Why is my BFG 9500gt 1gig ddr only 666mhz memory clock?

tuesday0180

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Nov 15, 2009
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I've noticed that other brands using the same chip set have the memory clock set at 800mhz. Why is this BFG one only 666mhz? Is BFG an inferior brand?

This is the one I'm talking about http://www.bfgtech.com/bfgr951024gte.aspx


Compare that with this one which has 800mhz memory clock http://www3.pny.com/9500-GT-1024MB-PCIe-P2812C331.aspx

Or this one that has 800mhz memory clock http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=01G-P3-N959-TR&family=GeForce 9 Series Family

I've since overclocked the memory clock to more than 800mhz, but why is it lower from the factory?
 

hundredislandsboy

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It's probably a videocard from an early batch, maybe the first batch that came out for retail packaging. It's not just BFG but practically all videocard makers will release revision 2 and later generation cards based on the same chipset but with faster memory.

You can look it up yourself. MSI is known for factory OC videocards although they also make "stock" speeds or cards that strictly adhere to the reference design. Look up the GTX 260s for sale on Newegg and you'll a variety with different memory speeds.
 

hundredislandsboy

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There's no guarantee that your OC of the memory will be stable or will not cause heat problems. That's why the card is only guaranteed or only under warranty for the speed that's printed on the box. There's a reason why your card's memory speed is lower than others and that is because the quality testing on that card shows the memory to perform best at the rated speed. You'll eventually hit a wall if you further OC it to the point none of your games will run.