An efficient graphics card is a component that significantly improves the gaming performance of a computer. Each part, whether we are talking about an integrated or a dedicated card, has a strictly defined performance. In some cases, the performance of a graphics card can be improved by overclocking it. Many cards sold have an OC tag, which indicates that the component has already been improved by the manufacturer itself. However, even such a card can be overclocked. We show you how to do it.
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What are the benefits of overclocking a graphics card?
The main purpose of overclocking a graphics card is to get satisfactory performance parameters. The component becomes faster, works more efficiently – which allows you to enjoy the game in higher resolution. Statistics prove the effectiveness of overclocking cards.
It turns out that even a small improvement in the work of graphics translates into a minimum of several percent increase in performance. The game becomes smoother, there are more frames per second – which is especially important in the heavily demanding games. We already know what overclocking a graphics card can do. But how to do it?
How to overclock the graphics card to make it work more efficiently?
First of all, it is worth to find out whether a given model of a graphics card can cope with a situation in which the component will become intensively heated. Some cards simply cannot cope with excessive heat. Dedicated overclocking programs come in handy for upgrading your card. They provide a way on how to overclock a graphics card in a laptop and on a traditional PC. Divided by the parameters that can be modified by us, there are distinctions such as:
- clock frequency,
- memory timing,
- fan speed,
- upper temperature limit for clocking,
- power consumption limit,
- graphics card voltage value.
It is recommended to use reliable overclocking programs for this purpose.
Overclocking a graphics card in practice – how to go about it?
It should be remembered that unskillful overclocking of a graphics card may be dangerous for the component. It is especially risky when interfering with the mechanical structure of the card. Safe overclocking is based on using dedicated software, very often provided by the card manufacturer itself.
There are programs recommended by NVIDIA or AMD for this purpose. How to overclock a graphics card? It is enough to download, install, run an application intended for overclocking graphics cards. Inexperienced persons should use the possibility of automatic overclocking of the card.
The best known program for overclocking graphics cards is MSI Afterburner, which also works with graphics cards from other manufacturers. The program allows you to control the CPU frequency, memory, fan speed, as well as has the ability to save your settings and apply them at system startup. The link to the program can be found here.
How to increase performance of my laptop? Not only overclocking graphics card
Some portable devices, such as laptops, have very limited graphics performance. This applies mainly to non-gaming hardware, which are already a good few years old. So the question arises: is it possible to connect a graphics card to a laptop and enjoy a more efficient game?
It turns out that it is possible. Supplementing the equipment with an additional external card allows you to jump up the performance of your laptop. This is important if we want to enjoy excellent gameplay in demanding video games. This can be a much more efficient solution than trying to overclock your existing graphics card.
How to connect a graphics card in a laptop?
How to connect a graphics card in a laptop? For this purpose, a PCI connector or a USB type C port is used. This means that installing an additional card is extremely simple and intuitive. This is one of the easiest ways to make your device more powerful. If you dream of free and smooth gaming, or want to watch movies in very high resolution on your laptop – a good graphics card is a must.
However, the external component must be compatible with your hardware, so it’s always a good idea to check if the card will work. Nowadays, you can connect desktop graphics cards to your laptop via the Thunderbolt 3 connector. Combined with a powerful processor, you can achieve a satisfying jump in hardware speed.
