Overclocking 9600XT w/ 256mb ram

[robduval]

Hello everyone, my name is Rob and I recently bought a GeCube Radeon 9600XT (256MB DDR) for $150. I read on these boards that some people think the memory on the 256MB version is slower, but my speeds are 500mhz core and 600mhz memory, which means my memory is 3.3ns...not the best but not bad. I haven't seen many reviews for the 256MB version, but it would be great if other people who have it (or have seen it) can share their opinions with me. I intend on overclocking it, and it has a heatsink already installed on the bottom of the board (on the memory chips), and a more than adequate fan on top. I know a lot about computers, but am new to overclocking. My case is well cooled and I could spend a little bit more if necessary. What do you more experienced users think I should do? Also, which drivers should I use (the Omega ones or the Catalysts)?

My system is as follows:
AMD Athlon XP 2400+
1 GB DDR Ram PC2700
80 GB IBM Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Audigy 2 ZS

Thanks in advance.

 

[Coyote]

Welcome to the forums Rob,

I use the Rage3d tweak progrm to OC my 9800 pro. Check it out, it's pretty easy to use. Get it here <A HREF="http://www.rage3d.com/index.php?node=r3dtweak" target="_new">http://www.rage3d.com/index.php?node=r3dtweak</A>

I use the cats, haven't tried the omega drivers. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking I checked into them a while ago and found they are only for win XP. I still use/prefer 98se. Heck, I'll go check on that when I'm finished here. Sorry, can't comment on OCing the 9600XT, don't have one. You might look around the site I linked though.

Mobile XP 2600+ (11X200)
Abit NF7-S v 2.0
Maxtor 60GB ATA 133 7200RPM
512MB Corsair Twinx 3200LL
BBA 9800 Pro
Enermax Noisetaker 420 watts
Win98SE

 

[robduval]

Thanks, I read about Rage3D before and I tried PowerStrip, but it kept "crashing." Rage3D works good for me so far, although I will know long term how my overclocking goes. Thanks for the suggestion.

P.S. I used to be like you, I only liked W98, but then when service pack 1 came out for XP I switched over, and it's a lot faster for me now.

 

[addiarmadar]

I use Rage3d for all Radeons. However, the boost required to notice a difference was not worth the increased heat I get out of those 9600 xt. They are pretty much already at their peak with their current PCB configs.

Mobile Barton 2500+ @ 2420mhz 11x220 1.7v
Asus A7N8X Dlx 440 FSB
1gb Geil GD pc3500 Dual Channel (2-3-3-6)
Segata 80gb SATA 8.5ms seek
ATI Radeon 9800 Pro to XT(463/795)

 

[robduval]

Thanks, I downloaded Rage3d and I'll try it out tonight.

 

[PukePile]

I like ati tool its max mem and core finder is nice. <A HREF="http://atitool.ocfaq.com/" target="_new">http://atitool.ocfaq.com/</A>

40k in aquamark 3
<A HREF="http://arc.aquamark3.com/arc/arc_view.php?run=682299587
" target="_new">http://arc.aquamark3.com/arc/arc_view.php?run=682299587
</A>
P4b2.4@2.8||1024mb DDR@392mhz||9800pro@420/740||Viewsonic UltraBrite 19"||Panisonic DVD-RW