Overclocking your BenQ GW2490 monitor may seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can unleash the hidden potential of your display. By pushing the limits of its refresh rate, you can experience smoother gameplay, sharper images, and a more immersive viewing experience. However, it’s important to approach overclocking with caution and a thorough understanding of the process.
Before embarking on your overclocking journey, it’s essential to note that overclocking carries inherent risks. While most monitors can handle moderate overclocking, excessive overclocking can lead to damage or reduced lifespan. Therefore, it’s crucial to proceed gradually, carefully monitoring your monitor’s performance and temperatures throughout the process.
To successfully overclock your BenQ GW2490, you’ll need to access the monitor’s OSD (On-Screen Display) menu. Using the buttons on the monitor, navigate to the “Display” section and locate the “Overclock” setting. From there, you can incrementally increase the refresh rate of your monitor, starting with a small step of 5-10Hz. After each adjustment, run a benchmark test or play a game to assess the impact on performance and stability. If the monitor performs well and shows no signs of instability or overheating, you can gradually continue increasing the refresh rate.
Identifying BenQ GW2490’s Overclocking Capability
The BenQ GW2490 is a popular 24-inch monitor that offers excellent performance for both gaming and productivity. However, some users may want to push the monitor’s performance even further by overclocking it. Overclocking is the process of increasing the monitor’s refresh rate beyond its factory settings. This can result in a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, but it can also introduce stability issues.
Before overclocking your BenQ GW2490, it’s important to first identify its overclocking capability. This can be done by using a tool like CRU (Custom Resolution Utility). CRU is a freeware software that allows you to create and edit custom display resolutions.
To use CRU to identify your BenQ GW2490’s overclocking capability, follow these steps:
1. Download and install CRU from the official website.
2. Launch CRU and click on the “Add” button.
3. In the “Display Name” field, enter a name for your custom resolution.
4. In the “Horizontal Resolution” field, enter the desired horizontal resolution.
5. In the “Vertical Resolution” field, enter the desired vertical resolution.
6. In the “Refresh Rate” field, enter the desired refresh rate.
7. Click on the “OK” button.
If the custom resolution is successfully added, you will see it listed in the “Resolutions” section. To test the custom resolution, click on the “Test” button. If the custom resolution is stable, you will see a message that says “The custom resolution is stable”.
Once you have identified your BenQ GW2490’s overclocking capability, you can start to overclock the monitor. However, it’s important to note that overclocking can be a dangerous process, and it can damage your monitor if it’s not done properly. Therefore, it’s important to proceed with caution and to only overclock the monitor if you’re confident in your abilities.
Safety Precautions for Overclocking
1. Read Your Monitor’s Manual Thoroughly
Before you start overclocking your BenQ GW2490, it’s important to read your monitor’s manual thoroughly. This will help you understand the overclocking capabilities of your monitor and how to best go about overclocking it.
2. Understand the Risks Involved
Overclocking can void your monitor’s warranty and can also damage your monitor if it’s not done properly. It’s important to understand the risks involved before you start overclocking your monitor.
| Potential Risk | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Monitor damage | Overclock conservatively and monitor your temperatures closely. |
| Warranty void | Check your warranty before overclocking. |
| Reduced monitor lifespan | Overclocking can shorten the lifespan of your monitor. |
3. Use a Reputable Overclocking Utility
There are a number of different overclocking utilities available, but not all of them are created equal. It’s important to use a reputable overclocking utility that will help you overclock your monitor safely and effectively.
4. Start Slowly
When you start overclocking your monitor, it’s important to start slowly. Gradually increase the overclock settings and monitor your temperatures closely. If you see any signs of instability, back off on the overclock settings.
5. Monitor Your Temperatures
It’s important to monitor your monitor’s temperatures while you’re overclocking it. If your monitor’s temperatures get too high, it can damage your monitor. Use a software utility to monitor your monitor’s temperatures.
6. Stop If You Experience Any Problems
If you experience any problems while overclocking your monitor, stop immediately. Back off on the overclock settings and try again. If you continue to experience problems, contact BenQ support.
Preparations for Overclocking
Before embarking on the overclocking process, it is crucial to ensure that your monitor and system meet the necessary criteria and are properly configured. Here are the key steps to follow:
1. Monitor Compatibility
Confirm that your BenQ GW2490 monitor is capable of overclocking. Check the monitor’s specifications or consult the manufacturer to verify its overclocking support.
2. System Requirements
Ensure that your computer system has a compatible graphics card that supports high refresh rates, typically 75Hz or higher. An up-to-date graphics driver is also necessary for optimal performance.
3. Safety Precautions
Overclocking can stress your hardware, potentially causing damage if done improperly. To mitigate risks:
- Use a Reliable Power Supply: Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) has sufficient wattage to handle the increased power demands during overclocking.
- Provide Adequate Ventilation: Keep your monitor and system well-ventilated by ensuring there is ample airflow around them.
- Monitor Temperatures: Regularly check the temperature of your monitor and graphics card using monitoring software. Excessive heat can shorten the lifespan of components.
| Temperature Range | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Below 60°C | Safe |
| 60-70°C | Cautionary |
| Above 70°C | Overheating, Stop Overclocking |
Tip:
Before overclocking, reset your monitor to its default settings to ensure a clean slate for the overclocking process.
Accessing the Display’s Internal Settings
To overclock your BenQ GW2490 monitor, you’ll need to access its internal settings menu. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do that:
- Power on your monitor and wait for it to fully boot up.
- Locate the OSD (On-Screen Display) buttons on the bottom or side of the monitor. These buttons are typically labeled with icons or text.
- Press the “Menu” button to open the OSD menu.
- Use the navigation buttons to scroll through the menu options. You may need to press the “Enter” or “Select” button to confirm your selections.
Accessing the Advanced Settings
To access the advanced settings menu, follow these steps:
- Once you’re in the OSD menu, scroll down to the “Advanced” option and select it.
- In the Advanced menu, scroll down to the “Image Quality” option and select it.
- In the Image Quality menu, you’ll find the “Overclock” option. This is where you can adjust the monitor’s refresh rate.
Adjusting the Refresh Rate
To adjust the refresh rate, follow these steps:
- Scroll down to the “Overclock” option and select it.
- Use the navigation buttons to adjust the refresh rate. You can choose from 60Hz, 75Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz.
- Once you’ve selected the desired refresh rate, press the “Enter” or “Select” button to confirm your changes.
- Exit the OSD menu and save your changes.
Understanding Overclock Parameters
Before overclocking your BenQ GW2490, it’s crucial to understand the key parameters involved:
Panel Type
The GW2490 features a twisted nematic (TN) panel, which is known for its fast response times but limited viewing angles and color accuracy.
Native Refresh Rate
The native refresh rate of the GW2490 is 75Hz, which means it can display up to 75 frames per second (FPS). Overclocking can push this rate higher.
Advertised Maximum Refresh Rate
BenQ advertises the GW2490 as supporting up to a 144Hz refresh rate through overclocking. However, this value may vary depending on the individual monitor’s capabilities.
Pixel Clock Frequency
The pixel clock frequency is the rate at which pixels are drawn on the screen. Overclocking increases this frequency to achieve higher refresh rates.
Total Vertical Resolution
This is the total number of vertical pixels displayed on the screen. When overclocking, you can increase the refresh rate by reducing the vertical resolution.
Parameter Value Panel Type TN Native Refresh Rate 75Hz Advertised Maximum Refresh Rate 144Hz Pixel Clock Frequency 144MHz (at 144Hz) Total Vertical Resolution 1080p (1920 x 1080) Adjusting Overclock Settings
1. Accessing the OSD Menu
* Press the joystick button on the back of the monitor to access the OSD menu.
2. Navigating to the Settings Menu
* Use the joystick to navigate to the “Settings” option in the menu.
3. Enabling Overclocking
* Select the “Overclock” option and toggle it to “On.”
4. Adjusting Refresh Rate
* Use the +/- buttons to adjust the refresh rate to your desired value. The maximum overclockable refresh rate for the BenQ GW2490 is 80Hz.
5. Adjusting Response Time
* Select the “Response Time” option and choose a value between “Standard” and “AMA Premium.” Lower response times provide smoother motion handling during gaming and fast-paced videos.
6. Advanced Overclocking Settings
* To further fine-tune your overclock, you can adjust the following settings in the “Advanced Overclocking” menu:
- Blur Reduction: This setting reduces motion blur by adjusting the backlight strobing.
- Clock Skew: This setting compensates for potential clock skew caused by overclocking.
- Line B Clock: This setting adjusts the line buffering clock, which can improve stability at higher refresh rates.
- Data Line Mode: Changes the data transmission mode of the monitor, which may affect overclockability.
- BenQ GW2490 monitor
- DisplayPort cable
- Overclocking software (e.g., CRU)
- Download the CRU utility from the Monitor Overclocking Forum.
- Install and launch the CRU utility.
- Select your monitor from the list of available displays.
- Click on the “Detailed Resolutions” tab.
- Scroll down to the “Refresh Rate” section and enter the desired refresh rate. The maximum refresh rate that your monitor can support will vary, so you’ll need to experiment to find the highest stable refresh rate.
- Click on the “Add” button to add the new refresh rate to the list of available resolutions.
- Click on the “OK” button to save your changes.
- Restart your computer.
Once you’ve rebooted your computer, your monitor should be running at the new refresh rate. You can check the refresh rate by opening the display settings in Windows.
People Also Ask
Is it safe to overclock my BenQ GW2490 monitor?
Yes, it is safe to overclock your BenQ GW2490 monitor as long as you do it carefully. However, it’s important to note that overclocking can void your warranty and damage your monitor if it’s not done properly. If you’re not comfortable overclocking your monitor, it’s best to leave it at its default settings.
What is the maximum refresh rate that my BenQ GW2490 monitor can support?
The maximum refresh rate that your BenQ GW2490 monitor can support will vary depending on the model. However, most models can support a refresh rate of up to 75Hz.
It’s important to note that overclocking may introduce instability or visual artifacts. If you encounter any issues, reduce the overclocking settings or disable overclocking altogether.
Evaluating Overclock Stability
After applying an overclock, it’s crucial to evaluate its stability to ensure your system remains reliable and error-free. Here are 7 key steps to help you determine the stability of your overclock:
1. Run Stress Tests
Utilize stress testing software like AIDA64 Extreme, Prime95, or OCCT to put your overclocked system under sustained load for extended periods. Monitor temperatures, voltages, and error messages to identify any potential instability.
2. Observe System Behavior
Pay attention to how your system performs during daily usage, gaming, and other demanding tasks. Keep an eye out for lockups, crashes, or any other unusual behavior that may indicate instability.
3. Monitor Temperatures
High temperatures can significantly impact stability. Use monitoring software like HWMonitor or Core Temp to keep track of your CPU, GPU, and other system temperatures. Ensure they remain within acceptable limits.
4. Check Event Logs
Windows Event Logs can provide valuable information about potential stability issues. Check the System and Application logs for errors or warnings that may be related to your overclock.
5. Monitor Voltage Stability
Use tools like CPU-Z or HWInfo to monitor the voltage stability of your components. Fluctuations in voltage can cause instability, so ensure they remain consistent.
6. Run Memory Tests
Use memory testing software like MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for errors in your RAM. Memory instability can lead to system crashes and data corruption.
7. Step Back Gradually
If you encounter any stability issues, don’t panic. Reduce your overclock incrementally, step by step, until you find a stable setting. Stability is paramount for a reliable and error-free system.
Reversing Overclocked Settings
If you’re not happy with the results of your overclock or if you experience any problems, you can easily reverse the settings and return your monitor to its default state.
To do this, follow these steps:1. Power off your monitor.
2. Press and hold the “Menu” button on the back of your monitor for 10 seconds.
3. The OSD menu will appear. Select the “Overclock” tab.
4. Select the “Reset” option.
5. Press the “OK” button to confirm.
6. Your monitor will restart and the overclocked settings will be reversed.
You can also use the OSD menu to make other adjustments to your monitor’s settings, such as the brightness, contrast, and color temperature.
For more information on using the OSD menu, please refer to your monitor’s user manual.Tips for Optimal Overclocking
1. Use a Stable Power Supply:
Ensure your power supply unit is capable of providing enough stable voltage to the monitor during overclocking.2. Start Small and Gradually Increase:
Overclock in small increments, testing stability after each adjustment. Avoid excessive voltage or refresh rate increases.3. Monitor Temperatures:
Use software or hardware tools to monitor the monitor’s temperature during overclocking. Excessive heat can damage the panel.4. Check for Artifacts:
Inspect the monitor for visual artifacts, such as ghosting, color banding, or flickering. Artifacts indicate instability and require adjustment.5. Use Custom Resolution Utility:
Consider using a custom resolution utility to fine-tune overclock settings beyond the monitor’s default options.6. Enable Adaptive Sync:
If available, enable adaptive sync technologies (e.g., FreeSync, G-Sync) to minimize screen tearing during overclocking.7. Test Games and Benchmarks:
Run games and synthetic benchmarks to assess the monitor’s stability and performance under real-world conditions.8. Maximize Gaming Experience:
Overclocking can enhance gaming performance by reducing input lag, improving frame rates, and providing a more immersive experience.9. BenQ GW2490 Overclocking Guide:
Setting Recommended Value Refresh Rate 75Hz (up from 60Hz) Voltage Increase slightly as needed for stability Note that overclocking may void the monitor’s warranty and is done at your own risk.
Overclocking the BenQ GW2490
Materials Required:
Procedure:
Step 1: Connect the monitor to your computer using a DisplayPort cable.
Step 2: Download and install the overclocking software.
Step 3: Open the overclocking software and select the GW2490 monitor.
Step 4: Increase the refresh rate in small increments (1-2Hz at a time) until the monitor starts to flicker or display artifacts.
Step 5: Once flickering or artifacts appear, decrease the refresh rate by 1-2Hz until the monitor stabilizes.
Step 6: Save the new refresh rate settings.
Step 7: Repeat steps 4-6 for the other refresh rate parameters (e.g., horizontal frequency, vertical frequency).
Troubleshooting Common Overclocking Issues
Flickering or Artifacts
This is a sign that the refresh rate is too high for the monitor to handle. Decrease the refresh rate by 1-2Hz until the flickering or artifacts disappear.
No Signal
If the monitor does not display an image after overclocking, check the DisplayPort cable connection. Ensure that the cable is securely connected to both the monitor and the computer. Also, try using a different DisplayPort cable.
Increased Power Consumption
Overclocking can increase the power consumption of the monitor. This is especially noticeable at higher refresh rates.
Reduced Monitor Lifespan
Overclocking the monitor can reduce its lifespan. This is because the increased heat and stress on the monitor’s internal components can cause premature wear and tear.
How to Overclock BenQ GW2490
Overclocking a monitor can give you a number of benefits, including a higher refresh rate, reduced input lag, and smoother gameplay. However, it’s important to note that overclocking can also void your warranty and damage your monitor if it’s not done properly. If you’re not comfortable overclocking your monitor, it’s best to leave it at its default settings.
With that said, here’s a guide on how to overclock your BenQ GW2490 monitor:
