Overclocking the GT 540M

NoSlow5oh · 03-19-2011, 04:00 PM

I have found that the Nvidia System Tools v6.06 works with our GT 540M cards, enabling custom profiles and settings. I just tested a mild 740/960 overclock in 3dmark06 and hit over 9000. CPU temps never got above 89C, and gpu temp never got above 76C. For some reason I want to hit 10,000, so I will be trying to slowly oc this card while watching temps until I hit 10,000, or the temp barrier. Anyone's advice on settings or anything else related to this topic would be appreciated.

Download the system tools here. Install all three apps.
NVIDIA DRIVERS 6.06

Also, while typing this, just tried 780/960 and hit 9337. I've already gained 1,000 points. All I need is another 700. I think it's possible.

killaz05 · 03-19-2011, 04:04 PM

What screen resolution are you running the test at? Reason I ask is because I was able to get a little over 12,000 with my GT445m overclocked. I'll post a pic of the results if you want it.

NoSlow5oh · 03-19-2011, 04:10 PM

I'm running the free locked default settings, so it's 1280x1024. If anyone strays from this setting, please provide the resolution you used.

trollolol · 03-19-2011, 04:36 PM

Never used the NVIDIA System Tools but I have a question that's not related to overclocking. Can they be used to adjust things such as display scaling (i.e. center a full screen application running at 1280x1024 instead of stretching it) and other similar settings that the Dell NVIDIA drivers lack?

acruxksa · 03-19-2011, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoSlow5oh

I'm running the free locked default settings, so it's 1280x1024. If anyone strays from this setting, please provide the resolution you used.

Results are pretty much incompatible if people aren't using the stock setting of 1280x1024.

If you are just trying to make a benchmark run, either crank the AC in the house or open a window if it's winter. Should be able to get a couple more degrees on the gpu with cooler ambient temps. If you just fired it up and cranked out a 9000 with only a mild OC, 10K should be achievable. Also, I believe shutting down all non essential background services and running right after a reboot helps a bit as well.

Good Luck, I'm betting you make 10K.

killaz05 · 03-19-2011, 09:42 PM

See the free locked version for me runs at 1280x800 since 1280x1024 is unsupported by my screen. I am still curious because I got 10,000 with stock settings and 12,000 overclocked. I would think you should be getting higher values then you currently are.

NoSlow5oh · 03-19-2011, 10:03 PM

Completely stock, I was getting right at or just above the score of 8300 that was accomplished on one of the reviews done on the L502x.

I did hit 10,300 though at 1280x1024 with a gpu overclock to 900/980/1800. I'm surprised it ran that high. Temps are no higher than previously reported. I know there is no way a game should play at this high of oc though. Just a number.

acruxksa · 03-19-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killaz05

See the free locked version for me runs at 1280x800 since 1280x1024 is unsupported by my screen. I am still curious because I got 10,000 with stock settings and 12,000 overclocked. I would think you should be getting higher values then you currently are.

Completely stock without shutting anything down or doing any of the other stuff that results in higher scores, I got 9168 @ 1280x800 (I bought 3dmark06 quite awhile ago for hardware review purposes so I can change resolutions), so this is slightly under what you were getting with the 445M, which seems about right given that the GT540M is based on the GT435M and not the GT445M.

rogsh · 03-19-2011, 11:15 PM

Hi:

When I receive my L502x, I would like to overclock a little bit the GT 540M card... is there any potential risk by doing this? Would it run better the games or should I leave it as it comes in stock?

Thanks!

acruxksa · 03-19-2011, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogsh

Hi:

When I receive my L502x, I would like to overclock a little bit the GT 540M card... is there any potential risk by doing this? Would it run better the games or should I leave it as it comes in stock?

Thanks!

There's always a risk when you overclock. Generally a mild OC is pretty harmless, but when you start living on the bleeding edge, system stability starts getting sketchy. It's rare that an OC will actually break something, but it can happen. Usually though, you end up with an unstable system and/or graphics anomalies that cause you to back off on the gpu speed until they go away.