Gtx 1060 Founders Edition

[InNeedDontPlead]

The gtx 1060 founders edition is advertised to have base and boost clocks at 1506 and 1708 MHz respectively. However, in most overclocking videos the reference 1060 seems to get ~1800 MHz without any overclocking and then proceeds to achieve ~2000+ MHz with an overclock. Can anyone explain why this is so? I am currently considering to buy a variant of the GTX 1060, so answers would be extremely appreciated.
Thanks in advance,

 

[Isokolon]

it's the boost technology. as long as the card stays cool enough it will boost higher than referenced (until it reaches a certain temperature when it will clock down to it's stock speed)

however if you're not using an ITX build, I'd go with a 2fan custom design rather than a founders edition for better cooling (and thus better boost)

 

[InNeedDontPlead]

Thanks for the fast reply! I think im going to get the Asus Strix Gtx 1060 though, seems to have really great cooling.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

OK...
Both AMD and Nvidia use some kind of boost tech.
In the case of AMD, their boost works UP TO advertised value.
In case of Nvidia, the GPU Boost 3.0 will try to achieve the highest possible frequency within the thermal, voltage and power limits.
So it is normal for the Pascal cards to work out of the box on much higher clock speed than advertised.
As an example, my GTX 1070 was working out of the box on 1950MHz instead of 1784Mhz.
After I used the EVGA Precision to maximize power, temperature and voltage limits - it is boosting to 2050-2088MHz.
As a side note, do not buy founders edition. get the cheapest card with decent cooling like EVGA GTX 1060 SC Gaming priced at 260$. If you have a poor airflow case, get something like ASUS Turbo variant.

 

[InNeedDontPlead]

OK...
Both AMD and Nvidia use some kind of boost tech.
In the case of AMD, their boost works UP TO advertised value.
In case of Nvidia, the GPU Boost 3.0 will try to achieve the highest possible frequency within the thermal, voltage and power limits.
So it is normal for the Pascal cards to work out of the box on much higher clock speed than advertised.
As an example, my GTX 1070 was working out of the box on 1950MHz instead of 1784Mhz.
After I used the EVGA Precision to maximize power, temperature and voltage limits - it is boosting to 2050-2088MHz.
As a side note, do not buy founders edition. get the cheapest card with decent cooling like EVGA GTX 1060 SC Gaming priced at 260$. If you have a poor airflow case, get something like ASUS Turbo variant.

Thanks for the reply, but i have a query regarding the maximizing power, temperature and voltage limits. How did you increase the voltage limit using EVGA precision and did you also customize your fan curve. I'm very interested in possibly overclocking my card or do something like you just explained! So you got to 2050-2088 without out overclocking or have I misunderstood?

 

[n0ns3ns3]

there is a voltage scale on the left of the power, temperature and clocks sliders.
just click the top of that scale which sets the voltage limit on 100% - 1.094v for 1070 and 1080. guess the 1060 is the same. Please not, that setting this voltage limit does not mean that card have to use it - it means that card can use it if needed. It is kinda rare that i see the voltage above 1.063.
I used the card on air cooling only for about a week, yes eventually i changed the fan curve to have it always spinning up to ~50-60%. like where it was completelly inaudible. But even with stock profile it was behaving pretty well.

 

[InNeedDontPlead]

there is a voltage scale on the left of the power, temperature and clocks sliders.
just click the top of that scale which sets the voltage limit on 100% - 1.094v for 1070 and 1080. guess the 1060 is the same. Please not, that setting this voltage limit does not mean that card have to use it - it means that card can use it if needed. It is kinda rare that i see the voltage above 1.063.
I used the card on air cooling only for about a week, yes eventually i changed the fan curve to have it always spinning up to ~50-60%. like where it was completelly inaudible. But even with stock profile it was behaving pretty well.

It's completely safe to have 100% voltage right or should I have it at 50% like some sources say. Also, with the fan curve you stated, what temperatures are you getting. Thanks for all your help, btw.

Btw, what variant of the gtx 1070 do you have?

 

[n0ns3ns3]

I honestly don't remember the exact temperatures. I think it was below 65C under load with ~30C ambient. The card is liquid cooled now. it stays in 40-45C under load depending on the room temperature.
My card is EVGA GTX 1070 SC Gaming. EVGA is my favorite Nvidia cards manufacturer as they offer both great quality and value as well as best warranty and support. AFAIK they are the only company that allows to remove the cooler without voiding warranty. Also, they kinda only company I know that will RMA a card on coil whine. Can be very annoying issue.
If I were shopping today, I'd pick the GTX 1070 SC Gaming Black Edition.