Overclocking GPU and Warranty

[GreenSky]

1. Does it void the warranty to overclock a Sapphire GPU?

2. Is bitcoin mining a proper stability test for an overclock?

3. What are the upper and lower limits on GPU clock and memory clock for a 6950?

4. Is the greater risk when overclocking temperature or bricking the card?

5. What's the limit for a stable temperature for 24/7 operation?

[kiwiasian]

1. Does it void the warranty to overclock a Sapphire GPU?

2. Is bitcoin mining a proper stability test for an overclock?

3. What are the upper and lower limits on GPU clock and memory clock for a 6950?

4. Is the greater risk when overclocking temperature or bricking the card?

5. What's the limit for a stable temperature for 24/7 operation?

1. No, so long as it is through software.

2. Furmark or the equivalent is better.

3. It's technically unlimited...you just have to try and see how high you can go without instability.

4. What? The only way you can brick the card is if you screwed up an unlocking process from 6950--->6970. You should be more concerned about potentially frying your VRMs if you try too hard of an overclock and insufficient cooling. If you are going for high clocks, either put it under water or get a high end air cooler with proper VRM cooling (Thermalright Spitfire and its VRM cooler)

5. GPUs are safe up to 105c, but it's never recommended that you let it go that high. I generally like to keep my temps under 85, if it goes higher I will lower the overclock and continue mining.

[wol-va-rine]

1. Does it void the warranty to overclock a Sapphire GPU?

2. Is bitcoin mining a proper stability test for an overclock?

3. What are the upper and lower limits on GPU clock and memory clock for a 6950?

4. Is the greater risk when overclocking temperature or bricking the card?

5. What's the limit for a stable temperature for 24/7 operation?

1. No, so long as it is through software.

2. Furmark or the equivalent is better.

3. It's technically unlimited...you just have to try and see how high you can go without instability.

4. What? The only way you can brick the card is if you screwed up an unlocking process from 6950--->6970. You should be more concerned about potentially frying your VRMs if you try too hard of an overclock and insufficient cooling. If you are going for high clocks, either put it under water or get a high end air cooler with proper VRM cooling (Thermalright Spitfire and its VRM cooler)

5. GPUs are safe up to 105c, but it's never recommended that you let it go that high. I generally like to keep my temps under 85, if it goes higher I will lower the overclock and continue mining.

#5 depends on the card really, some are meant to run hotter and can tolerate higher temps than others...

[russelljohnson]

Since the card I bought has a 30-day return policy, I'm running them at about 98C. I'm gonna be bringing them back anyways since they're not efficient at all. I could fry eggs on the backplate of my 6970.

[Crs]

Buy some 5850's
They are not that hot, the power consumption is lower and the price/Mhs is the best.


nmc@nmc-GA-790FXTA-UD5:~/phoenix$ sudo aticonfig --odgt --adapter=all
Adapter 0 - ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series
            Sensor 0: Temperature - 73.50 C

Adapter 1 - ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series
            Sensor 0: Temperature - 74.00 C


nmc@nmc-GA-790FXTA-UD5:~/phoenix$ sudo aticonfig --odgc --adapter=all
Adapter 0 - ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series
                            Core (MHz)    Memory (MHz)
           Current Clocks :    840           900
             Current Peak :    840           900
  Configurable Peak Range : [550-900]     [900-1300]
                 GPU load :    99%

Adapter 1 - ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series
                            Core (MHz)    Memory (MHz)
           Current Clocks :    840           1000
             Current Peak :    840           1000
  Configurable Peak Range : [765-918]     [1000-1200]
                 GPU load :    99%
nmc@nmc-GA-790FXTA-UD5:~/phoenix$