Can you Overclock an OC Version of a Graphics Card???

[Iver Hicarte]

So I've been surfing the internet for graphics cards, Then I saw the gtx 970 from gigabyte, then another 970 from gigabyte with the same model but different base clocks and boost clocks they call it the OC version of the graphics card, so my question is....can you overclock the gpu further than the manufacturer did with the gpu???

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!

 

[Dragos Manea]

Yes you can.

 

[JanHyka]

You can, manufacturer overclocks are always more conservative than the theoretical maximum. But, with OCed version your chances are a little bit higher to reach same target clock since those usually are already cherry picked chips. If you have very bad luck non-OC version won't be able to get up to the same working frequency as the manufacturing OCed counterpart.

Usualy though it's quite common to reach very similar results OCing normal and manufacturer OCed cards.

It's also good to check whether the OC version has better power management (ie. 8pin instead of 6 pin, better components etc. - just for example) or better cooling out of box - wich both can help you get to better final OC. There is nothing preventing you to switch cooling solution to an aftermarket one, but that can void your warranty. Not many cards warranties cover switching of cooling solutions to a 3rd party one.

 

[Dragos Manea]

You can, manufacturer overclocks are always more conservative than the theoretical maximum. But, with OCed version your chances are a little bit higher to reach same target clock since those usually are already cherry picked chips. If you have very bad luck non-OC version won't be able to get up to the same working frequency as the manufacturing OCed counterpart.

Usualy though it's quite common to reach very similar results OCing normal and manufacturer OCed cards.

It's also good to check whether the OC version has better power management (ie. 8pin instead of 6 pin, better components etc. - just for example) or better cooling out of box - wich both can help you get to better final OC. There is nothing preventing you to switch cooling solution to an aftermarket one, but that can void your warranty. Not many cards warranties cover switching of cooling solutions to a 3rd party one.

OC version already have very good cooling, also oc versions already have a better power management. I did not see any factory oc card with bad power management or bad cooling.