Overclocking Radeon R7 240 2GB

[Orbit Storm]

After spending the last few weeks coping with intermittent frames in H1Z1, I've decided to gamble on my GPU and do some overclocking (something I'm completely new to).

I've read a variety of threads but would like some input on my specific situation. Before I say anything else, I just want to be clear that I do intend to upgrade my card at some point but at the moment the R7 240 is sufficient given the other titles I play (e.g. WoW, LoL, EVE, MC, WoWS, etc), most of which I can play on High or Ultra. H1Z1 is seemingly the most demanding game I currently have at my disposal.

That being said, I'm skeptical that this GPU can handle overclocking as well as it's been said it can but then again, I'm no expert! My concern stems from my finding the GPU has been idling around 43-45°C and tends to be closer to 60-70°C when playing H1Z1. Bear in mind, this is with H1Z1's settings set as low as I can possibly set them, resolution included. So, my question is whether I have any real cause for concern and whether I can possibly stretch the current overclocked settings a bit further so I needn't play on the lowest settings in H1Z1 (not expecting High/Ultra!).

Thanks in advance!

GPU: PowerColor AMD Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 (NewEgg listing)

Default AMD OverDrive Settings:

• Power Limit: 0%
  GPU Clock: 600 MHz
  High Performance Memory Clock: 800 MHz
  Fan: 50%

Current AMD OverDrive Settings:

• Power Limit: 15%
  GPU Clock: 900 MHz
  High Performance Memory Clock: 950 MHz
  Fan: Auto (~50%)

Maximum AMD OverDrive Settings:

• Power Limit: 20%
  GPU Clock: 1000 MHz
  High Performance Memory Clock: 100 MHz
  Fan: 100%

 

[i7Baby]

I'd do the middle one or the fan noise will drive you insane plus you'll have to constantly check its temps.

But OCing will give you say 10% better fps. If you are using Ultra and you're getting 30fps then OC will give you 33. Not worth OCing. Better to get a better card.

 

[sizzling]

As i7 says starting from such a weak position adding even 50% to not a lot is still going to result in not a lot

 

[Orbit Storm]

I'd do the middle one or the fan noise will drive you insane plus you'll have to constantly check its temps.

But OCing will give you say 10% better fps. If you are using Ultra and you're getting 30fps then OC will give you 33. Not worth OCing. Better to get a better card.

Thus far, it has improved it significantly. I know H1Z1 is still in Early Access but I find it difficult to believe the R7 240 is this inadequate for a game that I supposedly meet optimal requirements for. According to H1Z1's Technical Director, the R7 240's memory bandwidth is the culprit.

Just for reference, prior to overclocking at all, on Low settings, I would frequently see just 20-30fps. After the OC I'm netting somewhere around 35fps minimum, with the average being closer to 40-45.

I've seen a lot of articles that suggest maxing a card via AMD OverDrive isn't too detrimental as long as the GPU isn't overheating and I don't mess with voltages (which are adjustable in the BIOS only). Given that I pass those two requirements, I'm wondering if I can squeeze a bit more potential out of the card and up my settings in-game to Medium while maintaining the smoothness of ~30fps.

I appreciate the recommendations to upgrade; as I mentioned in my OP, I already intend to do that. Thus, I'm not too terribly concerned if by maxing the OC settings that I shorten my GPU's life expectancy to a few months. I'd just like to get my money's worth in gaming for the time being.

 

[i7Baby]

H1Z1 - http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=20246&game=H1Z1

I'd have though the 240 would be fine for up to high settings. As long as you have a decent CPU and ram.

 

[Orbit Storm]

H1Z1 - http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=20246&game=H1Z1

I'd have though the 240 would be fine for up to high settings. As long as you have a decent CPU and ram.

Sadly, it seems as though those requirements are off a bit.

MSI 760GM-P34(FX) (MS-7641)
AMD FX-6300 Six-Core Processor
8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz
Windows 8.1 64-bit

I figured I could muster, at the very least, Medium settings. Not a chance.

 

[i7Baby]

The FX6300 isn't helping. What %usage (per Task Manager) is it on when playing?

What temp is it running at? How are you measuring that?

 

[Orbit Storm]

The FX6300 isn't helping. What %usage (per Task Manager) is it on when playing?

What temp is it running at? How are you measuring that?

Odd. I figured the FX-6300 would be the least of my concerns, being a six-core. Even Game-Debate lists it as being marginally better than recommended requirements. Says the GPU is definitely the problem, which is unfortunate.

For what it's worth, I use Speccy for most of my system information and can monitor CPU temps there (averages 50°C).

 

[i7Baby]

%usage?

 

[Orbit Storm]

%usage?

Averages between 20-25%. That's with other programs running in the background to boot. Chrome, Forge, Steam, etc.

 

[i7Baby]

25% CPU usage. What GPU usage then (from Afterburner)?

 

[Orbit Storm]

25% CPU usage. What GPU usage then (from Afterburner)?

Unfortunately, that is tough to monitor. AMD OverDrive will display GPU usage but the moment I minimize the game to check it, the usage level drops (obviously). I play H1Z1 in full-screen mode. Their windowed mode is quirky and usually a lag-fest.

 

[Bill_127]

my gpu is only at 34c when under load, how can i overclock past these settings??