Pre-Overclocked graphics card

[BF4In1080P]

When a GPU says 'OC' (Overclocked) does that mean it's pre-overclocked or it CAN be overclocked? I'm getting a card that says OC but I don't want it to be overclocked because it makes the PC hotter.
-Thanks

 

[Brighttail]

It means the manufacturer has already overclocked it by a certain amount. Most cards can be overclocked above and beyond this level. Overclocked cards by the manufacturer is safe to use in your computer and won't generate any additional heat than what is already stated on the box.

Basically manufacturers do this to charge you an extra 10-40 dollars since they assume most are going to do it anyway. You don't have to get an overclocked one but it would be slower. In the end it is still safe to get these cards and do no additional overclocking.

 

[SU11YBEAR]

It comes with a factory overclock, so it can be overclocked or under clocked if you want, generally people get these chips since they know they are getting at least that much of an overclock out of it

 

[James Mason]

It means it's already overclocked and you can also overclock it further yourself.

It will be marginally hotter, but usually they give it a better cooler to better deal with the added heat.

You can also underclock a card back to reference settings as well.

 

[Dogsnake]

What card are you considering? Most factory OC cards include some non-reference cooling solution to keep the cards temps. in line. The amount of "extra" heat that then must be removed from the case is often small and easily handled by the cases fans. Also depending on the card some or most of the heat may exhaust from the rear. But yes when a card is noted as an OC model it almost always means it has some sort of factory overclock.