temps
     
  7. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    Yeah, as long as you don't go crazy with the voltage you don't really need to worry, only make sure your temps are ok.
    The 460m doesn't allow increasing the voltage anyway. (At least not without a soldering iron :D)
     
  8. Simplified

    Simplified The Most Awesome

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    Pros: More performance, more value for the money you spent on the card


    Cons: Possibly shorter lifespan


    How to: Trixx, Msi afterburner, custom bios (dangerous)
     
  9. deceptron

    deceptron Notebook Guru

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    Thanks guys :)

    Now i know what overclocking these beast mean :p

    But i will stick without overclocking since the games i play in full high settings runs smoothly.

    Mafia II
    faryCry 2
    Left 4 Dead 2
    Batman Arkham Asylum
    GTA IV ( this B* is only making trouble for me ) :(