I don't have much experience with the socket 754 but I do have an AGP Saphire X800GTO. Many people don't know about it but some of these cards are flashable to 16 pixel pipes. Also depending on the core you can overclock some of them a lot. On almost all of them the memory will overclock quite a bit too. ATItool will tell you what core you have and if it is flashable.
If you are interested in unlocking pipes on your card you need to go to the Overclocking menu on ATItool (click on the settings button to get there).
If these requirements are met, the card can be unlocked via bios flash.
CONFIG_DIE_FUSES 0xXXXXFXXX
(the fifth character after the little x has to be an 'F')
CONFIG_SUBSTRATE_FUSES 0xXXXXXXXF
(the last character has to be an 'F')
My card has an R430 core which doesn't overclock well but I was able to unlock the pipes so I have an X800XL now. 8)
If these requirements are met, the card can be unlocked via bios flash.
CONFIG_DIE_FUSES 0xXXXXFXXX
(the fifth character after the little x has to be an 'F')
CONFIG_SUBSTRATE_FUSES 0xXXXXXXXF
(the last character has to be an 'F')
My card has an R430 core which doesn't overclock well but I was able to unlock the pipes so I have an X800XL now. 8)
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I was under the impression that the AGP ones cannot overclock!?
How do I check for it? I am new to OCing and all that, so i need a bit more instruction. A lot of that looks like GREEK to me...
Do you mean overclock or unlock?
Overclocking is easy.
The trixx software that comes with the Saphire card has a pretty conservative auto detect system that will pick an overclock for you.
ATItool (free on the internet) can be used as well. ATItool also has a built in "find max core" feature that will test your card at various clock speeds.
ATItool will tell you which core you have. After you install it click settings and then choose the overclocking menu at the top. If you have an R480 it should be able to go higher than 500MHz. R430 cores ususally can't hit 450MHz. I think that R423 are somewhere in the middle.
Overclocking is easy.
The trixx software that comes with the Saphire card has a pretty conservative auto detect system that will pick an overclock for you.
ATItool (free on the internet) can be used as well. ATItool also has a built in "find max core" feature that will test your card at various clock speeds.
ATItool will tell you which core you have. After you install it click settings and then choose the overclocking menu at the top. If you have an R480 it should be able to go higher than 500MHz. R430 cores ususally can't hit 450MHz. I think that R423 are somewhere in the middle.
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The ATItool overclocking menu which I mentioned above has the information.
The stuff about the fuses is the information that will tell you if you can unlock the pipes. If you install ATItool it will be more clear what I am talking about.
I also gave the criteria for an unlockable card above.
The stuff about the fuses is the information that will tell you if you can unlock the pipes. If you install ATItool it will be more clear what I am talking about.
I also gave the criteria for an unlockable card above.
easymoney9
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- Feb 26, 2006
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You have to have 2gb of system ram for just about any modern game to to run smoothly these days no matter what video card you have. One of my systems has dual cpus (2 Xeon 3.2ghz Nocona core ) and when I was playing Unreal Tournament 2004 I was getting a lot of choppiness when I was playing the game with 1gb of ram. I added another 1gb of ram and it was like night and day! Now it runs as smooth as can be. Cpu power is not your problem as I had a ton and it was still stuttering. Up your system ram to 2gb and I think you will be very happy with your new card
I have never had 2 gigs of ram in any system i have owned. The last system i had was an XP2000+ with an asus a7n8x-e deluxe mobo, 2x512MB kingston value ram @ DDR400, and an ati radeon 9800 AIW 128mb and it ran UT2k4 flawlessly @ 1024x768 with max settings.
pauldh
Illustrious
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I was asking about the mobo and RAm for a few reasons. First, wondering if the mobo supported dual channel, which adding a third stick would disable dual channel or on many mobos not even work at all. And if it were 2*512MB and 2 *128MB in dual channel, then the ram speed would be knocked down. But you won't have dual channel on your mobo.
Otherwise, that extra stick could slow things down as was mentioned because the memory would be slowed down to match the slowest stick, wether it be DDR 400 and 333, or even just memory timings. 2 sticks of low latency cas 2 would be slowed down and run at relaxed timing if a stick of cas 3 were run along with them. Last is the command rate that was mentioned (1T, 2T).
Anyway, I don't think that the memory would be killing your performance, that's not the point I was getting at. I think you just need to tweak your ingame settings. I was just curious as to what you were running as it can definately have a negative effect on performance where 1GB would outperform the 1280. One place you can test it is 3dmark2001se as it's very system limited. run a default benchmark, then shut down, pull the mem, boot up and run another 3dmark run. Reduced memory timings alone can account for hundreds of 3dmarks in 2001se.
Otherwise, that extra stick could slow things down as was mentioned because the memory would be slowed down to match the slowest stick, wether it be DDR 400 and 333, or even just memory timings. 2 sticks of low latency cas 2 would be slowed down and run at relaxed timing if a stick of cas 3 were run along with them. Last is the command rate that was mentioned (1T, 2T).
Anyway, I don't think that the memory would be killing your performance, that's not the point I was getting at. I think you just need to tweak your ingame settings. I was just curious as to what you were running as it can definately have a negative effect on performance where 1GB would outperform the 1280. One place you can test it is 3dmark2001se as it's very system limited. run a default benchmark, then shut down, pull the mem, boot up and run another 3dmark run. Reduced memory timings alone can account for hundreds of 3dmarks in 2001se.
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OK - I have ATI tool, and ive done some minor overclocking, to 437 core 497 mem...
BUT I dont see anything that says CONFIG_DIE_FUSES on the section when i press settings, submenu OVERLOCKING
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The risk involved with flashing your bios is that the bios that you flash it with may not be compatible with your card. In that case, you would either need a PCI (not PCIe) graphics card to see what you are doing to flash it back or you would need to be able to do it blind. I only have experience flashing one card but I researched it carefully before I did it.
It looks like you are good to go for unlocking and I will help you if you are interested. The next thing I need to know is which core you have. The core version will be in the overclocking menu as well. It will probably be R423, R430, or R480.
I also need you to verify which memory chips your card has. The easiest way is to overclock the memroy beyond 500 MHz maybe 520 or 530 and scan for artifacts for a few minutes. If it has none or just one every few seconds that should be fine.
EDIT:
I may have just found a way of modifying a copy of the bios that is already on your card instead of finding a different one. I'll let you know.
It looks like you are good to go for unlocking and I will help you if you are interested. The next thing I need to know is which core you have. The core version will be in the overclocking menu as well. It will probably be R423, R430, or R480.
I also need you to verify which memory chips your card has. The easiest way is to overclock the memroy beyond 500 MHz maybe 520 or 530 and scan for artifacts for a few minutes. If it has none or just one every few seconds that should be fine.
EDIT:
I may have just found a way of modifying a copy of the bios that is already on your card instead of finding a different one. I'll let you know.
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mitch074
Splendid
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Back on track with memory settings... 1T will be used and will work if you have 1-2 slots filled with single-side modules (ie modules with chips on one side only), 2T will be used if there are more than that - so if you have 3 modules, you're losing 10-20% raw performance because of that (that hurts, doesn't it?).
Now, there could be timing inconsistencie between the 2 modules (example, the 256MB module is 333-8, the 1GB is 222-6) - to work effectively, the system may need to use a multiple of those timings, making them... 666-24!!!
So yes, removing the 256MB chip may help.
Last, ensure that your RAM is running synchronously with your CPU - 15-25% performance loss if it doesn't. You could also try to lengthen the PCI bus cycle: from 32 to 64 or 96 cycles.
Cumulated, bad memory timings may half your system performance.
Now, there could be timing inconsistencie between the 2 modules (example, the 256MB module is 333-8, the 1GB is 222-6) - to work effectively, the system may need to use a multiple of those timings, making them... 666-24!!!
So yes, removing the 256MB chip may help.
Last, ensure that your RAM is running synchronously with your CPU - 15-25% performance loss if it doesn't. You could also try to lengthen the PCI bus cycle: from 32 to 64 or 96 cycles.
Cumulated, bad memory timings may half your system performance.
GeneticWeapon
Splendid
- Jan 13, 2003
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Most of the GTO's now are R430 cores(unfortunately) and they dont overclock for beans.
I've seen some who have claimed they had unlocked their R430 cards, but their 3dmark scores are still lower then the 12 pipe GTO I just had in my machine :roll:
I've seen some who have claimed they had unlocked their R430 cards, but their 3dmark scores are still lower then the 12 pipe GTO I just had in my machine :roll:
I've got an R430 with 16 active pipes and it is faster than the 12 pipe card. I get at least 500 more points on 3D-Mark 2005 since the flash.
RMThompson,
I am still working on putting together the directions for your flash.
It has been a little while since I did it and I can't quite remember the Dos commands so I am researching them. You will need some kind of Dos boot disk (floppy, CD, etc.)
RMThompson,
I am still working on putting together the directions for your flash.
It has been a little while since I did it and I can't quite remember the Dos commands so I am researching them. You will need some kind of Dos boot disk (floppy, CD, etc.)
Okay, the first thing you are going to do is obtain a copy of your current bios.
To do this perform the following steps:
1. Download Atiflash v3.09 from the bottom of this page http://www.techpowerup.com/bios/
2. Format an empty floppy disk with the "Creat an MS-DOS startup disk" option checked.
3. Copy the files from Atiflash to the floppy disk.
4. Boot from the floppy disk and type the following exactly as it reads:
atiflash.exe -s 0 bios.bin
(bios.bin is just a file name you can actually call it anything you want)
5. Boot back into Windows.
If you have any trouble or don't have a floppy drive let me know.
To do this perform the following steps:
1. Download Atiflash v3.09 from the bottom of this page http://www.techpowerup.com/bios/
2. Format an empty floppy disk with the "Creat an MS-DOS startup disk" option checked.
3. Copy the files from Atiflash to the floppy disk.
4. Boot from the floppy disk and type the following exactly as it reads:
atiflash.exe -s 0 bios.bin
(bios.bin is just a file name you can actually call it anything you want)
5. Boot back into Windows.
If you have any trouble or don't have a floppy drive let me know.
TabrisDarkPeace
Distinguished
- Jan 11, 2006
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Well, I wasn't expecting that 😳 - Thanks. (Should've just PM'd, e-mailed or tried to MSN me, I am often online).
I'd recommend a visit to: http://www.sis.com/download/ ; just to get the last drivers fot the SiS chipset, especially if still using the MS Windows supplied ones. (SiS are good in that the Win default drivers generally don't give issues, but performance can be raised using the latest ones directly from SiS).
The drivers he is likely after are:
- AGP (GART), IDE or SATA/RAID *, Network *, Audio *
- * = (if SiS chipset)
Without them overall system performance, including in games, may be impaired.
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Extra Notes:
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But yeah, all Socket 754 systems are single channel (64 bit wide interface) to RAM. Of course if running any DDR333 (PC2700) DIMM it is going to limit performance. Size mismatched DIMMs won't hurt performance much on Socket 754 platforms, but speed mismatched ones would, if it has to revert to the lower speed.
As most (all ?) Socket 754 boards only have 2 x DIMM slots they shoule be able to run at 1T CMD RATE almost all the time under almost every condition. The Socket 754 memory controller (in the CPU) is like 95% efficient. The Socket 939 one is only 90% efficient (or less in 2T CmdRate). However 90% of 6.4 GB/sec (dual-channel) is far more than 95% of 3.2 GB/sec (single channel). 😛
I also aggree with the CPU comments in Half-Life 2, I run Half-Life 2 heaps as I enjoy the fast paced Team and Everyone for themselves DeathMatch it offers. (Although I am not keeping pace with the younger players anymore, used to be damn fine in FireArms Mod in HL1).
Half-Life 2 doesn't benefit much from running on 1 CPU core, or 2, let alone 4, they are gradually improving it with updates though. However I clocked my system from 2.0 GHz to 2.35 GHz and I sure as hell noticed it in Half-Life 2.
Coincidentially he also runs a similar video card to me (Radeon X800 XL 16 pipelines at 400 MHz, 1 GHz x 256 bit Video RAM, PCIe x16, 256 MB here), and someone posted a screen shot of over 5,000 3DMarks (which, if that was from 3DMark 05 is actually faster than my system in games lacking CPU isolated threading 😛).
Just because I disagree with FutureMark not enforcing Artifact detection into their 'benchmark database' (ORB) doesn't mean I don't use it:
3DMark doesn't benefit from 4 cores. 😛 (Well '06 did in the CPU test).
- http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm05=1656988
- http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm06=84767
I run my textures in 'Quality' (3/4 max setting), but force 4x or 8x AF in the driver, and set FSAA to 'Application Controlled ' (this actually makes a difference in Half-Life 2, you need to set FSAA in HL2 and set driver to Application Controlled or FSAA performance in the Source engine sucks).
I can't vouch for HDR in HL2 as I don't like it, and only use Blooming, if any at all (HDR is bad for your score 😛).
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Back to easier stuff again:
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HD: FSAA: Let Application decide
Why: Some applications have there own FSAA patterns, that are far faster for the app in question. Forcing it here and in those apps may decrease FSAA performance substantially.
HD: Anisotropic Filtering: 8X (sometimes 4X). Leave High Quality AF off unless running a X1800 series or greater card.
CATALYST A.I.: Set to Advanced or Standard. (Higher end CPUs I recommend Advanced, lower end ones Standard. Only disable it if a given application has problems with 3D).
Mipmap Detail Level: Quality (3/4) (Unless you need the finer texture details for some reason). Same for texture detail if it is listed as a seperate option in your driver still.
Wait for vertical refresh (V-Sync): Off, unless application specifies. (You can use max_fps 100 in HL2 to stop tearing anyway, and then togglte V-Sync on/off in game to taste).
Adaptive Anti-Aliasing: Should be greyed out on X800 series cards. Should only really be used on X1800 series or higher cards.
Enable geometry instancing should be enabled for real SM 2.0b support.
Support DXT texture formats should always be enabled.
Triple Buffering in (OpenGL games only) will make you two frames behind the game, instead of only one frame as Double-Buffering does. It may feel smoother but that extra 25ms is all it takes to get a kill, or to not get killed.
Force 24-bit Z-buffer depth may help with Z accuracy in Quake 3 engine (OpenGL) based games, such as Return to Castle Wolfenstein which really pushed the viewdistance for the Quake 3 engine at times.
Alternate pixel centre - Turn it on if textures appear misaligned in a given application, usually has no side-effects if left on. However I leave it off as can then report the issue to authors of said applications if they are still supported or in development.
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In Half-Life 2 you should be able to set everything on high, but consider setting texture detail to medium for performance reasons. You should be able to run 2x FSAA (Set in game, with driver set as above) at high speeds, Also consider disabling HDR or using the blooming only feature (The game looks fantastic without HDR IMHO).
This one is directly from Valve Tech Support:
If you need even more speed (+10% or so on high end cards) in HL2 / Source games:
- Right click the icon in Steam
- Click properties
- Set launch options
- enter "-dxlevel 81" in the launch options (parameter is passed to game exe)
- Load said game (this is per game btw)
- Set graphics to taste
- Remove "-dxlevel 81" in the launch options (it actually remembers it, unless you specify "-dxlevel 90" to undo it.
The game requires DirectX 9.0 be installed, however it only requires and only really makes use of the DirectX 8.1 features on the GPU. The water, etc still looks just as fantastic in DX8.1 mode.
Better yet, the above '-dxlevel 81' tweak, when applied, per game in Steam, will double performance on lower end cards like the GeForce FX 5200.
They may have incorperated the above into a recent update, but try it anyway and see the difference in the Counter-Strike Video Stress Test results, and Half-Life 2: Lost Coast Video Stress Test results for yourself, as it will different from system to system.
================================================
It just so happens I was 'semi-pro' in FireArmsMod, and play Half-Life 2 / Source games frequently still. As such I do everything I can to gain just 1ms over my opponents (and in OpenGL that means not using Triple Buffering sadly).
For example: http://users.on.net/~darkpeace/pwnage/
My favourite was this one (screenshot taken in safe area using F5 key, not a PhotoChop job either 8) )
Stryongly recommend Firefox for image viewing, as it can zoom-out to size to window, and zoom in to get 1:1 detail is only a left mouse click away.
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Damn I am so saving that for a FAQ 😛. (Working on getting my own website domain up, sometime in the next decade 😛).
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Yeah - I don't have a floppy disk drive.
Also - what risks am I taking doing this? Could I end up frying the card? Or, what if one of the pipelines are burnt, then can I go back to twelve?
See, If I screw this card up, I am screwed... ha ha ha
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