Editing Overclocking (section)

=== Alternatives ===

Flashing and unlocking can be used to improve the performance of a [[Graphics card|video card]], without technically overclocking (but is much riskier than overclocking just through software).

'''''Flashing''''' refers to using the [[firmware]] of a different card with the same (or sometimes similar) core and compatible firmware, effectively making it a higher model card; it can be difficult, and may be irreversible. Sometimes [[Computer software|standalone software]] to modify the firmware files can be found, e.g. [[NiBiTor]] (GeForce 6/7 series are well regarded in this aspect), without using firmware for a better model video card. For example, video cards with 3D accelerators (most, {{As of|2011|lc=on}}) have two voltage and [[clock rate]] settings, one for 2D and one for 3D, but were designed to operate with ''three'' voltage stages, the third being somewhere between the aforementioned two, serving as a fallback when the card overheats or as a middle-stage when going from 2D to 3D operation mode. Therefore, it could be wise to set this middle-stage prior to "serious" overclocking, specifically because of this fallback ability; the card can drop down to this [[clock rate]], reducing by a few (or sometimes a few dozen, depending on the setting) percent of its efficiency and cool down, without dropping out of 3D mode (and afterwards return to the desired high performance clock and voltage settings).

Some cards have abilities not directly connected with overclocking. For example, Nvidia's [[GeForce|GeForce 6600GT]] (AGP flavor) has a temperature monitor used internally by the card, invisible to the user if standard firmware is used. Modifying the firmware can display a 'Temperature' tab.

'''''Unlocking''''' refers to enabling extra [[Graphics pipeline|pipelines]] or [[pixel shader]]s. The [[GeForce 6 series|6800LE]], the [[GeForce 6 series|6800GS]] and [[GeForce 6 series|6800]] ([[Accelerated Graphics Port|AGP]] models only) were some of the first cards to benefit from unlocking. While these models have either 8 or 12 pipes enabled, they share the same 16x6 [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]] core as a [[GeForce 6 series|6800GT]] or Ultra, but pipelines and shaders beyond those specified are disabled; the GPU may be fully functional, or may have been found to have faults which do not affect operation at the lower specification. GPUs found to be fully functional can be unlocked successfully, although it is not possible to be sure that there are undiscovered faults; in the worst case the card may become [[Brick (electronics)|permanently unusable]].