vonfeldt7

We all see video cards (as well as CPUs) that are factory overclocked, and cost more than the stock speed cards. Most people don't get these because you can just as easily overclock at your house, and save money.

What I'm wondering though, is if the factory overclocked cards are more stable/more efficient/last longer than a card that is overclocked at someones house.

Do the manufacturers use the same method of overclocking [software] as home users? Or do they do something that's a little "better"?

Thanks.

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hermeslyre

Pre-overclocked cards are the same cards as the non-overclocked reference cards, and chances are they won't be that much more efficient, or have longer lives. It is possible for them to be better overclockers though.. most manufactures have a form of quality assurance; the cards must work in their overclocked state. If they don't they will either be thrown in the regular batches or something along those lines. So buying a pre-overclocked drastically reduces the chance of a getting a dud, not much more though, as their is no further assurance that the card can go any higher.

I would think the manufactures OC at the same level we do, I can't be certain though.. however I don't think there is a "better" way of overclocking, a way that better assures stability, etc.

vonfeldt7

Alright cool. Thanks for the answer.

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Narzinor

it is possible that they use different hardware in the chip when they have "OC" versions. hardware that can stand the higher values from overclocking. although, hermes' theory seems much more sound in my opinion

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