it's a try and error process... increase the core/mem clock with small increment likesay 10Mhz each time then followed by stress test (gpu stress test like msi combustor and any others) keep on increasing core/mem clock untill u pass the test without any bsod,freeze,artifact...
more on tat hoping sifu shepard will guide..also if i'm wrong,do correct me...tqvm

can anyone help me with oc-ing my GPU? newbee here, know ntg bout OC.
1) I got msi after burner, so i just tweak the system there?
2) whats the best/stable core clock, memory clock to go with my current spec?
3) my Room got AC + fan blow it also can

i5 3470
msi b75-p45
7870xt
additional fan added in casing
Seasonic S12 II 620W

bro, when you play latest games with all eye candy sets to the maxed possible, you'll know that even the most powerful single GPU also struggling to maintain a playable fps especially when you play at 1080p or higher res. That's where GPU OC taking its part to produce more fps = smooth gameplay. You're right about the life span, but to me as long as we monitor the temps and control it wisely everything should be fine, believe me.. I may not an expert when it comes to overclocking CPU/GPU but from what I read and learnt from OC old timers all over the net, and with some experience in overclocking GTX8800s, HD5850s, 6970s before..i believe as long as we know what we did, the GC should be fine.

Most importantly, we didn't use highest achieved OC for 24/7 but instead just for benching purpose and try to get a highest score possible. same goes with those who OC'ed their CPU using subzero/LN2 etc...they didn't do that for 24/7 usage but just for the score and to exceed the limit+ for fun...just my 10cents though  .

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Added on January 10, 2012, 7:43 pm

sorry bro, i dont have a decent camera so i didn't capture any photo. maybe tonight I'll capture some and upload it. This is a MUST HAVE card for all 'extreme pc gamers'  .
1. fan really silent
2. the design is superb
3. this card is really cold
4. easy to OC, can OC up to 300MHz+ on core and up to 250MHz on memory easily, just need a small bump on voltage.
5. very stable OC

Just to ask a bit, my PC blank screen when attempting to overclock my GPU using Trixx. 
870/1270 right now... but my monitor black screen.
What should I do next?  Increase power limit? 

1320/1750 are the highest clocks I could get from 3x 7970 with 13.1 WHQL



Power limit is set to 15%, higher than this will freeze the system. VRM temp max at 50C+.

13.4 WHQL and 13.5 Beta2 w/ or w/o 12.4 CAP1 will freeze the PC instantly. VRM is max at 105C. 

I tried 13.4 WHQL and now even on 1150/1600, my pc wont stable anymore. the driver keep crashing and restart without any reason. I just surf the net and sometime explore my pc also got driver reset suddenly. Something is not right with this driver.

I'll try 1250/1650 later and monitor VRM temps to simulate what you're getting.

i am still good at 1160/1650 on air. vrm readings all low.

NOTE! You must un-install AMD Catalyst 13.4 (if you have already installed AMD Catalyst 13.4) before installing AMD Catalyst 13.5 Beta

testing now the latest beta driver.

still seems good.
same voltages ( its 1256 set now .. lol simcity ...) vram is at 1.562v
this is comparison to the screenshot i did last time.
hmm owikh did u read this

http://support.amd.com/us/kbarticles/Pages...BetaDriver.aspx

Hmm so either tessalation n or driver frame been change to affect ure stabilities.
But curious how ure vrm hit 105 on water

UPDATE:

My max VRM temps when running 3dmark13 at 1250/1650 was 55'C & 49'C, so I believe it could be your VRM thermal pad or something else that cause your VRM temps jump so high owikh84