Overclocking GPU - Real World FPS Benfits?

[-stealth^]

Hi, I had a question on how much OC translates to gaming performance.

I OC'ed my laptops graphics card, the 9800m GTS 1GB, from the stock 600 Core/799 Memory/1500 Shader to a stable 750/850/1750.

Don't worry my temps were fine, after a 4 hour gaming session my max GPU temp was 66C. The thing is, I wasn't sure how much the OC was really helping when it came to increasing my FPS. I ran a Passmark G3D benchmark and with the OC I received a score of 1,336(so close I know ), which was a huge difference from the average 9800m GTS score of 801.
In a desktop scenario that was similiar to going from a Geforce GT 240 to a GTS 450, which seemed incredible to me.

How much would this OC actually benifit my frames? The games I primarily play are BFBC2 and Black Ops. Like I said, I had a hard time seeing the difference, so If OC'ing only translates into 5 or less frames then I might consider downclocking. But If theres the potential that I could get an extra 10 frames then I might consider even pushing a little further.

I should also add that I am bottlenecked by a Core2Duo p8400 @ 2.26. Would my crappy CPU cause any GPU OC to be irrelevant?

Thanks for any input.

 

[AQ_OC]

If you can't notice any difference, then why bother with a heat-generating, GPU-life-killing, overclock? To me, any overclock as to be noticeable to me in one way or other (less waiting, higher frame rates, etc.).

 

[MrGuvernment]

who says it will kill the GPU

your CPU is a bottleneck for BC2, thats for sure, black ops, not sure as i havent played it.

i have friend running 8400 at stock and over 3Ghz and BC2 eats their CPU's and spits em out.

 

[Direfox]

I can't tell you how much of a FPS boost you will get in those games, but thats a hefty overclock. I love overclocking my desktop CPU and GPU, but personally, I would never overclock a laptop. If something goes wrong on my desktop computer I can fix it. I may have to replace parts, it might cost me quite a bit of money, it make take some time to figure out, but I can do it myself.

If I damage a component on a laptop that is out of my league and I have to ship it off to have it fixed. Not worth the risk to me, but hey, its your money. I would agree with AQ_OC though, if you can't feel the overclock, its not worth it.

 

[-stealth^]

Alright thanks for the responses guys, I appreciate it. From what I gathered I should not be OC'ing as its too risky and not worth the frames.

If you can't notice any difference, then why bother with a heat-generating, GPU-life-killing, overclock? To me, any overclock as to be noticeable to me in one way or other (less waiting, higher frame rates, etc.).

I trust that you are right, however I do have a question. Would an OC be a risk even if it didn't cause a raise in temps? I know people who regularly push this GPU into the 90's. I can't ever remember mine breaking 70C. My laptop temps are very low in general, I put a lot of effort forth to ensure my components stay cool. My GPU idles in the low 40's/maxing at 66 and my CPU idles in the mid-high 20's/maxing at 56. The only reason I OC'ed is because I knew I had a bit of thermal headroom.

That being said, if an OC is going to kill the life of my GPU, then I'm gonna stay away.

who says it will kill the GPU

your CPU is a bottleneck for BC2, thats for sure, black ops, not sure as i havent played it.

i have friend running 8400 at stock and over 3Ghz and BC2 eats their CPU's and spits em out.

Yea, my CPU definitely shows its weakness in both BC2 and Black Ops when explosions start occurring. Its actually under the minimum requirements for BO but I've got 110 hours strong logged on the MP. I even record with fraps(barely) to make youtube vids. I actually have a couple questions about a CPU upgrade, but I know this isn't the right section so I'll avoid going off topic. Once again thanks for the feedback.