GPU Overclocking (Pushing past 1.3V)

[totalgeek]

Been searching around trying to find further info in regards to pushing my GPU overclocks. Read through the thread from November and was wondering if there were changes or more info that could be added. Figured I would start a new thread.

I'm trying to figure out how to add more volts to my cards, currently I'm hitting a wall around 1225MHz with a command of 1.3v. I've got (2) Sapphire 7970 that ran at 1225 for a long time at 1.25V. I would get occasional invalids here and there but nothing that bad. I'm trying to push the cards further now that I have time and can't seem to get them to take more voltage.

I switched to the new catalyst 13.+ driver, (not BETA) and it seems to have caused me an issue with underclocking the memory. I used to run the memory at 710MHz (commanded through MSI Afterburner). After the switch to the new AMD drivers though my memory seems stuck at 1475 and won't budge. Has anyone else experienced this running the new drivers?

My biggest issue is that I can't command more than 1.3 volts, no matter what combination of software I try. I've tried Afterburner, Trixx, both in official and unofficial modes on Afterburner 2.3.1, as well as Trixx 4.4.0b. No luck. I can command all the way up to 1380mv in Trixx, but in GPU-z I still only show 1.248 under full load, whether it's commanded 1.3 or 1.38. So I feel like it's not accepting more than 1.3v. Looks like my v-droop is somewhere around 50mv, commanding 1.3 and getting 1.25. So I want to try and push my voltage higher to account for the v-droop.

I read somewhere that disabling CCC and using just Trixx would allow me to push the voltage. (Which is opposite of what I read saying to always make sure CCC starts before TRixx as they work together)

I also read somewhere else that the cards are limited on overvolting and no matter what you set the voltage at the cards won't allow more than 1.3v. No idea if this is true or not.

Anyone running a 7xxx series of card that has found a way to push voltage beyond 1.3v? I'm currently running temps of around 55-57c at 1225 and 1.248v (loaded) 1.30 (command). My VRM temps are right around 50ish. So I've got room to push a little bit, but I can't seem to get the cards to take more than 1.3v. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

[bluestang]

Did you try the modded version of Trixx 4.4.0b? Not sure what the modded version does though, but I think it maybe that it adds memory volts adjusting.

[totalgeek]

Did you try the modded version of Trixx 4.4.0b? Not sure what the modded version does though, but I think it maybe that it adds memory volts adjusting.

Yes, I did give the modded version of Trixx 4.4.0b a try. Still didn't seem to allow for voltage settings beyond 1.3 on the core (even though the slider goes to 1.38. I think you're right on the memory voltage, I think that's what the modded version allows for.

I'm still researching trying to see if the limitation on voltage exists on the cards or BIOS, or if it's just a matter of finding the right combination of software to do it. Seems like something is preventing the voltage from going past 1.3. Just can't seem to figure out what that roadblock actually is.

[my87csx481]

I wish I could help you. I have not had, and still do not have the time to do the research or play around with mine either. Hopefully, this thread will uncover some information for us.

I can confirm that I too can not adjust core voltage, but I did not spend too much time trying either. I'm on 12.11something beta drivers and latest afterburner. I tried trixx but, didn't like it and had the same results so, went back to afterburner. I can't seem to downclock my memory either, it's set at 750 but, it's running at 1500. Core is at 1240.

*subscribed*

[Johnmark]

Did you try the ROG version of Asus's GPUtweak program? I don't know if it will work on a non ROG board but it goes up to 1.38v on the Asus Matrix.

[totalgeek]

I wish I could help you. I have not had, and still do not have the time to do the research or play around with mine either. Hopefully, this thread will uncover some information for us.

I can confirm that I too can not adjust core voltage, but I did not spend too much time trying either. I'm on 12.11something beta drivers and latest afterburner. I tried trixx but, didn't like it and had the same results so, went back to afterburner. I can't seem to downclock my memory either, it's set at 750 but, it's running at 1500. Core is at 1240.

*subscribed*

I just found that I could set the memory at 1050 in Afterburner and it would actually stick. Anything under that though and it automatically defaults back to 1475. So I've got the memory at 1050 now, which is better than 1425, but still not the 710 I had before. I guess I'll need to keep playing with it.

[totalgeek]

Did you try the ROG version of Asus's GPUtweak program? I don't know if it will work on a non ROG board but it goes up to 1.38v on the Asus Matrix.

Haven't tried that one yet, but I found a couple of links various places that made it look like it went all the way up to 1.4v. If you've seen 1.38v as the max it will set than its probably worth a shot, I've tried the rest, so it can't hurt at this point.

I've been reading more today and it seems like a lot of the 7970 cards might be limited in accepting voltage above 1.3v. Just a guess based on what I've seen so far, not 100% sure. I have seen some cards though (ASUS) that look like with the right BIOS you can push up to 1.4v