The latest generations of graphics cards can apply a kind of dynamic overclocking, modifying frequencies depending on the type of load and the temperature of the hardware. However, there is always a bit of performance to extract with more precise control of its values, and that's where EVGA Precision X1 comes in. After several updates, EVGA's software has reached a good level of stability, and it is positioning itself as one of the first choices for overclocking your graphics card.
Given the current situation of graphics cards (read: “they are almost impossible to buy”), it is logical that many users decide to reject the idea of overclocking if they already have one. But there are cases where a basic modification of frequencies allows us to cross the 60 FPS barrier and get a much more complete gaming experience. There is also the possibility of playing with undervolting, a fundamental resource to improve efficiency, lower temperature, and why not, increase performance.
Regardless of what you want to do, everything starts with good software as an ally. The number one on the market is MSI Afterburner, which offers a good number of advanced options and receives frequent updates. However, it is not alone in the party: A program that has gained a lot of ground is EVGA Precision X1. It is the heir to EVGA Precision XOC, and after what was a complicated start with bugs and stability issues, today we can recommend it without too many surprises.
Overclocking for Your Graphics Card with EVGA Precision X1
The interface of EVGA Precision X1 is dominated by frequency controls for the core and memory, a voltage slider, power and temperature limits, and the fan speed detected on the card. To this we add a real-time hardware monitor, a “power analyzer” that recommends power supplies based on our hardware, and a secondary menu for the Resizable BAR function (which requires compatible hardware).
Another very interesting aspect of EVGA Precision X1 is its OC Scanner, which in essence behaves like an “automatic overclocking” reduced to a couple of clicks. On the other side, advanced users can manipulate the voltage curve one node at a time, set a hard limit for FPS (some games definitely need it), experiment with the “Boost Lock” mode (which fixes the frequency at the highest possible performance level), and of course, evaluate all settings.
OSD, Multiple Profiles, and More
Obviously, EVGA Precision X1 has an on-screen display that shows the graphics card parameters in real time. Its appearance is a bit more basic compared to MSI Afterburner's OSD and the process to change its position is uncomfortable (it uses X/Y coordinates), but it works fine anyway. Now, an advantage of EVGA Precision X1 over MSI Afterburner is the number of supported profiles. Afterburner is limited to five independent configurations, but with Precision X1 you can save a maximum of ten.
Despite what its name suggests, EVGA Precision X1 is not exclusive to EVGA hardware. The “proprietary” functions include RGB control and advanced readings of power consumption and temperature (once again, depending on the card), but we have obtained positive results with Asus cards and other brands. Additionally, many users on the Web indicate that the program works with 900 and 700 series hardware, even though the official page says the minimum is “series 10”. Overclocking your graphics card has never been so easy. Download a copy!
Official site and download: Click here
