How far can you push a GPU

[TheOriginalMyth]

Ive been looking into BitCoin mining for a while now, and im currently mining on my rig (built for gaming not mining) just to see whats its all about and i was wondering how far i can push the GPU. Im currently using a Radeon 6870 (XFX) and am getting these max temps

 http://gpuz.techpowerup.com/12/03/01/c5z.png

If i run the card for long periods of time will it deteriorate the card, or are these cards able to handle temps like these for long periods of time (days straight).

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[Kluge]

They will deteriorate at any temperature. They will deteriorate faster when hotter and when running @ a higher voltage.

Your temps are not unreasonably high, but I think many would start feeling a bit uncomfortable at those temps.

[TheOriginalMyth]

They will deteriorate at any temperature. They will deteriorate faster when hotter and when running @ a higher voltage.

Your temps are not unreasonably high, but I think many would start feeling a bit uncomfortable at those temps.

Thanks for the reply, it seems like one section of the GPU is always higher than the other parts (temp #2) any idea as to why that is happening?

Im also looking into adding another fan to my case as i only have 2 fans in the case atm.

[Red Emerald]

Any reason you haven't dropped your memory clock?

[TheOriginalMyth]

Any reason you haven't dropped your memory clock?

Let me emphasize the oooo of my Noobness, i assume from your comment thought that dropping the memory clock will improve performance/ decrease heat?

[Kluge]

They will deteriorate at any temperature. They will deteriorate faster when hotter and when running @ a higher voltage.

Your temps are not unreasonably high, but I think many would start feeling a bit uncomfortable at those temps.

Thanks for the reply, it seems like one section of the GPU is always higher than the other parts (temp #2) any idea as to why that is happening?

Im also looking into adding another fan to my case as i only have 2 fans in the case atm.

They are measuring three different points in the GPU. It's measuring at three different key locations on the card. Beyond that, figuring out which sensor # goes to which part probably varies with manufacturer and architecture -- might be able to find it in the owner's manual? DeathAndTaxes might know -- he seems to know everything.

ETA: and yes, dropping mem speeds will decrease heat without impacting mining performance. Don't drop it below 300MHz. Sometimes, lowering mem speeds also increases mining performance a minor amount. If you're gaming, though, you won't want your mem speed underclocked so dramatically.

[TheOriginalMyth]

Alright, how would i go about dropping the mem speeds, in control center i am only able to increase the speed from 1050-1250 (no option to lower it)

Also what temp should i be shooting for, i know the lower the better but what kind of realistic temps should i be trying to get, 75, 70, 65?

[flip]

As with sex, mining is not done "best" at the fastest speed.  

[Kluge]

As with sex, mining is not done "best" at the fastest speed.

Woman alert.

[kliffen]

As with sex, mining is not done "best" at the fastest speed.

Woman alert.

Oh god my sides.

But he's right, pushing your GPU to the maximum possible before everything BSoDs or just crashes is NOT an effective way to mine. It's better to keep it stable. Uptime is key

[malevolent]

As with sex, mining is not done "best" at the fastest speed. 

Overvolting uses considerably more power and makes any extra MH/s gained wasted because it cost you considerably more in electricity to get them.  Not to mention the additional heat, noise, and wear and tear on your rig.  The 6870 is also a terrible mining card (loud, hot, and slow).  Sell it on eBay and buy a 5870.  You will not regret it.

FTFY

[Gabi]

Alright, how would i go about dropping the mem speeds, in control center i am only able to increase the speed from 1050-1250 (no option to lower it)

Also what temp should i be shooting for, i know the lower the better but what kind of realistic temps should i be trying to get, 75, 70, 65?

Use MSI Afterburner

75 is fine

[xminer]

Using Ati tray tools ( www.guru3d.com ) in windows, cgminer in linux to set OC for 5870 cards.

Best results are when your mem freq is exactly 1/4, (maybe, 1/3), or 1/2 (if you're gaming on the same card) of GPU frequency - if it's a little higher things seem to go out of sync and you may loose some MH/s due to async operation.
mining at 920/230mem@1.150V, 880/220 mem (winter has ended - downclocked to reduce heat), 700/200-350@0.95V and 716/179.69@0.95V (that's for low noise setup)

[Miner612]

I over clock the HELL out of some of my cards.  Been able to get 425-430 mhash range on a reference 5850.

1225 voltage
1040 core
300 ram
60 fan speed

stays at about 70 degrees but I have them in my cold garage.  I get nervous when any of my GPUs get over 75.

[oxydius]

I've hit 1000Mhz core on a Radeon 6870, but it gets a bit hot in a packed CrossFire setup.
When you're mining Bitcoins you can drop the memory clock to 300Mhz, it'll let the core use more of the available power (PowerTune) and perform better with less watts.

[TheOriginalMyth]

Thanks for all the input, i realize the 6870 isn't the best card for mining, im just using the card i had in my system to see how mining works. My title might have bee a little misleading, i was not really asking how far i can push the card i was more wondering if a temp of 85 was too hot (and the consensus seems to be that i should keep it a tad cooler). Im now messing around with the mem clock to see if i can get it a bit cooler/ faster, ill post a update in a little while.

[mike029]

Just started mining and have my two 5870's running at 900/600 with temps at 71.  Not looking to push them too much. 

[Graet]

Re: How far can you push a GPU
about 50meters till my back gives in, card gets pretty scratched up too
<.<
>.>
 

[malevolent]

Just started mining and have my two 5870's running at 900/600 with temps at 71.  Not looking to push them too much. 

Im running mine @ 1005/320 with same temp and fan at 65%. Stock voltage, you could try at least 970/350

[Red Emerald]

Just started mining and have my two 5870's running at 900/600 with temps at 71.  Not looking to push them too much.  

Any reason you stopped at 600?  My best hashrate is when the mem clocks are at 290 280.