The Overclockerz GFD

By: The Overclockerz Store - $19.95

Introduction

Well, these things have been out for quite a while now. I'm actually expecting to be able to buy one at the local Radio Shack anytime soon (Just Kidding). So what's so different about The Overclockerz GFD? Well, it doesn't need a power connector (seems to be the standard now), it's small, it's under $20, and it only has SIX dipswitches! Now, do the math. That may not seem possible. And yes, these are two position dipswitches. So, how did they do that? Well, let's take a look.

Here, we see three of my favorite GFD's side by side. The Northwind GFD Rev.2 is first next to the TD2 and followed by The Overclockerz GFD. I still like the Northwind, which is the Granddaddy of them all. However, there are 20 dipswitches with cache control. The Tweaking Device 2 is able to do in eight switches what the Northwind does in sixteen. What the OC GFD does to get six is leave out the lower voltage settings. Their theory behind this is that a lot of Motherboards already have voltage control and if not, they still offer the necessary adjustments for a stable overclock.

Installation

Here, you can see all of the setting for the card. The voltages range from 1.75 - 2.05V in .10 increments and works on the Classic Athlon and T-Bird. I would have liked to see at least 1.70V as the lowest setting. Why raise voltage if you do not need to? I installed the card on my Gigabyte / T-Bird system (no voltage by BIOS adjustment). This is where you will see the card's weakness. I know what the limitations of my T-Bird are. I need 1.90V for a stable 900mhz. All of these cards pretty much perform the same. Unfortunately, there is no setting for 1.90V. I had to raise to 1.95V instead. Sure, it worked fine. But, I was using more voltage than needed. Voltage produces heat, heat produces problem, problems lead to the power of the Darkside..... (you get it). However, if you have voltage settings on your board, this will not be a drawback. And, you should still be able to achieve a good overclock (Ahhhhh, nothin' like a good overclock....). The best thing about this card is the fact that the dipswitches are nice and BIG. You don't need a pencil tip to change settings and you can do it quickly. Definitely, a plus.

Conclusion

If you've got voltage control on your motherboard, BIOS or switches, then this card is definitely for you. If not, it still has potential and can definitely hit your desired speed. Maybe at a little more voltage than you need but, it can do it. At only, $19.95 it is certainly the cheapest professionally built card I have seen. Overall, it gets an 8/10 for being pretty original, cheap, and small. If you would like to buy one now, check out The Overclockerz Store.

Discuss in Forum

HOME