Clocks

[scuboo]

Hi guys
Would someone be able to explain to me in simple terms what the boost and core clocks are on graphics cards and what exactly I should look for in a card. All I'm thinking is gb but to be honest I haven't a clue.
Also the term clocking a graphics card, what does that mean?
Cheers
Rob

[Frenzic]

Sure i can explain a bit. For example, a base clock is what the graphics card run with no load at desktop at say 850 mhz, boost clock is when the card runs at load but not heavy load at 1020 mhz, then theres another level of boost where under heavy load it will run at its max clock 1150 mhz, this all depends on heat, power usage, the better the cooling the longer it will keep its maximum clocks (for better frame rate or fps). Thats how alot of gpu's work these days, thats for nVidia, AMD mite work a bit different but roughly the same. Higher clock speed means the card will be faster out of the same range of cards, GTX 980's, 980ti's etc. Reference cards are a baseline, after market is where they boost the speeds and compete with each other. Im sure others can add to my small explanation

[scuboo]

Would you have any recommendations for a card with 2 go 4gb, something good but not going to break the bank.
And thank you for the reply.

[Frenzic]

No problem, whats your budget?

[scuboo]

100 - 200 for the first one

[Frenzic]

Well that would put you in the AMD R9 380 - 380X or nVidia GeForce GTX 960 range, both have 3 - 4 GB of vram, find some reviews on Google, there should be plenty for you to check out, or you could find a better but used card on the net somewhere. Also is that currency the pound or euro etc?

[scuboo]

That was euro but I'll go for either of those, I'll check out some reviews now. I have found a site that does sell used cards. Is it a good idea to buy used cards this? Does it make much of a difference? Only 30 day warranty on the used cards, what's the worsed that can happen when buying cards

[Frenzic]

Personally i would buy new as you never know how they have treated it, overclocking it etc. So yer if it was me, i would buy brand new with full waranty

[scuboo]

Think I will, thanks for the help but what should I look for in a card, when buying a card what is it you go for?

[Frenzic]

A lot of people go for brands, MSI, Gigabyte, EVGA etc. but for me, I like to go for the OC models so they have a bit of overclocking but done by the factory, but they are all within a few fps of each other and if its a good price, that will do me nicely. This is nice http://www.amazon.co.uk/MSI-Nvidia-960-Gaming-Graphics/dp/B00UHHXXH8/ref=sr_1_5?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1448477363&sr=1-5&keywords=GTX+960 or this http://www.amazon.co.uk/MSI-R9-380-Gaming-Graphics/dp/B00ZPOBI0M/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1448477296&sr=1-1&keywords=r9+380 There is also a 2GB version of the 960 a bit cheaper than the 4GB version here http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00SKTY6PS/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1JTKW5X8G83R88MYJH9K&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=577048787&pf_rd_i=desktop

[scuboo]

Thank you very much, you have been a great help, I do like the look of the 4gb cards

[Frenzic]

Your welcome, I hope you find what you are looking for

[Scotchjock]

Hi, scuboo, good info from Frenzic here and while I agree it's always better to buy new for full warranty I wouldn't completely dismiss a used card as you could get a quicker card for the price of a new slower one, there is a for sale section on the forum and while I know it's above your budget some one is selling a GTX 980 for only £290 with plenty of warranty left, I 100% trust the forums members, they are a brilliant bunch and I don't believe there is a single member who would deliberately sell a faulty card.

Have a browser through the for sale section before committing, good luck with what ever you go for.

Edit: I always say decide on max budget and then add a little extra, a brand new GTX 970 for only £249.95 https://www.overclockers.co.uk/palit-ge ... 13-pl.html
Or a brand new R9 390 with 8GB for just £229.99 https://www.overclockers.co.uk/powercol ... 78-pc.html either card would have you gaming latest titles at high settings. Oh, just noticed your enquiry was nearly a month a go, if you have already purchased your new card I hope it's serving you well and have a merry Christmas.

[Flexnl]

im selling my gigabyte 680 that has come back from rma (replaced) a few months ago, so basicly a new card
its yours for 150gbp and i will trow in a EK waterblok for free in case you decide to go h2o in the future p.s a 680 is faster then a 960 in most cases :D