According to one user on the Chiphell forums the GTX 660(Ti)/670/680 video cards can be flashed to support GPU Boost 2.0 through the BIOS. GPU Boost 1.0 is currently equipped on the GTX 660, GTX 660 Ti, GTX 670 and GTX 680 and the GPU Boost 1.0 calculates clock speeds and voltages based on a power target. Unlike GPU Boost 2.0, GPU Boost 1.0 has no consideration of temperatures in addition to the power factor thus the card can run potentially very hot which can be dangerous for the longevity of the card particular when paired with mediocre cooling solutions. GPU Boost 2.0 on the other hand utilises a combination of temperature and power levels to calculate boost levels making it a much safer solution.
The BIOS in question, discussed on the Chiphell forums, allows you to update to GPU Boost 2.0. “Cherubim” has been working on this BIOS for a while and it supports the previously mentioned cards. He demonstrates the BIOS used on a GTX 680 and shows the difference it makes to performance. The BIOS is currently not available but will be made available in a few weeks. Using NVFlash you can easily change out your BIOS on your Nvidia card but for most this is risky and will probably void your warranty so this certainly isn’t for the faint hearted. Though it does make you wonder that if Nvidia will continue selling the GTX 660 alongside the GTX 700 series, why don’t they update it to GPU Boost 2.0 out of the box?
Image courtesy of Nvidia, Information Via ChipLoco
I just wish nVidia get rid of GPU Boost altogether, it just stuffs you around when overclocking, but that’s not gonna happen. Mind you Boost 2 doesn’t seem to be as quite bad as gen 1
You can always disable boost if you don’t like it.
I do but not for my gaming rig.