HD 2900 Series Overclocking and Feedback thread

[mandelore]

R630 Core. :)

r630 is still r600 series? r6xx?

[HellasVagabond]

Just saw this review....
http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/431/1/
The X2900XT cant even beat the 8800GTS 320 BFG OC edition...I wonder how it would stuck against the XFX XXX Edition which is even faster......

[MarcusTaz]

Just saw this review....
http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/431/1/
The X2900XT cant even beat the 8800GTS 320 BFG OC edition...I wonder how it would stuck against the XFX XXX Edition which is even faster......

Dude please already with the my NVIDIA card is better then 2900 ....


"Performance wise at 350 EUR this Radeon HD 2900 XT offers an incredible amount of bang for your bucks, heaps of functionality and extremely good image quality. For whatever reason, what caught my attention is whenever a game makes a lot use of pixel shaders the overall performance starts to rise massively. And considering the future of games, that's a very good thing."

[largon]

A bit of interesting news I just read on Fudzilla:

R650 / 670 is no go
Written by Fuad Abazovic
Thursday, 07 June 2007


Computex 07: There is no 65 nm R600
We learned a disturbing bit of news and that is that all the informations including the “leaks within AMD” about the 65 nanometre were false.
AMD wants to find some high profile mole(s) and deliberatly planted these two codenams and a chip specification. Fudzilla has seen these documents and can confirm that there were at least a few mentions of R650 or R670, but I have to dissapoint you all, as it is not real.
R600 is the best you will see from ATI until Christmas and you will have to find your peace with it.

However RV670 exists.Option #1: Dave Orton (former ATi CEO, now exec. VP of AMD) is their mole:
He said something like this in a press conference (http://blip.tv/file/get/Bleedingedge-BleedingEdgeTV159AMDPressConferenceQA849.mp4):
the next generation of R600, whether we call it R650 or whatever - the mid-life-kicker [of R600]

OR

Option #2: Fudzilla is making this up.

Somehow I find #2 more plausible...

[HellasVagabond]

Dude please already with the my NVIDIA card is better then 2900 ....


"Performance wise at 350 EUR this Radeon HD 2900 XT offers an incredible amount of bang for your bucks, heaps of functionality and extremely good image quality. For whatever reason, what caught my attention is whenever a game makes a lot use of pixel shaders the overall performance starts to rise massively. And considering the future of games, that's a very good thing."

Check the Benches one by one...
Nobody says its not a good card, its just a light year away from what everyone thought it would be.

[mandelore]

i seen a benchy comparison that put the 2900 well beyond the gts, and up with the gtx,

[EastCoasthandle]

Those with a HD 2900XT:
Have you visited your manufacturer's website to download any recent cat releases? I have a HIS and they have a cat available. I haven't tried it yet but will shortly.

[zekrahminator]

I made the argument go away :).

[EastCoasthandle]

thanks

[noneed4me2]

I installed cat 7.5 after removing 7.4 w/drivercleaner pro and all is well. Used the one found on ATI/AMD.

[Wile E]

Hey Eastcoast, when you add a water block, is it necessary to leave the fan in place on the factory heatspreader, or can it be safely removed?

[EastCoasthandle]

Hey Eastcoast, when you add a water block, is it necessary to leave the fan in place on the factory heatspreader, or can it be safely removed?

You can remove it but the mosfets generate so much heat I recommend that you use some sort of 80mm fan. With the OEM (before I installed a 80mm fan) mosfet temps were around 60C during load. With the fan I have it around 40C during load. That's a big drop which IMO tells me there is a build up in heat on the HS plate more so then the mosfets just getting hot. You are going to have to figure out how to cool the
:toast:

[mandelore]

http://www.extreme-pc.ca/showproduct.asp?menu1id=12&menu2id=99&menu3id=39&productid=371414
a single 1gb gddr4 2900xt got nearly 14.5K in 3dmark o6 with a core2 @ 4ghz, the crossfire combination nearly 19.5k o.O

[EastCoasthandle]

Go to thisthread (http://www.driverheaven.net/windows-xp-2k-radeon-display-drivers/138838-dna-ati-5-1-7-5x32-released.html#post1061821)
to discuss the new driver release (http://www.dna-drivers.com/page.php?id=113) or go to this website to get the download.

[Wile E]

You can remove it but the mosfets generate so much heat I recommend that you use some sort of 80mm fan. With the OEM (before I installed a 80mm fan) mosfet temps were around 60C during load. With the fan I have it around 40C during load. That's a big drop which IMO tells me there is a build up in heat on the HS plate more so then the mosfets just getting hot. You are going to have to figure out how to cool the
:toast:I have a Stacker 830 with 4 120mm intake fans in the side panel. Would that be enough? Or do you think it should be more focused? No biggy eiher way, as I have a few 80mm fans floating around anyway, but if I can get away without using them, I will.

Oh, and sorry about all the questions, but what are you using to monitor your temps?

[EastCoasthandle]

I have a Stacker 830 with 4 120mm intake fans in the side panel. Would that be enough? Or do you think it should be more focused? No biggy eiher way, as I have a few 80mm fans floating around anyway, but if I can get away without using them, I will.

Oh, and sorry about all the questions, but what are you using to monitor your temps?
You can try it and see what happens however, a more direct fan works better for me. Np about the questions.
Using amd gpu clock tool to monitor temps

[EastCoasthandle]

Am I the only one noticing that you have to keep those mosfets cool when OC? At standard clocks, no problem. However, when I OC (be it CCC or AMD GPU) I have to make sure the mosfets are being cooling (in some cases crank up the fan speed) or I experience problems. It makes me wonder what the mosfets are rated at (heat range).

[MarcusTaz]

seems like it takes forever to release a water cooled solution for VC cards. Still waititng on danger den's full cooling sulution. I was thinkning of going your method Eastcoasthandle andI may still but it would be nice to have the all in one and get those mosfets water cooled as well...

[EastCoasthandle]

Well you can't go wrong with the Maze4/5. However, I do understand why you prefer a full cover wb.

[Modki]

Actually my Silverstone OP750 has a PCI-E 8 Pin connector (it is labelled for PCI-E so I know its not for cpu) but for some reason it doesn't fit. :banghead:

Kind of skipped the last 5 pages. I have an OP650. The 8pin also would not fit because the last pin was square and not rounded. I fixed this with a razor blade ;) Card works perfectly. Not at my home computer but I'll stop by and post some of my OCs on this card later.

I might have missed it but I've heard of some talk about memory tweaks to the 2900XT, anyone got a Link?

EastCoasthandle, I'm about to get into Water Cooling this card, I've seen the mazes working but what about the EK or DD blocks that cover the whole card? Any good?

[EastCoasthandle]

Kind of skipped the last 5 pages. I have an OP650. The 8pin also would not fit because the last pin was square and not rounded. I fixed this with a razor blade ;) Card works perfectly. Not at my home computer but I'll stop by and post some of my OCs on this card later.

I might have missed it but I've heard of some talk about memory tweaks to the 2900XT, anyone got a Link?

EastCoasthandle, I'm about to get into Water Cooling this card, I've seen the mazes working but what about the EK or DD blocks that cover the whole card? Any good?

As far as I know the current DD and EK full cover WBs shouldn't fit. For one you need to cover IC memories on both sides of the card. Second, the location and size of the mosfets are different. DD (http://www.dangerden.com/) is working on a new full cover block for the HD 2900 xt

[Modki]

Yeah that's what I was talking about. The new ones that aren't out yet.

So the stock stuff is what you used for the rest and just slapped a maze in there eh? Seems to work good? I know if I try anything about 880 it locks up the whole computer trying to run 3Dmark.

3Dmark 01 - 46381 (http://service.futuremark.com/orb/projectdetails.jsp?projectType=6&XLID=9210182&UID=9555600)
3Dmark 03 - 37394 (http://service.futuremark.com/orb/resultanalyzer.jsp?projectType=10&XLID=0&UID=9555747)
3Dmark 05 - 18387 (http://service.futuremark.com/orb/resultanalyzer.jsp?projectType=12&XLID=0&UID=9555804)
3Dmark 06 - 11245 (http://service.futuremark.com/orb/resultanalyzer.jsp?projectType=14&XLID=0&UID=9555426)

I don't know why those two are below the norm but meh.

[OneCool]

I WANT TO OVERCLOCK IN CROSSFIRE DAMMIT!!!!!!!!! :banghead:

[lane]

Cool down Onecool.. it will come soon...;)

If you can't really wait.. you will need flash the bios of the card.. have enough cooling..

You can with this method, change too the timings change on the good speed for the GDDR ( there's 3 points where change the timings for this Hynix ddr... with more voltage like with PC DDR you can set this value higher for be sure have the good result..)

[DaMulta]

Any of you guys run your 1k with your 2900XT yet?

If so

Does it help with the havoc engine?

[EastCoasthandle]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/th_good_time2.png (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/good_time2.png)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/th_DiRTDemo2.png (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/DiRTDemo2.png)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/th_DiRTDemo1.png (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/DiRTDemo1.png)

Dirt Demo
Everything max out except shadows on high settings please read here as to why (http://community.codemasters.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2650578&postcount=4).

[DaMulta]

So the 1gb will be better?

[LuMMeL]

Will the hd 2900xt 1gb version have the same length as the 512 version?. Or will it be longer?

[lane]

Same size for the 2900XT(X) GDDR4, the version some peoples have show pictures, was the retail for integrators.. the PCB is in real the same, but the fan is placed on the back of the card, for permit better refresh..

[EastCoasthandle]

So the 1gb will be better?

read this (http://community.codemasters.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2749447&postcount=3)

[DaMulta]

read this (http://community.codemasters.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2749447&postcount=3)

So that would be a yes:)

[EastCoasthandle]

So that would be a yes:)

well that depends on what they call "future PC". It's hard to decipher the meaning of that.
Read the thread here (http://community.codemasters.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194319)

[mandelore]

cant wait for my 1gb xt to turn up :D will get it benchied and report back, still a lill while to wait tho :(

[mandelore]

It's on sale in Canada at Extreme systems for $599.00. What would that be in US dollars?!

about $560, getting mine from overclockers uk @ £330 total cost inc shipping etc

[TooFast]

me 2

[MarcusTaz]

Wonder how well she will perform... and how much the 512 model price will drop if any??

[lane]

Next month for me,... can't afford right now the prices, need wait my pay... before i was thinking sell the XT, and take the XT(X), but i begin think build a cfire sys with both and then sell the second for Cfire with XT(X) 1Gb, just for test.. anyway i need a new PSU ( certainly a galaxy DXX 850-1000W).. and some goodies..

Overlcockers UK have some in préorder?

[Blacklash]

I am going to hold out and see if the 2950s pop up in August|September. I'd hate to buy the 1GB card now then want to replace it in a few months. I have an overclocked 8800GTX, so I am not hurting for performance, however I'd like to try Crossfire again. Besides I favor Intel chipsets so, if I want dual graphics cards, Crossfire is it.

[Wile E]

W1z just released .27 beta2 for ATItool. Yay for voltage control!!!!

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=33447

I can still only manage 847/999 at this point. I didn't get much of a clocker methinks. Have some more experimenting to do with the voltages, tho.

Might try an RMA with it. I'll just tell them about my persistent Quake 4 crashes.

[lane]

will try it now.... but before, i need know if the 2900 have been added...

[EastCoasthandle]

I am getting a nice boost in performance in DiRT. At 1680x1050 with everything maxed except Shadows (Ultra setting require more then 512megs of ram as it will revert back to high each time I set it to ultra). Before, I had to set everything on high when using AMD GPU for decent frame rates.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_DiRT_41.png (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/DiRT_41.png)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_DiRT_40FPS.png (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/DiRT_40FPS.png)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_DiRT_39FPS.png (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/DiRT_39FPS.png)
ati tool 887.63/891

[Wile E]

What vGPU are you running for that core clock, EastCoast?

[EastCoasthandle]

What vGPU are you running for that core clock, EastCoast?

887.63GPU VGPU 1.238V
909 MEM MVDDC 2.250V
945 MEM MVDDC 2.275V

[stinzza]

just a question her dudes... just bought a 2900xt.. then when trying to run 3dmark05 or 06.. the only thing that happens is that the 3dmark logo comes up then nothing more.. anyone have a clue???

[HellasVagabond]

Too much OC on your CPU ?

[stinzza]

no no its not that.. if your reply was to me..eh

[yogurt_21]

you have to rename a file in windows/system32/futuremark

rename the direcpll.dll (or whatever it actually is) to anything else and it'll run.

http://www.rage3d.com/board///showthread.php?p=1334971465

[stinzza]

you have to rename a file in windows/system32/futuremark

rename the direcpll.dll (or whatever it actually is) to anything else and it'll run.


jo jo.. you are the man with the master plan dude.. tanx..but.. why is that???

[stinzza]

jo yogyrt 21
i just ran 06.. and i got 8325.. stock settings.. but hey.. i got 1640 in cpu score.. tell me.. that is not good ey???

[Tatty_One]

i just ran 06.. and i got 8325.. stock settings.. but hey.. i got 1640 in cpu score.. tell me.. that is not good ey???

No not too good.....no overclock I assume?

[stinzza]

No not too good.....no overclock I assume?

i got my mainboard as a demo.. and i installed all that i got from asus.com(p5w ah deluxe).. but all in seperated drivers..you know.. and allsaw in 05 i got 12312.. but in cputest nr1 =2,4fps..
cputest nr2 =3,5fps......what the f.. i got more with my old 2.4 pentium...

[EastCoasthandle]

cat 7.6 released today.

[MarcusTaz]

cat 7.6 released today.

Thanks for the heads up Bro!

My card is now @ 53c at idle, a full 10 degrees lower then before..... this is great!!

Performance seems to be the same, and under full load the temps still are approx 83c

However the temp @ idle droping a full 10c is great news and I would assume the card in 2d mode consumes less wattage, although I have no definitive proof of this, pure logic, lol...

[stinzza]

9176-3dmark06.. tweaked= cpu 1860mhz to 2450mhz... mem 800mhz--2.10v to 875mhz.. atitool= 631.core 711.mem... no volt

[MarcusTaz]

OK the 7.6 cause Windows Media Center to BSOD the PC. I get an "a driver is stuck in an infinate loop" BSOD error when I try and watch TV... I have rolled back to 7.5 and all is fine... I tried 2 times uninstalling 7.5 then using driver cleaner etc and reinstall 7.6 but no go same error...

Can anyone else confirm they are having the same error? Media center wil launch fine but as soon as i click the live TV she locks up maybe will show a bit pf programing but it is all pixelated and then bam BSOD...

[Tatty_One]

OK the 7.6 cause Windows Media Center to BSOD the PC. I get an "a driver is stuck in an infinate loop" BSOD error when I try and watch TV... I have rolled back to 7.5 and all is fine... I tried 2 times uninstalling 7.5 then using driver cleaner etc and reinstall 7.6 but no go same error...

Can anyone else confirm they are having the same error? Media center wil launch fine but as soon as i click the live TV she locks up maybe will show a bit pf programing but it is all pixelated and then bam BSOD...

Try uninstalling DirectX before you load the new cat drivers and then re-install directX afterwards, I had similar problems with a driver update when I had my 1800XT and was advised to try that and it worked at that time for me.

[MarcusTaz]

Try uninstalling DirectX before you load the new cat drivers and then re-install directX afterwards, I had similar problems with a driver update when I had my 1800XT and was advised to try that and it worked at that time for me.

OK how would you uninstall DirectX, never did this...

Thanks for the advise will give it a try as soon as I know how to do it.

Also I am running Vista 32 bit if this makes a differnce.

[Tatty_One]

OK how would you uninstall DirectX, never did this...

Thanks for the advise will give it a try as soon as I know how to do it.

Also I am running Vista 32 bit if this makes a differnce.

Ahhh sorry didnt realise, cancel that, wont work with vista/dx10.

[MarcusTaz]

Ahhh sorry didnt realise, cancel that, wont work with vista/dx10.

Oh well, I submitted a bug log to ATI, let's hope they get it sorted out for 7.7...

Tried LostPlanet Dx10 demo again with no luck, still junk...

[yogurt_21]

@ stizna your hd shouldn't need to be oced without a significant clock on your cpu. try running your connie at something like 3.2 and then run 06 with your hd at default, should be close to 11k.

[MIP_1983]

OK the 7.6 cause Windows Media Center to BSOD the PC. I get an "a driver is stuck in an infinate loop" BSOD error when I try and watch TV... I have rolled back to 7.5 and all is fine... I tried 2 times uninstalling 7.5 then using driver cleaner etc and reinstall 7.6 but no go same error...

Can anyone else confirm they are having the same error? Media center wil launch fine but as soon as i click the live TV she locks up maybe will show a bit pf programing but it is all pixelated and then bam BSOD...

Yea, I get exactly the same myself. I've submitted a ticket to ATI/AMD, I'll let you know how I get on.

[MarcusTaz]

Anyone rate the performance of these driver? It seems my framerates have suffered a little in COD2...

ETQW beta does allow me to turn on AA, unlike 7.5 where my game would crash... Some good things and more bad...

[EastCoasthandle]

Anyone rate the performance of these driver? It seems my framerates have suffered a little in COD2...

ETQW beta does allow me to turn on AA, unlike 7.5 where my game would crash... Some good things and more bad...

Try re-installing June 2007 directx update then reboot and see what happens.

[MarcusTaz]

Will do East, thanks for the advise. Will try later on tonight when I get home and post back.

[EastCoasthandle]

Lost planet update to fix AA should be on the way
source (http://www.capcom.com/BBS/showpost.php?p=257775&postcount=1)

side note look at the bottom edit time/date stamp

[MarcusTaz]

Ok I applied the full June Dx10 update and no go, still BSOD the PC when media center is launch and I try and select "live tv"...


Thanks anyway Eastcoasthandle...

Lost Coast? or did you mean Lost Planet?

[EastCoasthandle]

Oh well it was worth a try. It appears to be some sort of driver bug. Did you try one of their hot fixes. There are a bunch of them (http://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894)
maybe one of them actually fixes the problem

[MarcusTaz]

Oh well it was worth a try. It appears to be some sort of driver bug. Did you try one of their hot fixes. There are a bunch of them (http://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894)
maybe one of them actually fixes the problem

Thanks man but no resolution...

I have submitted another ticket, this time under "My Support" to make sure I can track the progress of it...

Thanks again brother for all the updates, your a true ATI fan!! :toast:

[MIP_1983]

Thanks man but no resolution...

I have submitted another ticket, this time under "My Support" to make sure I can track the progress of it...

Thanks again brother for all the updates, your a true ATI fan!! :toast:

What TV card do you have?

[EastCoasthandle]

Thanks man but no resolution...

I have submitted another ticket, this time under "My Support" to make sure I can track the progress of it...

Thanks again brother for all the updates, your a true ATI fan!! :toast:


no problem :toast:

[MarcusTaz]

What TV card do you have?


Diamond XT 2900

[MIP_1983]

Diamond XT 2900

Is that your tv tuner card or your graphics card? E.g. I've got an HIS 2900 XT and a Hauppage PVR 500 tv tuner card.

[MarcusTaz]

Is that your tv tuner card or your graphics card? E.g. I've got an HIS 2900 XT and a Hauppage PVR 500 tv tuner card.

Ah I have the ATI HDTV TV Wonder...

[MarcusTaz]

Ok been in contact with ATI... I have uploaded a msinfo32.nfo to them to assist in determining the problem. I am confident they will get it worked out. You know this ticket system is so great. With my Nvidia cards I had no one to directly assist me with any issues. ATI rocks in this dept for sure...

[MIP_1983]

Ok been in contact with ATI... I have uploaded a msinfo32.nfo to them to assist in determining the problem. I am confident they will get it worked out. You know this ticket system is so great. With my Nvidia cards I had no one to directly assist me with any issues. ATI rocks in this dept for sure...

I agree with you there, though somtimes you have to jump through a load of hoops to convice the ati support person that its a problem with their driver. I had problems with the 2D/3D clock switching on 7.5 (that where fixed in 7.6), but ati support where telling me my hardware could be faulty :shadedshu

I've uploaded the same info to them myself (last week) and I've not had a reply yet. Maybe they're working on a hotfix.

[MarcusTaz]

I agree with you there, though somtimes you have to jump through a load of hoops to convice the ati support person that its a problem with their driver. I had problems with the 2D/3D clock switching on 7.5 (that where fixed in 7.6), but ati support where telling me my hardware could be faulty :shadedshu

I've uploaded the same info to them myself (last week) and I've not had a reply yet. Maybe they're working on a hotfix.


So you get the same error as me when launching live tv? BSOD device driver has caused an infinite loop? or something to that effect...???

[MIP_1983]

So you get the same error as me when launching live tv? BSOD device driver has caused an infinite loop? or something to that effect...???

Aiii, thats exactly what I said to you on the previous page ;)

[MarcusTaz]

responce from ATI:

"Then there's obviously a problem with the latest driver. I will advise our driver team of this."

This was after they told me to reinstall 7.5 and asked me if this solved the problem, an obvious yes...

[DRDNA]

Ah I have the ATI HDTV TV Wonder...

the ati hdtv is not compatable with Vista , at least the HDTV part is'nt but the anaolg part should work.I have the ATI HDTV and I know my card is not compatable with vista as far as HD goes and the vista upgrade adviser also states this as well as Ati web site.

[trt740]

Guy hows the 29000xt ocing going are these card getting marked better with drivers and do you think they will surpass the 8800gtx 768 cards just bought one and am wondering If I should sell it for the cash (I payed 442.00 it and get a 2900xt I have a SLI motherboard but for more bang for the buck, if they would clear this driver thing up, I might consider a 2900 xt. I will never sli a 8800 gtx any way or crossfire a 2900xt 512mb. The 2900xt can be had for about 374.00 and I could pocket the 100 bones from the 8800 gtx sale. Just kicking around the idea but not seriously . The selling of the 8800 gtx is serious thoe .

[EastCoasthandle]

Guy hows the 29000xt ocing going are these card getting marked better with drivers and do you think they will surpass the 8800gtx 768 cards just bought one and am wondering If I should sell it for the cash (I payed 442.00 it and get a 2900xt I have a SLI motherboard but for more bang for the buck, if they would clear this driver thing up, I might consider a 2900 xt. I will never sli a 8800 gtx any way or crossfire a 2900xt 512mb. The 2900xt can be had for about 374.00 and I could pocket the 100 bones from the 8800 gtx sale. Just kicking around the idea but not seriously . The selling of the 8800 gtx is serious thoe .
That's a yes and no answer here. It depends on the application for the most part. However, please bare in mind that the HD 2900XT has only been out for 1 solid month and, this is only the 2nd Cat release.

[trt740]

That's a yes and no answer here. It depends on the application for the most part. However, please bare in mind that the HD 2900XT has only been out for 1 solid month and, this is only the 2nd Cat release.

Good I'm rooting for them. The geforce card prices are not going down they need a better competition base as does Intel. Come on AMD/ATI

[trt740]

Hey, I just noticed a couple things. First one being you can buy a 1gb GDDR4 version at eWiz for $489.00. Secondly, on newegg there is a Gigabyte version, which looks the same as any other, except when you look at one pic where there is clearly 3 heatpipes instead of two! Anyone else notice this?

I see it.

http://img.techpowerup.org/070630/14-102-099-04331.jpg

http://img.techpowerup.org/070630/14-125-066-04.jpg

[mandelore]

my 1gb version has just 2 heatpipes? unless they are on the other side, from looking in my case i see just 2

[EastCoasthandle]

Good I'm rooting for them. The geforce card prices are not going down they need a better competition base as does Intel. Come on AMD/ATI

But let me interest you in a nice little article regarding performance in Vista, in particular CF vs SLI.
Source (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2147064,00.asp)

Also you can find at least 1 vista review. Although only 3 games were used
Source (http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=418&pgno=7)

I am having a hard time finding any CF vs. SLI reviews in Vista. But that should hold you over for now.

Also for those that are interested. Newegg an eWiz is now selling the 1gig HD 2900XT
Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102099)
eWiz (http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=AT-290XT_1)

[MarcusTaz]

my 1gb version has just 2 heatpipes? unless they are on the other side, from looking in my case i see just 2

mandelore how do you like your 1 gig version? What games do you play and what FPS are you getting. Things like that...

Also what partner did you get? I only see SAPPHIRE for sale here on Newegg, thanks to eastcoasthandle...

Thanks!

[EastCoasthandle]

my 1gb version has just 2 heatpipes? unless they are on the other side, from looking in my case i see just 2

Is it possible to ask you to take your 1 gig video card apart (to remove the shroud read the 1st post of this thread on instructions). Then take a few photos of the ram? I want to know if you are using BC09 or BC06

[MarcusTaz]

Is it possible to ask you to take your 1 gig video card apart (to remove the shroud read the 1st post of this thread on instructions). Then take a few photos of the ram? I want to know if you are using BC09 or BC06


I just ordered The SAPPHIRE last night, as soon as I get it I will be happy to assist if no one else does by then...

[EastCoasthandle]

I just ordered The SAPPHIRE last night, as soon as I get it I will be happy to assist if no one else does by then...
ok thanks I would appreciate that.

[trt740]

hey guys post some 3dmark06 at alcapones 3dmarks bench there are only 4 x2900xt listed there, and alot of people would like to see how they bench as the drivers progress. Here is the link http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=25995

[MarcusTaz]

Ok I have the card on order from newegg, but someone wrote and interest review and I am wondering if it has any truth, if so I hope I get the better memory. Anyone chime in if you know anything:

"Please be advised there appears to be 2 versions of this video card. 1 comes with Samsung memory IC: K4U52324QE BC09 which is 1.1GHz @ 2.2Gbps. The other is Samsung memory IC: K4U52324QE BC06 which is 1.6GHz @ 3.2Gbps. According to Samsung Press release dated June 28, 2007. I (and assume others) would like to buy this card using the "better" ram. So any information from users who purchased the card or others would be appricated."

[lane]

Yes, i know that, but i think we will need wait a little bit for got the new version BC06..

[MarcusTaz]

Is it possible to ask you to take your 1 gig video card apart (to remove the shroud read the 1st post of this thread on instructions). Then take a few photos of the ram? I want to know if you are using BC09 or BC06

Going to take the shroud off later today and let you know what ram chips are in it...

[zOaib]

Going to take the shroud off later today and let you know what ram chips are in it...

did u get the sapphire or the diamond , cause i got the sapphire from there , so ill be looking forward to your discovery :)

[MarcusTaz]

Yea Sapphine, newegg had it only and all my Diamond research, it was too expensive? Did you check if you got the faster BC06 chips? I am going to check when I get home from work...

[MarcusTaz]

Is it possible to ask you to take your 1 gig video card apart (to remove the shroud read the 1st post of this thread on instructions). Then take a few photos of the ram? I want to know if you are using BC09 or BC06


K bro I took off the backplate heatsink and I do in fact have the slower BC09.. Oh well also interesting I benchmarked both of my cards the 512 and the 1GB and interesting enough they both rate the same in 3D06. Really do not feel like benching anymore then this.. But if you want me to check any other benches let me know..

1GB model Bench:


512MB model Bench:

got to resize pics 1920x1080 to much I am sure will post back...

[EastCoasthandle]

K bro I took off the backplate heatsink and I do in fact have the slower BC09.. Oh well also interesting I benchmarked both of my cards the 512 and the 1GB and interesting enough they both rate the same in 3D06. Really do not feel like benching anymore then this.. But if you want me to check any other benches let me know..

1GB model Bench:


512MB model Bench:

got to resize pics 1920x1080 to much I am sure will post back...
Thanks for the update. Looks like HIS has their 1gig (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814161173) version for release. It's much more expensive hinting to the BC06 but that's just a guess.

[mandelore]

hmm, when i get watercooling (hopefully soon) i will take my heatsink off my 1gb 2900xt and check the ram type, tho ive reached 2.2ghz on just stock volts easy i think i may have the better ram chips :D

[MarcusTaz]

Thanks for the update. Looks like HIS has their 1gig (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814161173) version for release. It's much more expensive hinting to the BC06 but that's just a guess.


Really not that much more money compared to the Sapphire. But the sapphire is OEM, mine came in the box with only bubble rap around it and the back plate "feet" (dono what you would call them) where the DVI sockets are bolted to was bent.. Going to call Saphhire and see if I can get a new one as this is a bit mangled. I heard the BC06 were bigtime expensive and would not find their way into the card, but that was from just a forum I was reading by ViperJohn, but who knows the acurracy of that.. All I know is so far I do not see a huge performance increase to justify the money... Will post those 3dmark pics when I get home later...Have to do more testing..

[zOaib]

Really not that much more money compared to the Sapphire. But the sapphire is OEM, mine came in the box with only bubble rap around it and the back plate "feet" (dono what you would call them) where the DVI sockets are bolted to was bent.. Going to call Saphhire and see if I can get a new one as this is a bit mangled. I heard the BC06 were bigtime eexpensive and would not find their way into the card, but that was from just a forum I was reading and who knows the acurracy of that.. All I know is so far I do not see a huge performance increase to justify the money... Will post those 3dmark pics when I get home later...

the firingsquad website had done a side by side review of the 1gb vs the 512mb and the final results were the 1gb makes a 15-30% difference when going to higher resolutions and games that use high AA and HDR ............ so people with LCD monitors 24inch and above will benefit from the 1gb. HENCE if u have lower reoslutions and dont max stuff out , the performance on normal conditions see no benefit from the 1gb ram

[MarcusTaz]

Well I run 1920x1080P so that is good news...

[MarcusTaz]

ok Just got a responce from ATI regarding the BSOD in Windows Media Center Currently, with the 7.6 Cats:


"our engineers are investigating the problem. As a workaround, you can use Catalyst 7.5.

We are working on getting a knowledge base article published on our website regarding this issue."

[zOaib]

I Am gonna runs ome dx10 benchies on vista tonite , will post results as soon as i get them ........ also got my 6pin to 8pin pci express adpater, so let the overclocking begin.

[mandelore]

please join the call of juarez dx10 benchmark thread:

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=32937

ive got my 1gb 2900xt on there

and have you been able to use atitool on the 1gb version? i cannot, and lack of voltage access is driving me NUTS!!!

[FR@NK]

lack of voltage access is driving me NUTS!!!

same here :/

[MarcusTaz]

please join the call of juarez dx10 benchmark thread:

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=32937

ive got my 1gb 2900xt on there

and have you been able to use atitool on the 1gb version? i cannot, and lack of voltage access is driving me NUTS!!!

Running Vista and I thought Wizzard said it does not work properly on Vista, so no voltage adjustments here... :(

[zOaib]

please join the call of juarez dx10 benchmark thread:

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=32937

ive got my 1gb 2900xt on there

and have you been able to use atitool on the 1gb version? i cannot, and lack of voltage access is driving me NUTS!!!

i am using rivatuner 2.02 version for clocking .............. although vista blocks it form runnign at startup , i just have to intialize the program manually everytime i restart windows =P

[MarcusTaz]

Blocks it at startup? Please tell me you have UAC off... Also the latest verison of Riva is not blocked for me, it starts up fine...

[EastCoasthandle]

Interesting post (http://www.ocforums.com/showpost.php?p=5148897&postcount=13)

GPU OC by 6.75MHz
Mem OC by 9MHz

[MarcusTaz]

Ok now give me a real world example... I know I can clock my card to 848 on the core and 1153 on the mem stable using ATI overdrive. How can I apply this information using ViperJohn's information ?

I am not an expert on OCing...

Thanks

[Wile E]

Does Riva allow fan and voltage adjustments?

[EastCoasthandle]

no voltage that I know of but it does for fan

[EastCoasthandle]

Ok now give me a real world example... I know I can clock my card to 848 on the core and 1153 on the mem stable using ATI overdrive. How can I apply this information using ViperJohn's information ?

I am not an expert on OCing...

Thanks
Reg OC is 743 GPU 828 Mem
CCC OC is 858 GPU 900 Mem

6.75MHz x 17= 114.75MHz
9.00MHz x 8 = 72MHz

Therefore:
743 MHz + 114.75 = 857.75 rounded
828 MHz + 72.00 = 900 MHz

I assume this is right as I found no example in that thread. This is the best I can come up with right now!


I just tried it and R/T is reporting 857.25 for GPU and 900 for MEM even though I set it to 858/900 on CCC.

[FR@NK]

Reg OC is 743 GPU 828 Mem
CCC OC is 858 GPU 900 Mem

6.75MHz x 17= 114.75MHz
9.00MHz x 8 = 72MHz

Therefore:
743 MHz + 114.75 = 857.75 rounded
828 MHz + 72.00 = 900 MHz

I assume this is right as I found no example in that thread. This is the best I can come up with right now!


I just tried it and R/T is reporting 857.25 for GPU and 900 for MEM even though I set it to 858/900 on CCC.


hehe

stock clock is 6.75MHz x 110 = 742.5MHz
overclock is 742.5MHz + 114.75MHz = 857.25MHz

[MarcusTaz]

Thanks ECH, but how does this benfit us besides telling us it rounds down? I mean would this formula allow us to OC further? Sorry if this sounds like an ignorant question, it is.. :nutkick:

[EastCoasthandle]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_ATItool_R_T2.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/ATItool_R_T2.jpg)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_ATItool_R_T.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/ATItool_R_T.jpg)

This is what I am seeing when I use ATI Tool.

[trt740]

Alrighty just picked up a 2900 xt 1 gig ddr4 for 448.00 shipped gonna test it with a quad core I picked up for 267.00 shipped. Is there a different adapter I have to buy. I do have a sli power supply but do I need a special (I think 8 pin connecter) to see how it overclocks? If I do how and where do you get an adapter? Also I'm only testing this bad boy it's going for sale on ebay. I wanted to see how it does here first. Also I have never owned one does it have a sound card built into or am I reading it wrong?

[MarcusTaz]

Alrighty just picked up a 2900 xt 1 gig ddr4 for 448.00 shipped gonna test it with a quad core I picked up for 267.00 shipped. Is there a different adapter I have to buy. I do have a sli power supply but do I need a special (I think 8 pin connecter) to see how it overclocks? If I do how and where do you get an adapter? Also I'm only testing this bad boy it's going for sale on ebay. I wanted to see how it does here first. Also I have never owned one does it have a sound card built into or am I reading it wrong?

You do not need a special adapter just need to make a ground jumper and jump one of the ground wires to the upper right hand corner pin to enable ATI OverDrive...

Yes it has built in sound, but it is for HDMI streaming only...

May I ask where you got that great deal on your 2900 1GB??

[trt740]

You do not need a special adapter just need to make a ground jumper and jump one of the ground wires to the upper right hand corner pin to enable ATI OverDrive...

Yes it has built in sound, but it is for HDMI streaming only...

May I ask where you got that great deal on your 2900 1GB??

Ebay is where I bought it and can the card be overclocked with two sli 6 pins with ati tools or another program

[MarcusTaz]

I use Vista and ATI Tool does not work for the 1GB let alone vista to the best of my understanding. So if you want to OC the 1GB do what I said or get a 8pin adapt. But again it is so easy to just use a ground jumper. Again if you are looking at the card in the PCI-E slot right side up of course you wil insert on end of the jumper wire in any of the grounds on the PCI-E 6 pin and then insert the other end into the UPPER MOST RIGHT HAND CORNER female hole...

[Wile E]

I use Vista and ATI Tool does not work for the 1GB let alone vista to the best of my understanding. So if you want to OC the 1GB do what I said or get a 8pin adapt. But again it is so easy to just use a ground jumper. Again if you are looking at the card in the PCI-E slot right side up of course you wil insert on end of the jumper wire in any of the grounds on the PCI-E 6 pin and then insert the other end into the UPPER MOST RIGHT HAND CORNER female hole...Actually, just attach a ground to both empty pins. That's all they are in the 8-pin plugs anyway.

[MarcusTaz]

Did not know that Wile E, thanks, wonder if it makes a difference, I think they are both traced together but to make it less confusing for sure...

[trt740]

Did not know that Wile E, thanks, wonder if it makes a difference, I think they are both traced together but to make it less confusing for sure...


Hey fellas I'm sure when I see it first hand it will be self explanitory but is there a step by step link to that mode.

[mandelore]

Hey fellas I'm sure when I see it first hand it will be self explanitory but is there a step by step link to that mode.

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=36036

[AsRock]

Any chance the power regulator is whot makes a lot of the heat and why it's so hot and nvidias on the other side of there cards is why they can use quieter fans to cool there GPU \ mem chips ?.

Not saying the GPU don't get hot but if it was built more like the 1900's the fan could be more silent ?..

[Wile E]

Here ya go trt. I did a quick edit on Kenny's image to correct it.

http://img.techpowerup.org/070821/pcieplugdiagramoa5.png

Thanks to Kenny for the ground work.

[trt740]

How fast is this bad boy unoverclocked does it match a 8800 gts or is it faster. I'm not keeping it I have sli motherboard but saw away to make 50.00 to 60.00. I'm going to test it then sell this bad boy I use the benchmarks to help the sale. I might buy a 512 version if I really like it. The guy I bought it from purchased it direct from ATI for 550.00 and had money troubles then sold it to me a week later for 448.00 shipped. The lowest I have seen them shipped is around 500.00 and they sell on ebay near 550.00. I hate to sell it but really have zero use for it just as I didn't have a use for my GTX. Believe it or not my x800 pro 256 works great for now. It even games pretty well. Thats a testiment to AMD and their quailty. If any of you guys want it and will send me a money order I would be glad to sell it to a brother member for 20.00 over what I payed. You pay the shipping. I want to test it first to make sure It is as described. Will even ship to the UK.

[Wile E]

How fast is this bad boy unoverclocked does it match a 8800 gts or is it fasterDepends on the game or bench. Approaches a GTX in some of it's best games, but falls just short of the GTS in it's worst.

EDIT: lol@ SNL Av and sig.

[trt740]

sounds like the future is bright for this card, sounds like drivers.

[MarcusTaz]

The card rocks, benchs or not, I go by real world personal experiance and COD2 @ 1920x1080p Everything on High DX9 and the card just rocks same with BF2... BioSHock Demo, just stunning, incredible in DX10 smooth as glass...

[EastCoasthandle]

this card holds it's own in games like Bioshock (http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTM4NywxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==)and Call of Juarez (http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTM4NCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==)

[MarcusTaz]

EastCoasthandle, you ever get the 1GB version? If so what are your OC settings. I have a Power Color 1GB version ( just the ATI standard card) and I cannot go above 818 core 1100 mem using the 7.8 drivers. I use ATI Overdrive in Vista... Wish the ATi tool worked so i could play with voltages... I think my card is starving for volts...

My older 512 version I sold I could max the sliders for both core and mem clock and it ran fine... Starting to regret I sold it...

[mandelore]

EastCoasthandle, you ever get the 1GB version? If so what are your OC settings. I have a Power Color 1GB version ( just the ATI standard card) and I cannot go above 818 core 1100 mem using the 7.8 drivers. I use ATI Overdrive in Vista... Wish the ATi tool worked so i could play with voltages... I think my card is starving for volts...

My older 512 version I sold I could max the sliders for both core and mem clock and it ran fine... Starting to regret I sold it...

I have a 1gb version also, on stock volts too. try better cooling, because i had 850 core/1150 memory on stock cooler, switched to watercooling and can get 900/1250 on it. really going insane tho with not being able to change the voltages :twitch:

[MarcusTaz]

I have a 1gb version also, on stock volts too. try better cooling, because i had 850 core/1150 memory on stock cooler, switched to watercooling and can get 900/1250 on it. really going insane tho with not being able to change the voltages :twitch:

You went with the Dangerden solution I assume??

I have a swiftech HD-120 3/8" cooling the CPU and I and not sure 1 Rad with a small reservior will do the trick..

Any suggestions?

[Wile E]

You went with the Dangerden solution I assume??

I have a swiftech HD-120 3/8" cooling the CPU and I and not sure 1 Rad with a small reservior will do the trick..

Any suggestions?Just upgrade your rad. A good 2x120mm would probably be sufficient, but a 3x120mm would be better.

[MarcusTaz]

Just upgrade your rad. A good 2x120mm would probably be sufficient, but a 3x120mm would be better.

So your saying 2 seperate 120mm rads?

This is what I have:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108075

[Wile E]

So your saying 2 seperate 120mm rads?

This is what I have:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108075That would work too. But I meant to replace your current rad.

I actually have that same kit. lol. I'll be using the cpu block with the 3x120mm rad and pumps I bought from d44ve (I'll eventually replace the block with another TEC block), then the Swiftech kit is getting a gpu water block, and being used to cool only my 2900.

[MarcusTaz]

Oh so just a larger fan? You got a link for an example? Does newegg have a solution?

Thanks for the prompt replies Wile E....

[Wile E]

I meant to replace your rad with something like this.

http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=221&cat=86&page=1

Or the 3x120mm version.

http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=222&cat=86&page=1

You can use the Swiftech Rad Box that came with your kit to mount it to the rear outside of your case.

Remember to order it with the 3/8" fittings, unless you want to go thru the hassle of converting everything to 1/2". Which would require a new top for your pump, and new fittings for your cpu block, and new tubing.

[MarcusTaz]

Thanks a bunch man, great advise!! Well the 29xt cooling block is out of stock what else is new... I think I will get this and the rad...

Ya think the stock Swiftech reservior large enough? I mean the new rad will hold more fluid so is not the res just there are a refill station??

[Wile E]

Thanks a bunch man, great advise!! Well the 29xt cooling block is out of stock what else is new... I think I will get this and the rad...

Ya think the stock Swiftech reservior large enough? I mean the new rad will hold more fluid so is not the res just there are a refill station??
Yeah, the res is fine. It's just as you said, primarily a refill station.

For a water block, the Maze 4 or 5, or the Swiftech MCW60 will all work.

[MarcusTaz]

Yeah, the res is fine. It's just as you said, primarily a refill station.

For a water block, the Maze 4 or 5, or the Swiftech MCW60 will all work.

Right but then the VR's and Mem stay with stock cooling and they will run hot no?

[Wile E]

Right but then the VR's and Mem stay with stock cooling and they will run hot no?EastCoast doesn't seem to be having any issues. It really wouldn't be any different than stock, I imagine, as the heatspeaders for the mem and vregs aren't attached to the heatsink in any way. Look at the OP for pictures of his water setup.

[yogurt_21]

just remove the heatsink and top plastic cover, then you can place the waterblock on while keeping the original mem cooling intact.

edit: check the first post by eastcoasthandle, has pics.

[magibeg]

Hey i was wondering if anyone here could give me a link to any 'newer' 2900xt reviews with 7.8 or newer drivers. I cant seem to find any no matter how hard i Google. And also if you guys don't mind me asking, what kind of performance have you been getting lately with your 2900's. I hear that with the newer drivers the cards are running much faster but I'd like to hear it from the techpowerup owners. My friend is debating over getting a 2900xt or a 8800gts. Thanks :)

[trt740]

Hey i was wondering if anyone here could give me a link to any 'newer' 2900xt reviews with 7.8 or newer drivers. I cant seem to find any no matter how hard i Google. And also if you guys don't mind me asking, what kind of performance have you been getting lately with your 2900's. I hear that with the newer drivers the cards are running much faster but I'd like to hear it from the techpowerup owners. My friend is debating over getting a 2900xt or a 8800gts. Thanks :)

this is with 7.8 drivers a q6600 and a 2900 xt
http://img.techpowerup.org/070912/2900 xt fastest.jpg

This is with a e2160 with 7.9 drivers and 2900 xt
http://img.techpowerup.org/070912/e2160.jpg

As you can seen even with a much weaker Cpu the newer drivers are unleashing the 2900 xt's

[macci]

Here is a method that should allow you to overclock 2 x 2900XTs in CrossFire. Its not user-friendly (as there are quite a few steps involved) but should get the job done for now...

1st step is to download the GPUClocktool (LINK (http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/536/AMD_GPU_Clock_Tool_v0.7.html))

Extract the zip file and then copy the attached DLL (from the attached ZIP file) to the same folder (replaces the original DLL).

Then follow these steps:

1) disable CrossFire from CCC
2) bring up display properties and select display #2 (this would be the display that is connected to the 2nd GFX card)
http://img.techpowerup.org/070913/2.png
3) extend your desktop to this 2nd display and hit "APPLY"
http://img.techpowerup.org/070913/3.png
4) select "use this device as primary monitor" (for 2nd display), go back to display #1 and UNCHECK "Extend my desktop onto this monitor" THEN hit APPLY
http://img.techpowerup.org/070913/5.png
5) now your primary card should be displaying blank image and the 2nd card is active, CONNECT your monitor cable to the 2nd GFX card and you should see your desktop and Windows again
6) open GPUCLocktool, select "3D clocks" and select the proper card from the drop down menu (the proper card is the one that gives you a proper 3D clock reading (e.g. 743/828 for example)
http://img.techpowerup.org/070913/6.png
7) set GFX clocks to desired values (example 850/950) (NOTE: it will give an error saying "SetClock Failed" - you can ignore this, the clock adjustment works)
http://img.techpowerup.org/070913/7.png
8) now your 2nd card is clocked to the right speed, now redo steps 2-5 and restore your desktop to the 1st GFX card and then connect the monitor back to the 1st card
9) again open GPUClocktool, select "3d clocks" and select the proper card (which should still have default 3D clocks) and adjust the 3d clocks to desired values (850/950 for example)
10) start CCC and ENABLE CrossFire

A quick way to confirm that your really clocked both cards is to run 3DMark06 HDR1 test (Canyon flight) first with default clocks and then after the adjustments.

Here is how much I gained going from 743/828 to 850/950 (using a 3G CPU):
http://img.techpowerup.org/070913/HDR1test.png

[trt740]

Dropped idle temps 38c and load temps 26c unreal cooler. Idle is 31c, max temps ,under load ,with max overclocking for overdrive 858 core / 1153 memory, 58c

was 69c idle / 84c load. Thats a unreal reduction on air cooling. I couldn't max my card in overdrive or it would freeze , now I can surf the web while overdrive tests the video card which it wouldn't do before. This is as good or better than the GTX version and now the heatsinks are on strips and don't fall off like the old ones did on the GTX version.

[yogurt_21]

cat 7.9's have given a nice boost, anyone else noticed the same, I average about an 8% boost overall.

[Wile E]

I just thought of a ridiculously simple way to unlock overdrive with 2 6pin connectors. Use a conductive ink pen, and trace from the 2 empty pins, to the other grounds.

This is what I mean.
http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Stupid_easy_mod.jpg

[MarcusTaz]

This may void warranties though bro...

I just took an older power supply ans used one of the pin connectors, soldered the end of the barer wire inserted it into one of the ground pins on the PCI-E 6 pin and the plugged it into the upper right side.

[Wile E]

This may void warranties though bro...Just clean it off.

[mandelore]

Dropped idle temps 38c and load temps 26c unreal cooler. Idle is 31c, max temps ,under load ,with max overclocking for overdrive 858 core / 1153 memory, 58c

was 69c idle / 84c load. Thats a unreal reduction on air cooling. I couldn't max my card in overdrive or it would freeze , now I can surf the web while overdrive tests the video card which it wouldn't do before. This is as good or better than the GTX version and now the heatsinks are on strips and don't fall off like the old ones did on the GTX version.

thats GREAT bud!

the DD-29xt fiull coverage waterblock is only 8C cooler @ 900core 2500 memory, thats an awsome air cooler, what about system temperatures? have they been effected at all?

and is there any "creep" in that max temperature? does it go up very slowly over a few hours under load? oh... the memory is just cooled with extra ram sinks? still good tho

[MarcusTaz]

Dropped idle temps 38c and load temps 26c unreal cooler. Idle is 31c, max temps ,under load ,with max overclocking for overdrive 858 core / 1153 memory, 58c

was 69c idle / 84c load. Thats a unreal reduction on air cooling. I couldn't max my card in overdrive or it would freeze , now I can surf the web while overdrive tests the video card which it wouldn't do before. This is as good or better than the GTX version and now the heatsinks are on strips and don't fall off like the old ones did on the GTX version.

That cooler looks awesome.. Can you show us a pic of it in your case?? Pretty please? :toast:

[yogurt_21]

Dropped idle temps 38c and load temps 26c unreal cooler. Idle is 31c, max temps ,under load ,with max overclocking for overdrive 858 core / 1153 memory, 58c

was 69c idle / 84c load. Thats a unreal reduction on air cooling. I couldn't max my card in overdrive or it would freeze , now I can surf the web while overdrive tests the video card which it wouldn't do before. This is as good or better than the GTX version and now the heatsinks are on strips and don't fall off like the old ones did on the GTX version.

not too bad there bud, my xt on water is at 50c load at 930core/980 mem so your air is quite close.

[trt740]

That cooler looks awesome.. Can you show us a pic of it in your case?? Pretty please? :toast:


I could but I didn't put a led fan on it tried to save a little money bought a Arctic cooler 92 mm non led fan. Would be happy to take it out and send a pick. It is almost silent with this fan.

[trt740]

thats GREAT bud!

the DD-29xt fiull coverage waterblock is only 8C cooler @ 900core 2500 memory, thats an awsome air cooler, what about system temperatures? have they been effected at all?

and is there any "creep" in that max temperature? does it go up very slowly over a few hours under load? oh... the memory is just cooled with extra ram sinks? still good tho

Sytems temps don't seem effected because this heatsink is so big it. So far I can run my video card 24/7 at 870/2400 haven't tried higher because at that speed it makes no improvement over 870/1153 because my cpu is bottle necking it.

[mandelore]

not too bad there bud, my xt on water is at 50c load at 930core/980 mem so your air is quite close.

did u bump your volts? coz im still running stock on this 1gb 2900 and pushing 900 core, 2500 memory, just wish atitool worked :(

[mandelore]

Sytems temps don't seem effected because this heatsink is so big it. So far I can run my video card 24/7 at 870/2400 haven't tried higher because at that speed it makes no improvement over 870/1153 because my cpu is bottle necking it.

damn.. bottlenecked at 3.1ghz?? im running 2.9 ghz..LOL

[trt740]

did u bump your volts? coz im still running stock on this 1gb 2900 and pushing 900 core, 2500 memory, just wish atitool worked :(


no i'm at stock used AMDS overclocking tool then locked that in, in ati overdrive. If you understand what I mean. ATI overdrive will only go to 858/1153 unless you use AMD overclocking tool then the sliders go higher in overdrive and you can lock them in.

[trt740]

damn.. bottlenecked at 3.1ghz?? im running 2.9 ghz..LOL

no it's bottlenecked here if I had my old q6600 I could break 14000 with the new cat 7.9 drivers. This is with a e2160 still not bad for a 86.00 chip http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/e2160.jpg

[trt740]

no bottlenecked here if I had my old q6600 I could break 14000 with the new cat 7.9 drivers. This is with a e2160 http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/e2160.jpg


This is with my old q6600 my daughter made the wallpaper so cutt me some slack LOL. These are with 7.8 drivers notice my gpu speeds no where near what this card can do with this new cooler but it makes zero difference because my e2160 is bottle necking it. OOps just noticed the gpu setting are not shown I think with the q6600 they were at 843/1140 or so would be nice to see it at 870/2400 with cat 7.9 drivers.


http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/2900 xt fastest.jpg

[yogurt_21]

did u bump your volts? coz im still running stock on this 1gb 2900 and pushing 900 core, 2500 memory, just wish atitool worked :(

kinda, ie I can only got to clocks that'll work in 2d with stock volts, then I can add the volts .

so i change the clocks and fan and voltage for some reason always revert back to stock on ati tool .27 beta and then I change the volts for 3d. so at the monet I'm stuck at 930. I know i could get to 1GHZ if the voltage would stay applied before the clocks, but no util seems to do that. I can't even find a program to mod the bios, even though that's how all the records are being broken. hmmmm.

[trt740]

That cooler looks awesome.. Can you show us a pic of it in your case?? Pretty please? :toast:


you asked took these with my treo PDA so the qualitys not so good LOL





http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_091607_004.jpg

http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_091607_005.jpg

[trt740]

you asked took these with my treo PDA so the qualitys not so good LOL





http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_091607_004.jpg

http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_091607_005.jpg


http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_091607_002.jpg


http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_091607_003.jpg

[mandelore]

hmm. looks nice, but those ramsinks i dont like. if only they were connected tot he main heatsink

[trt740]

hmm. looks nice, but those ramsinks i dont like. if only they were connected tot he main heatsink


they are big and thick the pictures doesn't do it justice. Also they are mutch better than the 8800 gtx version. As you can see here the R600 version covers the ram chips on both sides and are bigger and thicker.

here are a few shots to compare to the 8800 gtx
http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_072107_001.jpg

http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_071107_003[1].jpg

http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_071107_002[1].jpg

[trt740]

they are big and thick the pictures doesn't do it justice. Also they are mutch better than the 8800 gtx version. As you can see here the R600 version covers the ram chips on both sides and are bigger and thicker.

here are a few shots to compare to the 8800 gtx
http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_072107_001.jpg

http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_071107_003[1].jpg

http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/Photo_071107_002[1].jpg


Sorry I know these are not great photos my treo is not that great. Both of these heatsinks are really works of art.

[EastCoasthandle]

EastCoasthandle, you ever get the 1GB version? If so what are your OC settings. I have a Power Color 1GB version ( just the ATI standard card) and I cannot go above 818 core 1100 mem using the 7.8 drivers. I use ATI Overdrive in Vista... Wish the ATi tool worked so i could play with voltages... I think my card is starving for volts...

My older 512 version I sold I could max the sliders for both core and mem clock and it ran fine... Starting to regret I sold it...

I must have missed your post. No, I never purchased the 1 gig.

[EastCoasthandle]

trt740,
What's the name of that heatsink? Where did you get the mosfet sink from (one with the tabs on each end)?

Nevermind, I found it here (http://www.thermalright.com/a_page/main_support_installation_hr03-r600.htm)

[trt740]

trt740,
What's the name of that heatsink? Where did you get the mosfet sink from (one with the tabs on each end)?

http://www.jab-tech.com/Thermalright-HR-03-R600-pr-3877.html It's a Thermalright HR-03 /R600 for the 2900 xt

http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm

[EastCoasthandle]

http://www.jab-tech.com/Thermalright-HR-03-R600-pr-3877.html

http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm
Thanks!

Here's a little secret:
The better you cool the PWM the less likely you experience frame rate dips.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/6.jpg
wow, this thing is huge! (not my pic)
Only one slot left and the video card is bowed :nutkick:

[mandelore]

strange u can only get such a low core on the 1gb version!!!

i could only manage 850 however on stock cooling, soon as i went liquid i soared to 900, if any1 finds a bios program that works with the 2900, PLZ lemmi know, i think i may have to go that way just to bump voltages. all my searching aint yielded nuthin yet

[trt740]

strange u can only get such a low core on the 1gb version!!!

i could only manage 850 however on stock cooling, soon as i went liquid i soared to 900, if any1 finds a bios program that works with the 2900, PLZ lemmi know, i think i may have to go that way just to bump voltages. all my searching aint yielded nuthin yet

No those clocks are with the stock cooler and are not maxed my max with the Thermalright cooler is 870/2400 and I haven't tried to go further since my Gpu is bottle necked. Thats only 20 mghz lower than yours on water.

[trt740]

No those clocks are with the stock cooler and are not maxed my max with the Thermalright cooler is 870/2400 and I haven't tried to go further since my Gpu is bottle necked. Thats only 20 mghz lower than yours on water.

here is my chip after a bench of 3dmark06 it just went up 5 mghz


http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/2900xt.jpg

[trt740]

Thanks!

Here's a little secret:
The better you cool the PWM the less likely you experience frame rate dips.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/6.jpg
wow, this thing is huge! (not my pic)
Only one slot left and the video card is bowed :nutkick:


mines not bent he must have the mounting screws too tight remember the zalman vf900s will also bend video cards if the screws are too tight.

[EastCoasthandle]

mines not bent he must have the mounting screws too tight remember the zalman vf900s will also bend video cards if the screws are too tight.

I figured this much. You always screw in a crisscross pattern, ALWAYS! Its a pain but I actually count the number of turns. If I don't I always bow my card in one form or another (using a waterblock).

[b1lk1]

I must buy this heatsink. Excellent......

[MarcusTaz]

ok cool thanks for the pics. Question... Could you have left on the original black heatsink on the back end of the card? Also there is no mention of the heatsink being compatible with our card, so did you have to mod anything to get it to work, i.e. spacers etc..

Thank a bunch!

PS: How about a pic in your case?

Also just noticed trt740 your card GPU goes up to 875 and 1200 on the mem and in my case my max in ATi Overdrive is only 858/1153.. Any reason why? I have the Powercolor card which is just an ATI reference card... Would love it if you could shead some light on this one...

[trt740]

ok cool thanks for the pics. Question... Could you have left on the original black heatsink on the back end of the card? Also there is no mention of the heatsink being compatible with our card, so did you have to mod anything to get it to work, i.e. spacers etc..

Thank a bunch!

PS: How about a pic in your case?

Also just noticed trt740 your card GPU goes up to 875 and 1200 on the mem and in my case my max in ATi Overdrive is only 858/1153.. Any reason why? I have the Powercolor card which is just an ATI reference card... Would love it if you could shead some light on this one...


It is made for the 2900 xt thats the only card it can be used on. It is the Thermalright HR-03 /R600 the 8800 gtx version is called a Thermalright HR-03 Plus.The black backing plate cannot be mounted as far as I know .Why would you want to? The heatsink is really not all that heavy when mounted. It is big but doesn't feel super heavy when mounted. When I mounted it it didn't bend my 8800 gtx or 2900 xt.

[trt740]

no i'm at stock used AMDS overclocking tool then locked that in, in ati overdrive. If you understand what I mean. ATI overdrive will only go to 858/1153 unless you use AMD overclocking tool then the sliders go higher in overdrive and you can lock them in.

Read this post. Before I used this cooler I couldn't max the overdrive setting let alone go higher. This cooler rocks.

[trt740]

Also just noticed trt740 your card GPU goes up to 875 and 1200 on the mem and in my case my max in ATi Overdrive is only 858/1153.. Any reason why? I have the Powercolor card which is just an ATI reference card... Would love it if you could shead some light on this one...[/QUOTE]

Here is an example of what I did once it is locked into overdrive it will stay there when ever you reboot aswell.

http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/2900xt005.jpg

[trt740]

thats GREAT bud!

the DD-29xt fiull coverage waterblock is only 8C cooler @ 900core 2500 memory, thats an awsome air cooler, what about system temperatures? have they been effected at all?

and is there any "creep" in that max temperature? does it go up very slowly over a few hours under load? oh... the memory is just cooled with extra ram sinks? still good tho


I did some testing and I want to correct something it does raise my case temps about three degrees when benching the card hard for long periods of time. I bet it would be more if you don't have a newer case like a Antec 900 series case etc. This 2900 xt does throw more heat than my old 8800 gtx not a ton more but more non the less. If you have a well ventlated case like mine 5 120mm fans or you leave the side off as I do sometimes no problem.

[trt740]

here is an example of my card at idle with the case closed the gpu fan on high. Remember I have a very well ventlated case as most of you do but even in a poorly ventlated case you wouldn't be over 40c which is still 29c lower than my old stock idle temps. Also my AC5 appears to be setting up because my temps have dropped a bit sometimes getting as low as 29c. Also I cannot match mandlores oc of 890/2500 on water I can come close 875/2400 but not match it. Also does anyone know a good temperature gpu montoring program that you can use while playing a game like fraps but for temps. This would help alot. I'm trying to give you a good idea of just how good this cooler is. It seems to be the best air cooler Ive seen.


http://img.techpowerup.org/070916/2900 xt idle.jpg

[TonyStark]

AMD GPU clock tool has temperature monitoring. When you exit the game, you can see the min, max, avg temperatures.

ATI Tray Tools could display temps on screen while gaming. Pitty it doesn't support the R600 yet.

[mandelore]

when i was reviewving the dd-29xt block i ran amd gpu clock tool on my second monitor while running the games i was testing, after an hours gameplay i just noted down the 3 variables shown on the amdgpu tool window :) so i had actual current temperatures as the game was running.

rivatuner also allows for display of the temperatures, aswell as voltage regulator current draw on a graph grid which is handy

[mandelore]

AMD GPU clock tool has temperature monitoring. When you exit the game, you can see the min, max, avg temperatures.

ATI Tray Tools could display temps on screen while gaming. Pitty it doesn't support the R600 yet.

hell id b one happy man if atitool supported the 1gb 2900 :) :) :) so damn desperate to bump the voltage and see what this card can do!

[trt740]

hell id b one happy man if atitool supported the 1gb 2900 :) :) :) so damn desperate to bump the voltage and see what this card can do!

Okay during the 3dmarks06 bench with everything turned up at resolution 1440x900 max temp was 51c according to AMD gpu overclocking tool. I think thats pretty good. With the stock cooler I was in the 80's

[MarcusTaz]

Those are great temps! trt740 I know see the correct one for our cards on the manufacture site. Newegg does not seem to stock it yet...

[trt740]

Those are great temps! trt740 I know see the correct one for our cards on the manufacture site. Newegg does not seem to stock it yet...


here is where you can buy it. http://www.jab-tech.com/Thermalright-HR-03-R600-pr-3877.html

[mandelore]

i wonder why they didnt build in the voltage regulator and memory sinks into the main heatpipe cooler?

surely even if that bumped the temperature of the core by 10C its still really cool for that card, and would help with overclocking quite a bit

[trt740]

i wonder why they didnt build in the voltage regulator and memory sinks into the main heatpipe cooler?

surely even if that bumped the temperature of the core by 10C its still really cool for that card, and would help with overclocking quite a bit


i'm not sure but it seems to let me overclock my card alot higher up from like 840/1143 to 875/1200 so it's better.

[trt740]

Hey guys does your 2900 xt video card reset itself when windows loads the ccc on the tool bar. My screen flashes black slightly right as it ccc loads , digital appears in the upper corner of my monitor then it's fine . It only does this as CCC loads and for less than a second. Then It fine and doesn't malfunction but it's just a oddity I noticed. I'm wondering if it's just mine. It almost like when you load the CCC for the first time and it tests your video card or optimizes it

[Lopez0101]

It does it to me too but my monitor doesn't act like it was just turned off and back on but it does flash black quickly.

[trt740]

It does it to me too but my monitor doesn't act like it was just turned off and back on but it does flash black quickly.

Mine doesn't act like it was turned off flashes just like yours with a black screen. Glad to hear it's not only me must be the drivers loading.

[Wile E]

Mine doesn't act like it was turned off flashes just like yours with a black screen. Glad to hear it's not only me must be the drivers loading.It's an ATI thing. My X1800 did it too. :shrug:

[EastCoasthandle]

Does anyone know where to buy a PWM (mosfet) heatsink that snaps into the holes at each end?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/image020.jpg

This only comes with the HR-03/R600. I haven't found a stand alone yet.

[trt740]

Does anyone know where to buy a PWM (mosfet) heatsink that snaps into the holes at each end?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/image020.jpg

This only comes with the HR-03/R600. I haven't found a stand alone yet.

call thermalright and just order that part.

[EastCoasthandle]

call thermalright and just order that part.
They don't do that.

[EastCoasthandle]

Ok I got the HR-03/R600 and so far notice a in Voltage regulator current from roughly 40.45C at idle to 25.74C at idel. That's a whopping 14.71C drop (roughly not an exact depending on ambient temps). Because R600 doesn't go into 3d mode using RTHDRIBL I am still testing. But will post results soon. However. It appears that the PWM, mosfet heatsink along with the memory mosfet heatsink is really doing it's job (and its alu not copper!).

Here are some pics

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_ATItool_R_T2.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/ATItool_R_T2.jpg)
Before the install of HR-03/R600 heatsinks only


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_HR03_R600_Idle.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/HR03_R600_Idle.jpg)
After HR-03/R600 install of heatsinks only

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_example.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/example.jpg)
Take a look at what I circled. These items apparently needs to be properly cooled. As you look at the pic below you will see that the pwm sink will cover them.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_HR03_R600_Front_Front1.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/HR03_R600_Front_Front1.jpg)
Take note of the extended "arm" on the row of ram sinks to the left of the GPU. It covers 2 other vital components that need to be cooled. One is a pwm I am not sure about the other component.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_HR03_R600_Front_back1.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/HR03_R600_Front_back1.jpg)
This photo shows the Arctic Silver Cleaner, the name of the video card heatsink and overall photo of the R600 with the memory/pwm (mosfet) heat sinks

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/th_HR03_R600_back1.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/HD2900/HR03_R600_back1.jpg)
This photo shows the rear of the R600 and the memory ram sinks.

Side note:
ATI ram sinks are notorious for having oil on them from the pads used (at least for me). Using arctic silver cleaner did a much better job at removing the oil (which prevents double adhesvie tape from sticking to the ram) then using rubbing alcohol alone.

[Wile E]

So wait, are you now off of water cooling, and going to air, or are you just using the sinks that came with the HR-03?

[EastCoasthandle]

So wait, are you now off of water cooling, and going to air, or are you just using the sinks that came with the HR-03?

Just using the sinks that came off the HR-03. As there is no pwm sinks to date.
And I have to admit this is working very well. Whenever I moved any popup screen (take firefox for example) it would "trail" or ghost whenever I moved it. That is no longer happening.

[Wile E]

Just using the sinks that came off the HR-03. As there is no pwm sinks to date.
And I have to admit this is working very well. Whenever I moved any popup screen (take firefox for example) it would "trail" or ghost whenever I moved it. That is no longer happening.What do you plan to do with the heatsink itself? That was an awfully pricey way to get some sinks. lol

[EastCoasthandle]

What do you plan to do with the heatsink itself? That was an awfully pricey way to get some sinks. lol

Unfortunately, it was a heavy price to get the proper cooling for the mosfets for the R600. It's a shame that no one thought of actually creating these type of heatsinks and sell them separately.

[Wile E]

Unfortunately, it was a heavy price to get the proper cooling for the mosfets for the R600. It's a shame that no one thought of actually creating these type of heatsinks and sell them separately.So, after you add the cost of the HR-03 and the Maze4 (or 5), might the full coverage DD block be a better solution to someone that doesn't already have a gpu block laying around?

Also, what about some standard sinks and thermal tape instead? Viable?

[EastCoasthandle]

So, after you add the cost of the HR-03 and the Maze4 (or 5), might the full coverage DD block be a better solution to someone that doesn't already have a gpu block laying around?
Cost wise I still paid less

Also, what about some standard sinks and thermal tape instead? Viable?
Not viable as there is not enough contact area for double adhesive tape to adhere properly to. I've tried and it didn't work for me. That's why the clips on the ends are provided. Also, the unique design of the right memory ram sink, AKA "arm" allows for contact to the other compounds. If it was a separate heat sink there wouldn't be enough contact area IMO when it's upside down. Now I am talking about cooling the mosfets from my own experience here, results will vary.


Side note:
Here is the price for the full cover DD block and the maze5 (http://www.dangerden.com/store/home.php?cat=47) or EK block (http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=192). The cost of the HR-03/R600 (already mentioned earlier) along with the water block will be much less then a full cover water block. However, this is more a unique setup. For starters, you must already be water cooling, in some cases already own a decent wb for your video card, etc before this is a viable option. But for demonstration purposes, those 2 items are still cheaper then the full cover block.

[EastCoasthandle]

anyone else tried this yet?

[EastCoasthandle]

I found some interesting information about OC the mem. Seems that mem speeds of 714, 833 909 & 1000 (909 and 1000 needs some kind of active cooling) work best (http://www.nordichardware.com/Reviews/?skrivelse=516&page=4) for the HD 2900XT

[yogurt_21]

or really 1mhz shy of those numbers then thus 999 being the highest you can go without going to the loosest timings

[EastCoasthandle]

HD 2900 XT at 890/833
(http://service.futuremark.com/orb/projectdetails.jsp?projectType=14&projectId=3144923)
SM 2.0 Score 5362 Marks
SM 3.0 Score 6025 Marks



HD 2900 XT at 890/909 (http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm06=3150964)
SM 2.0 Score 5414 Marks
SM 3.0 Score 6109 Marks

[Laserline]

You have a 29800XT? Christ.

[binormalkilla]

Well stay away from the HR-03 from Thermalright as I got a poorly threaded screw, which lead to poor contact with the GPU and I'm now waiting for my RMA to return......the GPU FRIED :eek: while I was in the BIOS!

Anyhow, on my HIS 2900xt 1Gb I was running 843/1100 in Overdrive with Vista x64. When I get my new card I'll be sure to post my results here.

[EastCoasthandle]

Well stay away from the HR-03 from Thermalright as I got a poorly threaded screw, which lead to poor contact with the GPU and I'm now waiting for my RMA to return......the GPU FRIED :eek: while I was in the BIOS!

Anyhow, on my HIS 2900xt 1Gb I was running 843/1100 in Overdrive with Vista x64. When I get my new card I'll be sure to post my results here.

I will keep that in mind.
New card?

[mandelore]

talking about the loosining of the timings, is there just the one set of "loosened timings" after x memory clock? since i cant actually read my mem timings atm.

just wondering if the mem timing relaxation will be the same @ 2300MHz as for 2500 or wotever, if damn atitool would work i could prevent the timings getting buggered with

[binormalkilla]

I will keep that in mind.
New card?

Well I actually had the card for a little over a month.

[binormalkilla]

I got the Diamond 1Gb today and I have it OCed to 843/2200 so far, and it's stable for about an hour in Crysis beta.....longest that I've played it so far. I'm reseating with AS5 tomorrow to lower temps...maybe I can go higher. I locked up in a menu at 858. I probably need more VCOre rather than lower temps though.
What is the highest core that the 1Gb owners have reached stable?
I can't wait for ATI Tool to support voltage adjustments on the 1Gb cards......

[Wile E]

Looky what I found:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102707

[mandelore]

Looky what I found:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102707

yeah seent hat a while back on overclockers.co.uk, not bad at all :)

[mandelore]

I got the Diamond 1Gb today and I have it OCed to 843/2200 so far, and it's stable for about an hour in Crysis beta.....longest that I've played it so far. I'm reseating with AS5 tomorrow to lower temps...maybe I can go higher. I locked up in a menu at 858. I probably need more VCOre rather than lower temps though.
What is the highest core that the 1Gb owners have reached stable?
I can't wait for ATI Tool to support voltage adjustments on the 1Gb cards......

i have went up to 900MHz core and 2500 memory, but, like the 512MB version, memory timings get relaxed at specific mem frequencies. im trying to find out what they are for the 1gb gddr4 version.

but 900 core @ 52C max under load, tho some games dont break 48C, Gmod appears to heat it up the most for some reason

I have found that 1143 memory actually gives a better score in 3dmark than 1250

[binormalkilla]

i have went up to 900MHz core and 2500 memory, but, like the 512MB version, memory timings get relaxed at specific mem frequencies. im trying to find out what they are for the 1gb gddr4 version.

but 900 core @ 52C max under load, tho some games dont break 48C, Gmod appears to heat it up the most for some reason

I have found that 1143 memory actually gives a better score in 3dmark than 1250
What application are you OCing with? Operating system? THat's one badass OC man....I'm jealous. I got a driver lockup at 2200 today, but last night I could play all night. Well I'm thinking that the memory is getting too hot on the back, so I'm going to put a fan on it or something.....

[binormalkilla]

Well I discovered that the backplate has two screw holes that fit an 80mm case fan perfectly....I slapped on one there to cool the core and the memory. It gets really hot back there....

[DaMulta]

Well I discovered that the backplate has two screw holes that fit an 80mm case fan perfectly....I slapped on one there to cool the core and the memory. It gets really hot back there....
pic?

[binormalkilla]

I'll have one tomorrow. I used motherboard risers to raise the fan a little. Man this mod is sooooo easy and works like a charm. Keeps the memory a lot cooler.....it was really hot to the touch. Now it's barely warm.

[binormalkilla]

All right here is my case fan mod for the backplate.
Sorry about the poor picture quality. It was taken with a camera phone.

http://www.overclock.net/attachments/ati/57203d1191377473-hd-2900xt-info-thread-gpu-fan-1.jpg

http://www.overclock.net/attachments/ati/57204d1191377473-hd-2900xt-info-thread-pci-e-area.jpg

http://www.overclock.net/attachments/ati/57205d1191377473-hd-2900xt-info-thread-screw-mount.jpg

[Wile E]

All right here is my case fan mod for the backplate.
Sorry about the poor picture quality. It was taken with a camera phone.

http://www.overclock.net/attachments/ati/57203d1191377473-hd-2900xt-info-thread-gpu-fan-1.jpg

http://www.overclock.net/attachments/ati/57204d1191377473-hd-2900xt-info-thread-pci-e-area.jpg

http://www.overclock.net/attachments/ati/57205d1191377473-hd-2900xt-info-thread-screw-mount.jpg

Sheer genius.

[Sasqui]

Not sure if this has already been pointed out:

"... Here's a look at the funky eight-pin power plug on the 2900 XT. This plug will accept a six-pin connector, but AMD's Overdrive overclocking utility isn't available unless an eight-pin power plug is connected. I've never seen an adapter to covert another connector type to an eight-pin one, either, so you're probably looking at a power supply upgrade if you want to overclock this card. ..."

http://techreport.com/articles.x/12956

How about other OC'ing utilities working with 2 6Pin connectors?

[EastCoasthandle]

GAME: World in Conflict
Settings: Medium, High, Very High
Resolutions: 1600 and 1920
Note: No settings were tweaked other then Medium, High and Very High. I believe high and very high settings use 4xAA/4xAF
Cat 7.9 hotfix. Note, 1680x1050 was no longer available
Video Card Clock: HD 2900XT @ Standard Clock

Settings: Medium
..........1600x1200..................1920x1200
Average: 68....................Average: 61
Minimum: 35....................Minimum: 29
Maximum: 122..................Maximum: 105

Settings: High
..........1600x1200..................1920x1200
Average: 35....................Average: 30
Minimum: 18....................Minimum: 16
Maximum: 62..................Maximum: 56

Settings: Very High
..........1600x1200..................1920x1200
Average: 27....................Average: 24
Minimum: 15....................Minimum: 12
Maximum: 49..................Maximum: 44

[binormalkilla]

Sheer genius.

WHy thank you sir :D
This mod is so easy.....everyone with this card should do it. Sure everyone has two extra motherboard riser screws....and access to a hardware store such as Lowe's or Home Despot (er.....Depot :P)

[Wile E]

Not sure if this has already been pointed out:

"... Here's a look at the funky eight-pin power plug on the 2900 XT. This plug will accept a six-pin connector, but AMD's Overdrive overclocking utility isn't available unless an eight-pin power plug is connected. I've never seen an adapter to covert another connector type to an eight-pin one, either, so you're probably looking at a power supply upgrade if you want to overclock this card. ..."

http://techreport.com/articles.x/12956

How about other OC'ing utilities working with 2 6Pin connectors?Well, there is an adapter, but it's only necessary if you plan to use Overdrive to OC. (Even then, it's not 100% necessary, you only need to rig up a negative to one of the empty pins) ATITool and AMD GPU Clock Tool will both OC with 2 6 pins.

[binormalkilla]

After performing my fan mod, I can run 843/2250 stable 24/7. I've played Crysis beta for over an hour using this OC, and the memory is only warm to the touch, when it used to be SCORCHING hot, almost enough to burn my fingers. The GPU brace was really hot as well, but now it's just BARELY warm.

[bassmasta]

how are you guys getting these huge oc's? I can run 790/832 before I get artifacts out the flashpipe. fan's at 100% and I have air moving over my backplate, too.

[Wile E]

how are you guys getting these huge oc's? I can run 790/832 before I get artifacts out the flashpipe. fan's at 100% and I have air moving over my backplate, too.
I could get 820ish/950ish out of the box, but I had to use ATITool to bump the voltage for 847/999. I also have very, very good case airflow.

[bassmasta]

I would consider my case airflow to be paranoid, but I read that ati gpu tool adjusts voltage automatically.

[Wile E]

I would consider my case airflow to be paranoid, but I read that ati gpu tool adjusts voltage automatically.No, GPU Clock Tool does not. I think overdrive might tho.

[mandelore]

What application are you OCing with? Operating system? THat's one badass OC man....I'm jealous. I got a driver lockup at 2200 today, but last night I could play all night. Well I'm thinking that the memory is getting too hot on the back, so I'm going to put a fan on it or something.....

im just using amd GPU clock tool, and on vista ultimate. cant access voltages so all is on stock at the moment, tho im using a DD-29XT full coverage waterblock (look on the reviews page)

tho... my rad is quite insanely large :roll:

actually, i had a load of pics i was gonna post as a project but its far too late... i had to mod my case etc and had loads of pics of my cooling setup for my 2900xt

[mandelore]

I could get 820ish/950ish out of the box, but I had to use ATITool to bump the voltage for 847/999. I also have very, very good case airflow.

:cry: i wanna have voltage adjustments too!

[binormalkilla]

Well I'm running 843/2250 now with my fan mod. W00t! Totally stable, been playing Crysis at this clock everyday for up to an hour or more at a time.

[JC316]

Well I'm running 843/2250 now with my fan mod. W00t! Totally stable, been playing Crysis at this clock everyday for up to an hour or more at a time.

And how does Crysis run on it? Just curious.

[binormalkilla]

Runs great. I'm running it at 1920*1080......and I run it faster than 8800gtxs :D I can't really say much due to NDA, but I've compared FPS to GTX owners and they're jealous!

[JC316]

Runs great. I'm running it at 1920*1080......and I run it faster than 8800gtxs :D I can't really say much due to NDA, but I've compared FPS to GTX owners and they're jealous!

Sweet. I understand about the NDA, but thats what I am talking about.

[stinzza]

yo.. gotta qestion.. how come the 8800gtx is faster ingame.. when 2900xt is better 3dmark. 2900xt has 8.0 size core and 8800gtx got 9.0.... what does 2900xt card uses the extra power usages for????????

[DaMulta]

yo.. gotta qestion.. how come the 8800gtx is faster ingame.. when 2900xt is better 3dmark. 2900xt has 8.0 size core and 8800gtx got 9.0.... what does 2900xt card uses the extra power usages for????????

Not all games

[stinzza]

well.. say 50-50.. so whats the extra power usages for..

[stinzza]

if you ask me.. maby nvidia has found a shourter way for the wires on the card but in a tighter way.. so the bandwith is a bit lower....

[cepoi]

aaa

[stinzza]

aaa
or is it that the r600 core is higher clocked.. then again does not seem to enhanze gaming performance.. have someone tested if you downclock the 2900xt core to 8800gxt level.. does it draw the same power then??

[TonyStark]

or is it that the r600 core is higher clocked.. then again does not seem to enhanze gaming performance.. have someone tested if you downclock the 2900xt core to 8800gxt level.. does it draw the same power then??

:wtf:

[pbmaster]

I'm totally confused now lol

[DaMulta]

I love when people think that all cards are made by the same engineers

[Wile E]

Stinzza - if you are worried about power consumption, then the top end gfx cards are NOT where you should be looking.