[Testing] Sapphire X2900XT

thx for the reply.
is there any adaptor for the 8 pin plug, i don´t feel like buying a new power supply (OCZ powerstream 520).

about the noise, i noticed that when i was benching the blower was at full rpm´s, but after the initial tests. when i returned to windows the blower would be quiet for a minute then go into full rpm´s for another minute...this went on for 1 hour (at night and trying to sleep) so i switched off the pc.
so u say this behaviour is not normal?


on funny note; when i was testing this it was 01:00am, when the blower turned on to full rpm´s i almost feel out of my chair because of the scare it gave me....

I found this in my operators manual in the installation section.

"Note: For optimal performance, and for ATI Overdrive and ATI CrossFire configurations, use one 2x3-pin and one 2x4-pin PCIe power connectors ..."

If you have done that then you should be able to both see and access the overdrive options.


So when in doubt read the manual does seem to work.

@ jimmyz you are seriously speedy in the reply

wooops....must of skipped that part of the manual....hehehe
thx

Hey Mascaras, Yo no sabie que voce es Portugues!!! LOL

ATI tool with 2900 support will be out soon and you can the fan speed to whatever speed/noise level you want. and it should have voltage control control. I persoanlly will have it set to 100% since i find the blower to purrrr and helps me sleep, im serious.

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Originally Posted by Eastcoasthandle

New drivers released yesterday 8.38 RC7, Vista

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Following this link ends up in a "File not found" error message.

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Originally Posted by gunit

ATI tool with 2900 support will be out soon and you can the fan speed to whatever speed/noise level you want. and it should have voltage control control. I persoanlly will have it set to 100% since i find the blower to purrrr and helps me sleep, im serious.

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lol....

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Originally Posted by gunit

ATI tool with 2900 support will be out soon and you can the fan speed to whatever speed/noise level you want. and it should have voltage control control. I persoanlly will have it set to 100% since i find the blower to purrrr and helps me sleep, im serious.

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Isn't that called White Noise? LOL Well I finally got mine watercooled, 40c idle, 50c load with 31c ambient. I will attemp to break 13K 3DMark06 with my E6600@3.9Ghz and 890/1000 on the card.

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Originally Posted by nicepun

Isn't that called White Noise? LOL Well I finally got mine watercooled, 40c idle, 50c load with 31c ambient. I will attemp to break 13K 3DMark06 with my E6600@3.9Ghz and 890/1000 on the card.

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how is ur WC setup? and what block are u using on the 2900?
the problem the constant variation in speed. if it was at full rpm´s i would get used to it, but that is not happenning. It goes from quiet to loud in 1 minute intervals, while in windows desktop...

anyway, no one answered about the 8 pin adaptor. does it exist or do i need a new powersupply?

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Originally Posted by SoulAssassin

how is ur WC setup? and what block are u using on the 2900?
the problem the constant variation in speed. if it was at full rpm´s i would get used to it, but that is not happenning. It goes from quiet to loud in 1 minute intervals, while in windows desktop...

anyway, no one answered about the 8 pin adaptor. does it exist or do i need a new powersupply?

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6 to 8 Pin PCI-E adapter

I'm using a Swiftech MCW60, just like another member posted. Perfect fit BTW.

is it just me, or does that adapter ^^^ look suspect? i mean its input is a normal 6pin.

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Originally Posted by gunit

is it just me, or does that adapter ^^^ look suspect? i mean its input is a normal 6pin.

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You mean something like this?

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...8&postcount=69

then what are the extra pins for if not power?

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Originally Posted by gunit

then what are the extra pins for if not power?

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ground

Please, not another "Oh we are so much smarter than HardOCP" post. Get over yourself. There are several long-time posters there (Like W1ZZARD, who develops ATI Tool) who have forgotten more about video cards than you'll ever know.

It is SO lame to make judgments about an entire Web site based on a few idiots. Newsflash: Pouring nitro on somthing Intel built doesn't make XS'ers a bunch of geniuses.

Truly smart people don't need to remind everyone how smart they are.

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Originally Posted by mascaras

yep , some of them maybe kids or guys who dont understand too much of hardware , im also Laughing a lot with some of them :











Its total comedy over there :rofl: :rofl:

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by uclajd

Please, not another "Oh we are so much smarter than HardOCP" post. Get over yourself. There are several long-time posters there (Like W1ZZARD, who develops ATI Tool) who have forgotten more about video cards than you'll ever know.

It is SO lame to make judgments about an entire Web site based on a few idiots. Newsflash: Pouring nitro on somthing Intel built doesn't make XS'ers a bunch of geniuses.

Truly smart people don't need to remind everyone how smart they are.

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Maybe not a geniuse, but definately EXTREME...LOL....:rofl:

He never said the [H] Forum users and dumb, just the ones that were making those OBVIOUS not so smart comments, and in case you haven't noticed you don't get those kind of folks around here.

Wow! good thread guys. I'm glad to see some familiar xs members test these cards. Thats awesome that the mcw50 and 60 will fit because I still have one from my old 9800 pro. Does the HD2900XT feel any smoother in games than the 8800?
I feel like ati always has a "smoother" feel in games or is that just my imagination? Anyway I thank you guys for testing the cards but I still don't see a reason to get one if you already have a high clocking 8800gts.

hi guys,
i downloaded the amd gpu tool, but it dosn´t show any temperature readnigs...
is this normal, or is there a trick?

highlight sensor, click enable box.

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Originally Posted by uclajd

Please, not another "Oh we are so much smarter than HardOCP" post. Get over yourself. There are several long-time posters there (Like W1ZZARD, who develops ATI Tool) who have forgotten more about video cards than you'll ever know.

It is SO lame to make judgments about an entire Web site based on a few idiots. Newsflash: Pouring nitro on somthing Intel built doesn't make XS'ers a bunch of geniuses.

Truly smart people don't need to remind everyone how smart they are.

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just go there and read the coments they made about the thread i open exactly like this thread in XS >> [testing] Sapphire X2900XT ;)

regrds

Hello mates! I know my post is off top but as I can see here are lots of you who have 2900XT especially Sapphire version... here is my dilemma

I see you have got a Sapphire 2900XT and so do I (bought it yesterday)! But I just wanted to ask you about one thing. When you run 3d Mark tests (05 -06) do you get any strange noise from the graphic card. I mean it is hard to explain but I actually noticed some low frequency noise coming from it when I run games and 3d mark test. I mean it is hard to hear coz of the NOISE from the heat sick but still it is annoying.... Am I the one with this problem....????

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Originally Posted by SVakaTOR

Hello mates! I know my post is off top but as I can see here are lots of you who have 2900XT especially Sapphire version... here is my dilemma

I see you have got a Sapphire 2900XT and so do I (bought it yesterday)! But I just wanted to ask you about one thing. When you run 3d Mark tests (05 -06) do you get any strange noise from the graphic card. I mean it is hard to explain but I actually noticed some low frequency noise coming from it when I run games and 3d mark test. I mean it is hard to hear coz of the NOISE from the heat sick but still it is annoying.... Am I the one with this problem....????

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Be sure to check extra fan speed not creating vibration somewhere in case.

Some brilliant results there !!

I like how things are progressing for the HD2900XT and it seems more is to come with newer drivers :D

I have mine sitting next to me, I'll be testing tomorrow, setup is:
E6600 - stock air for the moment
Gigabyte 965p DQ6
Powercolour HD2900XT
2Gb Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC8000 DDR1000

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Originally Posted by trans am

Wow! good thread guys. I'm glad to see some familiar xs members test these cards. Thats awesome that the mcw50 and 60 will fit because I still have one from my old 9800 pro. Does the HD2900XT feel any smoother in games than the 8800?
I feel like ati always has a "smoother" feel in games or is that just my imagination? Anyway I thank you guys for testing the cards but I still don't see a reason to get one if you already have a high clocking 8800gts.

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This is a very good question when asking about the smoothness. This is not the first time I have heard someone say that gameplay with an ATI card is smoother than that of an nvidia card. I don't understand how a card as powerful as the 8800GTX can't play a game smoothly where as an ATI branded card can? Is there any truth to this? Are Nvidia cards really not as smooth and fluent when playing games when compared to an ATI card? What makes an ATI card smoother if the case may be so?

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Originally Posted by LowRun

Following this link ends up in a "File not found" error message.

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file not found... any other link?
Crap another delay in my 2900XT order.This time the courier didn't pick the product.The other e-tailer have a confusion with the distribuitor.This is the most delayed product i ever purchased for computer.I smell something intersting will happen .I am getting out of patience also..If again will be delayed tommorow i will quit buying it...

Cantankerous..the smoothness would come from having a more consistent framerate, not neccesarily faster, but with less "peaks and lows".

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Originally Posted by cadaveca

Cantankerous..the smoothness would come from having a more consistent framerate, not neccesarily faster, but with less "peaks and lows".

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thanks cadaveca. Makes sense. So would one say that ATI cards have a more consistent framerate without so many peaks and lows like Nvidia cards or is all this just an old wives tale?

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Originally Posted by cantankerous

This is a very good question when asking about the smoothness. This is not the first time I have heard someone say that gameplay with an ATI card is smoother than that of an nvidia card. I don't understand how a card as powerful as the 8800GTX can't play a game smoothly where as an ATI branded card can? Is there any truth to this? Are Nvidia cards really not as smooth and fluent when playing games when compared to an ATI card? What makes an ATI card smoother if the case may be so?

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I had a similar problem with some games... When you put tones of eyecandy in a game at a specific resolution the game feels heavy and loaded with detail and you feel somekind of lag when you move in the game even if you have more than 30fps constant..Usually nvidia wasn't so good when activating eyecandy.They just aren't so eficient..The same thing is happening now with 2900xt vs 8800GTS..When you increase the resolution the 8800 can't keep up..This translates in higher value for the lowest fps in specific scene..I speak from my experience over time with gaming..

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Originally Posted by Losphoron

I had a similar problem with some games... When you put tones of eyecandy in a game at a specific resolution the game feels heavy and loaded with detail and you feel somekind of lag when you move in the game even if you have more than 30fps constant..Usually nvidia wasn't so good when activating eyecandy.They just aren't so eficient..The same thing is happening now with 2900xt vs 8800GTS..When you increase the resolution the 8800 can't keep up..This translates in higher value for the lowest fps in specific scene..I speak from my experience over time with gaming..

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The 8800GTS beats out the HD 2900xt in gaming, even at high rez. Unless you're talking about the 320mb, which wasn't intended for high-rez in the first place. :confused:

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Originally Posted by trans am

Wow! good thread guys. I'm glad to see some familiar xs members test these cards. Thats awesome that the mcw50 and 60 will fit because I still have one from my old 9800 pro. Does the HD2900XT feel any smoother in games than the 8800?
I feel like ati always has a "smoother" feel in games or is that just my imagination? Anyway I thank you guys for testing the cards but I still don't see a reason to get one if you already have a high clocking 8800gts.

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There's no reason to get a HD 2900xt if you own a 8800GTS currently, as for right now the 8800gts wins in gaming anyway. I'd sit on what you have, and perhaps the refresh(R650) or the G92(4th Q this year) will give you a solid reason to upgrade.

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Originally Posted by DilTech

The 8800GTS beats out the HD 2900xt in gaming, even at high rez. Unless you're talking about the 320mb, which wasn't intended for high-rez in the first place. :confused:

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Actually no.

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Originally Posted by LowRun

Actually no.

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Reviews tell me otherwise? :confused:

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Originally Posted by DilTech

Reviews tell me otherwise? :confused:

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And most reviews you have to take with a grain of salt.

I do agree though from my personal experience at least seeing nVidia cards in systems, the ATI seems to have a smoother feel to it. While sure the FPS might be lower but its lows and highs aren't as bad.

The 2900XT can take on the 8800GTS in games very nicely. You can't go by all reviews because everyone seems to use different drivers and they are all over the board with them. OC's on cards, references clocks, etc.

Again, reviews tell a different tale.

Of course, things may all change when the new driver finally releases. That's why I said in my earlier post currently. Because in all honestly, currently the 8800gts can't be touched by the HD 2900xt.

Sry Diltech, but my own testing show far differnt numbers than alot of reviews have. In fact, I find most reviews to be completely erroneous except for clockspeeds.

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Originally Posted by cadaveca

Sry Diltech, but my own testing show far differnt numbers than alot of reviews have. In fact, I find most reviews to be completely erroneous except for clockspeeds.

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Odd...

http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...0&postcount=22

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Originally Posted by Nicepun

Application Controlled but I activate adaptive AA. Well I will stop testing games because as of right now, the HD2900XT cannot touch the 8800GTS 640MB. Did the Lost Coast test and needless to say the 8800GTS 640MB did like 45fps over. In the meantime I've moved the HD2900XT to watercooled.

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He has both cards, and has quit even trying games on the HD 2900XT due to it getting stomped by his 8800GTS. His results with the games he tested were said to say the least.

Again, this just adds to the reason I say currently the hd 2900xt can't compare to the 8800gts.

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Originally Posted by albertwesker

it is not necessary to cool the mem, but the ic's have to be cooled, so i cool those things with the stock cooler (without the copper block for the GPU, which i replaced with the mc60).

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albert can you post some pics plz ??

i bought one MC60 today and i like to see how you use the stokcooler + MC60


regards

Problem lies in nVidia card being there first, and not a fresh install of Windows, such as I have. This leads to a totally different sytem environment, which, in my case, leads to better numbers.

You'll also notice that some of the benches I have posted are a fair bit higher than others have been able to get at the same clockspeeds...

I chaulk it up to reviewers using drivers that the public currently does not have access too, or using incomplete drivers, as I hsve similar performance using CAT7.4, but the update offered on ATI's website leads to far different numbers than what review websites have.

And of course you can't currently compare...you don't have the cards. I do tho, and it paints are far differnt picture.


Anyway, I will add this, which you will like...most reviews did not mention 2d crashes, 2d rendering errors, and numerous other niggles that I have been dealing with since getting my cards. These problems are evident on all of the 6 cards I have currently, and this points quite obviously to driver issues.

I mean really, Diltech...498gflops in r600, 347gflops in G80...it's IMPOSSIBLE for G80 to be faster unless there are driver issues.

Let me grab some popcorn because DilTech can argue forever....LOL

lol i know..he and I have "gone at it" numerous times.:lol2:

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Originally Posted by deathman20

And most reviews you have to take with a grain of salt.

I do agree though from my personal experience at least seeing nVidia cards in systems, the ATI seems to have a smoother feel to it. While sure the FPS might be lower but its lows and highs aren't as bad.

The 2900XT can take on the 8800GTS in games very nicely. You can't go by all reviews because everyone seems to use different drivers and they are all over the board with them. OC's on cards, references clocks, etc.

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Oh for the love of God almighty himself why does it never end! What I am being long about is the decision which is impossible for me to make in regards to getting the 2900XT or the GTX. I have had this constant battle in my mind for weeks over this and I just can't come to a decision. I had my mind all set on the 8800GTX due to its massive performance and supposedly better IQ but then I come across statements like above and it puts me into a panic to spend the money on the card just in case. I would hate to spend the money on the GTX and have choppy, erratic, non smooth gameplay especially since I have been nothing but a pro ATI guy since the 9800 pro. This really is killing me. If the GTX being as powerful as it is isn't at least as smooth as my current X1900XTX I would just cry with buyers remorse. Someone kill me.

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Originally Posted by DilTech

Odd...

http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...0&postcount=22



He has both cards, and has quit even trying games on the HD 2900XT due to it getting stomped by his 8800GTS. His results with the games he tested were said to say the least.

Again, this just adds to the reason I say currently the hd 2900xt can't compare to the 8800gts.

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Well thats one test. HL2 has issues with FPS currently especially depending what is enabled. Fog issues some AA issues its a hit on performance thats for sure and thats what hes seeing because I notice it. Did he even try other games?

This is my results so far what I've tested sorry about speradic tests. One thing is for sure though which I didn't test all the way is CPU speed is a factor and from 3.0Ghz to 3.6Ghz there are very nice increases in games. I didn't record the results since thats going to take even more time and I just want to spend that amount. If anything people can look at the setup that I did and its will get better with higher CPU speeds. As well also keep in mind this is VISTA. Results will differ from XP tests in some cases.
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=511746

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Originally Posted by mascaras

albert can you post some pics plz ??

i bought one MC60 today and i like to see how you use the stokcooler + MC60


regards

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Thats easy... Attach the MC60 and just remove the plastic cover and the heatsink. You must have a fan blowing on the card though otherwise it will get extremely warm. If you want you can even remove the fan off the heatsink. Theres 3 screws if not mistaken holding that in.

Even this solution cools it better than the stock while only thing your doing is blowing a fan over the plates.

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Originally Posted by cadaveca

Problem lies in nVidia card being there first, and not a fresh install of Windows, such as I have. This leads to a totally different sytem environment, which, in my case, leads to better numbers.

You'll also notice that some of the benches I have posted are a fair bit higher than others have been able to get at the same clockspeeds...

I chaulk it up to reviewers using drivers that the public currently does not have access too, or using incomplete drivers, as I hsve similar performance using CAT7.4, but the update offered on ATI's website leads to far different numbers than what review websites have.

And of course you can't currently compare...you don't have the cards. I do tho, and it paints are far differnt picture.


Anyway, I will add this, which you will like...most reviews did not mention 2d crashes, 2d rendering errors, and numerous other niggles that I have been dealing with since getting my cards. These problems are evident on all of the 6 cards I have currently, and this points quite obviously to driver issues.

I mean really, Diltech...498gflops in r600, 347gflops in G80...it's IMPOSSIBLE for G80 to be faster unless there are driver issues.

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Since when has GFlops always meant real-world performance, just out of curiousity? It's very possible for a card much faster in GFlops to be slower, so I have no idea where this "it's impossible" comes from, because that's far from the case.....

Going by your logic, the R580 would be faster than the G80. That isn't the case in reality though, now is it? ;)

Also, you make it out that I want this card to suck, and that's not the case. Infact, I want the competition between NVidia and Daamit to be steeper, so as to call for bigger price cuts, which is better for all consumers. As it stands currently though, the competition just isn't there. :( :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by cantankerous

Oh for the love of God almighty himself why does it never end! What I am being long about is the decision which is impossible for me to make in regards to getting the 2900XT or the GTX. I have had this constant battle in my mind for weeks over this and I just can't come to a decision. I had my mind all set on the 8800GTX due to its massive performance and supposedly better IQ but then I come across statements like above and it puts me into a panic to spend the money on the card just in case. I would hate to spend the money on the GTX and have choppy, erratic, non smooth gameplay especially since I have been nothing but a pro ATI guy since the 9800 pro. This really is killing me. If the GTX being as powerful as it is isn't at least as smooth as my current X1900XTX I would just cry with buyers remorse. Someone kill me.

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I hate to say it, but even after buyingthese cards, I am unsure myself whther this purchase was the right one or not.

I want to support the underdog, namely AMD. they need the help ATM...and the industry needs competition. The 2900XT is attractively priced, but I have a hard time saying it's a good buy.

I also jsutified my purchase due ot the "valve coupons" inside, as I would have bought the games irregardless, and now i don't have to.

So, keep your money in your pocket for a couple more weeks yet.

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Originally Posted by cantankerous

Oh for the love of God almighty himself why does it never end! What I am being long about is the decision which is impossible for me to make in regards to getting the 2900XT or the GTX. I have had this constant battle in my mind for weeks over this and I just can't come to a decision. I had my mind all set on the 8800GTX due to its massive performance and supposedly better IQ but then I come across statements like above and it puts me into a panic to spend the money on the card just in case. I would hate to spend the money on the GTX and have choppy, erratic, non smooth gameplay especially since I have been nothing but a pro ATI guy since the 9800 pro. This really is killing me. If the GTX being as powerful as it is isn't at least as smooth as my current X1900XTX I would just cry with buyers remorse. Someone kill me.

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Being a 8800GTX owner I can tell you right now gaming is smooth as can be on it, and that's with a "lowly" 939 X2 3800+.

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Originally Posted by DilTech

Since when has GFlops always meant real-world performance, just out of curiousity?

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DX10, my man. "STREAM" processing...many different applications.

Now, in r580 vs g80, there is specific functionality missing that prevents a decent comparison, but there are palces where the r580 outshines the g80...and it's definately not in gaming...

But there's the rub. if you have truly homohgeneous code, even then the compare is not accurate...

But the fact of the matter is that once workloads designed for these gpus are put on these gpus, perspectives may change. It's far to early to make any assesment as to who is truly faster...right now nV is...but not becuase thier HARDWARE is faster..it's better drivers.

I'll tell ya right now that those reviews aren't using release drivers for the G80. Those drivers sucked as bad...no...worse..than ATI's current "rel;ease" drivers. If they DID use those release drivers, the performance numbers would be very different.

PLease read my last post, and notice I hazard against a purchase in either direction...I'm not playing favorites, merely stating facts.


Btw...perfect example of r580 beating g80...Folding @ home.:ROTF: That's reality, man.

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Originally Posted by DilTech

Since when has GFlops always meant real-world performance, just out of curiousity? It's very possible for a card much faster in GFlops to be slower, so I have no idea where this "it's impossible" comes from, because that's far from the case.....

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And there in lies the real issue. The fact is the R600 is supposed to be faster and on paper it is. The drivers are the issue, but more so the design of the card itself is also playing a significant role in this.

The deal with the G80 is that the way it uses its shaders causes all of its 96 / 128 shaders units to be active at all times. The R600 since it is super-scaler allows it to multi-task on its shading units which is both good and bad. The good news is that its alot more flexible and faster... the *BAD* news is that it is damn impossible to keep all shading units active at all times efficientally.

The drivers play a critical role in this and since as we all know ATi cant program drivers for :banana::banana::banana::banana:, they will most likely never reach peak Gflops. If and I do mean IF it does, then yes it would be alot faster. Will it? No

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Originally Posted by DilTech

Being a 8800GTX owner I can tell you right now gaming is smooth as can be on it, and that's with a "lowly" 939 X2 3800+.

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Ive been in the nVidia camp for quite some time only buying 2 ATi cards ever, and I personally feel that nVidia cards are far smoother than ATi. In addition to that I find ATi's coloring methods make the picture too washed out and grey for my tastes.

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Originally Posted by cadaveca

I hate to say it, but even after buyingthese cards, I am unsure myself whther this purchase was the right one or not.

I want to support the underdog, namely AMD. they need the help ATM...and the industry needs competition. The 2900XT is attractively priced, but I have a hard time saying it's a good buy.

I also jsutified my purchase due ot the "valve coupons" inside, as I would have bought the games irregardless, and now i don't have to.

So, keep your money in your pocket for a couple more weeks yet.

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I do greatly appreciate your honesty cadaveca. I am sorry to hear you are unhappy with your 2900XT purchase. That is the exact feeling I hate to have especially when dropping money I don't necessarily have. Any card I do get is dipping into my car fund which I am saving for for this fall. The choice has to be the right one for me to be happy about it and not regret saving that money instead of spending it.

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Originally Posted by DilTech

Being a 8800GTX owner I can tell you right now gaming is smooth as can be on it, and that's with a "lowly" 939 X2 3800+.

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DilTech, have you always been an Nvidia guy, ATI guy or both? I find people make the comment about the smoothness when it comes to being pro ATI and being used to the way ATI cards run, then all of a sudden jumping to the other side where things 'just don't quite feel right' you know?

How long have you had your 8800GTX? What is it clocked at and what is your 3800+ clocked at? You are saying it is greased lightning smooth and never hitches, pauses, stutters, lags or feels not as consistent in fps as an ATI card?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cadaveca

DX10, my man. "STREAM" processing...many different applications.

Now, in r580 vs g80, there is specific functionality missing that prevents a decent comparison, but there are palces where the r580 outshines the g80...and it's definately not in gaming...

But there's the rub. if you have truly homohgeneous code, even then the compare is not accurate...

But the fact of the matter is that once workloads designed for these gpus are put on these gpus, perspectives may change. It's far to early to make any assesment as to who is truly faster...right now nV is...but not becuase thier HARDWARE is faster..it's better drivers.

I'll tell ya right now that those reviews aren't using release drivers for the G80. Those drivers sucked as bad...no...worse..than ATI's current "rel;ease" drivers. If they DID use those release drivers, the performance numbers would be very different.

PLease read my last post, and notice I hazard against a purchase in either direction...I'm not playing favorites, merely stating facts.


Btw...perfect example of r580 beating g80...Folding @ home.:ROTF: That's reality, man.

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I know all about the release drivers for the 8800GTX.. I bought one at launch, and still had numbers higher than what the R600 showed, but the R600 wasn't slated against the GTX so that really doesn't count obviously. Seeing as how I didn't own a GTS I cannot speak upon it's performance at that junction. Also, why should reviewers go back in time just because ATi's drivers aren't currently up to snuff? You compare a product in it's current form to a product in it's current form. Not a new product now against the condition of it's competitor 7-8 months ago.

Also, I don't care about folding on my gpu, I don't care about side software on my gpu, I don't care which gpu can find a prime number fastest, and I certainly don't care about if my gpu can break down pi faster than the opposition...

All I care about is games, that's it, plain and simple. I don't buy a gaming video card to do other things with but play games, and I'm sure most people would agree with that statement. I wouldn't be surprised to see ati faster at GPGPU functions, but in the end that's not what people buy these cards for.

So, when it comes to video cards, frames per second with AA and AF maxed out is the only reality that matters to an overwhelming majority of card owners. Theres those who see things differently, and to them gpgpu makes a difference, but for the most part it's in game numbers that decide what graphics card they buy.

So yes, I'm still standing by my prior statement that it's very much possible for the G80 to be faster than the R600, even though the R600 can perform more GFlops. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cantankerous

DilTech, have you always been an Nvidia guy, ATI guy or both? I find people make the comment about the smoothness when it comes to being pro ATI and being used to the way ATI cards run, then all of a sudden jumping to the other side where things 'just don't quite feel right' you know?

How long have you had your 8800GTX? What is it clocked at and what is your 3800+ clocked at? You are saying it is greased lightning smooth and never hitches, pauses, stutters, lags or feels not as consistent in fps as an ATI card?

---

I buy whatever card is the best at the time I'm ready to purchase a card, plain and simple.

I've had both ATi and NVidia cards, infact my old 9800pro was one of my favorite videocards that I've ever owned. For it's time, that card never gave me any complaints, and it still lives today.

I've had my 8800GTX since around launch, it was about a week to a week and a half after launch because we were hit with a huge snow storm that delayed packages a few days, over a foot of snow plus a few inches of ice under it.

My x2 is currently only clocked at 2.5 ghz because I really haven't had a chance to test it at higher frequencies due to work(I'm working right now as I type this), but at these small frequencies I've had no problems playing any games I play maxed out. This includes 16xCSAA.

What I'd advise for you though is this... You have a x1900, you're fine until the new drivers for the R600 come out. Wait for that, and for well trusted review sites to put out numbers for these drivers. VR-Zone promised a re-run of their review when ATi release cat 8.38, so wait for those numbers.

Reason being, even though it's pretty obvious the HD 2900XT isn't meant to compete with the 8800GTX, you'll atleast be able to decide if it's worth the extra money for whatever the performance percentage difference is. ;)

I don't think there's anyone who will disagree with my logic in that advice, right guys? :D

if I remember correctly ATI crossfire specifically felt smoother than SLI did for me.

I think those with HD2900xt just bought them too fast. I bet next month they will be closer to $300.00 once more 3rd parties get them in retail channels. there is a thread in the deal section for a 8800gts 640mb for $309 MIR which is pretty sweet. I would've bought a 2nd one for sli but I gotta say I can't really say much for nvidia chipsets on intel. NF4 ultra was a different story but one things for sure, you can't beat the versatility of ATI Crossfire since it started using the bridge connectors.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DilTech

Reviews tell me otherwise? :confused:

---

Not all of them. See: http://www.hardware.fr/articles/671-...d-2900-xt.html for example

2900xt looks pretty bad on paper vs 8800 series especially in fillrate.It can give up with 8800gts and even beat GTX and ultra in some benchmarks with less things..In zixel/s rop's the results with AA are killing the card big time.This is a big bottleneck of the card :(..I see at GTX that 24 rop's give BIG boost..Without AA ultra have 50.000 and 2900xt have only 20.000..This is a big difference.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LowRun

Not all of them. See: http://www.hardware.fr/articles/671-...d-2900-xt.html for example

---

Once again, I find it odd that it's always the sites I've never heard of that show these numbers. The ones that everyone knows, like anandtech, hardocp, or even driver heaven(who's notoriously ati friendly might I add) tell a completely different tale. Driver heaven even went as far as to say they cannot recommend the card to anyone.

This falls into the reason I say wait for the big sites to cover the new driver release.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DilTech

Once again, I find it odd that it's always the sites I've never heard of that show these numbers. The ones that everyone knows, like anandtech, hardocp, or even driver heaven(who's notoriously ati friendly might I add) tell a completely different tale. Driver heaven even went as far as to say they cannot recommend the card to anyone.

This falls into the reason I say wait for the big sites to cover the new driver release.

---

Hardware.fr is a big site and their reviews have always been very professional, they went as far as to test things i've not seen tested anywhere else in this review, like Dynamic branching with a test they made that allow them to modify Dynamic branching's granularity. On the other hand i bought a Asus A8R-MVP after reading one of the most misleading mobo review ever and it was from Anandtech, two days with the mobo were more than enough to let the XS crew know that this board was far from what Anandtech said, so your big sites don't have much credibility in my eyes. What would the world look like if it was only made of things you've heard of.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LowRun

Hardware.fr is a big site and their reviews have always been very professional.

---

And they end up concluding that the XT is "légèrement" (slightly) ahead of the GTS/640, just as the bulk of the other reviews out there did.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Periander6

And they end up concluding that the XT is "légèrement" (slightly) ahead of the GTS/640, just as the bulk of the other reviews out there did.

---

The bulk of the other reviews showed it being beat by the 640 gts. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DilTech

The bulk of the other reviews showed it being being the 640 gts. ;)

---

Seems like some people disagree with that too ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LowRun

Seems like some people disagree with that too ;)

---

People will always disagree with things, it's human nature. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DilTech

The bulk of the other reviews showed it being beat the 640 gts. ;)

---

So otherwise if you take the ones that beat it and the ones that loose to it, its even then. As well thats release drivers. Things will improve and don't give me ATI's had time to make the drivers better. nVidia has had hundreds of thousands of people using there cards to help them better improve there drivers over the past few months.

EXACTLY
try comparing a 8800gts that was reviewed at the time of its release.

I bet if you compared the card almost a year later on the same test configuration with the exception of o/c tools and latest drivers you will see a big difference.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by trans am

EXACTLY
try comparing a 8800gts that was reviewed at the time of its release.

I bet if you compared the card almost a year later on the same test configuration with the exception of o/c tools and latest drivers you will see a big difference.

---

The thing is, we're no longer in november 2006, we're in may(almost june) of 2007. You don't compare how a product performed in the past, you compare it's current performance with the performance of it's competitor. :)

In all honestly, this is the first time I've ever seen people use this excuse so extensively. No one ever said that when a new product was doing better than it's competition, like the x1800xt or the x1900xt/xtx. Never heard anyone say "you should see the difference if you revert the 7800gtx back to it's release drivers".

You see, the state of a product at the time you're looking to buy it is what matters to you. Promises can be broken, and mistakes can be fixed(as long as they're not hardware mistakes). All the "well, compare it to the release drivers of the G80" won't change that in the slightest. Honestly, does anyone believe that AMD/ATi haven't been working on drivers right along side this card? Does anyone remember ATi saying they could've launched in march? That gave them months to have drivers ready, and they've had test cards for almost 6 months, not including however long they've had them internally.

So yes, while the drivers are immature, you cannot consistently use it as an exclusive excuse. This is why people are advising people on the fence about this card to wait to see what new drivers bring.

Finally, I thought this was well known, but a majority of the driver updates on the 8 series have been for stability. NVidia out-right stated this. Sure, a few titles here or there got boosts, stalker being the stand-out there, but it's mainly been stability.

When exactly was r600 *supposed* to be released? It almost seems like its been that long. :shrug: :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by trans am

When exactly was r600 *supposed* to be released? It almost seems like its been that long. :shrug: :)

---

It was suppose to be released in 1st quarter. Initial reports said january, then february, then march... Then it jumped to quarter 2 with claims that they could launch it then and there, but wanted to do a full lineup launch. ;)

around december with teh launch of vista

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eXceededgoku

around december with teh launch of vista

---

Ah, forgot about the initial Q4 2006 reports. So extend how long they've had to work on drivers. ;)

Man see here we go again. Its june and there is already talk about G92 releasing before Christmas. 1 terraflop? oh dude.

http://theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=39829

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by trans am

Man see here we go again. Its june and there is already talk about G92 releasing before Christmas. 1 terraflop? oh dude.

http://theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=39829

---

That's why I told you to just sit tight with what you have. Beyond3d has verified the inquirers claims, this isn't inq bs.

regardless of when it supposed to be released, it was released a week ago. everybody seems to expect ATI in this case to be the first company in history to release hardware with mature drivers. :rolleyes: this is why we have something called driver updates, heard of it? No company can possibly foresee every single problem across every possible hardware/software combination BEFORE launch, again, this is what driver updates are for. of course you already know this, but it seems like common sense took a back seat in this case.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gunit

regardless of when it supposed to be released, it was released a week ago. everybody seems to expect ATI in this case to be the first company in history to release hardware with mature drivers. :rolleyes: this is why we have something called driver updates, heard of it? No company can possibly foresee every single problem across every possible hardware/software combination BEFORE launch, again, this is what driver updates are for. of course you already know this, but it seems like common sense took a back seat in this case.

---

The reason "everybody" expected mature drivers was that that was one of the reasons AMD gave for the delays.


http://hardwarezone.com/articles/vie...0&id=2229&pg=2

Quote:

---

HWZ: With the merger, it is understandable that certain products have been realigned, but could we have an update on the R600 delays?

Henri Richard: The R600 will be out in the second quarter. The reason we decided to delay the launch was that we wanted to have a complete DX10-enabled solution top to bottom. A lot of people wrote that the reason it is delayed is because of a problem with the silicon, but there is no problem with the silicon. We are demonstrating it. We can ship it today. But if you think about it, looking at where the market is at, the volumes are going to be in the R610 and R630, so it makes sense for us to do a one time launch of the entire family of DX10 enabled products. That meant delaying the R600 for a few weeks, but frankly it doesn't make a difference in the life cycle of the product and talking with our customers and partners, they felt that it would make a bigger impact with one full launch. So we decided to do that.

Also increasingly in particular with Vista, as we've seen with the competition. It doesn't matter if you're shipping the silicon if the drivers are not stable. There is nothing more frustrating than having bought a new graphics card and having your system crash repeatedly because the drivers are not ready. Although we today, even by Microsoft standards, have the best and most stable drivers in the entire industry. The few weeks will give us even more time to continue improving the drivers. Again, the decision lies in the fact that we will have a top to bottom DX10 offering with drivers that will have a very very high level of stability and the only difference is a few weeks. So it seems to make a lot of sense to do it that way.

---

:bs:

Thar be thread pirates in these waters... Yar.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...t-Portrait.jpg


There are already a million threads on the internet argueing ATI-Nvidia .. Drivers at release date for the 8800 series etc.

Why clutter up the OP's thread?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Periander6

The reason "everybody" expected mature drivers was that that was one of the reasons AMD gave for the delays.


http://hardwarezone.com/articles/vie...0&id=2229&pg=2



:bs:

---

You completely missed my point. I can't say it anymore clearly. also, ATI driver stability, which is was the article above talks about, with the 2900 is nowhere near as bad as was the case when the G80 launched.

O.K., can we get back on topic?

hi guys,

Have you problems to run Aquamark?

At the end of the bench, I have a black screen without score. I need to kill them to return on the desktop.
Can you hepl me; please.

Bon dia Mascaras, so português também
bonita revista ;)

Go on the folder of Aquamark and delete the files Direcp.dll

Then it will work.


Edit just run it for verify i not give you a bad info::: it's work and fine... scored 207'889 ( 4.18ghz - 850/1000)

New colin mcrae dirty Demo


1680x1050 -- AA 4x -- Motion blur -- ( Normal settings Game)


http://aycu04.webshots.com/image/181...0152120_rs.jpg

http://aycu31.webshots.com/image/181...0266745_rs.jpg

http://aycu15.webshots.com/image/170...8951841_rs.jpg


http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3273/dirt4fb8.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3825/dirt5lm0.jpg

http://aycu32.webshots.com/image/175...6403039_rs.jpg

http://img489.imageshack.us/img489/5474/dirt7vf4.jpg

http://img489.imageshack.us/img489/7771/dirt8wf9.jpg

http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/183...4759741_rs.jpg

http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/166...0294812_rs.jpg

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/364/dirt11tc1.jpg

http://aycu04.webshots.com/image/163...7612869_rs.jpg

http://aycu18.webshots.com/image/165...4567659_rs.jpg

^^ lol a next gen graphics card should not be getting 30-40 fps in any game at any setting.... (admittedly its a demo)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eXceededgoku

^^ lol a next gen graphics card should not be getting 30-40 fps in any game at any setting.... (admittedly its a demo)

---

The game is apparently horribly optimized.

Given the effects, motion blur, etc and 4xAA, the framerate is okay for a demo. It's probably pretty close to final code. Crossfire doesn't work with this game yet either.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cadaveca

Given the effects, motion blur, etc and 4xAA, the framerate is okay for a demo. It's probably pretty close to final code. Crossfire doesn't work with this game yet either.

---

Correct me if I'm wrong, but he said he's running "normal" settings, not maximum. :confused:

Latest run:

E6600@3.870Ghz w/ HIS HD2900XT 890/1000

3DMark06 13,200

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/2...rk06zi9.th.png

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DilTech

Correct me if I'm wrong, but he said he's running "normal" settings, not maximum. :confused:

---

:shrug:

but I am using maximum, at pretty much the same framerate ;):D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cadaveca

:shrug:

but I am using maximum, at pretty much the same framerate ;):D

---

Wouldn't mind seeing some screen-shots, I won't have a chance to try the demo until later tonight. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eXceededgoku

^^ lol a next gen graphics card should not be getting 30-40 fps in any game at any setting.... (admittedly its a demo)

---

my friend have a 8800ULTRA with LCD 27" @ 1920x1200 and also have ~30/35 FPS


ASUS 8800ULTRA @ 1920x1200 @ MAX quality

http://aycu02.webshots.com/image/143...9736434_rs.jpg

http://aycu29.webshots.com/image/147...0399711_rs.jpg





the game its like that , but i think the framerate its OK using Quality // AA // AF // motion Blur //...........

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DilTech

Correct me if I'm wrong, but he said he's running "normal" settings, not maximum. :confused:

---

here >> http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=177

im using normal settings that game detect that is :


HD2900XT @ default
1680x1050
multisampling 4x
motion blur ON
other settings = MEDIUM



with other settings maxium


1680x1050 - MAX Game settings - multisampling 4x - motion blur On


http://aycu20.webshots.com/image/147...9068831_rs.jpg


http://aycu22.webshots.com/image/163...8595101_rs.jpg





1680x1050 - Medium game settings - multisampling 4x - motion blur On (New Cat 8.38 RC7)

http://aycu16.webshots.com/image/183...0032559_rs.jpg



regards

Did you try them not using RC7? Try RC2 if you haven't.

XP
http://rapidshare.com/files/32584355...vers.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/32590280...vers.part2.rar

Vista
http://rapidshare.com/files/32573004...7273_may14.exe

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by deathman20

Did you try them not using RC7? Try RC2 if you haven't.

XP
http://rapidshare.com/files/32584355...vers.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/32590280...vers.part2.rar

Vista
http://rapidshare.com/files/32573004...7273_may14.exe

---

RC2 are better than RC3 or RC7 ????

RC3 and RC7 are new







BTW: 8.38 RC7 in 2k6 its very good



X2900XT Default -- E6600 @ 3600mhz


http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/158...6651366_rs.jpg



validation >>> http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm06=2046685


regards

Here's a pic of my card with the Swiftech MCW60 and ramsinks right before I installed it in my rig:

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5...1679kp1.th.jpg

Can you guys recommend the best driver for gaming for 2900xt ? I want to control the fan speed any chance? i am thinking to buy two 25db 120mm case fans and put them on the card.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Losphoron

Can you guys recommend the best driver for gaming for 2900xt ? I want to control the fan speed any chance? i am thinking to buy two 25db 120mm case fans and put them on the card.

---

use the official 8.37 driver from AMD/ATi site , 8.38 Final is release next week (31 may)


control fan speed its not possible while a new version of Atitool or Atitraytools dont come out.

i Bought a waterblock swiftech MC60 + 12 Swiftech BGA ramsinks ,like Nicepun and Albert .


regards

Delete... wrong post

i dont know why but it seems as the r600 is indeed faster than my 8800gtx in 3dmark 06 i get 10k something running the card at stock and cpu at 3.6ghz. very impressed by this card from ati.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pillo-kun

i dont know why but it seems as the r600 is indeed faster than my 8800gtx in 3dmark 06 i get 10k something running the card at stock and cpu at 3.6ghz. very impressed by this card from ati.

---

The HD 2900XT is strong in 3dmark. It's in gaming performance that the GTX slaps the HD 2900XT around.

Don't let synthetics fool you. Something I thought we all would've learned by now, especially considering the 7 series beat out the x1x series in 3dmark06, but we all know what happened in games. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mascaras

use the official 8.37 driver from AMD/ATi site , 8.38 Final is release next week (31 may)


control fan speed its not possible while a new version of Atitool or Atitraytools dont come out.

i Bought a waterblock swiftech MC60 + 12 Swiftech BGA ramsinks ,like Nicepun and Albert .


regards

---

Thank you for response.That water block is pretty expensive than an air cooling.I want to pay about 20-25euros max for cooling and another thing is that waterblock is posible to not fit to next gen cards and you lose 60$..
So you say that 8.37.4.3 is good for games.I have that fog in Hl2.Is any workaround on this until a next driver is released?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Losphoron

Thank you for response.That water block is pretty expensive than an air cooling.I want to pay about 20-25euros max for cooling and another thing is that waterblock is posible to not fit to next gen cards and you lose 60$..
So you say that 8.37.4.3 is good for games.I have that fog in Hl2.Is any workaround on this until a next driver is released?

---

Thus far no ATi driver fixes the fog.

The problem is, it's not truly a driver issue, it's an application one. The same occurred with initial drivers for the 8800GTX/GTS. It's fixed now on NVidia cards thanks to a work-around in the driver, but the actual fault of the fog is the application itself. I'm sure ATi/AMD will likely fix it in a future driver itself, as valve has had since november and still never patched the source engine to fix the issue.

It's believed by most that the cause of it is the way the source engine interacts with unified shaders.

Had little fun with QX6700ES and HD2900XT and aircooling.
Here's best that i could do:

3D Mark 2003

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo QX6700ES @ 3428MHz / AC Freezer 7Pro
MOBO: Abit FP-IN9 SLI FATAL1TY
RAM: 2 x 512MB G.Skill DDR2 PC2-6400HZ @ Def
GFX: Club3D Radeon HD2900XT 750/1650 @ 850/2060 / Stock cooling

3DMark Score 41644
link: http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=5377472
http://img25.imagevenue.com/loc1169/...122_1169lo.JPG
Max Qual


3D Mark 2005

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo QX6700ES @ 3428MHz / AC Freezer 7Pro
MOBO: Abit FP-IN9 SLI FATAL1TY
RAM: 2 x 512MB G.Skill DDR2 PC2-6400HZ @ Def
GFX: Club3D Radeon HD2900XT 750/1650 @ 850/2060 / Stock cooling

3DMark Score 20992
orb: http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=3078595
http://img144.imagevenue.com/loc648/..._122_648lo.JPG


3D Mark 2006

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo QX6700ES @ 3428MHz / AC Freezer 7Pro
MOBO: Abit FP-IN9 SLI FATAL1TY
RAM: 2 x 512MB G.Skill DDR2 PC2-6400HZ @ Def
GFX: Club3D Radeon HD2900XT 750/1650 @ 850/2060 / Stock cooling

3D Mark score 13595

Sm2 = 5261
Sm3 = 5727
Cpu = 5094
http://img154.imagevenue.com/loc818/..._122_818lo.JPG

Special thanks to Voltc, Jaan and Evil :clap:
Damn how i hate that buggy Abit mobo, it just f*cks cpu oc
and gives random bluescreens:down:

Just to give you guys a head up, I recently got a 6 to 8 pin PCI-E Adapter from here and Overdrive is now available.

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/3...xtodkc3.th.png

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nicepun

Here's a pic of my card with the Swiftech MCW60 and ramsinks right before I installed it in my rig:

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5...1679kp1.th.jpg

---

I hope you know that some of your heatsinks are covering the wrong mosfets.:rolleyes:
Got my second card back and now running crossfire.
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2...3d01mb8.th.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8...3d03qh9.th.jpg
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3...3d05ql7.th.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9...3d06kz1.th.jpg
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/571/aqua3id9.th.jpg
All this was done with TT 750W psu and 8.38 RC7 drivers.
I apologize for thread crapping but i didn´t want to make another topic which is not actually that extreme.:) HINT: It will get extreme after new drivers and Atitool(got the pots from Piotres some time ago).:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Evil

I hope you know that some of your heatsinks are covering the wrong mosfets.:rolleyes:

---

I don't have smaller mosfet sinks right now.

Hei boys... ati is exited with the driver optimizes to you for the 3dmark, in the 05 and 06 are fastest, but in the games, with the activated filters are a lot slow of one gtx, stalker go to the half of the fps to the gtx. The driver are sour

For waterblock....an idea of alex_ta;)


Attachment 59850

nicepun, please apply some cooling for the FETs before you actually use the card. The inductors dont require heatsinks.