Vega 56 Hybrid at 400W - Bypassing AMD’s Artificial Limit (1742MHz)
**Unleashing the Power: Modifying RX Vega 56 for Ultimate Performance**
In the world of gaming hardware, enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to push their gear to the limit. This article dives into a detailed exploration of modifying an RX Vega 56 card to achieve unprecedented performance, focusing on power consumption and thermal analysis while testing its gaming capabilities across various titles.
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### Introduction
The video begins by addressing the common sentiment among gamers and hardware enthusiasts: "I don't care about power consumption." This phrase has been echoed in countless reviews and forums. However, the focus here is on pushing the RX Vega 56 to its limits, creating a modified version that caters to those who truly don't care about power consumption.
The team decided to test this card with an extreme power draw of **406 Watts**, significantly exceeding the original reference card's cap of **300-308 Watts**. This modification allows us to explore the potential of the Vega 56 beyond its factory limitations, using a liquid-cooled setup and Power Play Tables to achieve this goal.
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### The Cooling Setup
Before diving into the technical aspects, it's essential to understand the cooling solution used for this extreme overclocking task. The team utilized a **360mm flow cooler** with a combination of high-quality fans:
- Two Corsair ML120 (MagLev) fans
- One Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM fan
The FETs (Field-Effect Transistors), which are crucial for power delivery, were cooled using direct airflow from these fans. Additionally, aluminum heatsinks adapted from Arctic Cooling kits were used to further dissipate heat.
For mounting, the team drilled holes in a custom plate and repurposed screws purchased locally. This setup ensures that the card remains stable and cool even under extreme workloads.
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### Power and Thermal Analysis
The video delves into the power consumption and thermal performance of the modified Vega 56. Initially, the card operates within the **296-300W range** with a **50% offset**, slightly below the reference card's **308W** draw. However, by utilizing Power Play Tables—a registry hack provided by Helm from the overclocking forums—the team managed to push power limits significantly.
At **1742 MHz core clock** and **980 MHz HBM2 clock**, the modified card draws around **65W under load**, marking a **165W increase** over the reference card. Despite this, the team ensured stability across all tested frequencies.
Temperature readings revealed that the card's thermal sensors were inaccurate, reporting core temperatures as low as **28°C** with ambient conditions around **24°C**. This discrepancy suggests either sensor inaccuracy or a misunderstanding of temperature measurements.
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### Gaming Performance
The gaming performance section highlights the modified Vega 56's ability to outperform its reference and competitor cards across various titles and resolutions. Below are key findings:
#### *Sniper Elite 4*
- **Reference Vega 56**: 53 FPS
- **Overclocked Reference (9% boost, 950 MHz HBM)**: 58 FPS
- **Modified Hybrid OC (1742 MHz core, 980 MHz HBM)**: 66 FPS
#### *Ghost Recon Wildlands*
- **Reference Vega 56**: 32 FPS
- **50% Offset (1702 MHz core)**: 39 FPS
- **Overclocked Reference (1742 MHz core, 980 MHz HBM)**: 41 FPS
#### *Just Cause 4*
- **Reference Vega 56**: 38 FPS
- **Modified Hybrid OC**: 44 FPS
- **Stock GTX 1080**: 34 FPS
#### *Far Cry 5*
- **Reference Vega 56**: 27 FPS
- **Overclocked Reference (1742 MHz core, 980 MHz HBM)**: 34 FPS
- **Modified Hybrid OC**: 37 FPS
#### *The Division 2*
- **Reference Vega 56**: 67 FPS
- **Overclocked Reference (1742 MHz core, 980 MHz HBM)**: 83 FPS
- **Stock GTX 1080**: 70-75 FPS
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### Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The modified RX Vega 56 hybrid card demonstrates impressive performance gains across several gaming titles, particularly in scenarios where clock speeds are prioritized over compute units. The team achieved stable operation at **1742 MHz core** and **980 MHz HBM**, with power consumption reaching up to **380W**.
However, the extreme power draw and thermal challenges make this setup ideal only for those who prioritize raw performance over efficiency or noise considerations. While the modified Vega 56 shows remarkable potential, it's essential to approach such modifications with caution, given the risks involved in pushing hardware beyond its intended limits.
For enthusiasts willing to take on the challenge, the RX Vega 56 remains a compelling option, offering a cost-effective alternative to higher-end competitors like the Vega 64.