Can I OC it?

[Ravang]

I was wondering if I can OC my ATI X1650 vid card, for better performance in FSX? :-?

[congo]

Sure you can, but it will only improve things by a limited percentage, overclocking is a poor substitute for a more powerful card unless the particular card has a reputation as a good overclocker.

The overclock will be limited by two factors, firstly, then chips will only go so fast before showing errors, and secondly, the chips may get hot and then show errors or fail, possibly killing your video card.

So, when you overclock, if you notice any artifacting (strange things on the screen) reduce the overclock settings, or if the card is hot, reduce the temps and try again. If the card keeps showing artifacts, don't overclock it. Also, have a good explanation ready for the warranty guy if you bust it

[Fozzer]

...excellent advice there...

There is no substitute for getting a faster Processor and/or Graphics Card...and leaving it as standard...!

If you have a 125cc motor bike, don't try re-boring the engine oversize to make it go faster, just throw it away and get a bigger 500cc motor bike...
...trust me... ...!

Paul....not a great fan of overclocking...(and re-boring cylinders)... ... ....!

[congo]

Unless you have one of these Gigabyte 7900GS's !

[Brett_Henderson]

I'm an OC convert  

As far as motorcycle engines... it's more akin to installing a larger carbuerator and polishing the inside of the intake manifold; letting an engine "breathe" to it's potential.

And along those lines... too MUCH carb and the engine won't run right; maybe not even start.

And similarly... pushing your new engine/carb combo to its limit, will shorten the engine life (but we were gonna toss it anyway..  lol )

[Brett_Henderson]

Hey Congo..  Is that temperature indicating paint on the smaller heat sink ?

[Fozzer]

Hey Congo..  Is that temperature indicating paint on the smaller heat sink ?

Nah....

..it's blood and burnt skin, when Congo touched it after performing the dreaded "Overclocking" procedure on his swanky new card.... ...!

Trust me... ...!

Paul...leaving "things" alone... ... ...!

[DizZa]

Actually, overclocking a 7900GS with a nice Zalman heatsink on it, will be perfectly safe, and I doubt it will shorten the life of the card much. Anyways, the stock clock is 400mhz, some people can get it to over 700mhz and the memory from 1.4ghz, to over 1.6ghz. That will improve performance so it will EASILY exceed a 7800GTX, or a stock 7900GT.

[chiptas]

[quote]Unless you have one of these Gigabyte 7900GS's !