different gpu speed in windows and linux

[jorgenj]

In windows the GPU of my Geforce 6600 card defaults to 500 Mhz, whereas in linux it defaults to 300 Mhz.

Is this normal? Is it safe for me to overclock to 500 Mhz in linux? Is this related to the different driver versions (Windows: 93.71, Linux: 87.76)?

Any input appreciated!
Jørgen

[netllama]

Where are you seeing the GPU speed?

[jorgenj]

In windows I see it in nvidia control panel (inthe bar used to overclock the GPU). In linux using 'nvclock -s'.

[netllama]

Overclocking the GPU is done at your own risk (of hardware damage). See the driver README's Coolbits option for more information.

[zander]

Please use the `nvidia-settings` application to determine the clock speed on Linux and make sure you are not comparing the Windows 3D clock frequency with the Linux 2D clock frequency.

[jorgenj]

Aha, excellent. Yes it was the 2D clock frequency I got. It took some time to figure out, 'nvidia-settings' is a bit complicated the first time you use it...

So just out of curiosity, there's one GPU for 3D and one for 2D? Never thought about it, just assumed there was one dealing with bot...

Thanks guys!

[jorgenj]

Originally Posted by netllama

Overclocking the GPU is done at your own risk (of hardware damage). See the driver README's Coolbits option for more information.

Of course, but as long as the temperature is well below the shutdown limit there isn't much danger of hardware damage is there?

[mooninite]

Originally Posted by jorgenj

Of course, but as long as the temperature is well below the shutdown limit there isn't much danger of hardware damage is there?

nVidia created your card with transistors that can only take so much. The faster you turn them on and off the more stress you put on them. You potentially shorten the life of your card by overclocking.


Any improvement from overclocking is usually minimal anyway. Just save a few bucks and upgrade your card.