overclocking graphics card?

[Tommy182]

Ive heard a lot about 'overclocking' graphics cards but am unsure of what this actually does? what are the advantages/disadvantages of doing this? Also how is it actually done, could anyone do it?

Basically I currently have a geforce 6200TC in my computer. I use the PC now and again for gaming, but not really enough to justify spending silly amounts on a top of the range card. I know this isnt a particularly powerful graphics card, but was just wandering if overclocking it was possible, and if so, is it worth it?

Thanks

 

[BenWall]

You have to have good cooling, not worth it for what you need, wont see much difference.

 

[StevieP]

Rivatuner is a good program to use, just make sure you understand what you are doing before you use it! http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163

Overclocking anything, gfx cards, cpu's, all make them less stable and more prone to crashing, but you can see better results if its done properly. If you are satisfied with your system then there is prob no need to o/c it. You'll need to have a good PSU (450-500w), and make sure that your fan&heatsink are not dusty, working properly and have some thermal compound in there to help with the cooling.

You shouldn't have to overclock a card for it to work properly, and if you do overclock it, only overclock it a tiny bit, otherwise you may fry it.

 

[Mike_182]

GPU o/cing is still in it's infancy compared to CPU o/cing. You can very easily kill a component, and it takes skill to get it up without it crashing.