Question Memory Clock? What's that?

[jordan5955]

Total newbie to this kind of stuff, and I usually take high numbers in things I don't recognize as bad news.
Is it normal to for the memory clock to have extreme spikes and/or stay above 8k for a while? Is it going to fry this computer if it's at high numbers for a while?

I was running what I assume isn't a very demanding game, Minecraft Java Edition.

 

[Eximo]

Assuming that is the GPU's memory clock?

Just the effective speed the memory of the graphics card is running at. Lower frequencies take less power, so when not needed it will throttle down, just like the clock speed.

GTX1060 or RX580?

 

[jordan5955]

GTX 1060, yeah. What's a good number to set the limit to, assuming that constant high numbers wears it out faster? (My most demanding game is Overwatch. I mostly play 2D games, aside from MC and very rarely O.W..)

 

[Eximo]

I wouldn't agree that it wears it out faster. That is the speed it is designed to go, and the speed you want it to go. GPUs rely on fast video memory. 8000 MT/s is pretty good for a mid-range card.

If anything you can achieve more GPU performance by adding a positive offset to the memory and core clocks. Pretty much impossible to damage an Nvidia card, they have everything pretty well locked down.

 

[jordan5955]

Okay, thanks for clearing that up!

 

[jordan5955]

I'm always anxious and can never be too sure--
So, this is not just normal, but 100% safe?

 

[Eximo]

Yes, perfectly normal. When not required the GPU will lower its clock speed and input voltage. Same for the memory. This saves quite a bit of electricity.

A maximum temperature of 54C is very good. Pascal GPUs are typically set to throttle at 83C. When they reach that point the clock speed and voltage will be reduced to lower the temperature.

And you aren't using all the GPUs memory, which means you have room to use more detailed textures, increase resolution, or play games that have many more assets to store in memory. Though you have to balance settings with the frames per second you want.

Suffice to say the card is designed to deliver maximum performance and efficiency under all operating conditions within its specifications.

 

[13thmonkey]

^Agree, all perfectly fine, nothing at all to worry about.