Not so long ago, just 10-23 years ago, the phrase “overclock the processor” implied a number of actions that regular user The PC would classify them as shamanic. Among them was selecting a multiplier, changing the bus frequency, RAM, etc. If the experimenter made a mistake, he could lose the processor, motherboard, RAM or all of this at once. Agree, the procedure is somewhat risky, which means it is completely unsuitable as a mass procedure. That’s why it was mostly professionals and computer geeks who did this.
Fortunately, over time the situation has changed in better side. Now manufacturers themselves are adding the ability to slightly overclock the processor, obtaining some increase in performance. One striking example is the AMD OverDrive overclocking program.

This is great free application, which comes bundled with many motherboards, allows you to perform the so-called “safe tuning” of the AMD CPU, thanks to which even a not very experienced user can use it. Main advantages:

Easy setup + Wide range of possibilities for changing CPU parameters + Supports almost all models of AMD chips + Clear interface + Availability of a special plugin for system testing

You can download the utility on the company’s official website.

To overclock an AMD processor using the program AMD Overdrive Utility, after launching it, you need to open the “Performance Control” section, and in it - the “Clock/Voltage” tab.

Here we find the “Select all Cores” item and check it to change the value for all CPU cores at once.
Below there will be a “CPU Core 0 Multiplier” slider. It is responsible for changing the multiplier. Smoothly move it a little to the right and look at the top of the window, namely at the “Current Speed” column, where the new processor speed will be displayed.

Now we need to run the system under load (games, HD video, rendering) and observe the stability of operation. If suddenly the computer starts to freeze or crash, then you can try in the “Voltage (V)” section to play with the “CPU VID” parameter, changing the voltage supply to the processor.

Note: When using AMD OverDrive overclocking software, constantly monitor the temperature. You can do this here, in the “Status Monitor” >> “CPU Status” section. Temperatures up to 60 degrees are considered normal. Do not allow the system to overheat. If the temperature is significantly higher under load, try lowering the voltage and reducing the multiplier.

Not so long ago, just 10-23 years ago, the phrase “overclock the processor” implied a number of actions that the average PC user would classify as shamanic. Among them was selecting a multiplier, changing the bus frequency, RAM, etc. If the experimenter made a mistake, he could lose the processor, motherboard, RAM, or all of this at once. Agree, the procedure is somewhat risky, which means it is completely unsuitable as a mass procedure. That’s why it was mostly professionals and computer geeks who did this. Fortunately, over time the situation has changed for the better. Now manufacturers themselves are adding the ability to slightly overclock the processor, obtaining some increase in performance. One striking example is the AMD OverDrive overclocking program.

This excellent free application, which comes bundled with many motherboards, allows you to perform the so-called “safe tuning” of the AMD CPU, thanks to which even a not very experienced user can use it. Main advantages:

Easy setup + Wide range of possibilities for changing CPU parameters + Supports almost all models of AMD chips + Clear interface + Availability of a special plugin for system testing

You can download the utility on the company’s official website.

In order to overclock an AMD processor using the AMD Overdrive Utility program, after launching it, you need to open the “Performance Control” section, and in it - the “Clock/Voltage” tab.

Here we find the “Select all Cores” item and check it to change the value for all CPU cores at once. Below there will be a “CPU Core 0 Multiplier” slider. It is responsible for changing the multiplier. Smoothly move it a little to the right and look at the top of the window, namely at the “Current Speed” column, where the new processor speed will be displayed.

Now we need to run the system under load (games, HD video, rendering) and observe the stability of operation. If suddenly the computer starts to freeze or crash blue screen death of BSOD, then you can try in the “Voltage (V)” section to play with the “CPU VID” parameter, changing the voltage supply to the processor.

Note: While using AMD OverDrive overclocking software, keep an eye on the temperature at all times. You can do this here, in the “Status Monitor” >> “CPU Status” section. Temperatures up to 60 degrees are considered normal. Do not allow the system to overheat. If the temperature is significantly higher under load, try reducing the voltage and reducing the multiplier.

set-os.ru

How to overclock an AMD processor using the AMD OverDrive utility

AMD has made it easier for its consumers to overclock processors by releasing the official AMD OverDrive processor overclocking utility. After installation, open the program, activate the “Performance Control” tab and go to the “Clock/Voltage” line.

AMD OverDrive will show you the current speed of the processor. To overclock the processor, check the box next to “Select all Cores” and move the knob next to “CPU Core 0 Multiplier” to the right. In the top field “CPU Core 0 Speed” you will see the new processor speed in the “Current Speed” item.

If after this a system crash occurs, experiment with the “CPU VID” regulator in the “Voltage (V)” item, which controls the voltage supply to the processor. Important: in the “Status Monitor | CPU Status" monitor the processor overheating. The ideal temperature is below 60 °C.

Before agreeing to the changes made, test the processor several times using “Performance Control | Stability Test". With the new settings, the processor should work without crashes. You can play it safe by double-checking the stability of your system using the Cinebench test suite.

Denis Popovkin

ichip.ru

The best AMD processor overclocking software will allow your computer to run significantly faster and perform complex tasks more efficiently.

AMD is a type of microprocessor for personal computers and laptops that are manufactured and released by AMD.

The technology of such microprocessors allows you to perform tasks with high performance for 32 bit systems. Newer categories of processors have acquired support for 64-bit computing.

The processor built into the system does not use all its resources. Thus, its service life is extended. Acceleration must be carried out purposefully and irregularly. Otherwise, you can cause serious damage to the hardware components of your PC or laptop.

Let's look at the most effective applications that can increase the operating frequency of an AMD processor.

Powerful application for AMD 64. The program is free.

You can download it from the official website of the company.

Application download page

Immediately after the first launch of the program, a dialog box pops up, which warns the user that he bears full responsibility for all actions performed in the program that could lead to processor failure.

After agreeing with the information provided, the main program window will appear.

Main window of the OverDrive utility

Follow the instructions to overclock the system microprocessor:

  • On the left, find an item called Clock Voltage;

Application Toolbar

  • Carefully examine the window that appears. The first column of data is the clock speed of each available microprocessor core. The second tab is the ordinal factor of the kernel, this is the number that needs to be changed;
  • To adjust the multiplier, you must click on the Speed ​​Control button. It is highlighted in green in the picture below. Then adjust the sliders.

Procedure for overclocking a microprocessor using the OverDrive program

back to menu

ACC is an overclocking feature for AMD athlon. The peculiarity of this application is that the adjustment and selection of the required frequencies is carried out very accurately. You can work with the application both in the operating system itself and in the BIOS.

To adjust the operation of the central microprocessor, go to the Performance Control tab in the motherboard menu. The key is located at the top of the utility's main toolbar.

Main window of the application for overclocking the ACC processor

The success of overclocking is also affected by the power supply system of the computer or laptop and the level of operation of the cooling system.

Return to menu

The main goal of the utility is to increase the clock frequency of the microprocessor through a program in real time. Also, using the convenient program menu, you can overclock other hardware components: system buses, memory.

The program is equipped with a powerful frequency generator and several system monitoring tools, with which you can regulate the temperature of components and control the operation of the cooling system.

Main window of the Clock Gen application

Brief instructions for use:

  1. To overclock the processor, run the utility. In the left panel of the main window, find the PLL Control item and click on it;
  2. Two sliders will appear on the right side of the window. Change the position of the Selection slider little by little. Remember! This needs to be done little by little and very slowly. Dragging suddenly can cause overclocking and instant failure of the processor or other hardware components of the computer;
  3. Click the Apply Changes button.

In the same way, you can speed up RAM and system buses. To do this, select the required component in the PLL Setup window. Top panels The program shows a kind of clock that displays the power of the hardware components.

The program is available in Russian after installing the Russifier.

Remember! Any microprocessor frequency that is outside the normal value is in violation of the consent to use in the first place hardware component. If the processor fails, its warranty will be void. Any device after the overclocking procedure loses its warranty.

Thematic videos:

The best programs for overclocking an AMD processor

The best programs for overclocking an AMD processor

A set of programs (utilities) for overclocking the processor and video card CPU, GPU -z and others!

geek-nose.com

AMD OverDrive processor overclocking program

The AMD OverDrive program makes it possible to increase computer performance by overclocking.


AMD OverDrive for Windows 10

AMD OverDrive download

Installation Features

  • This AMD processor overclocking program works on any operating system. Windows system.
  • The program for overclocking an AMD processor can work at minimum performance computer.
  • The AMD OverDrive program has an official website www.amd.com/en-us/innovations/software-technologies/technologies-gaming/over-drive where you can download the AMD OverDrive program for free.
  • The archive contains the AMD OverDrive Utility file

Features of the program

  • The program has a module with which you can control in detail operating system and all computer parameters.
  • It has a separate plugin for testing the processor and other computer components.
  • The AMD CPU OverDrive program works with all AMD chipsets.
  • The program provides information about the operating mode characteristics of the processor, video card, chipset, motherboard, RAM and SPD records.
  • Monitors all computer components and displays their frequencies, voltage and temperature, as well as the rotation speed of their fans.
  • Using the AMD OverDrive program, you can overclock the processor manually and in automatic mode.
  • You can change frequencies, fan speeds, voltages, multipliers and the number of memory timings.
  • There is a stability test for safe overclocking.
  • It is possible to create several profiles with different overclocking.
  • The program gives access to many protected functions.

When you first launch the program, a warning window opens saying that you are using this utility at your own peril and risk. Close this warning by clicking on the OK button. The System Information - Basic tab will open, which will display information about the processor and memory. On the System Information - Diagram tab, a chipset diagram opens on which, if you click on the desired component, detailed information about it will open.


Parameter monitoring

The Status Monitor tab displays indicators of processor frequency, temperature, voltage, load level and multiplier. On the Performance Control - Novice tab you can change the frequency PCI Express by using simple engine slider.


AMD OverDrive Settings

On the Preference - Settings tab, you can unlock advanced frequency settings; to do this, you need to check the Advanced Mode item. After this, instead of the Performance Control - Novice tab, the Performance Control - Clock/Voltage tab will appear on which you can set the values ​​of many parameters. For example, AMD OverDrive can overclock a processor on all processor cores at once or separately for each core, respectively, by checking the Select All Cores checkbox or not.


On this tab you can overclock the processor AMD Athlon

The Performance Control - Memory tab displays a lot of memory information, and you can also adjust delays on this tab. On the Performance Control - Stability Test tab, you can quickly compare overclocking with previous indicators, and you can also check the stability of the system by increasing its performance. On the Performance Control - Auto Clock tab, you can automatically overclock your computer. It is recommended to overclock via AMD OverDrive with small values ​​and be sure to monitor the temperature so as not to lose the stability of the computer.

Video

This video is about AMD OverDrive, how to use it and how to overclock the processor to increase computer performance.

garayev.ru

How to overclock an Intel or AMD processor on a computer or laptop

The processor is one of the most expensive components in a computer. The price of modern CPUs can exceed the cost of all other computer components, especially when it comes to server models.

When the user is faced with the task of slightly increasing productivity central processor, for example, for a more stable frame rate in a particular game, you can not replace the CPU, but overclock it. Intel and AMD processors can be overclocked, also called overlocking.

Overclocking allows you to increase clock frequency processor, which increases the number of instructions that the chip executes per second, that is, increases CPU performance. In this article, we will consider the option of software overclocking of Intel and AMD processors, but it is also possible to carry out overlocking by replacing the BIOS.

Is it safe to overclock a processor?

The essence of overclocking a processor and video card is the same - the user, by replacing the original software “at a low level,” increases performance. If you look at this issue from a technical point of view, the voltage on the key components of the board simply increases, which allows you to achieve an increase in power.

Almost every processor running native software only operates at 50-60% of its maximum power. Accordingly, it can be overclocked, bringing this figure closer to 100%. But it is worth remembering that overclocking the processor is accompanied by:

With proper overclocking, the risk of burning out the processor is minimal. It is important to understand that the possibilities specific model CPUs are not unlimited, and it will not be possible to increase performance by 50-100%. It is recommended to overclock by no more than 15%.

Please note: Overclocking the processor also increases the performance of the RAM, which may negatively affect it.

Preparing to overclock the processor

Before you start overclocking the processor, it won’t hurt to read forums on the Internet with information from “experienced” specialists on a specific CPU model. The fact is that some processors, for example the basic i3, i5 and i7 series from Intel, are difficult to overclock, and it is better not to increase their power by more than 5-8%. At the same time, the line of K-series i-processors from Intel, on the contrary, is designed for overclocking, and the performance of such CPUs can be increased by 15-20% without any particular risks.

It is also important to know the overclocking potential so that clock cycles do not skip. With a strong increase in performance and signs of overheating, in order to reduce the temperature, the processor may begin to skip cycles. In this way, it will protect itself from failure, but the quality of its work will be significantly lower than before overclocking.

  • Update Motherboard BIOS boards;
  • Test the stability of the processor in normal mode. To do this, you need to install and use a diagnostic application, for example, S
  • Determine the processor clock speed using the CPU-Z utility.

Once the preparation is complete, you can begin overclocking the processor.

Please note: Methods for overclocking processors for desktop computers and laptops do not differ from each other. Despite this, when overlocking the CPU on laptops, you must be extremely careful and not raise the system bus frequency on the motherboard to high values.

How to overclock an Intel processor

Overlocking Intel processors can be done with several applications, each of which has its own pros and cons. Some of the programs are not suitable for certain processor models, others are not recommended for use by amateurs, and are suitable for professionals. Below are the three most popular programs for overclocking Intel processors, of which at least one should be suitable for your CPU model and motherboard.

Important: To overclock an Intel processor, you need to know the model of the clock generator of the motherboard installed in the computer. The easiest way to determine it is to take it apart system unit(or laptop) and study the inscriptions on the motherboard. Some experts argue that when overclocking, you can use the brute force method, selecting all available clock generator options in the program until the correct one is found. We strongly do not recommend acting in this way; you must take care of determining the clock generator model in advance.

Overclocking an Intel processor with CPUFSB

One of the most common and convenient programs for processor overlocking it is CPUFSB. It is compatible with almost all modern CPUs from Intel, including support for overclocking i-series processors, that is Intel Core i5, i7 and others. When overclocking a CPU, the CPUFSB application acts on the clock generator, increasing the reference frequency of the system bus. Among the advantages of the application, one can also highlight the presence of the Russian language, and the disadvantages include its cost, since the program is not officially distributed for free.

To overclock a processor using the CPUFSB utility, you must:


Please note: After restarting the computer set values overlocking will be reset. To prevent this from happening, you can set the value of the overclocked frequency in the “Set CPUFSB at next startup” column. Due to this, the application will automatically raise the frequency by a predetermined amount upon startup. If you need to keep the processor overclocked constantly, you can put the CPUFSB program in startup.

Overclocking an Intel processor with SetFSB

The operating principle of the SetFSB application is identical to that used in CPUFSB. The program also increases the system bus reference frequency by influencing the clock generator, which causes an increase in processor performance. Unlike CPUFSB, the SetFSB program does not support the Russian language. The utility is distributed for a fee on the developers' website.

Before you start overlocking using the SetFSB program, you need to look at the website of the application developers for a list of motherboards with which it works. If the board used on the computer is not listed, the application will not work.

It is worth noting: Unlike CPUFSB, the SetFSB application works well with relatively old processor models - Intel Core Two Duo. If you plan to overclock just such a CPU, you should give it preference over its competitors.

To overclock the processor using SetFSB, you must:


As with the CPUFSB program, overclocking results will be reset after rebooting the computer.

Overclocking an Intel processor with SoftFSB

SoftFSB is a well-proven program that is distributed free of charge, and it allows you to overclock your processor with ease. This utility has one significant drawback - its developers stopped supporting it in the mid-2000s. As a result, the program can only work with relatively old motherboards and Intel processors. It is often used system administrators in enterprises where computers have not changed for decades, and the requirements for their performance are growing even from outside standard applications.

SoftFSB works on the same principle as SetFSB, as well as CPUFSB, that is, by influencing the clock generator. Overclocking the processor in the application is performed according to the following algorithm:

The above describes the operating principle of the three most popular applications for overclocking Intel processors of different generations. Dozens of other programs designed for CPU overlocking work in a similar way.

How to overclock an AMD processor

As in the situation with overclocking a video card based on an AMD chip, you can use standard software from the manufacturer to overlock the processor. This allows the risk of chip burnout to be brought closer to zero. In this case, there are two options - use the Catalyst Control Center program, which is installed along with the drivers on the computer, or download a special application for processor overlocking - AMD Overdrive - from the official AMD website.

Please note: Despite the fact that overclocking software is used from the chip manufacturer, AMD disclaims warranty obligations if overlocking is performed. This is indicated when the Overdrive function is activated, which is responsible for overclocking the processor.

To overclock an AMD processor using the Catalyst Contol Center program, you must:


As you can see, the Catalyst Control Center application does everything for the user, depriving him of the ability to control the process, which not everyone will like. The AMD Overdrive application allows you to take part in overclocking an AMD processor in more detail.

To overlock a CPU via AMD Overdrive you need to:


Important: As with overclocking an Intel processor, it is not recommended to sharply increase the multiplier. Perform overlocking step by step, constantly testing the performance and stability of the processor (and cooling) at an increased frequency.

If overclocking, and even the processor, then it will start again: CPU-Z, Prime-95 and Linpak... And these are programs that actually do not participate in “overclocking” in any way. But, in fact, with AMD it turned out to be somewhat simpler. Much easier.

The Canadian company AMD, that is, the company itself, produces one such program. It is absolutely free. From it, you can overclock an AMD processor (starting from the AM-2 socket), on any “motherboard”, regardless of the manufacturer... Change all values, test the correctness of overclocking, look at real frequency values, test performance. That is, one program (with one window of several tabs) will replace a typical “set” of utilities. But no one forbids anyone who wants to test the “stability” with Prime, as well as evaluate performance after overclocking with Linpack. Let us repeat once again - the program works freely on all motherboards (with socket AM2 and higher, and AMD chipset from 7xx). It’s called, too, simply: AMD OverDrive.

Warning

Any change in clock frequency values ​​that goes beyond those specified in the documentation (as well as overestimation of supply voltages) violates the license agreement and voids the final warranty. After overclocking, any device automatically loses its warranty. You will carry out all actions at your own risk.

Now - about something less sad

The program allows you to “change” almost everything that can be changed: Hypertarnsport frequency, PCI-e and PCI buses, even (attention!) memory timings. Well, and voltage (and all this with constant temperature monitoring). A multi-core amd processor can be overclocked separately for each core... In a word, having “AMD OverDrive” installed, there is no need to go into the BIOS.

Official requirements

Chipsets supported: AMD Hudson-D3, 990X, 990FX, 970, 890GX, 890FX, 890G, 790FX, 790GX, 790X, 785G, 780G, 770.

Is your motherboard chipset not listed? Most likely, it really is not supported (this also applies to 760G, 740G, 780V).

Download the program here:

http://download.amd.com/Desktop/aod_setup_4.2.3.exe. At the time of writing the review, the version was 4.2.3 (which is discussed below).

Preparatory actions

Where should a person go before going to first grade? That's right, in preparatory. Same here:

  1. Cool-n-Quiet driver, if installed, leave it: this is AMD Processor Driver for Windows, let him stay.
  2. Go to BIOS and force shutdown:
  • Cool ‘n’ Quiet (in Disable);
  • C1E (to Disable);
  • Spread Spectrum (in Disable);
  • Smart CPU Fan Control (in Disable).

When exiting the BIOS, be sure to save your changes. Download the OS.

Note: Another name for C1E is Enhanced Halt State. Lead detailed guide here – impossible, because Everyone’s motherboard is different (if we don’t know what’s where, read the booklet instructions for setting up this BIOS).

Actually, the system is now ready to install and launch Over Drive. But first, a couple more words.

Is it possible to overclock the processor in this system?

Look at the energy consumption graph. It concerns just overclocking (that is, consumption - before and after this action):

This is the power consumed by the processor alone (in Watts). Immediately, a couple of questions arise: will your power supply “pull”? What about the processor cooler? As a rule, all AMD boxed coolers are designed to operate in “standard” modes (that is, without overclocking the cooler - almost to the limit). If you can answer yes to both questions, move on to the next step.

Note: 248 Watts here fall on the 12-Volt line (that is, the current along it is 20.7 Amps, and not many power supplies can “boast” a value higher than 20).

Working with the Over Drive program

To begin with, a short educational program.

  • Processor frequency is the CPU core frequency at which the processor executes instructions.
  • HyperTransport frequency: frequency of the interface between the processor and the northbridge. Usually – equal to the northbridge frequency (but – should not exceed it).
  • Northbridge (NB) frequency: For processors, increasing the Northbridge frequency results in higher memory controller (and L3 cache) speed. This frequency should not be lower than the HyperTransport frequency, although it can be made much higher.
  • Memory frequency: The operating frequency (in megahertz) at which the memory operates. It must be remembered that the physical frequency is 2 times less than the “effective” one.
  • Finally, the base frequency: as you can see, all frequencies are calculated from the base (by multiplying or dividing it).
  • CPU clock speed = CPU multiplier * base;
  • Northbridge frequency (aka L3 frequency in AMD) = northbridge multiplier * base;
  • HyperTransport frequency = HyperTransport multiplier * base;
  • Memory frequency = memory multiplier * base.

Launch the Over Drive program. In the first window, immediately click “OK”:

Thus, the user agreed with the responsibility (associated with the undesirable consequences of “overclocking”). The main program window will appear next:

As you can see, all the frequencies currently installed in the computer are shown (HyperTransport frequency is in the right column, and HT ref. is sort of the “base”).

Why are there so many “multipliers”? Isn't it easier to overclock your computer right away at the base frequency?

The fact is that two more are connected with the “base” one - these are the frequencies of the computer buses, PCI and PCI-Express. As the PCI frequency increases, many devices built into the board may become unstable (and this is already observed with an addition of less than 10% to the “standard” values).

This program for overclocking an amd processor allows you to monitor temperatures (of everything you can). Go to the “Status Monitor” tab (second in line):

Here we see the temperatures of only the processor cores (in the last line). By selecting “Board Status” and “GPU status”, we get a similar “screen” for the motherboard and video. The fact is that the latest version supports overclocking the video accelerator built into the processor (and in the previous versions - only in the chipset, and also Side Port). That is, the video temperature also needs to be controlled... But we are overclocking the processor.

Go to the “Performance Control” tab (third from the top).

This is the main window for overclocking. But now the tab is in “for beginners” mode. Let's go to the last one (“Preference”):

Here (“Settings” tab) – instead of “Novice Mode”, select, as in the figure (“Advanced Mode”). If you return to the previous tab, it will look like this:

Well, finally! You can freely change all frequencies (that is, all multipliers), including even the “base” frequency (indicated as “HT ref.”):

Note: as you can see, the North Bridge (NB) multiplier is missing. The NB frequency, in fact, increases “automatically”, with a change in the HyperTransport frequency (it cannot be less, can it?).

As you can see, the overclocking margin of HyperTransport (hence the NB, and most importantly the L3 cache) is very small. It is also impossible to “raise” the base frequency to very high values ​​(even at 220 MHz, something may freeze, including: audio, network...). So, first of all, they usually “play around” with the processor’s Core Multiplier.

You can activate the changes using the “Apply” button:

After which, it is better to check whether overclocking has led to instability (the “Stability Test” tab). Well, real performance can be assessed in “Benchmark”).

CPU overclocking technology

  1. We increase the processor multiplier (let it be +1 or 2). It was 15 - now it’s 17. Click on “Apply”.
  2. Turn on “Stability Test”. If it passes, go to the “Status Monitor” tab (record the temperature).

If everything suits you (if the processor has warmed up no higher than 70-75 degrees), the frequency can be increased further. That is, steps 1. and 2. are repeated, but only until “undesirable” temperature values ​​appear (or “failure” of the “Stability Test”).

Thus, we overclocked the processor with only one multiplier.

Here, also – “Stability Test” after each change. The limit is when the operation of one of the devices (integrated into the motherboard) begins to malfunction. The point is to achieve the highest possible CPU frequency with a reduced multiplier (gradually increasing the “base”).

In general, overclocking at the “base frequency” requires certain qualifications.

Well, and lastly (the third stage, so to speak), you can “increase” the “HT Multiplier” multiplier. Which will entail overclocking the L3 cache (and even more heating of the CPU). Once you've finished overclocking, run the Stability Test. Always (when changing something, including something other than the CPU multiplier) – look at the temperatures (not only of the processor, but also of the motherboard) listed on the “Status Monitor” tab.

After “overclocking”, the program itself can be closed. All settings will remain (to “reduce” them, run the program again). There is no need to restart your computer (and even after a reboot, the changes will remain in effect).

Additionally

We only overclocked the processor. Memory will remain the weak link in the system. You can also overclock it, use the “Memory” tab for this:

But this is more difficult than overclocking the CPU, since “stable” overclocking of RAM is associated with the selection of timings (switching delays). Of course, you can immediately increase them by a couple of values, but then, anyway, it’s better to choose them carefully.

The name lights up “red” - the value takes effect only after a reboot. “Memory frequency” is translated into English as “Memory Clock”.

Note: for DDR-3 (and 2) class memory, the physical frequency (displayed by the program) is related to the “effective” one as one to two.

It may be strange, but the memory voltage is regulated in the same place as everyone else (in the “Clock/Voltage” tab). Their values ​​are increased, if it doesn’t work out any other way. And in general, overclocking by changing voltages is recommended “last”.

After overclocking the system, do not be lazy to run the “Stability Test”. At very large multiplier values ​​(more than +20% to the “standard” values), it is better to look at the temperature immediately after pressing the “Apply” button (continuously, 8-10 minutes). If there is overheating, immediately change the value to the “previous” one.

We need competent, that is, “stable” overclocking, and we do not want “overheating shutdown.” Isn't it?

Well, how much can you “overclock” a certain processor? Firstly, all “non-Black Edition” processors will not allow you to change the Core Multiplier. This means that you can only overclock the Core (core) a little, that is, at the “base” frequency. And nothing more, in theory. But it is this “overclocking” that increases the performance of the system “as a whole” by a proportional number of times.

If the user still decides to configure memory through the program, he must first go to the BIOS. To set memory timings (manually only):

By default, they are always “Auto”, so this step (at the preparatory stage) is mandatory.

Explanation: the computer takes memory timings from the SPD of the memory itself (each time the PC is booted again, if the value in the BIOS is “auto”). In turn, SPD contains values ​​“recommended” by the manufacturer. Instead of the “auto” mode, you need to set each timing value in an “explicit” form (and how to set it - well, at least the same as it was in SPD).

That is, we take it, enter it, change it (instead of “Auto”, it becomes “5”, then “5”, and so on, according to the displayed data from the SPD). SPD is translated as: “serial prediction detector”, in general, the name does not reflect the meaning (in Russian, it would be more like “memory ROM”).

There are quite a lot of values, but changing them is possible (in the BIOS shown here there are only 9, then 5 more). Everything should work out...

Overclocking statistics

Let us now take and consider randomly selected results from Overclockers.ru (from statistics on overclocking of the “lightest” family in this sense - Propus, aka Athlone-II X4).

First result: 3667 MHz (282 “base” * 13.0). Cooler – BOX. The voltage increase was still used (the actual Vcore value was about 1.5 Volts). Conclusion: as you can see, the base frequency lends itself well to overclocking. Cooler – no need to change. We used a very “not weak” motherboard (ASUS M4A78LT-M), with a “not weak” power supply system. Standard CPU frequency: 200*13.0.

Second result: 3510 MHz (234 * 15.0). Voltage Vcore = 1.416 (that is, not too high). And this is stable overclocking (it seems that it was not possible to increase the “basic” one further), but the board was also “not simple” - ASrock 870 Extreme3 ​​(cooler - BOX). Standard mode: 200*15.5.

Third result: 3510 MHz (260 * 13.5). Sometimes the “basic” one can still be overclocked (by ASUS board M4A77T). The voltage is almost “standard” (1.5 Volts), but the cooler needed is completely “non-BOX” (Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus). Standard mode: 200*15.0. The temperature of all Cores was “maximum”, and – in full processor load mode – did not exceed 50!

In the first example, the temperature is 62 Gy. C, in the second – 50.

Advanced Clock Calibration (ACC)

We looked at how to overclock an AMD processor in some detail. But there is one more function that you need to know about. The function of “ultra-precise” frequency selection, which is performed automatically (called ACC).

ACC is only present on boards with a southbridge “from 750” or higher. ACC itself can be enabled both in the program and inside the BIOS (in both cases, a reboot is required).

Why are we talking about this here? For the 45 nm Phenom II processor, it is best to disable ACC (after all, AMD claims that a similar function is included in the processor chip). Which is true for any CPU since then. process "not older". And for “older” processors (Phenom and Athlon 65 nm), ACC should be set to Auto. From +2% to +4% increase in frequencies is guaranteed.

So, go to our “favorite” tab (Performance Control), check the value.

What can influence the “success” of overclocking?

At the very beginning, it was already said that when overclocking, the processor requires more energy. At AMD, most desktop processors fit into a 95-watt package. But this does not mean that the power (both consumed and released) must be at this limit.

By the way, recently the situation has not improved. AMD FX processors, despite using the 32 nm process technology, remained at approximately the same level (TDP value did not decrease below 95).

For overclocking, “three” devices are important: the CPU power system (on the motherboard), the power supply (as mentioned above), and the processor cooler.

This “set” must be “balanced”, that is, all components must fully comply with the requirements of the others. The user probably realizes that there is no point in installing a “cool” motherboard if the power supply “can’t handle” even half of the total power. In general, 20 Amps is the “minimum” of the power supply, for its line is 12 Volts (240 Watts, but there are also greater requirements). Gluttony, that is, processor power, increases non-linearly with increasing frequencies. At the beginning of the review, we showed (how much the 965 “eats”). The load also increases with increasing supply voltage Vcore.

All this power must also be “dissipated” (all this is released in the form of heat on the CPU itself). For the Athlon II, a “BOX” cooler is often enough, but for more “powerful” processors, that’s not to say... We’re talking about overclocking here, of course.

All these requirements are very important. However, overclocking is a lottery; the final result will depend on the processor instance. The whole “tiring” will only help to reveal the potential. You shouldn’t put too much faith in statistical data (as well as reviews), where 45-nm “stones” exceed the limit of 4.0 Gigahertz. There are different instances (Core is being driven, but the “cache” is not being driven), the options are different, and what to overclock (and whether it is necessary) is decided by the user himself.

About overclocking results

We will not write about performance, about its growth along with “overclocking”. The actual operating speed indeed changes, and changes for the better (but nonlinearly with the frequency itself).

Let's look at a couple of cases here. That is, consequences (not too desirable ones).

The user did not overclock the new processor. After the warranty expired, it was "fixed" almost immediately. Everything was done correctly (maximum frequency found, etc.).

The PC itself worked in this mode for 2 months. Well, then he stopped (as if he broke down). Isn't there a reason to panic?

The problem was the same - only in the connector on the board (it was heavily oxidized, as a result of which 12V was not supplied to the processor). It became clear that the rest was in order after replacing the connector. However, in “normal” mode, the computer would continue to work, nothing would have to be changed (just the connector, as luck would have it, was 4-pin).

A common defect can be considered the desoldering of the board transistor in the CPU power circuit (power transistors on the “motherboard”). If before overclocking, everything seems to be working, then the user himself conscientiously “turns on” all the tests that cause maximum “power” (and the computer takes it and “turns off” during these tests) ... By simple “installation”, after such a defect, the system board will not be restored. Monitoring the temperature value turns out to be impossible (well, there are no such sensors on the motherboard). S&M is considered a powerful test for overheating, while Prime95 is the fastest to find errors.

That is, in “overclocking” errors are possible. Coming from the “overclocker”. The probability of which is lower, the higher the quality of the remaining hardware (as discussed: motherboard, power supply, and so on). And quality also costs more. Maybe for the same amount you can get a faster processor...

Whether it makes sense to overclock is up to the user to decide. What to overclock and what to check - you make the choice yourself.

The information provided here should be enough for “basic” overclocking. More fine tuning“hardware” – requires qualification.

If you don't see your life without computer games, and you own a video card from AMD and want games to work better on your computer, then you have the opportunity to “overclock” the video card using the special OverDrive technology, which is available in the video card utility AMD Radeon Settings. Now we will tell you how to use OverDrive technology and explain the main points when working with it.

How is AMD OverDrive technology useful?

  • Provides the ability to quickly configure and create profiles for each application (game) separately.
  • There are settings to adjust the fan speed on the video card and power consumption.
  • Frequency control settings available GPU and memory frequencies, which are very easily regulated with the existing interface.
How to overclock a video card using AMD OverDrive?

Through Global Settings go to tab Global OverDrive Technology.

Here we see several areas with sliders and sensors:
Red area : Sensors that display fan speed, graphics card load, GPU temperature, and amount of memory used.
Blue area : Graphical display of power consumption and used GPU frequency.
Green area : An expanded view of settings for adjusting the operation of the GPU.

Let's now move directly to the settings themselves. What and how should you do to overclock your video card using OverDrive? Everything here is simple to the point of banality: using the existing settings and sensors, change the parameters a little bit (gradually increase the GPU frequency and memory frequency by several units), while constantly checking the load on the video card and FPS in the game that you are using as a reference to check performance improvements.

After each change, do not forget to press the button Apply.

To check FPS, we recommend installing the application. This program is quite easy to use, and it does not load the system, which allows you to get reliable results on the number of frames per second in a particular game. The results may vary on different video cards. In general, with a slight overclock you can achieve an increase of 3-4 FPS. At the same time, do not forget to check the condition of the video card. If you notice slight system freezes after overclocking, then this is a good sign to return the sliders back a little.

Good day, ladies and gentlemen, acquaintances, readers and other individuals! Let's try today configure video card.

You and I have already talked a lot about drivers, from this to all sorts of and all sorts of other differences. Today we will continue this topic and talk about more detailed settings.

We will talk about fiddling with driver settings using the example of AMD Radeon (ATI) video cards using the utility built into them. Here we won’t talk about temperatures (because we talked about it), overclocking the video card (because we talked about it) and fan speed (because we also talked about it), but we’ll look at the functionality of the software included in the kit and a bunch of all sorts of settings (which , including in games-applications).

By the way, even if you have a card not from this manufacturer, you should read the article in order to know and, by analogy, be able to configure all sorts of anisotropic filtering, anti-aliasing, morphological sampling and filtering, triple buffering and much more.

So, key to start, let's move.

Introductory verbiage

Attention ! Here and further, part of the meaningless (water) text, when updating the article, was saved insofar as there is a lot of it and there is no desire to completely rewrite (or delete) for various reasons, and the original author of the text was different. Keep this in mind. For the rest, the content will help you (it is clickable).

I think I’m not lying if I assume that many who read the project’s website, no, no, and even sin in their free minute to sit down with their favorite game in order to plunge into the colorful world of virtual reality.

But this is not a problem; our wishes (the hardware under the hood of a PC) do not always coincide with the system requirements of newly released toys. But you still want to play the game, and not just anyhow, but to even have something move and say on the screen, and not slow down and lag. What to do in this situation?

With every release of a modern toy, shouldn’t you buy a new hardware for your computer, and, in particular, as the most important component of modern video games? I don’t know about you, but I have no desire to give my hard-earned money for just 1-2 hours of virtual pleasure a week.

At first glance, it may seem that there is no way out other than throwing money into hardware, but there is one, and it’s very free and quite effective, and it’s called setting up video card drivers for maximum performance. From you, as a user, all that is required is straight hands :) and this note.

So, good gentlemen, let's start squeezing all the juices out of our video camera by setting up its hardware. First of all, I would like to say that this particular article will be dedicated to users who have a video card from AMD under the hood of their PC, i.e. Radeon workers. However, those readers who cast their votes for NVIDIA don’t have to worry either, we’ll prepare an even more delicious article for you.

Actually, let's get to the point.

Introduction to the topic and article

Due to the fact that the article is periodically updated and kept up to date (as far as possible), but is not completely rewritten, here you can find two versions of the described drivers and settings for.

One of them talks about “old” drivers for the corresponding cards and software, as well as for the internal layer and interface (sometimes you can get to it on certain systems, types of drivers, etc.), i.e. we’re talking about which you can see above.

The second version (under a different subtitle) describes the visual and logical appearance of more new version, namely AMD Radeon Software (aka, at different periods of time, Crimson, Crimson Relive, etc., etc.). You can see it below (clickable):

One way or another, regardless of the type of software used (both the first and the second are just the driver environment), the settings (by which we mean the same samples, shader cache, anisotropic filtering and much more), in their semantic content , are similar and they play a key role.

Therefore, the latter are included in a separate subheading, the content after which is the most general (including for all video cards) and relevant.

Video card driver settings separately from versions and interfaces

What you need to understand here (and further) before setting up:

  • If you cannot tell the difference by eye, then you do not need to set the maximum value for anything or look for which one is better, etc., etc., because it will be letters for the sake of letters, numbers for the sake of numbers, and so on;
  • If everything works quickly and you don’t encounter any corners or irregularities, then you simply don’t need any higher values;
  • If everything works slowly, then and only then is it worth fiddling with the settings, methods, degrees and methods;
  • What is slow and fast, angles and roughness, everyone decides for themselves, because it depends on the resolution of the monitor, its response speed, the application and subjective feelings (to some, “ladders” seem to be the norm, to others, on the contrary, 16X MSAA is not enough).

Now about the settings themselves.

Anti-aliasing mode

defines the levels, degree and method of smoothing surfaces in 3D applications:

  • Eliminates ladders (corners) on screens of various models;
  • A driver (not in an application) usually has three global values: use application settings, enhance them, or override them;
  • When overriding and improving, it allows you to select the degree of anti-aliasing (2X, 4X, 8X, etc., etc., in particular values ​​like 2xEQ, etc.) on which quality and performance directly depend (stronger anti-aliasing -> requires more resources ->
  • In the applications themselves (not the driver), you can often (for some time now) choose a method (type, option, method, call it what you want) - SSAA, MSAA, CSAA, NFAA, FXAA, DLAA, MLAA, SMAA, TXAA etc;
  • The difference in degrees and methods can be quickly and easily found in search engines (preferably in an image search) or you can determine it by eye in one application or another.

Smoothing method

Defines the method (technology, type, option, method, call it what you want) that is used for smoothing:

  • Conventionally, it has three gradations (in the driver settings): multiple sampling, adaptive sampling, redundant sampling (application settings are described above);
  • The quality and performance directly depend on the method (stronger anti-aliasing -> requires more resources -> if there are not enough of them, then less performance);
  • It is recommended to use the adaptive option, but change it if there are problems with performance and/or insufficient smoothing when using degrees smoothing.

Morphological (not to be confused with anisotropic) filtering

An additional method for smoothing and filtering an image. “Little known”, rarely used, redundant:

  • Theoretically, it should improve image quality, but in practice it often has a negative impact on performance at the cost of questionable anti-aliasing improvements;
  • Very crookedly speaking, it deals not so much with smoothing, but with blurring the final image and its additional filtering. After applying the methods described above, for a more complete understanding (I’m not sure that you need it), you can try reading (English);
  • For the above reasons, as well as in connection with often, rather, negative consequences(loss, brakes, etc.), should be left turned off (in fact, it has two positions (on-off).

Anisotropic filtering mode

Improves the quality of textures and images in general by filtering texture images on surfaces that are very (and not so) tilted relative to the camera:

  • The driver (not in the application) usually has two global values: use application settings or override;
  • As in the case of anti-aliasing, we can have 2X, 4X, 8X, etc., which determines the quality of filtering;
  • The principle is based on using several copies of the same texture with different details and constructing the number of texels (the minimum unit of texture of a three-dimensional object, if you like - a texture pixel) along the viewing direction and averaging their color. Places a heavy load on video memory (requires high bandwidth, which in turn is determined);
  • Since certain years (from about 2007) it has almost no negative effect on performance, but has a positive effect on image quality, which is why X16 and older are used everywhere.

Surface format optimization

As in the case of morphological filtering, this is an additional filtering method, only in this case, not anti-aliasing, but textures.

  • Theoretically, like anisotropic filtering, it should improve image quality by additionally filtering textures;
  • Practically (and visually) it is noticeably small; the effect on performance is usually questionable, but it may affect stability. It is recommended to avoid using this setting again.

Wait for vertical update (aka vertical sync, aka V-Sync)

Synchronizes the frame rate (FPS) with the monitor refresh rate:

  • The driver (not in the application) usually has four global values: always disabled, disabled (unless specified by the application), enabled (unless specified by the application), always enabled;
  • In rare cases, it allows you to avoid rare, fast, visually unnoticeable “strips” that seem to break the image into two components that flow quickly and are even familiar to some (some do not encounter them at all or do not notice them);
  • Sold by marketers as a miracle of miracles, increasing image smoothness and everything else;
  • In fact, due to the FPS limitation (especially if it is lower than the frame rate of the monitor as such) it usually has a negative impact on performance with extremely dubious benefit;
  • Statements about reducing noise, energy consumption, etc., by limiting performance to this value, are far-fetched, because in the modern world and under normal conditions, the video card itself changes frequencies, power consumption, rotation speed and much more, without artificial restrictions. Double V-Sync is generally nonsense, but that’s not what we’re talking about now;
  • In connection with the above, it is recommended to always keep it switched off. If you really, by eye, in this particular game-situation-configuration see a visual benefit after turning it on and off, then turn it on.

OpenGL triple buffering (and more)

Exaggeratedly, it is an input/output buffer that speeds up the speed of access to generated data:

  • Frames are drawn at a frequency lower or higher than the screen refresh rate, the finished ones (generated by the equipment before they were requested back by the program that sent them for generation) are placed in a buffer (storage, so to speak), and the next frame is sent for calculation, thus reducing the delay + the program does not need to poll the hardware to receive screen update events and the algorithm can be freely executed as quickly as possible;
  • Accordingly, there is double buffering (this is usually used), there is triple buffering (exactly what we are describing now), double uses two buffers, triple uses three (there may be more, but this no longer makes a noticeable difference);
  • Dual: If the system has two buffers, A and B, it can display buffer B while simultaneously forming a new image in buffer A, but must wait for the buffers to change due to the delay in image generation;
  • Triple: If the system has three buffers: A, B and C, it does not need to wait for the buffers to change. It can display buffer B, forming an image in buffer A, a little more detail.
  • What to do: it’s worth turning it on, despite the restrictions.

Shader cache

Allows you to store compiled shaders in a cache, which can sometimes significantly speed up processing, reduce the load on the CPU and GPU, operating immediately with ready-made data without unnecessary compilation and taking it from storage.

  • There is a value "off" or " optimized by AMD" (in other cards the setting may not exist, be called differently or enabled by default) - disabling it is often not recommended, as this allows you to achieve smoother video without unnecessary delays in rendering, i.e. leave the optimized or enabled position. .

Tessellation mode and tessellation itself

This is the thing responsible for the global improvement of the picture. On basic level is a method of breaking polygons into smaller parts.

Applying tessellation to a rough model (on the left) allows you to create a smoother model (in the same picture, but in the middle), using displacement maps (in the same picture, but on the right) gives characters cinematic level realism.

  • Within the driver there are three options: AMD optimized, use application settings and override application settings;
  • Most often it’s worth leaving as is, but more often, if for some reason the FPS in a game with lower requirements (with a more powerful card) is small, and there are also strange slowdowns, freezes (freezing) and drawdowns where they shouldn’t be, here it makes sense to use application settings and/or even manual override mode;
  • Override allows you to set levels from 2x to 64x and higher, or disable it altogether. The level sets the same crushing and directly affects the performance and quality of the picture. With this value, it makes sense to play with this parameter if something goes wrong. Yes and so too.

Energy efficiency

Allows you to chew an order of magnitude less energy at the cost of lost productivity:

  • Turn it off if you need performance. Perhaps that's all that's worth saying here.

Frame rate control

Allows you to select and set a frame rate limit in the application, supposedly, as in the case of vertical synchronization, to add smoothness to the video sequence.

  • In fact, few people need it and why, except in cases of the opposite - when the application artificially (by settings that cannot be changed) limits the frame rate, here you can try to override this value with a slider, which allows, in rare cases, to remove this limitation and work at full (or the value you specified).

Perhaps from general settings that's all there is to know. Let's go through the interfaces of specific software, as well as Overdrive and Wattman.

How to configure a video card using "old" software - Catalyst Control Center

During the process of installing/updating drivers (or, if you have already bought a ready-made PC with a pre-installed OS), in addition to the module itself, which is responsible for displaying pictures on the monitor screen, an additional module called Catalyst Control Center (ACCC).

This software shell is a control center for working with video adapters and allows you to perform any manipulations with both the settings of the card itself and the connected monitor.

By default, ACCC rests in the tray on the desktop as a small icon (see image).

However, for some reason you may not find the control center icon in the standard place, then in order to start working with ACCC you need to update your drivers for your video card.

This can be done in different ways, but I prefer to do this using a special free utility from AMD called amddriverdownloader (old name).

For those who don’t know, this is a technology for automatic detection (search and detection) of the most latest versions drivers from the manufacturer. Its advantages are that it is understandable, convenient, free, and automates the process of searching and downloading drivers. The disadvantages are that it does not always do it correctly, like any automated system.

Thanks to this, you no longer need to go to the manufacturer’s website, search for the desired video adapter model, and enter your OS and bit depth. You simply download the utility, run it at any time and it itself determines whether there is anything new based on your firewood and downloads the required distribution to your PC. So, to start working with ACCC, we update the drivers through the utility by going to the official website in the Download section and clicking on “Download”.

After downloading, you launch the standard installation of firewood, along with which you will receive our hero of the occasion today - the control center. To enter it you need to click on the desktop tray icon (red-gray AMD) right click mouse and click on the corresponding inscription.

Essentially, ACCC is nothing more than a user interface for installing, configuring and accessing the functions of AMD Radeon video cards and AMD hybrid processors. This application provides video settings to adjust display settings, display profiles and picture quality.

ACCC plays a very important role in the functioning of your video card and allows you to add the necessary fps (parrots) in games. That is, with it you can run a game or application that is initially more demanding on the characteristics of your PC at a quite decent flying level and, in particular, video cards.

Note:
ATI Technologies, known for producing computer processors, developed the Catalyst Control Center (CCC) to complement the Radeon line of video cards. The utility became available for the first time on R series video cards. After AMD acquired ATI, the utility became (in old version) be called .

Immediately after launching the center, click on the “Options” button (above the question mark) and select the item – “ Expanded view” (see image). Thus, we move to a more advanced mode with more settings and a more convenient interaction interface.

In the parameters tab you may also be interested in the item “ Enable taskbar menu” – is responsible for whether or not to display the tray icon and “ Restore factory settings” – rollback to clean settings, in case you changed something in optimization :).

Also, by clicking on the question mark, you will call up extensive help on the control center, where you can study all the settings of the utility up and down.

So, as the name of the utility suggests, " Control Center" - it acts as a hub for all options and functions related to AMD video card. By launching ACCC, users have access to various functions:

  • Desktop management;
  • Setting up digital panels/display;
  • Setting up video picture parameters;
  • Setting up 3D applications;
  • Performance management, AMD OverDrive - CPU and GPU overclocking.

Let's look at the main points of the settings and go through the most important tabs of the AMD Catalyst control center.

The first thing I would like to draw attention to is the point “ Desktop Properties" in the drop-down menu “ Desktop management" It allows you to change the size, screen refresh rate, color quality and rotation of the desktop.

Here we are interested in the settings under the numbers (1, 2, 3). It is necessary to set (if they were automatically determined incorrectly) the correct resolution, bit depth (color quality), screen refresh rate, and also set the orientation (landscape or portrait).

To do this, you need to get the documentation (specification for the monitor) and find there the values ​​of the first and third characteristics in the section “ Technical parameters of the monitor”.

There are many settings here and all of them, to one degree or another, are responsible for the beauty of the image, i.e. brightness, color, contrast and similar parameters. It must be said that in most cases the standard center settings are quite satisfactory and do not require any special custom adjustments.

Therefore, it is better not to change them, because changing one will lead to a disruption of the overall balance and a change in a bunch of related parameters. In other words, even small modifications can lead to the image “floating away”. Useful settings for us here will be the “Quality” tab: video quality and deinterlacing.

We need to set the following checkboxes (see image):

  • "Dynamic Contrast" is an automatic brightness adjustment depending on the picture on the monitor. Responsible for better display of rapidly changing scenes, for example, when watching movies or playing dynamic games.
  • “Deinterlacing” is the removal of interlacing or the “comb effect” when watching video. If we exaggerate, then the comb effect is the moving apart of a moving object, i.e. when there are two frame fields on the monitor screen at once, offset relative to each other. Deinterlacing eliminates this effect.

Also, for a smoother video playback process, you need to check the “frame change detection” box in the video stream when using deinterlacing.

In the “Video” tab there are other settings that deserve our attention and these are:

  • AMD Steady Video – stabilization of shaky images;
  • Global video quality;
  • Accelerated video conversion.

If your home video is shaking (as if after a big day :)), then you need to check the box next to AMD Steady Video. Setting “ Global video quality” –> “Force smooth video” allows you to ensure smooth playback of the video stream without dropping frames. Let's put a tick there.

Setting “ Accelerated video conversion” allows you to connect the resources of your graphics equipment to the video conversion process. Check the box “ Enable hardware acceleration”, if you often encode videos using various players and want to speed up this process.

So, now let’s jump over the two points “Games” and “ performance” and let’s look at the “Information” tab. Actually, there is nothing unusual here, standard information from the manufacturer.

On the tab home page AMD we are interested in the “Check for driver updates” item, which allows you to download the latest drivers to your computer, i.e. update their version and the Catalyst control center core itself.

In order for the “woodpile” to load, you need to click on the blue arrow and the driver update process will start.

The next two tabs are “Programs” and “ Hardware devices" They provide an opportunity to learn in detail about the system’s hardware devices, graphics adapter, and generally obtain information about the system (the “ button System Information”).

We've sorted out the basic setup. Let's now take a look at the performance and overclocking options that live in the OverDrive section.

OverDrive in the "old" version of AMD driver software

If you are an avid gamer and own a video card from AMD, then you have the right to count on some increase in its power completely free of charge. Optimal and correct setting will help you squeeze out the treasured fps in games and add speed in various 3D applications. There are two settings responsible for this in the control center: “ Performance” and “Games”.

Let's look at them in more detail and start in order.

AMD OverDrive technology is a development by AMD, designed to overclock a video card and graphics processor at the driver level. To start using it, you must read and accept the terms and conditions license agreement(see image).

I think the question is frozen on your lips: “ What can AMD OverDrive do and how is it useful for me as a user?" I answer, she:

  • It has sets of preset parameters for beginners and overclocking enthusiasts. You can easily select a pre-configured memory profile to achieve optimal DDR3 memory performance. You can also manually control performance settings from the BIOS and create custom profiles for specific applications;
  • Through automatic frequency adjustment makes overclocking even faster and easier;
  • Allows you to control fan speed to improve performance;
  • Allows you to control all your performance settings, including memory clock speed, voltage and timings.

After accepting the license terms and warning that if you are weak, it is better not to overclock (:)), the following window pops up.

Here you can play with the settings and add parrots to applications. This method works as follows. We change any of the parameters by several units, go into the 3D application, launch the FPS meter, and if there is an increase in parrots and everything works stably, then we leave these parameters. Otherwise, we roll back to the default parameters (key E) and change the parameters more carefully until we find a stable-increased combination of settings.

Note:
For the changes to take effect and affect system performance, you must check the “ Enable Graphics Drive”.

These are the results (in performance gains) I was able to achieve simply by playing with the video card settings and (to a lesser extent) processor frequencies.

The default settings were as follows:

...and the number of fps in the game Metro Last Light Redux (1080p resolution, very high settings) was:

And here's what they were changed to (on the map):

...and the number of FPS in the game Metro Last Light Redux with the same graphics settings is:

In total, we have 41 versus 44 - quite a decent result for a couple of movements with the settings of the card and (to a lesser extent) the processor. If you sit carefully and also twist the processor properly, then you can definitely knock out 5-7 extra parrots.

Note:
In addition to the video card, you can also overclock the processor using AMD OverDrive. However, it must be from AMD.

As you hopefully remember, there is still one more item on the agenda: setting up 3D applications. To start working with them, go to the corresponding ACC menu:

We see the attachment “ System parameters”, and in it there is a table with two columns: “Features” and “Settings”. At the bottom you can add a gaming application (the “Add” button) in .exe format and set the graphics parameters for a specific game (application), i.e., the so-called profile.

You set the local settings (smoothing, filtering, sampling and everything else) based on what is written below, i.e. in the first half of the article under the appropriate subtitle.

How to configure a Radeon video card using the "new" software - AMD (ATI) Software (Crimson and beyond)

If you have a brand new card, the latest system and drivers, then most likely you already have the latest version of the software installed to work with driver settings. It is much more visual, concise and contains very few tabs ( Games, Video, Relive, Display and System), each of which allows you to control the video card in an extremely clear way.

The "Games" section is responsible for managing the basic performance settings that are listed above, that is, in the first half of the article under the appropriate subtitle.

The "Video" tab is responsible for setting color, brightness and contrast for video and everything that accompanies it. There are several preset profiles, the result of which is visible, as they say, on the fly (start the video and point the mouse at the profile).

Relive, if installed, allows you to capture video and manage the settings that go with it. We won’t comment on anything here, since that’s not what we’re talking about here.

The "Display" section allows you to manage resolution settings, change the color temperature of the monitor, so to speak, programmatically, set ultra-high resolution, scaling, etc.

The last section, which is called "System" and contains the tabs "Overview", " Software " and "Hardware", will help you find out the current driver version, frequencies, name of the video card, its detailed characteristics and some of the computer parameters.

As you can see, everything here is much more concise and convenient.

Setting up Wattman in the “new” version of driver software from AMD (ATI)

In the games section there are two subsections, one of which is responsible for global settings, the second for deeper ones (overclocking), which, the section, is called (at the time of updating the article) Wattman, which replaced Overdrive.

If you decide to overclock and change frequencies, then go to this section and agree with the warning, which tells you that everything you do is done at your own peril and risk, you may lose your warranty, etc. (in general, read the text ).

Next you will see a large sheet (you can stretch the window with the mouse), the first section of which is responsible for monitoring the state (frequency, temperature, cooler speed, etc.) over time (i.e., at the first start it may be empty, you should wait).

The second section allows you to change frequencies simply and quickly by pulling the slider to the desired percentage and, at the same time, seeing how this affects different states and voltages. The voltage can be set manually, but this is strongly not recommended. The percentages should be increased slowly (preferably 1% at a time), after each of which, test the video card for stability for a long time, trying to achieve the maximum increase with maximum stability.

The third section similarly adjusts the values ​​for memory frequency and memory voltage (which should also not be changed manually if you are not an experienced overclocker), thereby overclocking it too. It is worth overclocking the parameters one by one (separately the frequency and separately the memory), and then try to link them together, because one depends on the other (see).

The last section allows you to control the rotation speed of the cooling system coolers, depending on the temperature (right side) and within a given speed range (RPM) (from minimum to maximum + acoustic limit).

This is probably all that is worth knowing and can be known here. We still recommend managing speed and overclocking through Afterburner, a detailed article on this topic.

Well, that’s probably all the settings that can be tweaked to improve the “flyability” and better “performance” of 3D applications.

So that you can get a clearer picture of all of the above in your head, I will give a general reminder, a reminder called “ How to improve graphics performance for games?

Today we have fully understood the topic of setting up video card drivers. I am sure that now each of you will be able to do this correctly and, if necessary, squeeze extra parrots out of your graphic babies :)

As always, if you have any questions, additions, thoughts, etc., you are welcome to comment on this post.

PS: Thanks to team member 25 KADR for the original existence of this article