Geforce 8k-9K Series Clubhouse

[tkpenalty]

Geforce 8 Series Clubhouse

A support group for all Nvidia Geforce 8 and 9 Series Owners.



This thread is a chat as well as an unofficial support thread.

Note: Zero spam tolerance
Note: To access articles in the table of contents please use CTRL+F L1 to instantly gain access to what you want, example N1; rules. Ctrl + F F1 and you will be able to read the article instantly.

G8x/G9x GPUs supported here

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CONTENTS
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GS1. Posting Guidelines
N0. Updates
N1. Rules, and Joining conditions
N2. Personal Comments
NV1. Recommended Purchases from G8x/G9x Family
NV2. Rumour box/Judgement by Tkpenalty
G1. Member List





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GS1. Posting Guidelines
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-With images, please use www.techpowerup.org, and downsize images to 1024x786, OR if higher resolutions are absolutely necessary, post a link instead.

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N0. UPDATES:
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27/01/08: Rules of the clubhouse section N1
27/01/08: Clubhouse open, it seems like every January I open a new clubhouse

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N1. Rules, Joining Conditions
=================================

If you are transferring over from my older and rather successful HD2k/HD3k Clubhouse, you very well know the basic rules.

-Forum rules are applied here as well. Please have a good read of them if you aren't sure of what they are.
-No spamming. I didn't like it in my older clubhouse, so I won't like that here
-Fanboy wars, Same story for BOTH clubs. I will not tolerate any fanboy wars, we only need the truth here.
- Stay on topic with disscussion of G8x or 9x products, comparisons, etcetra are welcome.

Conditions of Joining
You may be in this thread without joining, however membership, means that you basically are entitled to a faster response to any help thats needed from me

-Must own G8x or G9x Series GPU in order to be applicable.
-Must have 50 posts or more, however exceptions ARE allowed in certain circumstances. If member has been on this forum for more than one month, the 50 post requirement is irrelevant.
-To join, the member MUST PM me, and also state their current setup. Images are welcome.
-Please post GPUZ verification in inclusion
-3D Mark scores are welcome

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N2. Personal Comments
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27.01.08

Sorry for the lack of articles, but the clubhouse WAS formed today. Being more relevant, members of the HD3k clubhouse and the G80; you are in one community and remember that. All because I have made another clubhouse (and went to the darkside) does not mean I'm abandoning anything. Basically, the point of both clubhouses is to provide TECH SUPPORT. Not a fanclub, even if they both do and will do that.

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NV1. Recommended Purchases from G8x/G9x Family
=================================

These are GPUs that are recommended for purchase for each price range. Please note that some are manufacturer, and model specific. Reasons will be explained. Basically the reasoning behind these choices is simple, practicality, durability and the value of the GPU itself.

Out of the 8800GT family

The 8800 family is filled with variations with many Manufacturers making customized designs of the 8800GT, first off we have the 8800GT 512MB. This is the IDEAL 8800GT, if you are counting value, and performance altogether.

The 8800GT 256MB suffers from inferior performance (approx +20%~ less compared to the 8800GT 512MB) due to the lack of framebuffer, which is a major issue with it. There is one advantage, which is price. However as performance suffers heavily with the reduced framebuffer on newer games it isn't a good choice.

The 8800GT 1GB, from PALIT and ASUS, while 1GB sounds like a nice number, it isn't necessarily useful. Practically, the 8800GT 1GB's extra load of framebuffer is extremely redundant. With less than half of the framebuffer utilised for all the games. Benchmarks also show that the performance does NOT increase at all with the redundant framebuffer-even in Crysis.

The 8800GT 512MB is the best option. Why? Price, performance value.

One problem. The reference 8800GT's phase design is very poorly designed. With only 1 Phase for the memory, and two phases for the Vcore. The main problem is that the Vcore phase's capacitors , chokes, MOSFETs, generally have a lot to handle. If we remove all the reference designs, we are left with two options.

The Palit 8800GT 512MB Sonic, or the Gigabyte 8800GT 512MB Ultra Durable 2 (GV-NX88T512HP)

The Palit 8800GT 512MB Sonic

Gigabyte GV-NX88T512HP


Lets elaborate on the features of both cards shall we? Both cards sport a 3 Phase power design for the Vcore, as opposed to two. This does mean indeed that the phases will run cooler. However the Gigabyte edges out a tiny bit in this aspect with the components used in comparison. Both GPUs use non-reference cooling, which are of the same calibre (expect load temps of around 70*C~60*C), which is far superior than the stock reference (80*C + normally). Both cards furthermore, come pre-overclocked, which is a nice addition to their value.

Now to the differences, the Gigabyte 8800GT has one major advantage, as seen in the image, the 8800GT has a shorter PCB, around 1.5 Inches shorter. This means it is far more HTPC friendly compared to the Palit and other 8800GTs. The Gigabyte has one rather unique feature, which is a power saving feature that is offered on their newer E series motherboards. Basically operating on the same principle, it cuts down power usage and temperatures by a small amount during Idle. Note that software is required for this feature to work however, which is the GAMER H.U.D. The gamer H.U.D allows for software voltage control, BIOS modding not needed which is convenient. However the max voltage that the card can do with this tool is 1.2v-and at that point you would consider cooling the Vcore phases. One major letdown is the omission of memory cooling, thus the card is limited at 1840 MHz, however by adding small heatsinks, such as the Zalman BGA heatsinks, the card will easily do 2.0GHz.

UPDATE: Later models come with Samsung memory, which is rated at 2.0Ghz, moreover compared to the Quimonda, Samsung’s memory is known to run cooler, however not necessarily clock better.

However on the other hand, the Palit has HDMI, which is slowly becoming needed for high end Flat screen TVs. The Palit DOESN’T have exposed memory; its cooled, so that’s one investment that doesn’t need to be made, like the gigabyte. There is a large set of MOSFETs, and those are cooled with a large heatsink. (However please note, regardless of that at 1.2v+ the phases will require active cooling to remain stable). Unlike the Gigabyte, it will still require flashing to have any form of voltage control, which is a minor problem. The large proprietary heatsink, is somewhat edged out by the VF830Alcu, but nonetheless still superior to the reference design. In this case memory clocks do not suffer thanks to the memory cooling. Overall, this card is warmer.

Out of the both of these GPUs, it comes down to your needs. The Gigabyte would be better if you worry about the durability and the size of the card, as well as the power saving, while the Palit would be better suited for when HDMI is needed in a high performance PC. It also boils down to the price, but take note of the advantages of each GPU, note that performance is almost the same with both. Heres a summary:

Gigabyte 8800GT
++Ultra Durable 2 3 Phase
+Pre OC’ed
+Smaller PCB
+Aftermarket Zalman VF830
+GAMER HUD
-1.2v max in gamer HUD
-A bit more expensive than ref
-No memory cooling.

PALIT 8800GT
++HDMI
+Three phase
+Pre OC’ed
+Proprietary Aluminium flower fansink
+Memory cooling
+Similarly priced as reference design.
-MOSFET cooling inadequate; MOSFETs run too hot
-Longer than Gigabyte 8800GT (not really a con)

9800GTX/8800GTS 512MB
When the 9800GTX was released, it was basically an overpriced 8800GTS 512MB with more power phases. However now with the considerable price drops that have evened the prices of both GPUs, it will be up to the end user to buy whichever he/her prefers.

The 9800GTX has the advantage of having more power phases, but please note performance wise its identical to the 8800GTS 512MB. The more power phases will in turn make the card run cooler overall, however draw slightly more power. The PCB is also longer; this may be a problem to some who have a small chassis. With the extra power phases Nvidia decided to chuck in another 6 pin header; probably to give the product an impression it is a high end product.

The 8800GTS 512MB isn't that long but sports two times less power phases, it costs moreover around $10~$20 USD less, or in some cases the same price as the 9800GTX. It doesn't have the extra power connector moreover (which isn't needed). Finally one of the major advantages is the smaller, but superior cooler. You may ask why? Because the 8800GTS 512MB's cooler is silent, in contrast to the 9800GTX's. The 9800GTX's is just a large fin array, with a copper base, with a fast and moderately audible fan, while the 8800GTS 512MB sports a triple heatpipe cooler with a fan that remains quiet; the results say that the 8800GTS 512MB runs cooler.

In my opinion, go for whichever is cheaper at your retailer.

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NV2. Rumour box/Judgement by Tkpenalty
=================================
Latest GT200 rumours
As of late, none of the rumours from various sources seem to be remotely reliable to base a judgement on the GT200's performance. VR Zone, has posted news but it is rather questionable as to how they are getting their information. So far the site that usually pumps out pre-release info, Fudzilla has only have info about the competitor; the RV770, this does suggest that the rumours are to be taken with a grain of salt as even Fudzilla aren't talking about it yet.

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G1. Member List
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A member list, of current members of this clubhouse.

Executive
Leader: Tkpenalty – 8 Series

Setup: Gigabyte 8800GT 512MB Ultra Durable 2 (GV-NX88T512HP)
OC: 780mhz/2000mhz
Mods: Removed VF700ALCU, Installed AcceleroS1
GPU-Z: Here
3D Marks:
3D Mark 05 = 16782
3D Mark 06 = 11418
Pic: Here

Personal comment: I have the older 8800GT with the VF700ALCU installed by the way. Going to rip it off to install an AcceleroS1. The 8800GT Diagnosed one of my PCI-E 6 Pin connectors were faulty... used my remaining PCI-E 6 pin connector. At first I thought the 8800GT was dead, but then I tested it on my "old" PC. Oh well lol, one dead PCI-E connector. VF700ALCU was barely satisfactory, 72*C Load and 50*C Idle, the AcceleroS1 does way better, passively without any noise. Same thing happened on my X1950PRO... two AcceleroS1s :laugh

Leader: Solaris 17 – 9 Series

First non-8800 member – First 8600GT and 9600GT owner
Nvidia G8x/G9x Series Mod Guru
Nvidia Geforce Guru
God of 8600GT/9600GT
Too-many-titles man

Model: EVGA 8600GT 256MB
Mods: Voltmods, Vcore 1.5v, Vmem 2.2v. Bios flashed to speeds.
OC: 750/1850/950
GPUZ: Here
Image - warning extremely modded: Here

Palit_Guy
Palit Representative

Model: All Palit 8800GT Models
Palit Representative.

Wile E
First member, first to DX10, Also HD3k Clubhouse member

Setup: Palit GeForce 8800GT 1GB SONIC.
OC: 790/1902/1050 GPU/Shader/mem

Personal Comment: I have the 1GB Palit Sonic. It loads to 59C with my OC (760/1902/1050 gpu/shader/mem), logged by Rivatuner. The cooler really is pretty good. Certainly better than the reference cooler. It's no S1 or vf1000, but it gets the job done.

Tkpenalty's Comment: 59*C is a very good temperature, good 8800 Imho.

Join Date: 28/01/08

Join Date: 30/01/08
[/quote]

craigwhiteside
moderator™

[quote]
Setup: ECS 8800GT 512MB
OC: 720/1730/2080
Random Image: http://forums.techpowerup.com/attach...7&d=1203209215
Joined Date: 23/2/08

Standard Members


PuMA

Setup: Inno3D GeForce 8800GTS 320MB OC edition
OC: 650/2000 mhz
3D Marks: 11,023
Joined Date: 28/01/08

Co_op

Setup: Gigabyte 8800GTS 320MB (GV-NX88S320H-B-RH)
GPUZ: Here
3D Marks: 11091
Joined Date: 28/01/08

Tatty_One

A Grandpa

Models (in one system?):
-MSI Nvidia Geforce 8800GTS 512MB OC G92 @
-2x Palit Nvidia Geforce 8800GT 512MB Super+ G92 @ 770/1925/1080
OC:
-MSI@ 835/2100/2150
-2x Palit@770/1925/1080, one voltmodded due to instability issues.

Tkpenalty's Comment: O_o Three G92s?

Gallatin

Setup: Gainward Geforce 8800GT 512MB (reference design)
3D Marks: http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4864/39210318ha0.jpg
Joined Date: 28/01/08

Watts289

Setup: BFG Geforce 8800GT 512MB OC
GPU-Z: Here
Join Date: 28/01/08
3D Mark: 10,075 (2006)

Corrosion

Setup: BFG 8800GTS 512MB(G92) OC Edition
CPUZ & GPUZ:Here
3dmark 05: 14102

Tkpenalty's Comment: Please note that your CPU is holding your GPU back by a fair bit. You may want to upgrade to a 6000+, etcetera in this case.

wolf
ATi X1950~HD3k Member

GPUs in Possession:
-XFX 8800GT 512MB (Standard)
-2x XFX 8600GT XXX Edition
Mods: GPUs use a custom bios
OC:
-XFX 8800GT 720/1782/1944
-2x XFX8600GT XXX 742/1836/1700

Join Date: 23/02/08

zschc
First second Generation G92 user

Setup: XFX Geforce 8800GS 580MB (192bit memory bus)
GPUZ: :Here
OC: 720/1800/1900
Join Date: 23/02/08

Comment: Those are the same clocks as the normal 8800GTs are possible of

Members that need more info from

theoldboy

Setup: Palit Geforce 8800GT 512MB Sonic
OC: N/A
Join Date: 28/01/08

kieran_fletch

Setup: Xpertvision 8800GT 512MB (Palit 8800GT 512MB Sonic Edition).
OC: GPU 771mhz, memory 932mhz,shader 1750mhz

Join Date: 23/2/08

Candle_86

Setup: XFX 8800GS 580M
OC: 720/1800/1900
Join Date: 5/3/08

Racist remarks wont get you anywhere

FreedomEclipse

Setup: XFX Geforce 8800GTS 512MB Alpha Dog Edition (preOC)
Join Date: 29/01/08

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Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anything that goes wrong when you buy your GPU, all this information is based off hypothesized analysis if there is anything incorrect, add my MSN: azn_luster_X@hotmail.com and then talk to me about it

Thanks.

Martin Gelb

[theoldboy]

the palit sonic version in Australia is only 512mb not 1gb is also overclocked ,
and having just bought one for aus$329 is cheaper than the 3870 ,card is sweet and that heatsick works well only got to 51 degres running Helgate (its summer here)

[tkpenalty]

Originally Posted by theoldboy

the palit sonic version in Australia is only 512mb not 1gb is also overclocked ,
and having just bought one for aus$329 is cheaper than the 3870 ,card is sweet and that heatsick works well only got to 51 degres running Helgate (its summer here)

Sonic right? Very nice then, 51*C :S... 51*C Sounds more like a temperature after you ctrl + tab. I'd use something such as ATi Tool to get the temps, run "scan for artifacts" and leave it for 5 minutes. Then you'll get the load temps.

$329? Where did you get that? . HD3870 is supposed to be cheaper, but nice find nonetheless! (I live in Australia too). Do you live in brisbane or something? Because in sydney, only "Generic (i.e. bad warranty)", 8800GTs have that kind of pricing.

EDIT: Sunshine Coast... damn you guys are lucky up there. Get everything for almost as cheap as in the US

[Wile E]

I have the 1GB Palit Sonic. It loads to 59C with my OC (760/1902/1050 gpu/shader/mem), logged by Rivatuner. The cooler really is pretty good. Certainly better than the reference cooler. It's no S1 or vf1000, but it gets the job done.

My Palit also looks quite a bit different than the pic you have up of it.

The Gigabyte is not a 4 phase design. Number of chokes does not equal number of phases. It's still a 3 phase design, as listed on their website.

With that said, can I join?

EDIT: Closeups of my card. With and without heatsinks. (But left the ram heatspreaders on.)

[Co_Op]

Gigabyte 8800GTS 320Mb

Official page
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/...ProductID=2463

GPU-Z Validation Link
http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/3pwz8/

3DMark06 11091
http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm06=4478299

[theoldboy]

Originally Posted by tkpenalty

Sonic right? Very nice then, 51*C :S... 51*C Sounds more like a temperature after you ctrl + tab. I'd use something such as ATi Tool to get the temps, run "scan for artifacts" and leave it for 5 minutes. Then you'll get the load temps.

$329? Where did you get that? . HD3870 is supposed to be cheaper, but nice find nonetheless! (I live in Australia too). Do you live in brisbane or something? Because in sydney, only "Generic (i.e. bad warranty)", 8800GTs have that kind of pricing.

Hi I got it from PCmeal they have them on ebay ,,though they have them at$349 now the card comes with a program called vdo tool you can you can monitor fan speed temp etc ,you can manually set the fan speed if you want
i will have a look on ebay and post the link think they still have a few more ,it was a coin toss up as to wether to get the 8800 or the 3870
heres the link to ebay they are a great to deal with
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/nVidia-Geforc...QQcmdZViewItem

[Wile E]

Hmmm, GB doesn't list the number of phases on their site anymore. Maybe I was thinking of a press release? Either way tk, I did find out that your card isn't just the GV-NX88T512HP, it's the GV-NX88T512HP Rev. 1.0, thus explaining the different cooling on yours.

Here's the link to the picture on GB's site: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/...ev.1.0_big.jpg

[PuMA]

heres mine. will do 650/2000 mhz and 3dmark06 gives me 11,023

oh and wanna join

[tkpenalty]

Originally Posted by Wile E

Hmmm, GB doesn't list the number of phases on their site anymore. Maybe I was thinking of a press release? Either way tk, I did find out that your card isn't just the GV-NX88T512HP, it's the GV-NX88T512HP Rev. 1.0, thus explaining the different cooling on yours.

Here's the link to the picture on GB's site: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/...ev.1.0_big.jpg

Yeah that was the older revision which was in the pic in that comparison thread. I got the 1.0 Revision at the moment. Not the older revision. Its also got the extra voltage control chip installed which means its pretty handy. Yes that Palit 8800GT looks different compared to the one (thanks for the pics lol).

Well, I'm somewhat confused at the moment. Some places say four phase while others say three. With six chokes in a line, it can be logical to say, two for memory four for vcore... OR, you could assume in your case, one choke for Memory and three chokes for vcore, with the rest for some other thing.

Originally Posted by Wile E

Hmmm, GB doesn't list the number of phases on their site anymore. Maybe I was thinking of a press release? Either way tk, I did find out that your card isn't just the GV-NX88T512HP, it's the GV-NX88T512HP Rev. 1.0, thus explaining the different cooling on yours.

Here's the link to the picture on GB's site: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/...ev.1.0_big.jpg

Yeah... On the older revision there was one less choke (at top) and the PCB was laid out somewhat differently.

Looks Like i'll need to re-judge the choice between each card. On a sidenote though, that memory heatplate looks pretty cool though. Your revision of the palit is designed somewhat better than the one in the pic.

Oh boy, cant wait to join . Waiting on my EVGA as we speak, had to RMA due to it artifacting all over the place. Crossing my fingers that this one doesn't suck the uberness.

[tkpenalty]

Originally Posted by Duxx

Oh boy, cant wait to join . Waiting on my EVGA as we speak, had to RMA due to it artifacting all over the place. Crossing my fingers that this one doesn't suck the uberness.

You're lucky you are getting it from EVGA, when that 9800 series comes out, (9800GT?) you might be able to participate in the upgrade program...and their warranty is just awesome.

[tkpenalty]

Okay new members added

Gainward 8800GT 512

3Dmark 06 @stock clocks

[tkpenalty]

From now on please submit your score/post the online score for 3D Marks instead. Please refrain from posting such large pictures, and remember to use something like techpowerup.org instead. Images at most should be 1024x786, anything bigger MUST be downsized or posted as a link.

[theoldboy]

Originally Posted by tkpenalty

EDIT: Sunshine Coast... damn you guys are lucky up there. Get everything for almost as cheap as in the US

Has not been very sunny this summer used to live in Melbourne till I found a better lifestyle
better go got to go surfing in the morning
can I be in your club

[tkpenalty]

Originally Posted by theoldboy

Has not been very sunny this summer used to live in Melbourne till I found a better lifestyle
better go got to go surfing in the morning
can I be in your club

No probs, I'd like GPUZ verification as well from now on thanks.

[tkpenalty]

8800GT In my main Rig:

X1950PRO In its new habitat:


Notice how both systems use a P31 board and use the AcceleroS1 and are wired in a similar manner .

[[I.R.A]_FBi]

erm there is already an nvidia clubhouse, you guys couldve come taken it over.

[FreedomEclipse]

hey guys sign me up. I currently have a XFX G92 8800GTS Alpha Dog Edition. what i mean when i say currently is that ive only had it for around 3 weeks or so. screenies & other shit coming soon

[tkpenalty]

Originally Posted by [I.R.A]_FBi

erm there is already an nvidia clubhouse, you guys couldve come taken it over.

*SIGH* That was a Nvidia clubhouse, this is a clubhouse that supports Nvdia's 8 series products. I wouldn't want to take it over for several reasons, but I won't explain it here.

[DaMulta]

My Gts will be in any day

[tkpenalty]

Originally Posted by DaMulta

My Gts will be in any day

Selling your HD2900PRO?

[DaMulta]

Not at the moment.

[DaMulta]

I just need to get a motherboard that supports SLi.

[tkpenalty]

Stop double posting =_+

Took a less noisier pic