RivaTuner is a special computer utility for fine-tuning the operation of video cards. The application specializes in working with Nvidia and AMD products. Russian development allows not only to configure the standard parameters of video adapters, but also to track statistics in real time and to disperse the frequency. Let's look at an example of the Windows operating system how to use RivaTuner.
Program installation
When installing the utility, you can select the Russian language so that the entire installation process and interface will be translated later. Installation does not take more than a minute. After unpacking all the files, the installation wizard will offer you to select options for protecting the process memory and ranges. If you enable both functions, then significantly increase the load on the central processor. Also, process memory protection can cause compatibility problems with some antiviruses.
The program for the video card contains a built-in directory in Russian. With it, you can familiarize yourself with each function of the utility.
RivaTuner functionality
When you turn it on for the first time, the utility will start collecting data about installed graphics adapters. This procedure may take several minutes. After which a message appears that the software has successfully generated the database. Now you can consider all the RivaTuner tabs that you will use in the future:
- The main. Here, general information about the installed graphics cards is collected. Using the drop-down list, you can switch between devices if several of them are connected at the same time. Below is additional information and a window with driver settings.
- Settings The section contains the parameters of the utility itself. Here you can select the interface settings (minimize to tray, enable over all other windows, change the language). You can also enable the option to automatically turn on when loading Windows 7. Hot keys are also available for RivaTuner.
- Registry. The tab contains functionality for manually editing registry entries related to the operation of a video card. We strongly do not recommend making changes without preparation and the proper level of knowledge. However, you can use third-party settings and download their registry using the RivaTuner functionality.
- Launch - a section that allows you to manually set presets for quick access items.
- Scheduler. A tab with functionality for scheduling the launch of tasks or items. With this option you can use RivaTuner in automatic mode.
- About the program - a list of developers.
- Links - brief information about the developers and contacts for feedback.
We reviewed all sections that are in the regular version of RivaTuner. It should be noted that a number of third-party applications have been created on the basis of the utility. For example, MSI Afterburner, which is used as a proprietary application for overclocking video cards from MSI, can be attributed to such software. Now, consider the procedure for overclocking a video card with a simple example.
Overclocking procedure
Before you start overclocking a video card, you should know that the procedure is unsafe with incorrectly set parameters. Overclocking should be done with due care.
First you need to go back to the tab with the name "Home" and select the target adapter. Specify a graphics card from AMD or Nvidia. You may also have another graphics accelerator built into the CPU. Its overclocking does not make sense, since it runs on CPU resources. Therefore, we select a third-party video card.
Now click on the "System Settings" button in the "Driver Settings" subsection. You will see a window in which you need to enable the item responsible for overclocking the video card at the driver level. After that, in the window that appears, click on the "Definition" button.
Recommendations
As a result of the actions taken, you can use RivaTuner to increase the frequencies. This should be done gradually. For example, move the slider to 30-40 MHz, and then click the "Apply" button each time. The utility will restart the video card, so the screen image will disappear for a couple of seconds.
To monitor the current state of equipment during overclocking, the RivaTuner program allows you to simultaneously open several windows with additional information. Be sure to open the Monitoring tab next to which displays graphs of temperature, memory frequency and cores. When reaching the critical ceiling, it is strongly recommended that you stop the acceleration and slightly lower the frequency until the temperature returns to its working and safe value.
Final part
After you have configured the frequencies of the video card, you need to enable autoload for these parameters. To do this, check the box "Download settings from Windows." To save overclocking settings, click on the "Apply" button.
It remains to check the performance of the overclocked video card over time for stability. It is also recommended to load the equipment with games and check the increase in performance, but do not forget about the temperature graphics.
Now you know how to use RivaTuner. If you do not like the outdated design of the utility, then you can always use the modern solution from MSI, mentioned above.