Video cards can be overclocked to handle more detail than they normally could.
As newer computer games are released, the 8800 GT video card may begin to struggle when attempting to process all of the added detail. Low or inconsistent frame rates could lead to a frustrating gaming experience. Worse, erratic frame rates might even affect game play. By overclocking the 8800 GT, you can play games that require more powerful hardware and avoid the need to upgrade to a more expensive video card.
Instructions
1. Download and install nVidia's "nTune" utility (see Resources). Restart your computer once the installation completes. nTune gives you enhanced control over the computer's display settings and over the video card's hardware settings.
2. Open the nTune Control Panel and click on "Adjust GPU Settings" under "Performance." Here you will find various speed controls for the video card's hardware.
3. Set the fan's speed to its maximum setting by selecting "Direct fan control" and moving the speed slider all the way to the right. You may hear the video card's fan more audibly as it spins faster. This will keep the video card from overheating when overclocking the video card to its maximum potential.
4. Select "Custom clock frequencies" and begin overclocking the memory bus. Use your mouse's scroll wheel to incrementally increase the speed with the slider.
5. Click "Apply" and run an instance of a game. If the game runs smoothly, increase the speed and check for any signs of video corruption or system hangs. Decrease the speed by one increment if you see either of these signs. The reduced speed is your memory bus' maximum stable operating speed. Remember it, as you will need it later.
6. Return the memory bus' speed to its default setting and begin overclocking the core bus. Use the mouse's scroll wheel to incrementally increase the speed with the slider.
7. Click "Apply" and run an instance of a game. If the game runs smoothly, increase the speed. Decrease the speed by one increment if you see any video corruptions or the system hangs. The reduced speed is the core bus' maximum stable operating speed. Remember it and return the core bus' speed to its default settings.
8. Increase both the core and memory bus' speed to their maximum stable settings and click "Apply." Run an instance of a game to make sure that the new settings do not cause any video corruptions or system hangs. The card is properly overclocked if the game runs smoothly.
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