512MB HIS X1800XT PCI-E + AMD64 Opteron 170 Dual Core adventures

With ATI Catalyst 5.12 being released and optimised for dual core cpus, I decided to swap my 512MB HIS X1800XT PCI-E card over to my Opteron 170 dual core cpu rig :D

You can re-read the 512MB HIS X1800XT single core results with Opteron 146 at http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...ad.php?t=81585

http://fileshosts.com/videocards/HIS...1800XT_048.JPG

System

Opteron 170 CCBWE 0544XPMW cooled by Corsair Hydrocool 200EX
DFI NF4 UT SLI-DR R.AB0 11/14-3 bios
512MB HIS X1800XT with Cat 5.12 drivers
4x 80GB Hitachi 7K80 SATAII Raid 0 OS drive
1x 250GB Maxtor Maxline Plus II PATA
Pioneer DVD Burner
Floppy drive
650W Silverstone SLI PSU

WinXP Pro SP2
NF4 6.53WHQL chipset drivers

Using 2x 1GB OCZ PC4000EB Platinum 3-3-2-8 rated memory
@3-3-2-5 7-14-2223 at 2.64v vdimm

===================================
Overclocking X1800XT
I'm overclocking and changing voltages on X1800XT the same 5 step method i used on single core Opteron 146:

1. In service manage in windows disable ATI Smart and ATI Hotkey services and reboot pc. You loose temp reading in CCC but can use ATI Tool to view temps.
2. Use X1800 Oc'ing tool and set 3D desired clocks using the 2D panel
3. Use ATI Tool to only verify and view the 3D clocks are set correctly. So should be same as what you set in X1800 Oc'ing tool.
4. Whenever you set the mem clock, remember to set the GPU core clock again, or it will fall back to lower clocks and when you set the GPU core clocks again, remember to set the mem clock again, or the same will happen.
5. Setting voltages, OC'ing tool reports wrong voltages so DO NOT use OC'ing tool to set voltages, use ATI Tool to set voltages. Example, GPU voltage reported in ATI Tool is 1.275v will show in OC'ing tool as 1.3v. Set ATI Tool GPU volts to 1.3v will show OC'ing tool at 1.325v but the real voltage measured by DMM is closer to 1.3v as set in ATI Tool.

===================================
Benchmark results

Opteron 146 @ 10x200HTT = 2000mhz with Cat 5.11 drivers

vs

Opteron 170 @ 10x200HTT = 2000mhz with Cat 5.12 drivers

3dmark05
- Cat 5.12 on Opteron 146 resulted in 50pts less in 3dmark05 and 100pts less in 3dmark2003 at same clocks as Cat 5.11 drivers when tested.
- Opteron 146 tests used 2x 512MB Gskill PC4400LE TCCD 431 2-2-2-5 7-14-2222

@621/747 = 8,636 vs 8,911 (+275pts increase with Cat 5.12 /Dual core cpu)
@680(675)/800(792) = 8,986 vs 9,381 (+395pts increase with Cat 5.12 /Dual core cpu)
@710(708)/802(801) = 9,106 vs 9,572 (+466pts increase with Cat 5.12 /Dual core cpu)

3dmark2003
@621/747 = 16,368 vs 16,735 (+367pts increase with Cat 5.12 /Dual core cpu)
@708/801 = 17,698 vs 18,111 (+413pts increase with Cat 5.12 /Dual core cpu)

----------------------------------------------------------
Opteron 170 @10x260HTT = 2600mhz at 1.392v
2x 1GB OCZ PC4000EB Platinum @260mhz 3-3-2-5 7-14-2223

3dmark05
@621/747 = 9,284
@708/801 = 10,205
@756/900 = 10,965

3dmark2003
@621/747 = 17,847
@708/801 = 19,425
@749/900 = 20,535


----------------------------------------------------------
Opteron 170 @10x280HTT = 2800mhz at 1.552v
2x 1GB OCZ PC4000EB Platinum @254mhz 3-3-2-5 7-14-2223

3dmark05
@621/747 = 9,365
@708/801 = 10,310
@756/900 = 11,058


----------------------------------------------------------
Now compare that to these oc'd single core Opteron 146 cpu results
----------------------------------------------------------
Opteron 146 CAB2E 0540FPMW @10x280HTT = 2800mhz at stock vcore
2x 512MB Gskill PC4400LE @280mhz 2.5-3-3-6 7-14-2222

3dmark05
@621/747 = 9,235
@708/801 = 10,163
@742/891 = 10,795

3dmark2003
@621/747 = 17,707
@708/801 = 19,169


----------------------------------------------------------
Opteron 146 CAB2E 0540FPMW @10x300HTT = 3000mhz at 1.408V
2x 512MB Gskill PC4400LE @272mhz 2.5-3-3-6 7-14-2222

3dmark05
@621/747 = 9,287
@708/801 = 10,221
@749/882 = 10,869

3dmark2003
@621/747 = 17,945
@708/801 = 19,449
@735/882 = 20,328


----------------------------------------------------------
Opteron 146 CAB2E 0540FPMW @10x310HTT = 3100mhz at 1.536v
2x 512MB Gskill PC4400LE @282mhz 2.5-3-3-6 7-14-2222

3Dmark05
@621/747 = 9,321
@749/882 = 10,915

3dmark2003
@749/900 = 20,784


----------------------------------------------------------
Opteron 146 CAB2E 0540FPMW @10x313HTT = 3130mhz at 1.568v
2x 512MB Gskill PC4400LE @283mhz 2.5-3-3-5 7-14-2212

3dmark05
@756/900 = 11,049

3dmark2003
@756/900 = 20,860

----------------------------------------------------------

Well for 3dmark05 at least for max Opteron 146 /170 cpu clocks and @756/900 clocks for 512MB HIS X1800XT stock heatsink, the difference is ~9pts to the dual core Opteron 170 :lol:

3dmark05 compare urls

Opteron 170 @2800mhz = 11,058

vs

Opteron 146 @3130mhz = 11,049

http://www.fileshosts.com/DFI/NF4_SL...058vs11049.jpg


===================================

Nice results soo far... Got any gaming benches like FEAR or something to show the difference between the 2? Be intresting to see if its really affected gaming speeds at all because I think it did with mine but can't be 100% sure switching from the 5.11's to 5.12's and im not switching back hehe.

don't own FEAR, but probably see if i can whip up some gaming benchies after i get all the 3dmarks out of the way... :)

yeap as i suspected........i think we'll be seeing some new records from you from 2.8GHz DC benchmarks

that is very good sign to go for dual core:banana:
and this is olny beginning:slobber:

can't you feed ur 170 more volts? 1.50V and oc to 2.8ghz or so?

or is your prefab watercooling maxed out for temps?

he can bench at 2.8GHz 1.55v ;)

Quote:

---

===================================
Overclocking X1800XT
I'm overclocking and changing voltages on X1800XT the same 5 step method i used on single core Opteron 146:

In service manage in windows disable ATI Smart and ATI Hotkey services and reboot pc. You loose temp reading in CCC but can use ATI Tool to view temps.
Use X1800 Oc'ing tool and set 3D desired clocks using the 2D panel
Use ATI Tool to only verify and view the 3D clocks are set correctly. So should be same as what you set in X1800 Oc'ing tool.
Whenever you set the mem clock, remember to set the GPU core clock again, or it will fall back to lower clocks and when you set the GPU core clocks again, remember to set the mem clock again, or the same will happen.
Setting voltages, OC'ing tool reports wrong voltages so DO NOT use OC'ing tool to set voltages, use ATI Tool to set voltages. Example, GPU voltage reported in ATI Tool is 1.275v will show in OC'ing tool as 1.3v. Set ATI Tool GPU volts to 1.3v will show OC'ing tool at 1.325v but the real voltage measured by DMM is closer to 1.3v as set in ATI Tool.

---

Nice Mini-Guide :)

Perkam

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Unoid

can't you feed ur 170 more volts? 1.50V and oc to 2.8ghz or so?

or is your prefab watercooling maxed out for temps?

---

Yeah i can do 2800mhz at 1.55v benchable for Opteron 170 hence why i said more to come soon ;)

Say Eva, what bios is that you are running on your DFI? 11/14-3? I have heard of no such bios and now feel really behind. I am still running 704-2BTA and thought that was the latest.

Where can I get the latest and do you know what changes the 11/14 bios contains over previous bioses? Thanks.

BTW, nice little thread. I can't wait to ditch my winnie and get an Opteron 175 in the new year.

Updated thread with some 3dmark2003 results too.. more to come :D

canta, 1114-3 is on dfi official web site for NF4 UT SLI-DR product page it adds FX-60 dual core support i believe NF4 Ultra-D has 1114-1 or -2 listed some folks say it's same bios but to be safe i'd grab the 1114 one from the specific NF4 Ultra-D product page on dfi web site :)

LOL updated with more results in first post, final max 3dmark05 was +9pts to dual core Opteron 170 hehe.. not much difference heh

http://www.fileshosts.com/DFI/NF4_SL...058vs11049.jpg

That last bench doesn't make alot of sense seeing your previous scores, also you we're running 1Gb on the 146 ;)

not really look at opteron 170 @2.8ghz 621/747 vs opteron 146 @3.1ghz 621/747 was 9365 vs 9321 :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eva2000

LOL updated with more results in first post, final max 3dmark05 was +9pts to dual core Opteron 170 hehe.. not much difference heh

---

Those results are using two different drivers, different amounts of ram, and different CPU speeds....:confused:

Click on edit, on the bottom right corner of your post ninja wreck, from there you can delete your dawble post :)

Let's see some 3.1ghz 170 action to really get this comparo interesting :D

Perkam

Hey eva2000 lend me your Opteron for a few days:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NinjaWreck

Those results are using two different drivers, different amounts of ram, and different CPU speeds....:confused:

---

that's the point with cat 5.11 on both dual core cpu looses out... with cat 5.12 drivers on both single core looses out... ram amount doesn't make much difference it's all about optimal clocks, drivers and settings for both rigs to see how they compare

you wouldn't compare X1800XT vs 7800GTX at the same clocks too would ya :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ugp

Hey eva2000 lend me your Opteron for a few days:D

---

hehe... :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eva2000

that's the point with cat 5.11 on both dual core cpu looses out... with cat 5.12 drivers on both single core looses out... ram amount doesn't make much difference it's all about optimal clocks, drivers and settings for both rigs to see how they compare

you wouldn't compare X1800XT vs 7800GTX at the same clocks too would ya :D



hehe... :D

---

most definite but if your comparing the drivers you need to keep everything else the same...

Good point as the average bencher will just run the latest CATS, but 50 points could be the difference from one run to the next and OCs will vary.

Excellent, thorough testing, eva!

Any 01 benches? Dualcore should give u a nice boost, with the 5.12! :)

Great results! :toast:

didn't do much 3d2k1 on single core rig so didn't have much data to compare against heh - only can try for max 3d2k1 score on dual core to see how it comes up against my current max for single core which is 40,094 http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=8811044

it will give u the same score as the singel i think on 2.9ghz , i went from 32.6k to 35.5k withe drivers , withe les gfx power :D

I'm really intrested in a 01 run, with ur currently rig. I read something about a plus of around 4000 with dualcore and 01. :)

well here's the best of a few runs i just did

146 @3130mhz ram at 283mhz 2.5-3-3-6 = 40,094
http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=8811044

vs

170 @2800mhz ram at 254mhz 3-3-2-5 = 39,648
http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=8822530

512 HIS X1800XT @756/900

http://www.fileshosts.com/DFI/NF4_SL...48_compare.jpg

Really close! With 3100Mhz on the X2, it would be a nice score! :slobber:

If I was to get an Opteron which would be the best to get and would my OCZ Plat Rev. 2 be good for overclocking with it? Or would I be better off with some G. Skill?

From what I am seeing the Opterons clock very well but as for using them on Air-Cooling how do they do?

Thanks.

I have my eye on the 175 dual core personally. For single core many are getting the 146 or the 148 and getting great results, 2.9GHZ+.

ugp, i've had 2x opteron 144, 3x opteorn 146 and on average of the 5 cpus it was 3055mhz at 1.57v best being this 146 cab2e @3150mhz max 32m

i have a 148 cabye 0543fpmw untested yet but from what i've seen they been hitting 3ghz as well on air heh (got it as spare for when i go phase change to check out if any of my cpus have a cold bug)

170 opteron is my first and max stable is 2700-2750mhz and 2800mhz gaming/benchmarkable

so depends on what your ram can do - i'd say for most TCCD 280-285mhz 2.5-3-3-6 decent would be best to get opteron 148 or opteron 175 for 11x cpu multipler

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eva2000

ugp, i've had 2x opteron 144, 3x opteorn 146 and on average of the 5 cpus it was 3055mhz at 1.57v best being this 146 cab2e @3150mhz max 32m

i have a 148 cabye 0543fpmw untested yet but from what i've seen they been hitting 3ghz as well on air heh (got it as spare for when i go phase change to check out if any of my cpus have a cold bug)

170 opteron is my first and max stable is 2700-2750mhz and 2800mhz gaming/benchmarkable

so depends on what your ram can do - i'd say for most TCCD 280-285mhz 2.5-3-3-6 decent would be best to get opteron 148 or opteron 175 for 11x cpu multipler

---

Well I know my memory will do atleast 250 @ 2.5-3-3-6 just fine. I want a CPU that will give me power and high clocks on air completely stable for 24/7 use as well as for benching.

Know anyone selling a Opteron right now by chance?

yeah if you don't want to mess with dividers than opteron 148 or 175 would be the choice, maybe check forsale forum here ?

Yeah I have and didn't see anything worth while atleast. I thought about maybe getting this here...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103596
$249.00

What really does the dual core help when just running a bench or game?

Whats a good HSF Cooler? Right now I am using a Zalman 7700-Cu...can I really get much better than that?

EDIT:

Actually found one cheaper here at ZZF

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...ctCode=80102-R

$238.00 Free 2nd Day Shipping.

dual core mainly helps with multi-tasking - seems from most benchmarks at least it helps on the cpu power end especially in SLI or CF 2 card configs.

Just have to be painfully aware that dual core cpus right now have a large variance in overclocks you could get a opteron 165 than does 2.4 or 2.88ghz or a opteron 170 than does 2.55 or 2.75ghz or an opteron 180 that only hits 2.5ghz or 2.8ghz stable

or a chance that one core is poorer overclocker than other i.e. my opteron 170 core1 can do 2830mhz at 1.504v while core0 can only do 2730mhz at 1.504v prime stable - core0 is one that runs operating system.

better cooling would help some but thought you should be aware of these potential issues

while single core opteron 146/148 seem to all have clocked up to 3.0-3.1ghz consistently for me

As to cooling go water for best clocks :D

Here's my puny Corsair Hydrocool 200EX 1/4" tubed unit cooling my Opteron 170

Pic there was with 2x BFG 7800GTX SLI in heh

http://www.fileshosts.com/watercooli...rocool_003.jpg

Waterblock
http://www.fileshosts.com/watercooli...rocool_006.jpg

Thanks man. I shall think about it and after Christmas I might just get myself a new Opteron. I will probably go with a single core CPU to start with. Because I am not going to a CF board anytime soon and I know I will not be getting another x1800XT anytime soon for that matter. I like overclocking on Air-Cooling though. It is alittle more fun this way.

Will say UGP, your 3700+ is not bad for OC, specially if the revision you have permit you do it on Air, then it's a question of cooling.. on water the 3700+ do easy the 3Ghz, the 3.1Ghz is a question more of type of DDR you use.
Mine like be at more of 340x9, but don't want be stable at 276x11... But many peoples have use easy the x11 multi. for get more 3Ghz.. It was a luck i was using 4800Plat. for push it at more of 680mhz. ( for all day, having the FSB at only 334 is not bad, the HT is just around the 1000 (x3))

I have see download the ATI Tool beta 10, but really i can't use it or the OCtools for OC the X1800XT, i have directly some artefact ( begin directly after have set the clocks (like if the heat is too much high or voltage too low) or crash during the 3Dmark 05, strange thing it's at same speed the Overdrive let me OC wihout problem.. is a tip i have not understand.
Plz be nice with my english.. i speak french. I will try install my 1-A cooling waterblock with some heatsink for the DDR monday, just see what it can do the time i find a better waterblock. But it will be enough for the DDR of the XT?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lane-k

Will say UGP, your 3700+ is not bad for OC, specially if the revision you have permit you do it on Air, then it's a question of cooling.. on water the 3700+ do easy the 3Ghz, the 3.1Ghz is a question more of type of DDR you use.
Mine like be at more of 340x9, but don't want be stable at 276x11... But many peoples have use easy the x11 multi. for get more 3Ghz.. It was a luck i was using 4800Plat. for push it at more of 680mhz. ( for all day, having the FSB at only 334 is not bad, the HT is just around the 1000 (x3))

I have see download the ATI Tool beta 10, but really i can't use it or the OCtools for OC the X1800XT, i have directly some artefact ( begin directly after have set the clocks (like if the heat is too much high or voltage too low) or crash during the 3Dmark 05, strange thing it's at same speed the Overdrive let me OC wihout problem.. is a tip i have not understand.
Plz be nice with my english.. i speak french. I will try install my 1-A cooling waterblock with some heatsink for the DDR monday, just see what it can do the time i find a better waterblock. But it will be enough for the DDR of the XT?

---

Well right now I am trying to find some stable overclocks with my SD and I can't seem to. So far I think I got 250x10.0 right now. Not sure how much more the memory has left in it. I shall try more FSB on my Rev. 2 tonight and tomorrow and see what kind of results I get.

EDIT:

Here you go..for 2.5GHz and my x1800XT at 690/800 I got 32,299
http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=8823488

Try see if you can clock higher the DDR, this will give you a idea at how many max can be set your FSB for CPU... Note, actually i run at 2.9-3.03Ghz with Corsair 3200C2, my OCZ 4800 are in RMA, i can set them only at 480-490Mhz max.. so i have need use a divider, the good thing this Corsair are really easy to set with a divider on this DFI and keep 2.5 (it's surpise me). So i need boost the FSB again a lot for use the x9 multi and use a really low FSB start for obtain a speed of DDR around the 480-490Mhz. It's not the best OC i can have with this CPU and using divider can sometimes give problem. But when it's impossible to increase the DDR speed, it's the only way for have a good CPU speed.
at 680/90 ( a little bit under if i remember i m just under 10K for 3Dmark 05 ( some point.. But at this time it's for OC more using an other software giveme trouble. It s made now a long time i have send the OCZ, but it's really long from Switzerland to US... One week more without good news, i will go again for a paar of OCZ PC4800 EE Platinum. Like this when all is in Water i up my score at minimum at 11K... or my ATI have a problem..lol. I will try approach the 12K.

reading your sig, i have see you use 4x sticks of 512Mo.. i see it will be pehraps more hard to set higher speed for the DDR

Yeah for right now I have switched to just one single pair. 250FSB @ 2.5-3-3-6 I can do with 2 DIMMs or 4DIMMs. I just want the 1T timing right now for the bandwidth. So far my testing has shown it doesn't make a difference with benchmarking at all. I gained about 20 points in 3DMark05 and that is it.

Here are some pics of my PC Setup at the moment...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y19...icture-001.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y19...icture-003.jpg

that Zalman cpu heatsink looking a bit dusty there - vacuum cleaner time :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eva2000

that Zalman cpu heatsink looking a bit dusty there - vacuum cleaner time :D

---

Yeah I know...I haven't gotten around to it...It hasn't affected my temps as of yet...

Also I have gotten 2.5GHz stable at a lower voltage than I was trying a few weeks ago...doesn't make since...before it wouldn't stablize at 1.6 volts and not I am doing it with only 1.5 volts...is this normal?

Ok got Memory at 300FSB now:D

This is what I scored with CPU @ 300x9.0 and 690/800

34,184. This is a new high for me. I know I got alot more left in me but heat is an issue right now in my room.
http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=8823574

Also almost broke 10K with x1800XT at 690/800

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y19...9906-300x9.jpg

Nice,... I remember a old time i was using the same Zalman, it's the copper + alu version, no? It was a good cooler just this problem it need be clean offtly.

I have try the X1k Overclock tool.. same thing i don't know if i will don' t wait approach the score of EVA, when i will use water... It's strange something like artefact appears when i will set the 2D clock with it, but i don' t know if the 3d clock work better.. then it's a withe or black screen when end the fist test ( and see the desktop one sec. normally) :confused:
I hope i m not fall on a bad Overclocker. Have you modify the voltage in your card Eva200? or absolutely not.. it's strange i can work with the same tool you have use. Can i ask you the revision of your card?

ugp ah progress :)

Lane-k, see first post in my other HIS X1800XT thread, past 680-695mhz GPU, GPU volts are increased which helps with mem clocks as well

also see my screenies in this thread click the score links and see voltages used in X1800 Oc'ing tool (which display 0.25v above what is set in ATI Tool)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eva2000

that Zalman cpu heatsink looking a bit dusty there - vacuum cleaner time :D

---

eva2000 remember my reservations about those style of heatsinks in one of the threads over at i4memory.com ...............well that's exactly the problem right there ;)

actually they're easier to clean but get dustier faster :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eva2000

actually they're easier to clean but get dustier faster :)

---

nah they aren't that easy to get COMPLETELY clean....at least not 7000 series heatsink that my mate has....real pain in the ass and definately not for someone that is not prepared to give it a dustoff every couple of months

@Lane-K: Mine is all copper.

And yes eva2000 I am progessing now. I wonder if my memory has anymore left in it.

Oh well haven't used a cpu heatsink in over 1.5yrs now for most of my rigs LOL

@eva2000 Flash your card man. It works on mine. Voltage readout in ATITool is the same still as well.

A very thorough analysis, once again great job eva!

thanks Crash :)

ugp busy with testing new Opteron 170 i got yesterday so will be a while :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eva2000

thanks Crash :)

ugp busy with testing new Opteron 170 i got yesterday so will be a while :D

---

Awww, you suck! I want my Opty soon! I can't wait to play with mine. Finally got some FSB out of my OCZ Plat Rev. 2

I hit 300FSB @ 3-4-3-8

wow PC3200 Rev2 @300mhz is excellent :)

New Opteron 170 adventures http://i4memory.com/showthread.php?t=1931 :D

Will get back to X1800XT as soon as i'm done :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eva2000

wow PC3200 Rev2 @300mhz is excellent :)

New Opteron 170 adventures http://i4memory.com/showthread.php?t=1931 :D

Will get back to X1800XT as soon as i'm done :)

---

Yeah and it was 100% completely stable. I actually had to change it to 3-4-4-8. But with alittle more tweaking I think I can get alittle more out of it. I have two sets of it sitting here so I can test both and I think I will sell the other.

ATI's product delays the truth http://theinquirer.net/?article=28287

now we know why ATI's products are being pushed back time and time again - the employees too busy playing with the products! :lol: j/k of course :)

Lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eva2000

ATI's product delays the truth http://theinquirer.net/?article=28287

now we know why ATI's products are being pushed back time and time again - the employees too busy playing with the products! :lol: j/k of course :)

---

hahahahah cant blame them....
employee:"sorry boss i was testing for compatibility"
boss:"but you are a janitor"
employee:"i am very proactive:)"