8600m GT Overclocking

Hey, I am currently trying to overclock my 8600mgt (GDDR2) in my Dell Vostro 1500. I have read in several forums that this card overclocks pretty well (especially in the Vostro and Inspiron notebooks). At stock settings, the card runs at 475mhz core, and 400 memory. Using ATI tool, I have overclocked it to 525mhz/450mhz, but I start getting Artifacts after about 40 mins of use. I am not sure why this is happening because the temps are relitavely reasonable (around 56-59 degrees celcius under full load). I am pretty sure this card has more overclocking potential, but I am unsure of what is holding me back. This card is running drivers 169.04 (from laptopvideo2go.com) on windows XP. Does anyone know of any better drivers for this card, or anything about this situation?

 

Every single card has their own threshold for OCing. Yours may be lower than what you've heard.

 

That is what I've read and thought as well. I just ordered my 1500 so I hope I get a card that will over clock well.

 

In my book artifacts most often occur due to the memory clock being too high. (Too high core seems to just freeze everything) 450MHz on the memory is a 12.5% increase, and I sure wouldn't be suprised if this wasn't around the limit. Temperature is not the only thing affecting your overclock. The voltage is probably insufficient to work under 100% stress for extended periods. (I've had card's running error free for 15-30mins and then suddenly fail (and they weren't running high temps)

 

Would drivers make a difference in the Card's overclocking abillity. Plus, i've registered Artifacts in ATItool, and have had my computer lock up while playing Oblivion. If drivers do nothing, then how much should I decreace my clock speeds?

 

A general rule I use is that when i hit an artifact/freeze and I know that heat is not to blame for the failure I usually lower clock speeds by 5Mhz on the part i'm testing (either core or memory) and then loop 3dmark for 4+ hours (or if you don't have it find the most intensive game you can and start playing) If it is still stable then your all set, but if it freezes I take it down another 5MHz

(Edit: Drivers can affect your overclock, but for laptop card's (which are slightly different) i don't know)

 

Do you cause damage to your card when the computer freezes up, or does it simply just reboot?

 

Follow the overclocking guide in my signature please.