GTX480 EVGA Hydro Copper O/C & Temp Test results

[eternal_fantasy]

VRM's are only relevant to OC in as much as they dictate an absolute operating limit. Let me give you an example: say the card manufacturer has a spec of 120C for their VRM's. They would hardcode the card to shutdown if the VRM's exceed this temp to prevent damage. Now, if you are running under this maximum spec, then the limiting factor for your O/C is the GPU, not the VRM's.

In other words, as long as VRM temps remain under their specified limit, they have no effect whatsoever on O/C.

Being someone that watercools their motherboard's VRMs, overclockability is second to cooling what is hot in their computer.

Anyway, as far as I know, when an electrical component such as VRMs heat up, they are less efficient at what they do, which is to provide the right voltage to the components they are responsible for. A hot VRM might provide the power "within specification" of the GPU up to their rated maximum temperature, they have to work harder, outputting more heat and becoming less efficient then if they are cooler. Also their voltage output when hot have slightly higher ripple then if they are cool. Of course if these properties add up to reduce overclockability is another issue, but you have to agree when talking about electrical components cooler = better.

And yes, GPU cooling > VRM cooling.

EDIT: OMG Gabe holyninjaeditbatman!