GPU Core/Shader overclocking vs Memory

[El_Capitan]

So, I've been testing the Zotac GTX 580 1.5GB Amp! edition and I'm noticing a few things. The older Nvidia drivers could overclock Memory like crazy, but that doesn't seem to be the case any longer. I'm using 280.26 drivers.

 

Note: I'm using Unigine Heaven v2.1 benchmark at default everything except Anisotropy: 16, Anti-aliasing: 8, Full screen at 1920 x 1200.

 

For example:

GTX580 - 815MHz Core Clock and 2050MHz Memory (Stock settings with stock 1000mV Core Voltage) = 40.8FPS

GTX580 - 850MHz Core Clock and 2170MHz Memory (Stock 1000mV Core Voltage) = 43.3FPS

GTX580 - 870MHz Core Clock and 2050MHz Memory (Stock 1000mV Core Voltage) = 43.3FPS

 

So what's better, 20MHz extra Core Clock or 120MHz extra Memory?

 

 

At any rate, I was able to get the GTX 580 overclocked to 910MHz at 1050mV's Core Voltage with 2050MHz Memory = 44.6FPS (not too shabby, at 1150mV's I'm sure it can probably hit at least 950MHz, maybe higher if I'm lucky):

[cirro]

core

[El_Capitan]

Yeah, I'd be thinking Core, too, but then does that mean I should underclock the Memory speeds in order to see if I can overclock my Core Clock speeds any further? Hypothetically, suppose every 120MHz I lower my Memory speed, I get an increase of 20MHz Core Clock. At what point would I stop?

 

I'm currently benchmarking 930MHz Core Clock with 1930MHz Memory at 1050mV's. Looks to be doing fine right now, will update in a bit...

 

Update: Benchmark passed, same FPS score, though. Plus, it wasn't visually stable as with the 910MHz Core Clock with stock Memory speeds (couple of blips here and there). Screenshot is wrong, Core Voltage on MSI Afterburner should be 1050mV's, I was just reset and reconfigured my settings, but forgot to put it back at 1050mV's.

[MJCRO]

Capi just flash her BIOS to let you raise the voltage to 1.2v. There's no fun in it then.

 

Nice stability though @ 930 with only 1.05v. You'd prob be getting 975+ if you put it to 1.15v.

Edited September 28, 2011 by MJCRO

[El_Capitan]

Capi just flash her BIOS to let you raise the voltage to 1.2v. There's no fun in it then.

 

Nice stability though @ 930 with only 1.05v. You'd prob be getting 975+ if you put it to 1.15v.

Lol, I don't like to increase GPU voltages unless it's under water, though I'm sure I'll get it under sometime in the near future. Still, I'm not that impressed with this card over a GTX 570. It should be scoring at least in the 50FPS range in the benchmark over the cost different the GTX 570 has.