Today, we are going to take a look at the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti and NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics cards and try to understand which option can be the best-suited option for you. We will discuss the graphic cards, the specifications of each card, and some important differences in terms of performance, applicability, pricing, and building process. If you want to make a perfect price for your budget and make your system future-proof, make sure you read our guide until the end.

NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti

Nvidia is known for offering high-performing graphics cards even for the budget-focused audience. One such example for this is the GTX 1050 Ti graphics card from Nvidia which was labeled as a budget powerhouse for many years. It was so popular that Nvidia recently relaunched the card. Right now, the card that seems to be the perfect upgrade over the 1050 Ti is the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti. Similar to most 30 series cards, the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti is built on an 8 nm process and operates on the GA104 graphics processor.

The NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti has full support for DirectX 12 ultimate which ensures compatibility with all existing PC games as well as upcoming games for the next 3 to 4 years. And as this is a graphic card from the RTX series, you will also have the advantage of the DLSS and ray tracing features despite the affordable price range. The NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti offers 4864 active shaders along with 152 texture mapping and 80 ROPs. It also has a large processing chip that covers about 391 sq. mm area, making it one of the larger options compared to the previous budget-focused graphics cards.

As for the RTX performance, you can rely on the 152 tensor cores present on the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti which should be good enough to offer high performance in almost every game. The NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti has 8 GB of DDR6 memory and the base clock speed is 1410 MHz. However, it goes as high as 1665 MHz when under load to offer flawless performance. The overall power draw of the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti is about 200 watts which is pretty low compared to other high-end options.

NVIDIA RTX 3070

The RTX 3070 is yet another popular option offered by Nvidia in its latest graphics card lineup. Due to the reduced price range of the high-end cards, a lot of users are preferring the Nvidia RTX 3070 as you get a lot of additional benefits by extending the budget a little more. It is also built on the 8 nm process and is powered by the GA104 processor. The Nvidia RTX 3070 is capable of running almost every game available on the market with the DirectX 12 ultimate support and  8 GB of DDR6 memory.

Coming to the RTX features of the card, it is powered by 184 tensor cores which make the performance quite better in comparison. This includes better results with DLSS, ray tracing, and other AI-based and machine learning applications. The base clock frequency of the Nvidia RTX 3070 is 1500 MHz and the maximum supported boost clock speed is 1725 MHz which makes the card look quite powerful in comparison. Other than that, you will find a higher number of shading units on the card that is 5888 along with 184 texture mapping units.

The Nvidia RTX 3070 is also built on the 8 nm process with a chip area of about 392 sq. mm. Thus, it is still similar in size to its competitor despite the added performance rating. The same goes for the power draw as it utilizes about 220 watts of power via the 12-pin connector. You will find 3 DisplayPorts on the Nvidia RTX 3070 alongside an HDMI port for connectivity.

NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti Vs. RTX 3070

Considering you have gone through our technical overlook for both of the cards, you must have understood how the cards might differ in terms of performance based on the specifications. If you want to make a quicker selection, you should take a look at the following table where we will mention the technical differences between both cards. You can easily pick up the best card for your application by choosing the one based on the information provided right here.

Major Differences Between RTX 3070 and RTX 3060 Ti

Knowing the technical specifications and differences between 2 graphics cards simply isn’t enough to make a choice, especially if this is your first time purchasing a graphics card. Before you buy one, you need to get an idea about how the card will perform regarding various aspects like performance, target application, building process, and many other factors. Thus, we will be discussing some of these aspects in this section of our guide. This should give you a clear idea about which card will be perfect for you considering these factors.

1. Performance

The performance of the latest 30 series cards from Nvidia has been the topic of discussion for enthusiasts ever since its release. Almost all 30 series cards offer equivalent, if not better, performance compared to the 2-step above option from the Turing series. Basically, the RTX 3070 card will be a much better option than the 2080 Ti as it is offered at nearly one-third of its price. Thus, it also leads the competition in this comparison.

However, the situation takes a turn if you are planning to overclock your GPU. An overclocked  RTX 3060 Ti offers almost equivalent performance as an RTX 3070 card in competitive games like Apex Legends, CSGO, and Rainbow Six Siege. This ensures almost equivalent performance compared to the RTX 2080 Super. The difference in performance between 3060 Ti and 3070 is almost negligible at 1080p resolution, but you will start to notice a drop at 1440p or 4K resolution on the RTX 3060 Ti.

2. Middle Ground Between Price and Performance

The Ti series of graphics cards from Nvidia has always managed to cover the perfect middle ground between the price and performance. Almost all Ti series cards offer a competitive performance compared to their successor graphics card with the price range being closer to its predecessor. In simpler words, an RTX 3060 Ti only costs about $50 more than the RTX 3060, but its performance is pretty close to the RTX 3070. The performance gap shortens even more if you overclock the RTX 3060 Ti.

But, you still need to consider the future of your build. For that, the better option always seems to be the latest and more powerful graphics card. If you can spend a little extra on the card, it will be highly beneficial to get the RTX 3070. Even if the difference is not noticeable right now, you will find it advantageous for upcoming games and other heavy applications. Also, it is a much better option for 1440p or 4K gaming whereas the RTX 3060 Ti seems perfect for 1080p monitors.

3. Differences in The Building Process

Generally, there are a lot of differences in terms of the manufacturing and assembly process of various graphics cards. The same was observed with almost all turing cards as the performance difference was pretty noticeable between 2 different cards from the same series. But, it is certainly not the case with the RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 3070. To put it simply, the RTX 3060 Ti is basically RTX 3070 in terms of production with less power capacity and performance. This ensures high production and build quality for both cards. Also, the cooling performance is quite similar for both of these cards.

Realistically, there are no major differences between these 2 cards based on production. Thus, for almost all applications, both of these cards are equally compatible. Whether It is regarding the power requirement or the size and form factor, both cards are going to be compatible with your build.

4. Pricing and availability

The pricing and availability of a graphics card recently became a problem, especially for the new lineup of graphics cards. Due to the sudden rise in cryptocurrency mining followed by a worldwide shortage of silicon, the stock situation of graphics cards, processors, and consoles is in the worst condition and does not seem likely to be back in shape anytime soon.

Because of this, you might end up finding an RTX 3060 Ti in stock at the MSRP of an RTX 3070, if not higher. Therefore, you need to consider the availability of the card in your region as well as how much you will have to shell out to get your hands on the card. In most cases, it is beneficial to grab the one that’s available right now. waiting for a restock might be longer than what you can expect and it could result in the current option being out of stock as well.

Conclusion

There are many differences between the RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 3070. Apart from the varying price range, the cards differ in performance, specifications, and targeted applications. If you still cannot make up your mind, you should consider going with the RTX 3070. By just spending about $100 extra bucks, you will be getting a highly powerful and futureproof graphics card for your system. It can offer flawless performance for both 1080p and 1440p monitors with acceptable performance in the 4K genre. Other than that, it is a future-proof card and will be a decent competitor even for the next generation of graphics cards.

The post NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti Vs. NVIDIA RTX 3070 – Choose the Right One? appeared first on ElectronicsHub.

Today, we will be looking at the most popular pair of graphics cards from Nvidia right now that are RTX 3070 and 3080. Even though these cards might look familiar in terms of design, you need to thoroughly consider the specification and performance aspects before you make a decision. In this guide, we will take a look at the various parameters of these graphics cards as well as compare them based on different applications. We can assure you that you can make a decision by the time you finish our guide.

NVIDIA RTX 3070

NVIDIA RTX 3070 is one of the high-end options offered by Nvidia that is suitable for almost all types of applications. Launched back in Sept. 2020, NVIDIA RTX 3070 has been continuously out of stock on almost all official platforms due to its high demand. The NVIDIA RTX 3070 is based on an 8 nm processor and operates on the GA104 graphics processor to offer high-quality output. This GPU will offer you support for Directx 12 ultimate with the GA104-300-A1 variant.

With such powerful specifications, you can expect almost all high-end games released so far in the industry as well as games that will be arriving within the next 4 to 5 years. As this graphics card is part of the RTX series, you will have the advantage of the latest features such as ray tracing, variable shaders, DLSS, and much more.

Coming back to the specifications of the NVIDIA RTX 3070, it offers nearly 17400 million transistors present within the die area of merely 390 sq. mm. As the 3070 car is the more affordable variant compared to the 3070 Ti, Nvidia is offering a lower number of shaders on the 3070 compared to 3070 Ti which operates with all 6144 shaders. There are 5888 shader units available on the NVIDIA RTX 3070 along with 184 texture mapping units and 96 ROPs.

As for the RTX support, it is backed by 184 tensor cores that help a lot even for AI and machine learning-based applications. The NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics card has 8 GB of DDR6 memory paired with 3 DisplayPorts and 1 HDMI port.

NVIDIA RTX 3080

Unlike our previous choice, the NVIDIA RTX 3080 is built for those who simply want to get the best performance at all costs. This is one of the most high-end and premium class graphics cards from Nvidia. Launched alongside NVIDIA RTX 3070 back in Sept. 2020, the NVIDIA RTX 3080 has also managed to stay out of stock until even right now due to its high demand. This graphics card is also built with an 8 nm processor and works with the GA102 graphics processor.

Similar to most high-end cards from Nvidia, you will find the DirectX12 ultimate support with the NVIDIA RTX 3080 which ensures complete reliability for gaming-focused builds. The GA102 processor used on the NVIDIA RTX 3080 is 628 sq. mm in size and equipped with 28300 million transistors. While the large size of the processor does make the card gigantic in size, it certainly justifies it in terms of performance.

The NVIDIA RTX 3080 has 8704 shaders active at all times with 272 mapping units and 96 RPOs. Also, you will find a higher number of tensor cores on the NVIDIA RTX 3080 that makes it even more powerful for RTX as well as AI-based features. This GPU has 272 tensor cores and 68 dedicated ray-tracing cores. To make the card perfect for the heavy application, NVIDIA has offered 10 GB of DDR5 RAM on the RTX 3080.

The NVIDIA RTX 3080 is a dual-slot card and draws power from a 12-pin power input connector. Thus, the maximum power draw of the NVIDIA RTX 3080 can be as high as 320 watts at full load. Coming to the ports, the NVIDIA RTX 3080 is equipped with an HDMI port alongside 3 DisplayPorts for high bandwidth connections.

NVIDIA RTX 3070 Vs. RTX 3080

After reading the brief introduction about both graphics cards, you must have realized some key differences between both of these options. If you want a quick recap, here are the major differences between RTX 3070 and RTX 3080.

Major Differences between RTX 3070 and RTX 3080

So far, you must have understood how RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 differ on paper based on specifications. But, to understand the differences in both options in terms of actual application, you have to pay attention to every individual aspect carefully. Here, we are listing some of the most important sectors where the technical differences between these graphics cards matter a lot.

1. Power Draw

Power draw basically refers to the electrical power required to use the graphics card. As we are looking at the high-end options from Nvidia, you should already expect a pretty high power requirement. Still, the difference in power rating for these 2 options is pretty big. The RTX 3080 is rated at 320 watts whereas the RTX 3070 is rated at 220 watts.

This 100 watts difference can be pretty noticeable in real-life applications. First of all, a high power draw means better performance and speed. But, it also means higher temperature levels. Also, the power rating of your GPU must be manageable by the PSU that you are going to use in your build.

2. Memory Size

The memory size of a graphics card, commonly known as video memory, is also a very important aspect and must be considered before buying one. Within RTX 3070 and RTX 3080, there is only 2 GB of difference for the memory size. The RTX 3080 is offering 10 GB of memory whereas RTX 3070 only offers 8 GB.

While the memory size of a graphics card does not have a direct impact on its performance, it still impacts the range of applications possible with it. For example, if you are playing a demanding game that requires high video memory, you are better off with a graphics card that can compensate for it if you want to get stable performance.

3. Tensor Cores

The tensor cores are one of the latest technological marvels designed by Nvidia that is available with their latest series of RTX cards. These cores utilize mixed-precision computing technology to dynamically adapt to the process and offer a faster output. This results in a much faster performance along with better accuracy. Nvidia has implemented the Tensor cores to implement the deep learning super sampling technology which upscales the image without loss in performance or visuals.

With the RTX 3080, you will get 272 tensor cores whereas the RTX 3070 only offers 184 cores. Naturally, the DLSS, as well as the AI-based performance of the RTX 3080, is going to be significantly better than the RTX 3070 due to the difference in tensor cores. However, RTX 3070 still offers great performance for its price.

4. Price and availability

Coming to a major factor, the price and availability of the unit. This is always sort of an issue with graphics cards as you barely find a variant that is available at MSRP. And due to the recent shortage of components and stock issues, finding a decent graphics card is harder than ever.

Most options are either heavily overpriced or unavailable for the foreseeable future. In such a case, you need to pay close attention to the MSRP of the unit and how much you end up paying for it. Also, you might have to wait for a particular option to come back in stock whereas the other one is about to run out of it.

Which Graphics Card is Better For 4K?

4K gaming is no longer a myth and certainly seems possible with the new lineup of graphics cards. If you are also looking for a high-end graphics card that can offer an enjoyable FPS at 4K resolution, the RTX 3080 seems to be the obvious choice. However, you will have to spend a couple of hundred bucks more as well as make sure that your PC can handle the graphics card. While both of these options can offer about 60 FPS at 4K for most games, RTX 3080 increases the bar by up to 50 FPS, even on some demanding games. Here is a 4K gaming comparison between both cards for reference.

Which Graphics Card is Better For 1440p?

1440p resolution is still a better choice for a lot of players. This is the QHD 2560 x 1440p resolution which offers a much higher detail compared to 1080p resolution without a significant loss in performance. Even if you are playing at 1440p resolution on a 4K TV or monitor, you are less likely to notice any downgrade compared to the 1080p resolution for the same display.

1440p resolution is quite popular among desktop gamers as there are special desktop monitors designed for the resolution. An RTX 3070 is definitely a good enough choice for a 1440p resolution. While an RTX 3080 will still offer higher FPS in comparison, you will find the results of RTX 3070 pretty satisfying.

LHR

Apart from gaming and other productive applications, one of the most popular reasons to buy a graphics card right now is cryptocurrency mining. The recent rise in cryptocurrency has introduced a never-before-seen shortage of graphics cards. To even the odds, Nvidia introduced LHR or lite hash rate technology on its recent cards. In simpler words, this technology allows GPUs to detect whether they are being used for cryptocurrency mining. If it does, it reduces the hash rate by half, making the mining process less profitable.

This makes the cryptocurrency miners buy more expensive GPUs or dedicated mining cards in order to achieve profit in the process. The main idea behind this technology was to make the cards a secondary choice for cryptocurrency miners and make them readily available for gamers. Both RTX 3080 and RTX 3070 graphics cards are equipped with LHR technology. Therefore, you might want to reconsider your options if you are planning to use the GPU for mining.

Ray Tracing and DLSS

Ray tracing is also one of the latest features announced from Nvidia which makes new generation games even more realistic in terms of visuals. There are 2 major features introduced with the RTX cards that are ray tracing and DLSS. Ray tracing is a very demanding feature that traces the light from its original source in a frame and follows it to render the image. This results in extremely realistic lighting effects as well as shadows.

The ray-tracing generally tanks the FPS in almost every game as the GPU usage goes very high in certain situations. To help with that, Nvidia has also introduced DLSS or deep learning super sampling technology. This is a smart upscaling technology that uses the AI cores of the GPU to upscale the footage. Thus, the graphics processor renders the images at a faster rate at 1080p resolution and offers nearly identical 4K upscaled results compared to native 4K, minus the FPS drop.

Cooling, Power Demand, and Form Factor

These are some more important factors that you need to consider before you make a choice. High power graphics cards might offer attractive performance and specifications, but it also generates more heat and requires more power to operate. For that, your computer must be equipped with a highly efficient cooling system. We recommend a liquid cooling setup if you are planning to overclock the graphics card. Otherwise, the cooling solution provided with the GPU is good enough.

The power demand should also be supported by your PSU. If not, you will notice sudden crashes in your game as well as on your PC. If the GPU does not get sufficient power, it lowers the clock speed to manage the power levels. If the power input drops further, the GPU stops working and causes a crash. Another important factor is the size of the GPU. Even the most premium GPU will be of no use to you if you cannot fit it inside your cabinet. You should always check the dimensions of the GPU and compare them with your cabinet before buying it.

Conclusion

A lot of users seem to be confused between the Nvidia RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 graphics cards. While both options are high-end options designed by Nvidia, we will strongly recommend getting your hands on the RTX 3080 graphics card. Even though it is slightly more expensive, it is going to offer pretty good results while gaming at 4K and obviously, at 1440p resolution. Also, this GPU is completely future-proof and will be suitable for nearly a decade of upcoming video games. And if you are looking for a middle ground between these options, you should check out the RTX 3070 Ti GPU from Nvidia.

The post NVIDIA RTX 3070 Vs. NVIDIA RTX 3080 – Choose the Right One? appeared first on ElectronicsHub.

Radeon RX 6800 XT from AMD and GeForce RTX 3080 from NVIDIA clearly stand out. In this article, we will do a thorough comparison of Radeon RX 6800 XT vs GeForce RTX 3080 so that you can choose the perfect one as per your requirements and judgment.

About AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT

With the introduction of Radeon RX 6800 XT, AMD has been able to make a big comeback. It offers a matching performance with that of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080. The features are overall quite similar but the pricing is quite aggressive.

Radeon RX 6800 XT can be perfect for better gaming power as it comes with more advanced features. You can have an affordable gaming option making it perfect for budget-conscious gamers.

About NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 has come up with many improvements and that is why its pricing is at a premium. When you use RTX 3080, you can attain high-end gaming with better refresh rate and high resolution.

The company is all set to come up with the RTX 3080 12GB for remarkable speed and performance. Now, the question arises if Radeon RX 6800 XT is better than the GeForce RTX 3080.

Radeon RX 6800 XT vs GeForce RTX 3080

Let us begin by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both the graphics cards before comparing them point by point.

Radeon RX 6800 Advantages –

The graphics card has more core clock speed at 1825 MHz. The boost clock speed is higher at 2250 MHz. The texture fill rate is better at 648 in comparison to RTX 3080. The maximum RAM amount is at 16GB and it has USB type-C support. Compared to RTX 3080 cost of $699, it is available at $649 and hence, it is more value for money.

Disadvantages – As far as its overall memory performance and parameters are concerned, it clearly underperforms.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Advantages

GeForce RTX 3080 is great for excellent 4K gaming performance. The memory bus width is 320 bit compared to RX 6800’s 256 bit. Even the memory bandwidth is higher at 760.3 GBPS and RX 6800 is 512 GBPS. Even memory clock speed is 19000 MHz in comparison to RX 6800’s 16000 MHz. In short, it clearly outperforms RX 6800 in terms of memory.

Disadvantages – It does not come with USB-C connectivity and you probably expect it to outperform all other GPU as its price is quite premium.

Radeon RX 6800 XT vs GeForce RTX 3080 – Technical Specs

Radeon RX 6800 XT vs GeForce RTX 3080 – Performance

Both the RX 6800 and RTX 3080 come with many features that make them ideal for gaming performance. If we have to compare the VRAM difference, then the RTX 3080 has 16GB compared to RX 6800’s 10 GB. However, the RTX 3080 has GDDRX6 which improves the speed. Even if the VRAM is low, it can still be great for 4K gaming. Despite all the factors, the RTX 3080 is more future-proof. It has impressive hardware and includes a 128 MB infinity cache.

When we discuss the ray tracing performance, the RTX 3080 has superior ray tracing ability. It has DSS Technology that makes it perfect for higher frame rates. However, AMD does not come with Smart Access Memory that can increase GPU performance. Even for ray tracing, the RTX 3080 offers better improvements despite facing competition.

The thermal design power (TDP) for RTX 3080 is 320 watts. It is 300 watts for the RX 6800 XT. You must note that the 3080 can run hot than the 6800 XT depending upon the use. There have also been issues of inadequate thermal pads on the RTX 3080 which can lead to higher than the normal temperature of the VRAM.

Radeon RX 6800 XT vs GeForce RTX 3080 – Features

You will have to keep in mind that the Nvidia DLSS does not have any direct competition. Even though Radeon Boost has a better frame rate, it can cause frame pacing issues with stutters. This can primarily happen while starting and stopping. For this reason, it is important to know the difference between TAA native resolution and the DLSS Quality Mode.

Nvidia also comes with Tensor cores that can be perfect for different purposes. In many video conferencing solutions, there are chances of background blur as well as replacement. However, Nvidia Broadcast offers better quality with superior performance. Additionally, you will also find the feature of noise elimination that can be perfect for any type of recording.

Another thing to consider is G-Sync and FreeSync factors. G-Sync works great to provide adaptive refresh rates and tear-free gaming. When combined with G-Sync and FreeSync, there will be an excellent quality display. However, keep in mind that it can be expensive. AMD on the other hand has come up with the Radeon Anti-Lag feature. Both Nvidia Ultra-Low Latency and Reflex as well as Radeon Anti-Lag can improve latency by reducing buffering.

If you have to discuss technology, then we will surely have to discuss the VRAM. Nvidia comes with a VRAM of 24GB and a GDDR6X of 19.5 Gbps on a 384-bit bus. AMD has 16GB VRAM and the GDDR6X is 16 Gbps on a 256-bit bus. On top of that Nvidia also comes with the additional bandwidth that makes ID ideal for 4K games.

Radeon RX 6800 XT vs GeForce RTX 3080 – Drivers

To improve the drivers, AMD has recently come up with the update called Adrenalin 21.4.1. It primarily focuses on streaming technologies so that there will be easy live streaming of games to the internet. Keep in mind that Nvidia already has a slight lead in these areas. If we have to compare the drivers, then both Nvidia and AMD have done remarkably well.

With the game ‘Watch Dogs Legion’, Nvidia’s hardware was better in launching the game. Even though AMD has come up with better ray-tracing ability, it was broken. Even the driver updates and game patches took a long time. This makes Nvidia’s GPU way ahead. Even while playing ‘Cyberpunk 2077’, Nvidia’s RTX cards make the game look better and run better. So on the performance side, Nvidia has an edge.

If we have to discuss the stability of the drivers, the first-generation AMD Navi cards came up with a lot of noise. However, AMD did acknowledge the issue and fix the things. The ampere launch driver of Nvidia particularly the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 also faced problems with regards to stability. However, they have also come up with updates and fixed the issues. Both Nvidia and AMD have regularly come up with updates as well as new games. But it is Nvidia that has been able to deliver impressive performance.

Radeon RX 6800 XT vs GeForce RTX 3080 – Power Efficiency

We have already seen that Nvidia has a slight advantage over AMD when it comes to performance. However, it also had an advantage in efficiency and GPU power consumption. It has come up with the TSMC’s N7 process that offers a higher ampere. Nvidia also teamed up with the 8N process of Samsung for better refinement.

However, the RTX 30 series of Nvidia can push the power requirement of the GPU. The RX 6900 XT works at 305 watts of peak power. On the contrary, Nvidia requires about 20% more power on non-RT workloads. However, if you turn on DLSS and RT, the efficiency will be back to normal.

Despite all the factors, the enhanced ampere rate and better Tensor and RT cores make Nvidia double the performance. The response to AMD was to come up with the refinement of the existing RDNA1 architecture. It has also come up with other features including DirectX 12 Ultimate for Variable Rate Shading (VRS) as well as mesh shaders. Furthermore, it went on to add the infinity cache of 128 MB that can boost the overall efficiency and memory output.

Radeon RX 6800 XT vs GeForce RTX 3080 – Price

With the Newegg Shuffle, the availability and prices of the RX 6900 XT and RTX 3090 have become very high. The RX 6900 XT goes above $1,000 and it is above $1500 for the RTX 3090. Even though the price is expensive, you may still find it difficult to get it. It has to be noted that both the cards offer higher performance with the RX 6900 XT outperforming the RX 6800 XT. Again, the RTX 3090 has double VRAM than the RTX 3080.

Conclusion

We have seen all the features, specifications, and prices for the AMD Radeon RX 6800 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080. Getting the right one is a user preference and you will have to see which GPU meets your needs. However, Nvidia simply outperforms AMD when it comes to memory features. In terms of overall performance, Nvidia has the ability to deliver flawless performance thanks to its memory performance.

The post AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT Vs NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 appeared first on ElectronicsHub.

In this guide, let us compare the two most popular graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD. We will take a brief look at the specifications of the RTX 3070 and the RX 6700 XT GPUs. After that, we will compare 6700 XT vs 3070 in terms of features, gaming performance, and other important factors.

A Brief Note on RTX 3070

Let us begin the comparison starting with a brief overview of the RTX 3070. Nvidia launched the RTX 3000 Series of GPUs as a successor to the RTX 2000 Series with a new architecture, code-named Ampere.

While the RTX 2000 Series GPUs started the Ray Tracing trend, Nvidia improved the hardware Ray Tracing core in the RTX 3000 Series.

Coming to the GPU in the discussion, the RTX 3070 is an upper mid-range or high-end graphics card in the RTX 3000 Series. In terms of performance, the RTX 3070 has a similar or slightly better performance when compared to the previous generation’s flagship, the RTX 2080 Ti.

While the performance of the RTX 3070 isn’t a surprise due to the architectural improvements, it does this at a price that is less than half of the RTX 2080 Ti. Impressive. Speaking of price, the RTX 3070 has a launch MSPR of $499.

Nvidia has some run-ins with Samsung Foundry for their GTX 1000 Series GPUs but this time, they went full onboard with Samsung, essentially producing all the RTX 3000 Series GPUs on Samsung’s 8nm process node.

Let us speak some numbers now. The base clock of the RTX 3070 is 1.5 GHz while it can boost up to 1.73 GHz. The RTX 3070 has 5,888 CUDA Cores. But sadly, the memory is limited only to 8GB GDDR6.

It has all the bells and whistles such as Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, NVENC, DLSS, etc. The RTX 3070 can draw up to 220 Watts of power. As a result, the system power supply must be at least 650 Watts.

A Brief Note on RX 6700 XT

AMD was a little late to the party, but it made an entrance with the Radeon RX 6000 of GPUs. Nvidia already created the buzz around Ray Tracing. So, AMD, with its RX 6000 Series GPUs, included hardware for this with its own naming (Ray Accelerators).

The Radeon RX 6000 Series of GPUs use the RDNA 2 Architecture, which is the successor to the previous RDNA Architecture (which is the basis for the RX 5000 Series GPUs).

Coming to the RX 6700 XT, AMD pitted this as a direct competitor to the RTX 3070, and hence has a launch MSRP of $479. This is slightly less than the RTX 3070 but when we compare the performance numbers of 6700 XT vs 3070, we will not see much of a difference.

AMD went to its preferred foundry partner, TSMC to manufacture the RX 6700 XT (and the other RX 6000 Series GPUs) using its 7 nm process node.

The RX 6700 XT has 2560 GPU Cores, 40 Ray Accelerators, and 40 Compute Units. If we take a look at the clock frequencies, the RX 6700 XT has a base frequency of 2321 MHz and a boost frequency of 2581 MHz.

One advantage of the RX 6700 XT over the RTX 3070 is the memory, which is 12GB GDDR6 in the case of the RX 6700 XT vs only 8GB in the RTX 3070. The TDP (or as AMD like to call the Typical Board Power – TBP) of the RX 6700 XT is 230 Watts while they recommend 650 Watts power supply for the system.

Specifications of RX 6700 XT vs RTX 3070

Let us now see a side-by-side comparison of the specifications of RX 6700 XT vs RTX 3070.

Comparison of 6700 XT vs 3070

1. Performance

a. 1080p Ultra

b. 1440p Ultra

c. 4K Ultra

From the above comparison, it is clear that both the RX 6700 XT and the RTX 3070 show very similar performance, in all three game settings.

But in 1080p and 1440p, which we feel are the more popular game settings, the RX 6700 XT has a slight edge over the RTX 3070.

2. Power and Thermals

On paper, both the RX 6700 XT and the RTX 3070 have similar TDP ratings of 230 Watts and 220 Watts respectively. During our testing, both the graphics hovered around the 72 – 75 °C mark.

3. Features

Both the RTX 3070 and the RX 6700 XT are loaded with useful features. Nvidia started the whole Ray Tracing trend with the RTX 2000 Series of GPUs. But with the RTX 3000 Series, they improved it a lot.

AMD also entered the Ray Tracing market with their RX 6000 Series of GPUs. As this is their first attempt, the results were slightly underwhelming when we compare them to Nvidia’s implementation.

Another important feature of Nvidia GPUs is DLSS or Deep Learning Super Sampling. They have dedicated hardware in the form of Tensor Cores that can upscale low-resolution images.

AMD also has similar technology, its FSR or FidelityFX Super Resolution. As this is a new feature, the support from game developers hasn’t fully blossomed.

4. Price

The last important thing you need to consider is the cost. Both the RX 6700 XT and the RTX 3070 have a similar launch MSRP, albeit the RX 6700 XT is $20 cheaper.

Which is the Best? 6700 XT vs 3070

So, the important question is, which one to buy among the RX 6700 XT vs 3070? As both these GPUs have very similar price and performance numbers, both of them are a very good choice.

If you are getting these cards close to their MSRP, then we recommend purchasing any of these cards. But if Ray Tracing and Video Encoding are a priority, then the RTX 3070 has a slight edge due to superior Ray Tracing technology and better NVENC hardware.

Conclusion

Nvidia’s RTX 3070 and AMD’s Radeon RX 6700 XT are two powerful high-end GPUs. Both these graphics cards fall under the $500 price bracket with very similar performance.

In this guide, we saw some basic specifications of both these graphics cards. After that, we compare the RX 6700 XT vs 3070 for their performance, features, price, and power.

The post RX 6700 XT Vs RTX 3070 | Which is the Best? appeared first on ElectronicsHub.

That is when you have to analyze them on various parameters to differentiate them. In this article, we will do a complete differentiation of AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 so that you can understand which is better for your computer.

About AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT

You can consider AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT as an official challenger to Nvidia GeForce which has been dominating the market so far. It is the fastest graphics card from AMD. It works perfectly with a 4K display with a high refresh rate. If you are looking for 1440p gaming, this is an ideal GPU to opt for. It comes with Smart Access Memory technology and it works well with Ryzen 5000 processor. You could see double-digit performance uplift if you are using AMD Radeon RX 6900.

About Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090

Nvidia has gone aggressive on performance with GeForce RTX 3090. This one comes with Titan class performance and you can expect the fastest gaming frame rate with extraordinary resolution. You can expect at least a 10% jump in performance in comparison to its previous version which is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080. Nvidia claims that it is the first graphics card in the world to support 8K gaming. Therefore, you can consider it a future-oriented graphics card and it is suitable for high-end gamers.

GeForce RTX 3090 vs Radeon RX 6900 XT:  Comparison Table

GeForce RTX 3090 vs Radeon RX 6900 XT: Performance

If you are looking for excellent quality, both GeForce RTX 3090 and Radeon RX 6900 XT can provide QHD (1440P) performance. They can even go up to 4K. However, keep in mind that it can have a higher cost. NVIDIA has the ability to offer better frames per second.

NVIDIA also outperforms AMD while tracing DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). AMD works with FidelityFX Super Resolution which is a competitor of DLSS. However, it is yet to get launched. Even with ray tracing, there can be a major difference when it comes to performance. If you want to boost performance, it will be better to enable DLSS.

Radeon RX 6900 XT allows use in Rage Mode for enhanced performance. You can do it with a single click and can modify fan levels and power levels. It also has AMD Smart Access Memory for pumping up the numbers. On the contrary, NVIDIA has come up with resizable BAR support. Another great feature of AMD is the Infinity Cache. The cache improves efficiency due to the small 256-bit memory bus. It also has extra bandwidth for reduced memory latency.

NVIDIA Broadcast is an app powered by RTX 3090. By utilizing AI enhancements, it can enrich video and voice streams. It can change virtual backgrounds, eliminate background noise, and even track movement for a better experience. We can say that NVIDIA has added features and it even runs at high TDP.

GeForce RTX 3090 vs Radeon RX 6900 XT: Pricing and Availability

GeForce RTX 3090 became available in September 2020. It is officially priced at $1,499. However, it can go up to $2,000 on various portals including eBay depending on the supply-demand scenario. Radeon RX 6900 XT was launched in December 2020 with an official price of $999. Since it is more affordable, you can expect stock shortages at times and price spikes. Overall, both the graphics cards have good enough demand, and except for a few instances, availability is rather regular.

GeForce RTX 3090 vs Radeon RX 6900 XT: Features and Tech

GeForce RTX 3090: GeForce RTX 3090 has a memory of 24 GB GDDR6X and the bus width is 384-bit. The recommended PSU is 750W and the slot size is three. The node is 8nm and TDP is 350W. If we have to mention the architecture, it is Ampere. The shader is 10,496 and the texture is 328. There is even a clock of 1,395 MHz and the boost clock is 1695 MHz. It comes with 28.3B transistors.

Radeon RX 6900 XT: The Radeon RX 6900 XT comes with a bus width of 256-bit and the memory is 16 GB GDDR6. This requires a PSU of 300 watts and features 2.5 slot sizes. The architecture is RDNA 2 and the shader is 5120. Its texture is 320 and features 26.8B transistors. The boost clock is 2250 MHz and the clock is 1825 MHz.

GeForce RTX 3090 vs Radeon RX 6900 XT: Power and Efficiency

When we compare GeForce RTX 3090 with Radeon RX 6900 XT in terms of efficiency, NVIDIA is clearly ahead of AMD. However, it consumes 20% more power to deliver peak performance. This happens particularly on no-RT workloads. What separates AMD from NVIDIA is that it has ray tracing support. It has even utilized many other features including mesh shaders and VRS (Variable Rate Shading). For better efficiency, it boasts a massive 128 MB L3 Infinity Cache.

GeForce RTX 3090 vs Radeon RX 6900 XT: Drivers and Software

AMD has recently added improvements on the driver by coming up with Adrenaline 21.4.1 update. This enhances game streaming technology. In doing so it helps to stream games and live stream games from the desktop. Previously, it was used in first-generation AMD Navi cards. Both Nvidia and AMD come up with driver updates and if there is any error it is corrected immediately.

AMD has many promotional games and many including Borderlands 3 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla which runs on the latest GPU of AMD. However, many games get better on Nvidia hardware including Watch Dogs Legion. There is also Cyberpunk 2077 which requires AMD support. Given the comparison between the two, NVIDIA has an advantage even though AMD has closed the gap.

Conclusion:

Both the graphics cards are not for every gamer. If you already have a high-end gaming computer, upgrading to any of these graphics cards does not really make sense. However, if you still want to go for any one of them, we recommend Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 as it supports 8k gaming. These graphics cards are perfectly suitable for those who have not so high-end gaming computers, and want to go for a major upgrade. Overall, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 has slight edges over AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT.

The post AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 appeared first on ElectronicsHub.

What is 100% GPU Usage in a Computer?

Those of you who are new to computers might not be familiar with high GPU usage or 100% GPU usage in that regard. Therefore, before looking further into this issue, you might also want to learn more about it. To ensure you can easily monitor your computer and its components, you can simply open the task manager and find details regarding the CPU, RAM, GPU, and more. With all of these hardware components, you can also find their usage ranges from 0% to 100%. When any given component, like a GPU, is idling and not in use, it will be at 0% use. But if it is at 100% GPU usage, it simply means that your GPU is being used to its full potential.

Is 100% GPU Usage Bad?

Now that you know that your GPU is being pushed to its limits and used to the max, you might wonder whether GPU usage is bad. Thankfully, 100% GPU usage is not bad, depending on what you are currently using on your computer. If you are running a modern AAA game or any other 3D design program, then you do not have to worry about 100% GPU usage or high GPU usage. This simply means that the program you are running is using your GPU as much as possible, which is actually good for getting the best possible performance. However, if you are seeing high GPU usage or 100% GPU usage while doing nothing or running simple tasks like browsing the web, then there is an issue that we will see later on in this article.

What Do You Consider High GPU Usage?

Apart from 100% GPU usage, you may also come across the term ‘high GPU usage’ while dealing with computers. But since high GPU usage does not include any numbers, you might be wondering what exactly is considered as high GPU usage. While there is no exact number for the same, if your GPU is being used between 95% and 100% usage, then it will be considered as high GPU usage. And if your GPU is under high GPU usage, it simply means that running more 3D applications will not be possible because the GPU won’t be able to handle it considering the existing load.

Causes of 100% GPU Usage

As mentioned earlier, there can be multiple possible causes for 100% GPU usage or high GPU usage on your computer. And diagnosing such causes is highly important to ensure that your 100% GPU usage is actually beneficial to you and not causing any issues instead. Therefore, you should first check all of the following possible causes of 100% GPU usage:

1. Demanding Games & Applications

In case you are running any kind of modern AAA game or a 3D design program, then it will rely on your computer’s GPU quite heavily. In fact, this will most certainly result in 100% GPU usage which is absolutely fine. Since a program currently uses your GPU, there is nothing wrong with it, and you don’t have to worry about it.

2. Incapable Hardware

Whether you have an older GPU or an entry-level one, it will definitely not be able to handle modern AAA games and other 3D-intensive applications on your computer. As a result, if you throw any task at your GPU that it cannot handle, it will definitely result in 100% GPU usage. In such a case, consider upgrading your GPU or running simpler tasks and games.

3. Poor Airflow & Ventilation

If you are facing 100% GPU usage despite having a high end one, then it is quite possible that your GPU is not being cooled properly. And if your GPU is heating up, it may thermal throttle which will lead to 100% GPU usage because of the reduced performance numbers. Thus, make sure that your GPU and your whole computer has proper airflow and ventilation inside your computer.

4. Background Processes & Programs

Sometimes you might be running simple tasks and applications on your computer but still face 100% GPU usage. In many cases this might be due to other background processes running on your computer. Such background programs may use your GPU for video encoding, hardware accelerations, and other benefits that you get from having an GPU. For this, consider getting rid of all background processes and programs that you are not using currently.

5. Mining Programs & Malware

If you have cleared all background and foreground programs from your computer that might have been using your GPU, but you are still facing high GPU usage, then it is quite likely that your GPU is being used by programs that you didn’t install. Usually, this will include malware on your computer or unwanted mining programs which can be using your GPU and causing 100% GPU usage. The simplest fix for this is to run an antivirus program on your PC.

6. 100% GPU Usage & Less Demanding Games

As mentioned earlier, it is quite obvious to face 100% GPU usage while running high end AAA games. However, you may even face 100% GPU usage even when running less demanding games. While it is a possibility that you are playing an unoptimized game, your GPU’s drivers may also be at fault for this as we will see later on in this guide.

7. 100% GPU Usage When Idling

Apart from running less demanding games, there is even a possibility that you may see 100% GPU usage on your computer when you are doing absolutely nothing. This means that if you are facing 100% GPU usage when idling, then there can be many issues with either or both your GPU drivers and the overall system.

8. 100% GPU Usage While Browsing the Web

Another situation where you will not expect to see 100% GPU usage is browsing the web on your computer. Although, if browsing the web on your computer while browsing the web, then it might be due to fishy websites which use your GPU for mining or having issues with your computer’s drivers and the overall system.

How to Fix 100% GPU Usage?

Since there can be multiple causes of 100% GPU usage where some of them are not good, you would also want to fix 100% GPU usage on your computer. And for the same reason, here are some of the most common fixes for 100% GPU usage on your computer:

1. Using an Antivirus Program

Before trying anything else, you should first run an antivirus program on your computer if you are facing 100% GPU usage. This is due to the reason that if there is any kind of malware or virus on your computer which is using your GPU for mining, an antivirus program will get rid of the same. Thus, this will get rid of the 100% GPU usage issue.

2. Optimizing Game Video Settings

Even though it is completely fine to have 100% GPU usage while playing modern AAA gaming titles, you might not prefer the same for system thermals or your computer’s power draw. In that case, you can simply change the video settings of your game to lower values which should lower GPU usage in your computer.

3. Using Process Explorer

As mentioned earlier, there can be many background applications on your computer which might be using your GPU. And if that is the case, then you should use the Process Explorer present in the Task Manager of Windows. This will help you find all the background processes which are using the GPU. You can then get rid of the programs that you don’t need and get rid of 100% GPU usage.

4. Disabling Startup Programs

If you don’t want to have unwanted background programs using the GPU on your computer, then you can simply prevent them from running in the first place. For this, you have to go to the Startup Apps section of Windows Settings. There, you can disable all the apps that you don’t need to run when you boot your system. And if any of these apps were using your GPU, it will lower your GPU usage.

5. Updating GPU Drivers

There can be many scenarios where you are facing 100% GPU usage on your computer because of issues with your GPU itself. And if that is the case, then you should definitely consider updating your GPU drivers. You can do this using either Nvidia GeForce Experience or the Radeon control panel depending on the GPU that you are using in your computer.

6. Uninstalling Unnecessary Programs

Apart from disabling programs from running on system boot, you can also get rid of unwanted programs completely from your computer if you don’t want them to use your GPU. You can simply go to the Installed Apps section of Windows Settings and uninstall all unnecessary programs that you don’t need at the moment. And as you would expect, this can lower your system resource usage, including high GPU usage.

7. Booting in Safe Mode

If you can still figure out what is causing high GPU usage in your system, you can consider booting your computer into safe mode. This will essentially disable various functions of your computer and, more importantly, disable all third-party programs. And if booting into safe mode gets rid of high GPU usage on your computer, then you can simply do a full system reset since it will get rid of any software-related issues. If not, then it might be hardware issues that are causing 100% GPU usage on your computer.

8. Monitoring GPU Usage

Now that you have gone through all these fixes for 100% GPU usage and gotten rid of high GPU usage, you need to ensure that you don’t face the same again in future. Thus, you should regularly monitor your GPU to ensure it runs at expected usage levels. If you are not playing a game, you can do this using the Windows Task Manager. However, if you are playing a fullscreen game or running any other fullscreen program, then you will need to use third-party tools like MSI Afterburner to have a GPU monitoring overlay on your screen at all times.

Is 100% GPU Usage Bad – FAQs

Conclusion

While modern computers have become quite refined regarding system stability, you may still face an issue here or there. One such common issue is running into high system resource usage. And this can even include high usage for your GPU, which can cause performance issues while playing games or running 3D-intensive applications. Hence, we have already discussed all the details regarding 100% GPU usage up above. You can learn about whether 100% GPU usage is bad or not, the causes of 100% GPU usage, and, more importantly, the fixes for 100% GPU usage to easily get rid of it. If any of these fixes have helped you, make sure to leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.

The post Is 100% GPU Usage Bad? appeared first on ElectronicsHub.

If you’re up for some tinkering, then overclocking a GPU isn’t that hard provided your gaming PC meets a few critical requirements: sufficient internal cooling and ample wattage headroom from your power supply unit (PSU). Dive into our step-by-step guide on how to overclock GPU and complement it with specialized performance optimization software to ensure your hardware operates at peak efficiency. Say goodbye to stutters, lags, and suboptimal performance – your gaming rig is about to enter beast mode!

What is GPU Overclocking?

Overclocking your GPU is a powerful method to supercharge your gaming experience and elevate multimedia playback and video rendering quality. When your graphics card struggles with demanding tasks, overclocking provides that extra horsepower you crave. But what exactly is GPU Overclocking? Spoiler alert! Its in the name itself.

Within every graphics card lies a duo of vital components: a graphics processor and its dedicated RAM, commonly known as VRAM (video RAM), which stands separate from your PC’s system RAM. These two components boast their individual clock speeds, denoting the rate at which they can execute operations in a single second. Take, for instance, the founder’s edition RTX 4080, which operates with a max. processor core clock speed of up to 2505MHz, equating to a staggering 2.505 billion cycles per second.

GPU overclocking is the practice of increasing the clock speeds and voltages of your graphics processing unit (GPU) beyond the manufacturer’s specified limits to achieve higher performance in graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming, 3D rendering, or video editing. This process essentially pushes your GPU to operate at faster speeds than its default settings, allowing it to process more data and perform tasks more quickly. Overclocking can provide noticeable performance gains, but it also comes with certain risks and considerations.

What Do You Need to Overclock the GPU?

Ensure that your system is equipped with a robust and dependable power supply unit (PSU) that can deliver sufficient wattage to support your overclocked GPU. Overclocking typically increases power consumption, so having an ample PSU is crucial. Moreover, it is a good practice to periodically clean your GPU coolers from dust. Canned air cleaners are effective for this task, and you won’t need to disassemble anything. This maintenance step is especially important when overclocking to maintain optimal cooling efficiency.

1. An Overclocking Tool

Optimizing your GPU’s performance through overclocking is a savvy move, and having the right overclocking tool can make a world of difference. These tools not only facilitate achieving the best results but also provide in-depth statistics during the overclocking process. One highly recommended option is MSI Afterburner, a versatile utility compatible with both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards.

MSI Afterburner stands out as the top pick among overclocking software due to its user-friendly nature, customizable interface for tweaking settings, and continuous updates to support the latest GPU models. What’s more, it is not limited to MSI graphics cards — it works seamlessly with a wide range of non-MSI GPUs.

While MSI Afterburner takes the spotlight as one of the best overclocking software choices, it is worth noting that there are various options available, often provided by different video card manufacturers. If you find MSI Afterburner’s interface less to your liking, consider alternatives such as EVGA Precision X1 or ASUS GPU Tweak III. These tools are universally compatible with most graphics cards, regardless of the manufacturer. For those wielding AMD graphics cards, AMD Radeon Performance Tuning, an AMD overclocking utility part of its Radeon software, provides an excellent alternative.

A word of caution: Exercise discretion when downloading GPU overclocking software. Beware of counterfeit websites claiming to offer the best overclocking tools. Unless the site is officially endorsed or moderated by a reputable developer associated with a known GPU overclocking tool, it could potentially lead to phishing scams. Using fake GPU overclocking software can result in irreparable damage to your hardware, so always prioritize trustworthiness and authenticity when seeking such tools.

2. A Benchmark/Stress-Test Utility

Overclocking pushes the GPU to its limit for better graphics. But it can also cause the device to become unstable. Hence, you need to run a benchmark or stress test utility tool to ensure the device remains stable throughout the whole procedure and even after making the changes. You can use different tools like MSI Kombustor or FurMark for stress tests.

3. A Bit of Patience & Nerves of Titanium

Well, the last thing is a bit of patience. You need to go through different procedures throughout the overclocking. Hence, you may need to stand before your device and conduct different procedures. In this case, try to remain patient and genuinely follow each step or procedure.

How to Overclock GPU?

Step 1 – Benchmark the Current Settings

Benchmarking your present system settings can help you overclock your GPU to get better clock speeds. It also helps you understand the GPU’s present state and system performance and statistics. For the purpose of this guide, we are going to use the FurMark GPU Stress Test utility. Just open the application and select the resolution on the left. Then click on the “GPU stress test” option. Run the test for at least 10 minutes and log the GPU clock speeds, temperatures, and other important stuff.

Step 2 – Launch Your Overclocking Tool

We’ll be using MSI Afterburner for this guide, but similar methods apply to other tools, which we’ve listed above. First and foremost, open MSI Afterburner. Once inside, you’ll find the following crucial parameters to monitor.

• Current GPU and Memory Clock: These figures fluctuate based on your GPU’s current demands. If no GPU-intensive tasks are running, expect minimal changes here.
• Current Voltage: Note that most modern GPUs restrict voltage adjustments to prevent hardware damage. While workarounds exist (like BIOS flashing), we advise against them due to negligible benefits and potential risks.
• GPU Temperature: Generally, maintaining temperatures around 80-85°C is ideal. Exceeding this range can lead to overheating, potentially causing your graphics card to throttle its performance.
• Power Limit: The power limit is how much power the GPU can draw. You can increase this to give yourself more overclocking headroom. However, be careful not to increase it too much (up t0 20% is fine), as this can also cause the GPU to overheat. For example, if your card’s power limit is 320 watts (which is the case for RTX 4080), you can boost it to 380 watts by sliding the control to the right. Keep a close eye on temperatures and noise levels, as higher limits can result in increased system heat.
• Temperature Limit: Adjust this to raise the temperature threshold before the GPU initiates aggressive throttling.
• Core Clock and Memory Clock: The core clock and memory clock are the two main settings that you can use to overclock your GPU. Increasing the core clock will boosts your GPU’s clock speed and significantly improves the performance. But it can also increase the temperature and power draw. Increasing the memory clock can also improve performance, but it is less likely to cause overheating or power problems.

With these parameters in mind, you’re ready to embark on your overclocking adventure, whether with MSI Afterburner or another trusted overclocking tool.

Step 3 – Overclock GPU Clock

Begin by maxing out the temperature limit to ensure you have a buffer for the upcoming overclocking adventure. Incrementally increase the Power Limit by 10%. This provides some headroom for your initial overclocking efforts. By default, MSI Afterburner will automatically adjust the fan speeds of your GPU cooler based on its temperature. However, if you are overclocking your GPU, it is a good idea to force the fans to maintain higher speeds. This will help to keep the GPU cooler and prevent it from overheating.

Now, gently nudge the GPU slider to the right, increasing it by +50 MHz. Click the “OK” button. This initial adjustment, typically within the range of 5-50 MHz, primarily serves as a litmus test. It helps determine if your GPU can handle overclocking at all. If it fails at this stage, it might be time to consider a more robust graphics card.

Proceed to stress test the GPU to ensure stability. You can choose from various options that we mentioned previously. If no artifacts appear, and your system doesn’t experience crashes, you’re on the right track, and we can continue.

Increase the clock speed in 10 MHz increments. After each increment, hit “OK” and then re-run your stress test. If your system remains stable, you’re making progress.

Keep increasing the clock speed in 10 MHz increments until you reach the point where your game crashes or your PC/laptop reboots. Once you hit this limit, dial it back by reducing the clock rate by 10 MHz. This ensures you have some margin for stability.

As an example, in my case, I managed to achieve a stable overclock of 180 MHz with my RTX 4080. Remember that overclocking results can vary, and finding the optimal settings may require patience and experimentation.

Step 4 – Overclock the Memory Clock

Boosting your memory clock (Video RAM/VRAM) by approximately 10-15% can lead to a substantial performance improvement, especially in games featuring extensive textures that heavily rely on VRAM.

Once you’ve established a stable Core Clock, the process for adjusting the Memory Clock is quite similar. Incrementally raise it by approximately 50 or 100 MHz, conduct benchmark tests, and repeat the process, mirroring your earlier approach with the Core Clock.

Here’s a technique that we recommend: Begin conservatively, opting for increments of 50 MHz as you gradually increase the memory clock until you reach a point where you encounter limitations. Pushing your memory clock too far doesn’t always result in artifacts or crashes. Sometimes, it can lead to decreased performance due to your memory’s error correction mechanisms coming into play. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your system for crashes and a decrease in frames per second and cease increasing the Memory Clock when you observe these adverse effects.

Step 5 – Increase Power and Temperature Limit

To further optimize GPU overclocking, consider raising the power and temperature limits. When you’ve reached a threshold in the previous step, maximize both settings and run another test. This adjustment may allow you to extract a slight additional performance gain from both the GPU and memory, although not a significant increase, potentially making it less desirable.

Step 6 – Increase Voltage (Optional)

If your GPU temperatures are still within safe limits, you can try increasing the voltage to unlock higher stable clock speeds. Here’s how to do it:

• Open MSI Afterburner and go to the Settings tab.
• Under the General section, enable the Unlock Voltage Control and Unlock Voltage Monitoring options.
• Set the Voltage Control drop-down menu to Third Party and click OK.

You will now see a new slider in MSI Afterburner’s main window labeled Voltage. If this slider measures voltage in millivolts (mV), you can safely adjust the voltage supplied to the card. However, if it displays a percentage value (as seen on many newer Nvidia cards), it is advisable to leave it untouched, as it won’t directly increase the accessible voltage.

For cards that support voltage adjustment, start with a conservative increment of around 10mV. After making this adjustment, run a benchmark or stress test to see if the overclock is stable. If it is, you can cautiously increase the core clock further. Gradually raise the voltage as you observe instability in the core clock.

Be sure to monitor temperatures during this process, as increased voltage can generate more heat. It is important to research your specific graphics card to determine its maximum safe voltage to avoid damaging your hardware.

Step 7 – Run GPU Stress Test

After successfully overclocking your GPU, it is time to perform another GPU stress test, which will determine if all the tweaks we made will cause any stability issues in longer run.

Once again open the FurMark and run the GPU stress test. Monitor the GPU clock speeds and temperature and compare them with the first test that you did (before overclocking). You should see a higher clock speed and slightly higher temperature but importantly, the GPU mustn’t crash.

What are Common Mistakes while Overclocking?

Usually, overclocking is safe when you follow the guidelines step by step. However, here are a few things that you need to check out:

• Avoid Overheating: While overclocking, look at the GPU temperatures closely and ensure the device is cooling properly. For example, ensure the fan is on, and water cooling is done.
• Don’t auto-overclock: Overclocking stresses the GPU. Hence, it is better to remain conscious during overclocking. Also, avoid auto-overclocking to ensure the device is safe.

Benefits and Risks of GPU Overclocking

Benefits of GPU Overclocking

• Increased Graphics Performance: GPU overclocking can result in significantly improved graphics performance. By increasing core clock speeds and memory clock speeds, your GPU can process more data per second, leading to higher frame rates and smoother graphics rendering in video games and other graphics-intensive applications.
• Enhanced Gaming Experience: Gamers often use GPU overclocking to achieve higher frame rates and better visual quality in games. This can make games run more smoothly, reduce input lag, and enhance overall gaming immersion.
• Cost-Effective Performance Boost: Overclocking your GPU allows you to extract more performance without the need to invest in a more expensive graphics card. It’s a cost-effective way to breathe new life into an older GPU.
• Tailored Performance: Overclocking gives you control over your GPU’s performance. You can fine-tune it to meet your specific needs and preferences. For instance, you can overclock for maximum performance in gaming or tone it down for power efficiency during everyday tasks.
• Benchmarking and Competition: Overclocking can be a competitive hobby for enthusiasts who aim to achieve higher benchmark scores and compare their results with others in online communities. It allows users to push the limits of their hardware and compete for top spots on leaderboards.

Risks of GPU Overclocking

• Reduced GPU Lifespan: Running your GPU at higher clock speeds and voltages can result in increased wear and tear. Over time, this can reduce the lifespan of your graphics card, potentially leading to earlier failure.
• Heat Generation and Overheating: Overclocking generates more heat, which can be challenging to manage. If not properly cooled, the GPU can overheat, causing instability, crashes, or long-term damage. Adequate cooling solutions, such as upgraded fans or water cooling, may be necessary.
• Warranty Concerns: Most GPU manufacturers void the warranty when a user overclocks the card. This means that if you encounter problems or damage your GPU during overclocking, you may not be eligible for repairs or replacements.
• Stability Issues: Incorrect or unstable overclock settings can result in system crashes, freezes, or artifacting (visual glitches) during gaming or other GPU-intensive tasks. Achieving a stable overclock requires careful tuning and testing.
• Risk of Data Loss: In extreme cases of system instability, GPU overclocking can lead to data corruption or loss. It’s essential to maintain data backups and ensure system stability when overclocking.
• Compatibility and Quality Assurance: Overclocking may not be suitable for all GPUs. Some graphics cards may not overclock well due to manufacturing variations or limitations. Ensuring compatibility and verifying the quality of your GPU is crucial before attempting overclocking.
• Power Consumption and Energy Bills: Overclocking can increase power consumption, resulting in higher electricity bills. Users should consider the trade-off between performance gains and increased energy costs.

Is Overclocking GPU Safe?

Overclocking a GPU can be safe if done correctly and responsibly, but it also carries inherent risks.

• Overclocking should be done by users who have some understanding of how GPUs work and the technical knowledge to make adjustments. Beginners without experience might inadvertently push their GPU beyond safe limits.
• The quality and design of your GPU play a role. High-quality GPUs with better cooling solutions and components tend to handle overclocking better than budget or older models.
• Adequate cooling is essential. Overclocking generates more heat, so ensuring your GPU stays within safe temperature ranges is crucial. Invest in proper cooling solutions like upgraded fans or liquid cooling if needed.
• Real-time monitoring of your GPU’s temperature, clock speeds, and voltage is vital. Monitoring tools allow you to identify and address any potential issues quickly.
• Overclocking should be a gradual process. Make small, incremental adjustments to clock speeds and voltages, testing stability along the way. This minimizes the risk of pushing your GPU too far too fast.
• Run benchmarking and stress tests to ensure your overclocked settings are stable and do not cause crashes or artifacts. This helps you find the optimal balance between performance and stability.
• Avoid extreme overclocking that pushes your GPU to its absolute limits. Striking a balance between performance gains and safety is essential.
• Keep in mind that overclocking often voids the warranty provided by the GPU manufacturer. If you overclock, you may not be eligible for repairs or replacements in case of damage.
• Always back up important data and files before overclocking. While the risk is low, there’s still a possibility of data corruption or loss in extreme cases of instability.

Can We Overclock Laptop GPUs?

Yes, it is possible to overclock laptop GPUs, but there are some important considerations and limitations to keep in mind. Laptop GPUs are generally designed to operate within strict power and thermal limits to ensure the laptop’s portability and cooling capabilities. This means that laptop GPUs often have less overclocking headroom compared to their desktop counterparts. Laptops have limited cooling solutions compared to desktop PCs, which can restrict the ability to overclock. Overclocking a laptop GPU can lead to increased heat generation, potentially causing overheating and reduced performance.

Many laptop manufacturers lock the GPU’s core clock and voltage settings in the laptop’s BIOS or firmware to prevent users from overclocking. This means that not all laptops can be easily overclocked. Overclocking a laptop GPU may void the warranty provided by the laptop manufacturer. Users should be aware of this before attempting to overclock and understand the potential consequences in terms of warranty coverage.

To overclock a laptop GPU, you’ll need appropriate software tools, such as MSI Afterburner or manufacturer-specific utilities. These tools may not work with all laptop GPUs or may have limited functionality due to hardware and firmware restrictions. Laptop GPU overclocking should be approached cautiously. Use monitoring tools to keep an eye on temperature, clock speeds, and voltage while stress testing to ensure stability and prevent overheating.

Overclocking a laptop GPU can significantly increase power consumption, which may lead to reduced battery life. It is essential to consider the trade-off between performance gains and battery usage. Not all laptop GPUs are overclockable, and the level of support for overclocking varies between GPU models and laptop manufacturers. Check with your laptop’s manufacturer and GPU manufacturer for compatibility and support.

Conclusion

GPU overclocking is a powerful tool that can enhance your computer’s graphics performance when used responsibly. While it offers benefits like increased frame rates and better gaming experiences, it also comes with inherent risks, including potential damage to your GPU and voiding of warranties. To enjoy the advantages of GPU overclocking while minimizing these risks, you have to approach the process with caution, employ proper monitoring and cooling, and be prepared to adjust settings gradually for optimal results.

FAQs

Are there any alternatives to GPU overclocking for better performance?

Answer: Yes, there are alternatives to GPU overclocking for improving performance. Consider optimizing in-game settings (e.g., lowering graphics quality or resolution), upgrading to a more powerful GPU, or using software solutions like NVIDIA’s DLSS or AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution to enhance performance without overclocking.

What is GPU overclocking?

Answer: GPU overclocking involves increasing the clock speeds and voltages of your graphics processing unit (GPU) to achieve higher performance in tasks like gaming and rendering. Users overclock GPUs to boost frame rates, improve graphics quality, and enhance overall system performance.

Is GPU overclocking safe for my graphics card?

Answer: GPU overclocking can be safe if done responsibly and within specified limits. However, it carries risks, including potential overheating, instability, and voiding of warranties. Users must take precautions, such as monitoring temperatures and making gradual adjustments, to minimize these risks.

How can I overclock my GPU, and what tools do I need?

Answer: To overclock a GPU, you’ll need overclocking software like MSI Afterburner, GPU-Z, or manufacturer-specific utilities. Adjustments can typically be made to core clock speeds, memory clock speeds, and voltages. The process involves incremental changes, benchmarking, and monitoring.

What are the signs of an unstable GPU overclocking?

Answer: Signs of an unstable GPU overclock include system crashes, artifacts (visual glitches), or sudden performance drops. To fix instability issues, reduce clock speeds or voltages gradually until the problems disappear. Stress testing and benchmarking can help identify instability.

Can I damage my GPU by overclocking it?

Answer: Overclocking can potentially damage your GPU if pushed too far, leading to permanent hardware issues. However, modern GPUs have built-in safeguards to prevent catastrophic failures. It is crucial to follow best practices, monitor temperatures, and stay within safe limits to minimize the risk of damage.

The post How to Overclock GPU? A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on ElectronicsHub.

With the rise of gaming as a mainstream activity and the demands of resource-intensive applications, the efficient allocation of system resources has become paramount. This feature, introduced by Microsoft, aims to optimize the interplay between the CPU and GPU, offering potential benefits in responsiveness, latency reduction, and overall performance. But what is this Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling? How to enable it? How will it affect the performance? Let us try to find answers to all these in this guide.

What is Scheduling?

Scheduling, in the context of computers and operating systems, refers to the process of determining the order and timing at which various tasks or processes are executed on a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) or other system resources. It plays a critical role in various computing systems, ranging from single-core CPUs to multi-core processors, GPUs, and distributed computing environments. The primary goal of scheduling is to optimize the utilization of system resources, enhance efficiency, and provide a responsive and fair resource allocation.

In a multitasking operating system environment, multiple processes or tasks compete for the limited resources available, such as CPU time, memory, and I/O operations. Scheduling algorithms play a crucial role in deciding which process to execute next and for how long, based on certain criteria.

CPU Scheduling involves selecting the next process from the queue of ready-to-execute processes to run on the CPU. The goal is to maximize CPU utilization, throughput, and responsiveness while minimizing waiting times and turnaround times.

• Preemptive Scheduling: The operating system can interrupt a running process and switch to another process based on priority or time quantum. Examples include Round Robin and Priority Scheduling.
• Non-preemptive Scheduling: A process holds the CPU until it voluntarily releases it. Examples include First-Come-First-Served (FCFS) and Shortest Job Next (SJN) Scheduling.

I/O Scheduling involves managing the order in which I/O requests are serviced. The objective is to minimize the time processes spend waiting for I/O operations.

Understanding GPU Scheduling

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) scheduling is a critical aspect of managing the execution of tasks on modern GPUs. In a typical graphics pipeline, multiple tasks, such as rendering, shading, and compute operations, are submitted by applications or the operating system to be processed by the GPU. The GPU execution pipeline consists of multiple stages that process tasks in parallel to achieve high throughput and performance.

This pipeline includes stages like vertex processing, geometry shading, rasterization, pixel shading, and memory access. Each stage involves specific tasks, such as transforming vertices, shading pixels, and managing memory operations. The GPU scheduler’s role is to efficiently manage the distribution of these tasks to the available processing units within the pipeline.

The execution units of a GPU, such as CUDA cores or shader units, operate in parallel, allowing multiple tasks to be processed simultaneously. Efficient scheduling ensures that these execution units are fully utilized and that data dependencies between tasks are managed to avoid conflicts. It also achieves optimal performance, low latency, and resource utilization.

GPU Scheduling in Windows

Coming to the GPU side, Windows developed WDDM or Windows Display Driver Model, which is a graphic driver architecture for graphics cards. It supported virtual memory, scheduling, sharing of Direct3D surfaces, etc.

Out of all these features, the WDDM GPU Scheduler is very important as it changed the traditional “FIFO” style queue with priority-based scheduling. Even with newer versions of WDDM, the scheduling algorithm was more or less the same i.e., a high-priority thread has the CPU time.

This approach has some fundamental limitations. For example, an application thread to work on GPU at time ‘x’ must have the CPU prepare the commands for GPU at the time ‘x-1’. So, when the GPU is working on frame ‘n’, the CPU started work commands for frame ‘n+1’.

Essentially, this buffering of GPU commands by CPU might minimize the scheduling overload but will have a significant impact on latency. The user input picked up by the CPU will not be processed by the GPU until the next frame.

Challenges in Traditional Software-Based Scheduling

Schedulers have been traditionally a part of the Operating System i.e.; they are essentially a piece of software. Even though hardware schedulers are available (in the form of programmable FPGAs or ASICs), they are confined mainly to hard real-time systems to support one scheduling algorithm.

In traditional software-based scheduling, the operating system’s kernel manages the task queues and switches between tasks using software interrupts. This involves interactions between the CPU and GPU, leading to potential delays and overhead. Context switches, where the GPU switches from executing one task to another, can introduce latency and reduce overall system performance.

Traditional software-based GPU scheduling has limitations that can hinder performance and responsiveness.

• Software-based context switches involve communication between the CPU and GPU, leading to delays and overhead. This overhead becomes problematic when rapid task switching is required.
• As the number of CPU cores and GPU execution units increases, the complexity of managing and coordinating tasks also rises. Traditional software-based scheduling might struggle to efficiently handle this growing complexity.
• Preemption, which involves pausing one task to execute another, is challenging to implement efficiently in software. Coordinating preemption and task resumption can lead to inefficiencies.
• Inefficient memory management and allocation can lead to resource fragmentation, where the GPU’s memory is not optimally utilized. This can result in suboptimal performance and even out-of-memory errors.
• Traditional scheduling methods might lack fine-grained control over fairness, potentially leading to some tasks monopolizing resources while others are starved.

In response to these challenges, hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling offers a promising solution by offloading scheduling tasks to dedicated hardware components on the GPU, addressing these limitations and improving overall performance and efficiency.

Need for Hardware Acceleration

The need for hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling arises from the increasing demand for high-performance graphics and compute workloads. As applications become more complex and workloads diversify, traditional software-based scheduling mechanisms can struggle to effectively manage these demands. Several factors contribute to the need for hardware acceleration.

• Modern applications utilize a mix of graphics rendering, AI computations, physics simulations, and more. Coordinating these diverse workloads efficiently requires a more streamlined and optimized scheduling process.
• GPUs are designed for parallel processing, capable of executing numerous tasks simultaneously. However, software-based scheduling might not fully leverage this parallelism, leading to underutilization of GPU resources.
• Some applications, especially in real-time graphics and virtual reality, are sensitive to latency. Traditional scheduling with software intervention can introduce delays that impact user experience.
• With the growth of multi-core CPUs and GPUs with a higher number of processing units, managing numerous tasks efficiently becomes challenging for traditional software scheduling methods.

What is Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling?

Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling refers to the utilization of dedicated hardware components within the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to manage the allocation and execution of tasks. Unlike traditional software-based scheduling, where the CPU and operating system manage task queues and context switches, hardware-accelerated scheduling relies on specialized hardware to streamline these operations.

• By executing scheduling-related tasks directly on the GPU hardware, overhead associated with communication between the CPU and GPU is reduced. This leads to quicker task transitions and context switches.
• Hardware components can manage task queues and execution in parallel with GPU processing, enabling more tasks to be scheduled and executed simultaneously.
• Specialized hardware can allocate processing units and memory more efficiently, optimizing resource usage and improving overall performance.

In May 2020, Microsoft released an update for Windows that introduced Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling as an option for supported graphics cards and drivers. With this update, Windows has now the ability to offload the GPU Scheduling to a dedicated GPU Scheduling hardware.

While Windows still has control over the prioritization of tasks and decides which application has the priority for context switching, it offloads high-frequency tasks to the dedicated GPU Scheduler to handle context switching among various GPU engines.

Both NVIDIA and AMD (the two main graphics cards manufacturers) welcomed this move. They said that this new feature of moving scheduling jobs from software to hardware will improve the GPU performance, responsiveness and also reduce latency.

Requirements for Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling

Implementing hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling involves several requirements to ensure its successful integration and operation within a computing system. These requirements encompass hardware, software, and compatibility considerations.

• Windows Version: Windows 10 version 2004 (May 2020 Update) or later is required to use the feature.
• GPU Compatibility: For NVIDIA Graphics Cards: A GPU from the 1000 series or later is needed. For AMD Graphics Cards: A GPU from the 5600 series or later is recommended.
• Display Drivers: Ensure that your graphics card’s display drivers (either from Nvidia or AMD) are up to date to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

By meeting these requirements, users can take advantage of the Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling feature to enhance their system’s graphics performance, reduce latency, and improve overall responsiveness in applications and workloads that rely on the GPU.

How to Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling?

Enabling Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling involves adjusting display settings on your Windows operating system. If you have a supporting Graphics Card with correct drivers and Windows update, the Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling feature will be available as an option. By default, Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling is disabled in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. But you can enable it from the settings. Here’s how you can enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling on a compatible system running Windows 11:

Prerequisites

Make sure your Windows version is Windows 10 Version 2004 (May 2020 Update) or later. You can check your Windows version by typing “winver” in the Start menu search bar and pressing Enter. Verify that your GPU is from the supported series. For NVIDIA, it’s the 1000 series or later, and for AMD, it’s the 5600 series or later. Ensure that you have the latest graphics drivers installed for your GPU. You can download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA or AMD website.

Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling

To enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling, follow these steps.

• Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings.”

• Scroll down and click on “Graphics settings” or “Graphics adapter properties.”

• In the Graphics settings or Adapter properties window, click the “Change default graphics settings” or “Advanced display settings” link.

• Click the “Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling” toggle switch to turn it on.

After enabling Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling using Windows Registry

Before making any changes, create a backup of the Windows Registry to ensure you can restore it if needed.

• Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• In the Run dialog, type “regedit” and press Enter.
• In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers
• On the right side, locate the “HwSchMode” key and double-click on it.
• Set the “Value data” to 2 and ensure that “Base” is set to “Hexadecimal.”
• After making changes to the Registry, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

To disable the feature in the future, change the value of the “HwSchMode” key from 2 back to 1.

This is an alternative method to enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling by directly modifying the Windows Registry. However, as with any Registry edits, users should exercise caution and follow the instructions carefully to avoid unintended consequences.

Should you Enable Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling?

For most Windows users, enabling Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling might not be necessary, but it can significantly benefit gamers. If your computer has a low or mid-tier CPU and experiences high CPU load in certain games, enabling Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling could be beneficial.

This feature offloads CPU tasks to the GPU, potentially alleviating strain on the CPU and improving overall performance. This setting may not improve the gaming experience for users with older CPUs and GPUs and might even worsen it.

Currently, only Windows computers running Windows 10 or newer and using reasonably new GPUs from Nvidia and AMD have access to this setting. While enabling Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling can result in a small FPS gain (around 4 or 5 frames), the improvement might be less noticeable on newer hardware like the RTX 3060 (or higher tier graphics cards).

We encourage users to experiment with enabling the setting to see if it improves their system’s performance or not and keep it turned on, unless issues arise after enabling Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling. While extra frames in games might not be a guaranteed outcome, the reduction in CPU usage can contribute to smoother and more consistent performance. Microsoft suggests that major in-game differences may not be readily apparent, but the feature can have positive effects on CPU-related aspects. Despite the requirement for a restart, turning this setting on and off is relatively straightforward.

If the feature is not available for your system, there are alternative methods to enhance performance without upgrading hardware. For instance, you can disable frame buffering through in-game options or the GPU driver control panel. This can help maintain good visual quality on older hardware.

Conclusion

In the world of graphics processing, Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling stands as a notable stride towards optimizing resource allocation and elevating user experiences. It is a process of offloading the GPU-related scheduling tasks to a dedicated scheduler on the GPU rather than the CPU (or rather the operating system) taking care of it. When Microsoft first announced this feature, the whole gaming industry was extremely excited but the results and reviews were mixed (at least in the beginning).

In this guide, we saw how easy it is to enable (or disable) Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling. You can experiment with this feature if you have the right GPU and driver combination and share your experience.

FAQs

What Are the Benefits of Enabling Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling?

Answer: Enabling this feature can lead to reduced latency in graphics and compute tasks, improved overall system responsiveness, and better throughput for applications that rely on the GPU. It allows tasks to be managed more efficiently directly on the GPU, minimizing delays caused by CPU-GPU communication.

Is There a Risk in Enabling Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling?

Answer: Enabling the feature itself shouldn’t pose a risk, as it is a supported functionality. However, as with any system changes, there’s a slight potential for compatibility issues or unexpected behavior. Always ensure you have a backup of your data and registry before making changes, and follow official instructions from trusted sources to minimize any risks.

Can I Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling on Laptops?

Answer: Yes, if your laptop’s GPU meets the compatibility requirements (NVIDIA 1000 series or later, AMD 5600 series or later) and your operating system version is compatible (Windows 10 version 2004 or later), you should be able to enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling on laptops with dedicated GPUs.

Do All Games Benefit Equally from Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling?

Answer: The benefit of Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling can vary based on the workload. Games and applications that involve frequent context switches, real-time rendering, or heavy GPU utilization are likely to see the most significant improvements. Applications that are less GPU-intensive might show less noticeable effects.

Can I Disable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling After Enabling It?

Answer: Yes, you can disable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling by reversing the steps you took to enable it. For instance, you can toggle the “Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling” switch in the graphics settings to off or if you used the Windows Registry to enable it, you can set the “HwSchMode” key value back to 1. Always restart your computer after making such changes for them to take effect.

The post What is Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling? How to Enable it? appeared first on ElectronicsHub.

As previously mentioned, both Nvidia and EVGA are manufacturers of GPU. Nvidia might have a stronger presence in the GPU market but EVGA has also made its presence known to the consumer. Every user wants a GPU which offers better performance and will justify its price tag. This article helps you understand the brand value of Nvidia and EVGA. It will also guide you through some important differences between the products offered by both brands.

EVGA

EVGA Corporation is an America-based company. It manufactures a range of hardware components for computers and other devices. EVGA also develops several peripherals for computers like AIO liquid coolers, keyboards, mice, etc. EVGA was also one of the closely-tied companies with Nvidia Corporation, serving as their authorized partner.

In short, it had exclusive permission from Nvidia to sell its GPUs. EVGA offers extensive tuning in these GPUs, improving their initial performance. Apart from selling GPUs, it also offers good after-sales support to consumers. EVGA’s community forums are famous for guiding users with complete solutions for product-related problems.

Nvidia

Initially named NV, Nvidia’s name is heavily inspired by the Latin word “envy”. It is also an American-based company that specializes in developing integrated circuits. It is a well-known manufacturer of GPUs for several devices. These GPUs are known for their improved performance and better reliability.

Compared to the other brands, Nvidia has occupied a large portion of the GPU market. It is also known for its graphics units for consoles like Xbox in its initial years. Nvidia has also designed and manufactured several video card modifiers. It offers a range of founder’s editions which are more premium than the regular GPUs.

Comparison Between EVGA And Nvidia

Comparison between Nvidia and EVGA brands depends on several factors. Since Nvidia supplies its GPUs to EVGA, it is known as the base manufacturer. EVGA offers customization on the GPUs procured from Nvidia and hence the specifications remain unchanged. However, a noticeable difference in customer support and pricing can be seen between both brands.

Comparison Between Performance

Speaking about performance between EVGA and Nvidia GPUs, both share the same specifications. No doubt the expected performance will be similar for both units. The user gets a difference in performance at the software level where optimization of the GPUs is done. Nvidia offers software like Nvidia GeForce which helps in optimizing its GPU. EVGA offers software like EVGA precision which helps in tuning the performance of the GPU. Since Nvidia supplies GPUs to EVGA, the new models are more optimized for performance at Nvidia’s end.

Comparison Between Reliability

As we are already aware that EVGA rebrands the Nvidia GPUs, the reliability of both GPUs remains almost the same. Nvidia is known for using high-quality materials and conducting several tests on its product range. This installs a quality assurance to the user by Nvidia. The same GPUs are shared by EVGA and hence the users won’t have to worry about the reliability again. When it comes to providing long-term support for its products, EVGA wins over Nvidida thanks to its extended support.

Comparison Between Pricing

The pricing of a GPU works like a deal breaker when users have to choose between multiple options. In the case of Nvidia and EVGA, the units are shared but still priced differently. The EVGA units have a premium price for the same Nvidia unit. The hike in price comes due to better after-sales support and extended warranty programs. In short, EVGA offers a better experience to their customers. Nvidia does not stay behind when it comes to pricing. Its founder’s edition GPUs are priced higher and are available before EVGA’s versions.

Comparison Between Consumer Support

A noticeable difference can be seen between both Nvidia and EVGA’s customer support. Nvidia offers extensive customer support along with a good period of warranties. EVGA excels in this department with extended warranties and flexible consumer support. With a densely spread network of service centers, consumers using EVGA products can easily access services. On top of this, EVGA has an active consumer forum where all users can seek solutions for their products. Nvidia does not stay behind and hosts various contests for its users. Nvidia however does not support overclocking like EVGA does.

Evga Vs Nvidia – FAQs

Conclusion

When a user buys a GPU from a trustworthy brand, they won’t have to worry about its reliability. Brands like Nvidia and EVGA enjoy a good position in the GPU market thanks to their distinctive characteristics. Nvidia works as the base supplier for EVGA GPUs while EVGA focuses on improved after-sales experience. With this article, we have gone through some important details regarding both brands. We have also studied comparisons between both brands which make them unique. With this information, a user can select an ideal GPU from Nvidia or EVGA.

The post Evga Vs Nvidia : What’s The Difference? appeared first on ElectronicsHub.

One of the primary reasons a graphics card is necessary for gaming is its ability to handle 3D rendering. Modern games feature increasingly complex and realistic graphics, including intricate textures, detailed models, and advanced lighting effects. To achieve smooth and immersive gameplay, a dedicated GPU is required to handle these demanding tasks efficiently. However, one can surely benefit from having 2 GPUs in a system instead of one. And it surely is possible with the help of SLI.

If you are not aware of SLI or looking to understand more about SLI, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will learn about SLI technology and some important factors that you need to consider before you can prep your system for an SLI configuration.

What is SLI?

SLI stands for Scalable Link Interface, and it is a technology developed by NVIDIA for linking multiple graphics cards together in a single computer system. The primary purpose of SLI is to increase graphical processing power for demanding applications like gaming, 3D rendering, and simulations.

When two or more compatible NVIDIA graphics cards are connected via SLI, they work together to share the rendering workload, effectively doubling or tripling the graphical processing capabilities compared to using a single card.

The SLI technology works by dividing the rendering tasks between the connected GPUs. One card acts as the primary, and the others are supporting. The master GPU receives the graphical information from the CPU and divides the rendering workload into smaller tasks, which are then distributed among the supportive GPUs.

Each GPU renders a portion of the image, and the final result is combined to produce a seamless and high-quality display on the monitor. This distributed rendering process allows for smoother and more detailed graphics, especially in graphics-intensive applications that push the limits of a single graphics card.

It’s important to note that SLI support in games and applications is dependent on the developers. While many popular games and software are optimized to take advantage of SLI, not all titles may fully utilize multiple GPUs, and in some cases, SLI may even cause compatibility issues or performance inconsistencies. As a result, it’s essential to check the game’s SLI support or read reviews from other users before investing in a multi-GPU setup.

Is It Possible to Run 2 Different GPUs Using SLI?

To put it simply, no. The SLI technology requires the use of two or more identical graphics cards to work together in tandem. The graphics cards must be of the same model and from the same series. This is because SLI relies on a specific set of hardware configurations and software optimizations that are designed to work seamlessly when the GPUs are identical.

If you attempt to run two different graphics cards in SLI, the technology will not function as intended. Instead, the system will likely default to using only one of the graphics cards, effectively disregarding the other altogether. In some cases, having mismatched graphics cards in an SLI configuration may even cause system instability or compatibility issues.

However, it’s worth noting that NVIDIA’s modern multi-GPU technology has shifted away from traditional SLI, and now supports multiple different GPUs known as heterogeneous multi-GPU. It was introduced with DirectX 12 and Vulkan by Nvidia. This technology allows users to pair different graphics cards from the same GPU family to work together for improved performance in certain applications.

What are the Factors to Consider?

Before investing in SLI (Scalable Link Interface) for a multi-GPU setup, it is crucial to consider several important factors to ensure a cost-effective and optimal performance solution. SLI can be an enticing option for users looking to boost their system’s graphical processing power, but it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision.

1. Chipset

The chipset of your motherboard plays a crucial role in determining whether SLI is supported and to what extent. Not all motherboards are compatible with SLI, and even those that support it might have limitations on the number of GPUs that can be used in SLI mode. Before investing in SLI, ensure that your motherboard has the appropriate chipset and sufficient PCIe slots to accommodate the number of graphics cards you intend to use.

2. VRAM

Video RAM (VRAM) is the dedicated memory on the graphics card that holds textures, frame buffers, and other graphical data. When using SLI, the VRAM does not stack; instead, it remains the same across all linked GPUs. Therefore, the total VRAM available for the SLI setup is equivalent to the VRAM of a single graphics card. For graphics-intensive applications, especially at higher resolutions or when using multiple monitors, having sufficient VRAM is essential to avoid performance bottlenecks.

3. Motherboard

Beyond just the chipset, the overall quality and capabilities of your motherboard are essential for a smooth SLI experience. Ensure that your motherboard has robust power delivery and proper spacing between the PCIe slots to allow for adequate cooling of the GPUs. Additionally, some high-end motherboards come with SLI-certified features and components, which can enhance stability and performance in an SLI configuration.

4. CPU

The processor, or CPU, can also impact SLI performance, especially in CPU-bound scenarios. When using multiple powerful GPUs, having a capable CPU that can keep up with the graphics processing demands is essential. Bottlenecks can occur if the CPU cannot feed data fast enough to the GPUs, limiting their potential performance gains. To maximize the benefits of SLI, pair it with a suitable high-performance CPU.

5. Power Supply

SLI configurations demand more power than single-GPU setups. When adding extra graphics cards, you must ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can handle the increased power requirements. A high-quality PSU with sufficient wattage and the necessary PCIe connectors is critical to prevent system instability or crashes due to inadequate power delivery.

6. Chassis Setup

The physical arrangement and airflow within your computer case are vital when running an SLI setup. Multiple GPUs generate more heat, and improper cooling can lead to thermal throttling and reduced performance. Ensure that your chassis has adequate airflow and that your cooling solutions can handle the extra heat generated by the additional graphics cards.

7. Drivers

SLI functionality depends on driver support from the GPU manufacturer. It is essential to keep your GPU drivers up to date, as new driver releases often include performance optimizations and bug fixes for SLI configurations. Moreover, some games may require specific driver profiles to enable SLI support effectively.

How to Use SLI?

1. Using Nvidia Geforce Drivers

The best option to enable SLI on Nvidia cards is through official Nvidia drivers. Here’s how you can set it up quickly using Nvidia’s drivers:

• Install the driver software on both computers.
• Use a PC-to-PC connection with an Ethernet cable or crossover cable.
• Link the two graphics cards together using a USB cable.
• Enable SLI on the primary graphics card and install the driver software on the second PC.

2. Using the Nvidia Control Panel

To enable SLI with two identical graphics cards, you can use the NVIDIA Control Panel, which is the simplest method. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open the NVIDIA Control Panel.
• Choose your primary graphics card from the drop-down menu.
• Select the card you want to pair with it.
• Click the “Enable SLI” button, and restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

You can also enable SLI Boost, which can provide a slight performance boost by disabling certain features on the primary card.

3. Using an Nvidia Control Panel With an SLI Bridge

On the other hand, if you prefer to use an SLI bridge, follow these additional steps:

• Purchase an SLI bridge that matches your graphics cards’ specifications.
• Install the SLI bridge to connect the two cards together physically.
• Then, follow the same steps as above in the NVIDIA Control Panel to enable SLI.

What are the Pros and Cons of SLI?

While there are numerous advantages of SLI, there are also a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before setting it up. Here are some common pros and cons of the technology:

Pros

• Increased Graphics Performance: The primary benefit of SLI is its ability to combine the power of two or more graphics cards, providing a significant boost in graphical processing power. This is particularly beneficial for gaming and other graphics-intensive applications, as it allows for smoother frame rates and improved visual quality.
• Enhanced Gaming Experience: SLI can deliver a more immersive gaming experience by enabling higher resolutions and detail settings. It allows gamers to enjoy the latest titles at their highest graphical potential, leading to a more captivating and realistic gaming experience.
• Future-Proofing: SLI can extend the life of your gaming rig. As newer, more demanding games are released, a single graphics card may struggle to maintain smooth performance. SLI enables users to keep up with the latest gaming trends without having to replace their entire GPU.
• Scalability: SLI offers flexibility in GPU configurations. Users can start with a single graphics card and later add another one to boost performance further. This scalability allows for incremental upgrades, allowing users to adjust their setup based on their needs and budget.

Cons

• Limited Game Support: One significant drawback of SLI is the variable game support. Not all games are optimized for SLI, and some may not support it at all. In such cases, the second GPU may not be utilized efficiently, resulting in no performance gain or even potential compatibility issues.
• Increased Power Consumption: Running multiple GPUs in SLI demands more power, requiring a higher wattage power supply unit (PSU) and potentially increasing electricity costs. The increased power consumption also leads to more heat generation, necessitating better cooling solutions.
• Heat and Thermal Concerns: SLI configurations can generate significant heat, especially when using high-end GPUs. Proper cooling solutions are essential to prevent overheating and thermal throttling, which can reduce performance and potentially damage the graphics cards.
• Higher Cost: Building an SLI setup can be more expensive than using a single high-performance GPU. It involves purchasing two identical graphics cards, an SLI bridge (if applicable), and a more substantial power supply, which can increase the overall cost of the system.

Graphics Cards in SLI – FAQs

Conclusion

SLI can surely improve performance in compatible games and applications, providing smoother frame rates and better visual quality. However, SLI also has some noticeable limitations such as limited game support and increased power consumption. New high-end GPUs can offer a more straightforward and reliable performance boost without relying on SLI compatibility. Upgrading to a new GPU may be more expensive in most cases, but it provides access to the latest technology and architectural improvements. The choice between SLI and a new GPU depends on your needs, budget, and application requirements. Along with that, you also need to consider factors like long-term viability and potential SLI support in future titles.

The post Can You Run Two Different Graphics Cards in SLI? appeared first on ElectronicsHub.