A few questions [driver sweepers, overclocking]

1322 Views 47 Replies 5 Participants Last post by xd_1771, Dec 3, 2009

xd_1771

Discussion Starter · Nov 29, 2009

Anyways I learned that the new drivers (ForceWare 195.62) have a lot better CUDA support and should offer better performance than my current ForceWare drivers (191.07). I know that in order to reinstall drivers properly you will need a driver cleaner... I haven't really used one before, and in fact there were times that I've installed new drivers on top of old drivers without a problem, but I'm a bit concerned... so does anyone know a good driver cleaner, and also how long will it take to work one?

I'm also very interested in overclocking my GPU, however I'm a total n00b to overclocking and I don't really like taking too many risks (most esp. considering my parents will not replace this card if it shorts out somehow, lol, though I do have a backup 3450 on my old comp)...
I know the basics of overclocking [I overclock my CPU]. I've seen people bring up this card to 800/1900/1200... the most I've seen others bring this up to is 900/2000/1300, but I know it varies per card. I tested my temps/stability with furmark, and with default settings of 750/1836/1120, my maximum temperature averages at around 66, but reaching 67 occasionally. People have gotten this to run at up to 75 degrees quite stabily. I don't know the maximum temps for my GTS 250, but I *could* lower this temperature by taking a few further steps: 1. set the fan on my GTS 250 to spin faster (currently 35%, target 80%) and turn around the side fan so that it intakes, and not (apparently) exhaust. I'm planning to use eVGA Precision to do all this, along with FurMark for testing.

Also, for reference, my GTS 250 is the BFG one that has small OCs to the core/memory. It has 512MB of memory on it, and is equipped with the 55nm G92b core. I output DVI to my 1680x1050 monitor.

I know that for this to work, you push your card until you see artifacts... is there anything worse that could happen than just seeing artifacts? Like I said, I don't like taking very big risks...
I'm not an avid gamer at all [though I play some games, and I'm planning to introduce myself to Crysis soon], but I think that overclocking could improve my CUDA render times...
Also, will updating the driver [which I'll be doing soon] override or screw up my overclock settings? I was thinking of getting started on overclocking now and then maybe updating the driver later...

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Dilyn

· #2 · Nov 29, 2009

Driver Sweeper in safe mode is what I use.
Uninstall drivers.
Safe mode, driver sweeper.
Reinstall drivers after a reboot.

EVGA Precision is great for OCing the GPU. Just push it little by little (like, 5-15mhz pushes) on the core (still locked to shader). After you get artifacts, go back till you don't get any. Unlock shader and overclock that till you see artifacts. Same thing for memory.

Then stress test in Furmark, if it goes over 95C I'd drop the clocks. (Start with core IMO).

Then after it passes a Furmark stability/burn in test for a while, test it in games.

xd_1771

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 29, 2009

Alright, sounds good, but I just edited my post to include one further question [about driver reinstalls after overclocking]. Any word on that?

I just bought Crysis, so I'm thinking of using that to test it. I also have an 8400GS currently running on another PC and using a daisy-chain transfer method I plan to bring that to my PC as a PhysX card [oh, one more really dumb question: does Crysis use PhysX? lol]

Oh and one more thing: my GPU downclocks when idle. Will overclocked settings mess with that feature? (It does for CPU, I have to disable cool'n'quiet before overclocking)

Dilyn

· #4 · Nov 29, 2009

2

With EVGA Precision, upgrading drivers shouldn't screw up your overclocks or anything.
The program itself controls it, and isn't touched by the nVidia Control Panel.
If you overclock with the nVidia Control Panel, probably a different story.

Oh yes. Overclocking your GPU is pretty much the same as overclocking the CPU as far as adverse effects go. Just don't let it surpass 100C and you'll be fine

The 8800GT is the earliest card to support PhysX. I don't think your 8400GS will cut it

Not sure if Crysis covers PhysX, but I'd say it does. That's just me ^_^

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TwoCables

· #5 · Nov 29, 2009

I recommend using Driver Sweeper. It doesn't take that much time to use at all. Here's how to use it properly once it is installed:

Use the Program Features control panel to uninstall the NVIDIA display driver.
Reboot into Safe Mode (hold F8 during the transition from the POST to the loading of Windows).
Open Driver Sweeper.
Select "NVIDIA - Display".
Click "Clean" (it takes like 2 seconds).
Close Driver Sweeper and reboot normally.
Install the "new" driver.

xd_1771

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 29, 2009

I didn't even think you could overclock with the nVidia control panel.
At stock settings I'm at 66-67 degrees so at this point I think I'll be fine... and with potential to improve those temperatures too!

And nuh-uh, I don't think so.
@TwoCables: Thanks, I'll do that tomorrow when finished the overclock.

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TwoCables

· #7 · Nov 29, 2009

You could get NVIDIA System Tools, but I strongly recommend avoiding it. Instead, I recommend something simple like EVGA Precision. Or, if you're into more advanced stuff, then RivaTuner is the way to go.

xd_1771

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 29, 2009

Well, I already did say I would be using eVGA precision, but thanks anyway.
Also, will adding a PhysX card reduce potential overclock? (SLI can reduce this sometimes)
And, my board is x8-x8... my PCI-E slots are down to x8 if I use the PhysX card. Will this adversely affect performance?

Dilyn

· #9 · Nov 29, 2009

6

Quote:

Originally Posted by xd_1771

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I didn't even think you could overclock with the nVidia control panel.
At stock settings I'm at 66-67 degrees so at this point I think I'll be fine... and with potential to improve those temperatures too!

And nuh-uh, I don't think so.
@TwoCables: Thanks, I'll do that tomorrow when finished the overclock.

With 100% you could probably hit load with 50C then

I cleaned out my card (holy cow dust bunnies) and now I idle at 49C and max at 63C while folding. It's awesome. Used to hit 95C on Darkest of Days.
And I had no idea! That's awesome. Definitely make it a PhysX card. Even if it IS just for the lulz

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoCables

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You could get NVIDIA System Tools, but I strongly recommend avoiding it. Instead, I recommend something simple like EVGA Precision. Or, if you're into more advanced stuff, then RivaTuner is the way to go.

FTW

But it gave me problems, so I stick by my guns and go with EVGA Precision

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xd_1771

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 29, 2009

EVGA precision looks like a really nice program to use. Anything over 82% and my GPU fan is just too loud, so I'll default at that.
Wish me luck!

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Dilyn

· #11 · Nov 29, 2009

5

Quote:

Originally Posted by xd_1771

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Well, I already did say I would be using eVGA precision, but thanks anyway.
Also, will adding a PhysX card reduce potential overclock? (SLI can reduce this sometimes)
And, my board is x8-x8... my PCI-E slots are down to x8 if I use the PhysX card. Will this adversely affect performance?

I don't think that you'd get any problems with overclocking. But then again, I've never done it before

Don't worry mate. Nothing too turrible should happen. I mean, the space time continuum might melt and the fabrics of our universe might unfold, but who cares! You'll have a dedicated PhysX card while playing Crysis!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by xd_1771

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EVGA precision looks like a really nice program to use. Anything over 82% and my GPU fan is just too loud, so I'll default at that.
Wish me luck!

I have my fan at a constant 100%. Drowns out the annoying noise of my intake fan falling apart.
GL mate. Although you won't be needing it

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Reactions: 1

xd_1771

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 29, 2009

Yes, I guess that is what matters...

I think my GPU likes to overclock!
I've found my maximum GPU clock to be 825 mhz (after learning I had to let my video card rest awhile before testing with FurMark again; and I could keep going further!). Is that really good?
I'll have to continue with adjusting the shaders (currently at 2007, which I find to be really big already) as well as memory tomorrow!
As far as I know, my maximum temperature with fans at 80% is around 57 degrees. I worry I might not be running FurMark for long enough, but right now I don't have that much time to continue. I think I could safely reduce the fan speed to about 50% (about the same loudness as the rest of my system, which is quite loud when someone like you might think of it but I don't mind) while still receiving adequate temperatures and stability
Thanks to all of you for your help!

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Dilyn

· #13 · Nov 29, 2009

3

Quote:

Originally Posted by xd_1771

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Yes, I guess that is what matters...

I think my GPU likes to overclock!
I've found my maximum GPU clock to be 820mhz... at 825, I get a few artifacts here and there, scarcely, but visibly. Is that really good?
I'll have to continue with adjusting the shaders (currently at 2007, which I find to be really big already) as well as memory tomorrow!
As far as I know, my maximum temperature with fans at 80% is around 57 degrees. I worry I might not be running FurMark for long enough, but right now I don't have that much time to continue. I think I could safely reduce the fan speed to about 50% (about the same loudness as the rest of my system, which is quite loud when someone like you might think of it but I don't mind) while still receiving adequate temperatures and stability
Thanks to all of you for your help!

Run furmark for at least 15 minutes.
Then just wait for the temps to stop increasing.
After the temps stay roughly the same (1-5 degrees up or down) for rougly 5-10 minutes, you should be good.
At least, that's what I go by for my clocks

Runs MW2 stable enough at least. No artifacts.

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xd_1771

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 29, 2009

Ah, I see. I'll have enough time to do that tomorrow, and I can still run other non-GFX-demanding PC tasks while it works.
Anyways, thanks, and I can keep you updated if I have any problems, etc. if you want.

Dilyn

· #15 · Nov 29, 2009

Only if you feel that you need help with something

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xd_1771

Discussion Starter · #16 · Nov 29, 2009

Well eVGA Precision didn't apply my overclocked settings during the next startup, so I checked "Apply at Windows startup" and I'm hoping it works. I might just have that 8400 in my computer today because my dad will be purchasing a 4550 today for the other [media centre] computer. Is it possible to overclock a PhysX card..? If so, how would I go about and test it... or should I find the maximum overclock while it is still plugged in as a main video card, lol

My 8400GS is from EVGA (256MB) and is a G86

Dilyn

· #17 · Nov 29, 2009

2

Quote:

Originally Posted by xd_1771

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Well eVGA Precision didn't apply my overclocked settings during the next startup, so I checked "Apply at Windows startup" and I'm hoping it works. I might just have that 8400 in my computer today because my dad will be purchasing a 4550 today for the other [media centre] computer. Is it possible to overclock a PhysX card..? If so, how would I go about and test it... or should I find the maximum overclock while it is still plugged in as a main video card, lol

My 8400GS is from EVGA (256MB) and is a G86

You can save profiles in EVGA Precision as well.
Just click on that button that's to the right of the 'Apply' button and check out all the nifty things in there. There's also an on screen display option, so you can see your temps while in game

I'm pretty sure you'd be able to OC a PhysX card. Not sure if it'd do you any good (not entirely sure as to how PhysX works exactly. Still need to do my research).

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xd_1771

Discussion Starter · #18 · Nov 29, 2009

PhysX offloads the physics processing in a game (e.g. breaking glass) from a CPU to either the single GPU or a dedicated PhysX GPU (both improve performance, the latter is the best).
I've been into that properties window before but I can't figure out how to set the actual profiles... I'm only able to set the shortcut keys xD

Dilyn

· #19 · Nov 29, 2009

2

Quote:

Originally Posted by xd_1771

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PhysX offloads the physics processing in a game (e.g. breaking glass) from a CPU to either the single GPU or a dedicated PhysX GPU (both improve performance, the latter is the best).
I've been into that properties window before but I can't figure out how to set the actual profiles... I'm only able to set the shortcut keys xD

No I know how PhysX works, I just don't know exactly if you'd see a ginormous increase from overclocking. Come to think of it, I suppose you would.
Gah running off NO SLEEP is not good for the thought processes.

And to set the profiles:
I believe you just right click the number

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xd_1771

Discussion Starter · #20 · Nov 29, 2009

3

*right clicks* *tries right click again* *and again* *and again...* *again...*
Nope, that doesn't work

And apparently, Crysis doesn't support PhysX...

Oh well, at least I have a really powerful CPU [that I use for video encoding] to make up for that

Also, I've been reading lately and it seems that dedicated PhysX [with Ageia's PPU at least] is not supported in Windows 7... I can't figure out if this is true or not

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