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Macbook Pro Unibody GPU and CPU overclocking - And with problems

S

spazticorange

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 14, 2009
8
0
Malaysia
So this is another one of the many overclocks out there... Only this time I didn't dare push it too far. I'm running on the Late 2008 15" 2.4 GHz model. Managed to hit 2.7 Ghz and still having it run stable. I've also increased the core clock and memory clock of the GPU it's self.
Full%20overclock.jpg

I never had the chance to run 3dMark06 on the system with the overclocked settings.

Apparently the computer crashed when i restarted it. First there was a flicker of distortion on the screen when windows started into the desktop. A few seconds later it appeared again and this time it decided to stay. I force restarted the system and it appeared again. I'm guessing this happens to many of the people who have tried overclocking their systems with nVidia's new nVidia System Tools 6.03. It's the only version out there that completely detects the nforce chipset in the new MBPs.

Anyone with any ideas as to how to keep the system running in the OCed settings without having to force our fingers onto that beautifully placed power button?
 
I'm just curious how he did it. I didn't think you could overclock a Macbook Pro- aren't the clock multipliers locked down at a hardware level?
 
JWest said:
I'm just curious how he did it. I didn't think you could overclock a Macbook Pro- aren't the clock multipliers locked down at a hardware level?
Click to expand...
It's front side bus overclocking in this instance for the CPU.

I know there are a few programs that will let you tweak it within Windows. Sadly the name(s) escape me.
 
Yes, but you need the PLL, and I don't believe they're known for Apple hardware.
 
To under/overclock an NVidia based Macbook (Pro) just download NTune from NVidia. It lets you change the Frontsidebus, GPU clocks and even Memory timings.
 
That's what I use on my early '08 MBP, but it only lets me adjust GPU settings, not CPU settings. Probably because the early '08 MBP's use an intel chipset :(
 
hey guys... i figured out what the issue was... apparently, after moving on to windows 7, all the crashing issues solved... This time, i've managed to push my settings up to a whooping 2.95 GHz... defeats the purpose of getting the faster models now eh?? lolz... the heat given out can be used to fry eggs or boil water, whatever turns you on...

Graphics core at 600 MHz and the shader clock at 1500MHz... the GRAM clock at 860 MHz...

System memory clock is at 630 to 650 MHz... I've changed the timings to match the SPD settings for when it's running in actual 1066 MHz... System is very stable but the heat is the only thing which makes me worry...

I wonder if someone will come up with a water bed or something for this powerhouse... Would make everything seem interesting... Of course the gaming gains are not very significant... but smoother gameplay can be experienced in Neverwinter Nights 2...

All done with the 6.03 version of nVidia System Tools... Running windows vista...
 
spazticorange said:
hey guys... i figured out what the issue was... apparently, after moving on to windows 7, all the crashing issues solved... This time, i've managed to push my settings up to a whooping 2.95 GHz... defeats the purpose of getting the faster models now eh?? lolz... the heat given out can be used to fry eggs or boil water, whatever turns you on...

Graphics core at 600 MHz and the shader clock at 1500MHz... the GRAM clock at 860 MHz...

System memory clock is at 630 to 650 MHz... I've changed the timings to match the SPD settings for when it's running in actual 1066 MHz... System is very stable but the heat is the only thing which makes me worry...

I wonder if someone will come up with a water bed or something for this powerhouse... Would make everything seem interesting... Of course the gaming gains are not very significant... but smoother gameplay can be experienced in Neverwinter Nights 2...

All done with the 6.03 version of nVidia System Tools... Running windows vista...
Click to expand...

Really interesting thread, have never realised you could overclock the MBP, I have the same model as you, have to admit there is a part of me that wants to try this lol.

However with the heat increase you'll find that you're reducing the lifespan of your MBP. On a desktop with decent cooling this can be addressed, however wouldn't want to risk it on something I've spent this much money on. All the best though, hope you find a decent cooling solution.
 
My uMBP's upper left side speaker where the GPU sits underneath gets far too hot for my liking, so much so it mostly sits on a Zalman cooler. Before the year is out it's going to get looked at and I'll give the technician some Arctic Silver thermal paste if it doesn't need replacing.

Add the very tight cooling specs already mentioned and the fact that the late penryn/early unibodies have Nvidia GPU's that could have defective bump material inside which are frying in all kinds of notebooks causing a massive charge on Nvidia's profits means you're gambling at best.

Unless you can find a liquid nitrogen powered cooler! :D
 
spazticorange said:
hey guys... i figured out what the issue was... apparently, after moving on to windows 7, all the crashing issues solved... This time, i've managed to push my settings up to a whooping 2.95 GHz... defeats the purpose of getting the faster models now eh?? lolz... the heat given out can be used to fry eggs or boil water, whatever turns you on...

Graphics core at 600 MHz and the shader clock at 1500MHz... the GRAM clock at 860 MHz...

System memory clock is at 630 to 650 MHz... I've changed the timings to match the SPD settings for when it's running in actual 1066 MHz... System is very stable but the heat is the only thing which makes me worry...

I wonder if someone will come up with a water bed or something for this powerhouse... Would make everything seem interesting... Of course the gaming gains are not very significant... but smoother gameplay can be experienced in Neverwinter Nights 2...

All done with the 6.03 version of nVidia System Tools... Running windows vista...
Click to expand...

if you keep it at that frequency ill be surprised if its still working in 6 months.
 
That much of a performance gain can't really be utilized, so I think that best thing to do would be to leave it alone, as overclocking voids the warranty, shortens the life of internal components, and does all sorts of crazy crap with your computer. Has anyone noticed how the fans in the 2008 Unibodies don't seem to rev up ? My CPU is at 144 and the fans are still at ~2000 RPM. I knew that Apple preferred a silent but toasty machine, but isn't this kind of pushing it?:confused:
 
I don't mean to hijack this thread but I have a simple question. I'm planning on buying a Macbook Pro 13" for collage but I'm not sure if the 2.26GHz will be all that much slower then the 2.53GHz model. Is there anyway to purchase the 2.26GHz and bump it up to at least 2.53GHz? I already have 4GB of ram and a 500GB HDD laying around so thats not the problem. I'll be using this MBP for things like jail-breaking, some video encoding (.MKV 1080p - .MP4 Universal iTunes), downloading, and once in a while a light gaming session, nothing major. Anyone know if the extra $300 is worth it?
 
ericksgotmac said:
I don't mean to hijack this thread but I have a simple question. I'm planning on buying a Macbook Pro 13" for collage but I'm not sure if the 2.26GHz will be all that much slower then the 2.53GHz model. Is there anyway to purchase the 2.26GHz and bump it up to at least 2.53GHz? I already have 4GB of ram and a 500GB HDD laying around so thats not the problem. I'll be using this MBP for things like jail-breaking, some video encoding (.MKV 1080p - .MP4 Universal iTunes), downloading, and once in a while a light gaming session, nothing major. Anyone know if the extra $300 is worth it?
Click to expand...

LOL so basically you will be downloading illegal BluRay rips... :D i dont see why that needs a faster processor..

the light gaming wont be much of an issue either, if you have the 300 you may aswell put it in, the machine will last longer.
 
Lol <.<, >.>

nooo who said anything about that?

I plan on selling it once a year so lasting longer isn't a big deal just as long as it stays in near perfect condition, so of course I'll have to invest in some kind of case. How about 1080p playback? I know I'll have to attach it to a external monitor but does anyone know if the recuced speed from 2.4GHz to 2.26GHz will make the video all choppy and pixelated?

P.S.
Like most Mac people, I have a obsession with brand new shiny toys v.v. Just upgraded my 3G to a 3G S and could use a more portable laptop for school and just because I like that new :apple: smell.
 
ericksgotmac said:
Lol <.<, >.>

nooo who said anything about that?

I plan on selling it once a year so lasting longer isn't a big deal just as long as it stays in near perfect condition, so of course I'll have to invest in some kind of case. How about 1080p playback? I know I'll have to attach it to a external monitor but does anyone know if the recuced speed from 2.4GHz to 2.26GHz will make the video all choppy and pixelated?

P.S.
Like most Mac people, I have a obsession with brand new shiny toys v.v. Just upgraded my 3G to a 3G S and could use a more portable laptop for school and just because I like that new :apple: smell.
Click to expand...

well mkv is basically only used for torrenting... not that i know that or anything ;)

it will be FINE for 1080p playback, my old original CD MBP can play them using Plex, its a great app. yours will be fine with the whole better GPU and CPU technologies and such.
 
Yeah, Plex is a great program considering it's the only one I can find that supports dual core CPU's, VLC refuses to add this feature last time I checked and I'm not to sure about iTunes. Now one more question, Since I won't be starting until August 26th or so, Should I wait until then or October on the last day of the free iPod touch deal. Does anyone have any reason to believe there might be a refresh around that time? Since we just had one I wouldn't expect one any time within that time frame except maybe a couple weeks after the promo is over. I just don't want to go out and buy a "new" 13" MBP and then they bump the cheapest one to 2.6GHz or something along those lines lol
 
ericksgotmac said:
Yeah, Plex is a great program considering it's the only one I can find that supports dual core CPU's, VLC refuses to add this feature last time I checked and I'm not to sure about iTunes. Now one more question, Since I won't be starting until August 26th or so, Should I wait until then or October on the last day of the free iPod touch deal. Does anyone have any reason to believe there might be a refresh around that time? Since we just had one I wouldn't expect one any time within that time frame except maybe a couple weeks after the promo is over. I just don't want to go out and buy a "new" 13" MBP and then they bump the cheapest one to 2.6GHz or something along those lines lol
Click to expand...

there will be no updates for the MBP/MB until at least jan next year, so i think your safe for the time being!
 
Stridder44 said:
+1

Hot damn please be careful OP.
Click to expand...

Yes it is but with smcfancontrol running @ 6000 RPM i allways saty under 67oC every where. I overclock my MBP :
CPU from 3,06 ghz to 3,495 ghz
GPU : core clock from 500 to 700
memory clock from 700 to 900
vertical.. from 1250 to 1400
and now games are more fluid when maxed out
 
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