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Video Card Thread (Mostly Gecube x1950xt)
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Senior Member
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12. December 2007 @ 22:38 |
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yep, I did :)
Anyways, I was playing around with RivaTuner and noticed a "AGP Fastwrites" option with "on" or "off", and it was set to off. I looked around the web, and found that it basically makes the card run faster (in short).
Not to sure how much faster as I havnt really gotten a chance to play some games yet, but I'll find out!
Can you clarify this?
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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12. December 2007 @ 22:57 |
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That's kind of the problem though, I don't think they really have lost many customers, when they should have, because that compromise is unacceptable.
I spotted the AGP fastwrite option back when I had an X800, I had no idea what it did, and I still don't now...
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Senior Member
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12. December 2007 @ 23:16 |
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this is what i found
Quote:
This BIOS feature controls the AGP bus' Fast Write capability. Fast Write is a feature which accelerates memory write transactions from the chipset to the AGP device.
Fast Write allows the AGP device act like a PCI device. This allows it to bypass the main memory and directly access the data which improves AGP read performance. However AGP write performance is not affected.
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Senior Member
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12. December 2007 @ 23:44 |
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BTW, I was just reading up on the 3870x2 that is going to be out in January, and was thinking this would be better than the my original 2x 3870s.
Question: I plan on getting 1 3870x2, but if I ever wanted 2, would the Maximus support it? I mean, the Maximus supports regular CF, but not Quad CF, even though this would be regular CF since it's just 2 gpus on 1 PCB.
Also, is it worth the wait? With Intels next gen CPUs being released as well, I think I will just see what happens...
btw, heres some stuff on the 3870x2:
http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/n...deon-hd-3870-x2
Shown in CF:
Quad CF:
Card without cooler:
EDIT: More stuff: http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option...=4251&Itemid=34
Finally, will this card work in games that dont support CF, even though technically its not a CF card but does have 2 GPUs?
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 12. December 2007 @ 23:53
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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13. December 2007 @ 10:19 |
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As for your board not supporting Quad CF, you'll be fine, just don't use two 3870X2s. As for crossfire support, this is one of the big reasons I never recommend crossfire. When SLi isn't supported in a game, you just won't see a difference. When Crossfire isn't supported in a game, the game will usually crash, or you will get millions of rendering errors. This will still apply to crossfire-on-one-card solutions like the 3870X2. You will need to disable crossfire and use only half the card to run games that don't support CF (i.e. most of them)
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Senior Member
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13. December 2007 @ 10:32 |
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Wow, thats dumb. I don't see why ATi and nvidia would even bother making cards like that then.
Do you think their drivers will help so that CF support is better on a wider verity of games?
EDIT: So if I were to use only half 3870x2s speed, then I would basically get the same results as a regular 3870 right? So then this would be a better buy, as I believe they will be between $350-$500, and it costs exactly $500 to crossfire 2 3870s, not guaranteeing CF will work.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 13. December 2007 @ 10:35
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AfterDawn Addict
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13. December 2007 @ 10:48 |
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Like I say to people, crossfire hasn't improved in that regard for more than a year, so I wouldn't hold your breath.
Personally I think a single 3870 would be a better buy.
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Senior Member
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13. December 2007 @ 11:21 |
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Do you think more future games will have crossfire and SLi support?
Anyways, getting back to the Gecube since I still have mine :)
I ran the Crysis benchmark test a total of 3 times each, with all high settings @ 1024x768 with shadows on low and physics on medium.
The first run was with the mysterious AGP Faswrites on, second was without it. Third was with fastwrites also off and a 702/828 overclock.
12/13/2007 10:44:49 AM - XP
Beginning Run #1 on Map-island, Demo-benchmark_gpu
DX9 1024x768, AA=No AA, Vsync=Disabled, 32 bit test, FullScreen
Demo Loops=3, Time Of Day= 9
Global Game Quality: Custom
Custom Quality Values:
VolumetricEffects=High
Texture=High
ObjectDetail=High
Sound=High
Shadows=Low
Water=High
Physics=Medium
Particles=High
Shading=High
PostProcessing=High
GameEffects=High
==============================================================
TimeDemo Play Started , (Total Frames: 2000, Recorded Time: 111.86s)
!TimeDemo Run 0 Finished.
Play Time: 195.74s, Average FPS: 10.22
Min FPS: 2.96 at frame 691, Max FPS: 19.49 at frame 1753
Average Tri/Sec: -9092410, Tri/Frame: -889867
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.03
!TimeDemo Run 1 Finished.
Play Time: 135.07s, Average FPS: 14.81
Min FPS: 2.96 at frame 691, Max FPS: 20.55 at frame 989
Average Tri/Sec: -13061450, Tri/Frame: -882120
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.04
!TimeDemo Run 2 Finished.
Play Time: 135.79s, Average FPS: 14.73
Min FPS: 2.96 at frame 691, Max FPS: 20.55 at frame 989
Average Tri/Sec: -12986067, Tri/Frame: -881710
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.04
TimeDemo Play Ended, (3 Runs Performed)
==============================================================
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>>--SUMMARY--<<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
12/13/2007 10:44:49 AM - XP
Run #1- DX9 1024x768 AA=No AA, 32 bit test, Quality: Custom ~~ Overall Average FPS: 14.77
---------------------------------------------------------
12/13/2007 10:56:54 AM - XP
Beginning Run #1 on Map-island, Demo-benchmark_gpu
DX9 1024x768, AA=No AA, Vsync=Disabled, 32 bit test, FullScreen
Demo Loops=3, Time Of Day= 9
Global Game Quality: Custom
Custom Quality Values:
VolumetricEffects=High
Texture=High
ObjectDetail=High
Sound=High
Shadows=Low
Water=High
Physics=Medium
Particles=High
Shading=High
PostProcessing=High
GameEffects=High
==============================================================
TimeDemo Play Started , (Total Frames: 2000, Recorded Time: 111.86s)
!TimeDemo Run 0 Finished.
Play Time: 195.11s, Average FPS: 10.25
Min FPS: 5.45 at frame 270, Max FPS: 20.18 at frame 991
Average Tri/Sec: -9161329, Tri/Frame: -893746
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.03
!TimeDemo Run 1 Finished.
Play Time: 136.13s, Average FPS: 14.69
Min FPS: 5.45 at frame 270, Max FPS: 20.44 at frame 987
Average Tri/Sec: -13049589, Tri/Frame: -888221
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.03
!TimeDemo Run 2 Finished.
Play Time: 136.29s, Average FPS: 14.67
Min FPS: 5.45 at frame 270, Max FPS: 20.44 at frame 987
Average Tri/Sec: -13028278, Tri/Frame: -887795
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.03
TimeDemo Play Ended, (3 Runs Performed)
==============================================================
Completed All Tests
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>>--SUMMARY--<<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
12/13/2007 10:56:54 AM - XP
Run #1- DX9 1024x768 AA=No AA, 32 bit test, Quality: Custom ~~ Overall Average FPS: 14.68
---------------------------------------------------------
12/13/2007 11:07:56 AM - XP
Beginning Run #1 on Map-island, Demo-benchmark_gpu
DX9 1024x768, AA=No AA, Vsync=Disabled, 32 bit test, FullScreen
Demo Loops=3, Time Of Day= 9
Global Game Quality: Custom
Custom Quality Values:
VolumetricEffects=High
Texture=High
ObjectDetail=High
Sound=High
Shadows=Low
Water=High
Physics=Medium
Particles=High
Shading=High
PostProcessing=High
GameEffects=High
==============================================================
TimeDemo Play Started , (Total Frames: 2000, Recorded Time: 111.86s)
!TimeDemo Run 0 Finished.
Play Time: 186.08s, Average FPS: 10.75
Min FPS: 6.29 at frame 270, Max FPS: 23.61 at frame 984
Average Tri/Sec: -9588595, Tri/Frame: -892099
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.03
!TimeDemo Run 1 Finished.
Play Time: 122.69s, Average FPS: 16.30
Min FPS: 6.29 at frame 270, Max FPS: 23.66 at frame 85
Average Tri/Sec: -14408025, Tri/Frame: -883827
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.04
!TimeDemo Run 2 Finished.
Play Time: 135.19s, Average FPS: 14.79
Min FPS: 6.29 at frame 270, Max FPS: 23.90 at frame 81
Average Tri/Sec: -13091521, Tri/Frame: -884894
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.04
TimeDemo Play Ended, (3 Runs Performed)
==============================================================
Completed All Tests
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>>--SUMMARY--<<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
12/13/2007 11:07:56 AM - XP
Run #1- DX9 1024x768 AA=No AA, 32 bit test, Quality: Custom ~~ Overall Average FPS: 15.545
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AfterDawn Addict
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13. December 2007 @ 11:58 |
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Originally posted by Waymon3X6:
Do you think more future games will have crossfire and SLi support?
As I've tried to say on many occasions, I think that's doubtful. SLi perhaps, but Crossfire probably not. Realistically I think it's pretty much going to stay the same way as now until a new system is invented.
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MaccerM
Member
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13. December 2007 @ 12:52 |
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Just a final note on the 3870 vs 8800gt check out this review;
http://www.vr-zone.com/print/5392
they have some shots re: picture quality in crysis. I must concede that the gt does look a little washed out compared to the 3870 which does eem more vibrant, but really the difference is not that noticable, and for an extra 5 fps I'll have the GT.
It seems also that availability of the 3870 is even less than the GT too, so there'd be no hope of me getting one before xmas if I did choose that one anyway!
I'll be back with a 3dmark for everyone soon (I hope)
Q9550 @ 3.4Ghz-1.275v & TRUE, Asus P5N-T Deluxe, 4Gb Dominator 1066 (5-5-5-15), Inno3d OC 8800GTs in SLi with TT Duorbs, 580w 5.1 Setup, 2x DVD-RAM, 320&160Gb SATA2 HDDs, 17" 3ms Hyundai TFT, 700w Jeantech PSU.
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Senior Member
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13. December 2007 @ 12:56 |
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I remember seeing somewhere where they showed a photo of a level in crysis (first one I believe) and it showed rocks in the water. With everything on highest, you could see the shadows from the rocks on the 3870, but in the 8800GT photo, there were none!
I will try and find that link.
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MaccerM
Member
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13. December 2007 @ 13:04 |
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Sure, well I'm sure that things will change for both cards with driver releases and tweaks in the future. It really just comes down to what you prioritize personally. For me if the options are playing a photo slideshow or a slightly grainy film, I'd go with the film. (crude analogy but I think it works) I'd rather have the smoothness bottom line. And if the 3870 can't keep up now, it's not going to be any better in 6mths time which pretty much voids the 'futureproof' argument. It might have extra features, but if it can only knock out 15fps in 6 mths time what's the point? (even if it does look very pretty while you wait for the next frame!)
Q9550 @ 3.4Ghz-1.275v & TRUE, Asus P5N-T Deluxe, 4Gb Dominator 1066 (5-5-5-15), Inno3d OC 8800GTs in SLi with TT Duorbs, 580w 5.1 Setup, 2x DVD-RAM, 320&160Gb SATA2 HDDs, 17" 3ms Hyundai TFT, 700w Jeantech PSU.
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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13. December 2007 @ 14:27 |
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Senior Member
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13. December 2007 @ 14:37 |
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How come when I search for "3870" on newegg, only 3 cards come up, and they're all sold out? Also, why did they take some of the other 3870s off, like the HIS version that I wanted?
Kindof a random question, but is Futuremark ever going to come out with a newer 3dmark version? Like 3dmark07? 3dmark06 doesnt seem to strees peoples pcs anymore since they have moved onto duel/quad cores and SLi Ultras.
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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13. December 2007 @ 16:59 |
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Ooh I dunno, turn the resolution up and you'll soon see!
There was no 3dmark02 or 3dmark04, so it may simply be we have to wait until next year for a new 3dmark...
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Senior Member
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13. December 2007 @ 21:09 |
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Been rethinking my upgrade options... I could get a Q6600 G0 and duel 3870s for xmas, or wait for the 3870x2 and the new quad cores. However, as sam was saying, if games dont allow crossfire, then only half of the 3870xt would function, so it would be the exact same as a regular 3870.
Next, will there really be that much of a difference between the Q6600 and the newer one (not sure what they call it, its the $365 one though). Could you tell the difference?
Lastly, for a PSU to power this stuff, I really like these two:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371010
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371010
But which one should I get? As you know, I have a Antec 900 case, and that's really the only reason why I would choose the neopower over the Kingwin. Are there any bad things about the Kingwin? I think it's a reliable brand.
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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13. December 2007 @ 21:17 |
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I don't think Kingwin is a reliable brand. I've never seen any reviews saying Kingwin are good, and with power supplies you assume the worst if that's the case, you simply can't afford to take any chances. I'm not really a great fan of the Neopower units either, I'd go with a Corsair HX unit, they're better than pretty much all the Antec power supplies. Solidly built, deliver plenty of power, and also very quiet (not that that matters to you if you have a 900).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001
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Senior Member
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13. December 2007 @ 21:35 |
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oops, I put links both to the Antec. Stupid me.
Heres the Kingwin: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121025
(It needs to look cool too, so the blue lights are a definite turn on)
Getting away from that, so do you think there will be much of an improvement in 3870 CF vs a regular 3870x2? And the same with the Q6600 vs the Core 2 Quad Q9450?
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AfterDawn Addict
2 product reviews
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13. December 2007 @ 21:50 |
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Since crossfire support will screw it over I think the normal HD3870 will be better for you.
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Senior Member
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13. December 2007 @ 22:03 |
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So dont get the 3870xt, get 2x 3870s?
That was my plan... I will be playing mostly Crysis, and since Crysis already works with Sli and crossfire (the hotfix), then this is good.
Maybe when Ati and Nvidia release their duel GPU cards, gaming companies will start to make more games that are compatible with Sli and Crossfire or the cards will go to waste.
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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13. December 2007 @ 22:25 |
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Get one HD3870, ONE.
As for Crysis supporting Crossfire, that's news to me. Not sure I'd bother getting crossfire just for Crysis though, it's one of the worst looking games this year, and I'm not joking either. COD4 looks infinitely better imo.
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MaccerM
Member
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20. December 2007 @ 18:48 |
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Well I got everything, bought an Inno3d card clocked at 650/1.9 instead as stock of 8800s and 3870s here in the UK is non-existent at the mo.
New 3dmark with cpu at 2.33ghz, ram 667 and 8800 at stock speeds is;
10204
4822
5001
2085
I think there's plenty more if I overclock more aggressively. I noticed that gfx performance has scaled well with the cpu overclock so far as the stock everything score was 8920 and fps were noticeably a couple lower.
I did find the issue I mentioned earlier with the auto fan speed control, I ran a quick benchmark and fan stayed at 29% and temp was climbing up to the 100c mark! Rivatuner sorted that one out.
Q9550 @ 3.4Ghz-1.275v & TRUE, Asus P5N-T Deluxe, 4Gb Dominator 1066 (5-5-5-15), Inno3d OC 8800GTs in SLi with TT Duorbs, 580w 5.1 Setup, 2x DVD-RAM, 320&160Gb SATA2 HDDs, 17" 3ms Hyundai TFT, 700w Jeantech PSU.
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AfterDawn Addict
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20. December 2007 @ 19:42 |
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So what card did you end up buying?
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AfterDawn Addict
2 product reviews
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20. December 2007 @ 21:02 |
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He got an 8800GT me thinks.
Ha! My score is higher with a HD 3850!
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AfterDawn Addict
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20. December 2007 @ 22:09 |
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Now that's some lolz right there. No offense MaccerM, but er well, looks like your new-found nvidia fanboyism didn't reap the rewards you were hoping for.
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