7900GT: Unlocking the Beast Within

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Originally posted by: nib95
Run me thru the easiest way to do this again please?

Also, what cooling are you using on the card?

The conductive pen method is the easiest way. Just race the lines drawn on that picture posted in the previous page and your set. I'm using NV Silencer 5 Rev. 3 open air system. Never goes above 57C.

Wo0T! Did the volt mod for the GPU to 1.4, and I am clocked at 693/1872!!

The only thing that sux is that apparently the guy who said the VF700 might not be adequate seems to be right, as before any mods clocked at 587/1740, the card didnt get above 55C on silent mode in RTHDRIBL. At the new OC'ed rates, RTHDRIBL gets the card up to about 76C in silent mode, 70C in normal. Not sure if I like the temps being this high, so I might have to get me a VF900 or just lower the voltage/clock rates. :\

Did you volt mod the mem to get to 1872?

Right now I'm at 705/1830 and I'm stable so far, though for some reason Coolbits doesn't seem to work and I have to use PowerStrip (which I don't like.) I can't wait until Rivatuner supports 7900 series cards.

BTW: I'm using the 7900GT CO version with stock clocks of 500/1500.

 

[samusaraniv]

Originally posted by: 1Dark1Sharigan1

Originally posted by: nib95
Run me thru the easiest way to do this again please?

Also, what cooling are you using on the card?

The conductive pen method is the easiest way. Just race the lines drawn on that picture posted in the previous page and your set. I'm using NV Silencer 5 Rev. 3 open air system. Never goes above 57C.

Wo0T! Did the volt mod for the GPU to 1.4, and I am clocked at 693/1872!!

The only thing that sux is that apparently the guy who said the VF700 might not be adequate seems to be right, as before any mods clocked at 587/1740, the card didnt get above 55C on silent mode in RTHDRIBL. At the new OC'ed rates, RTHDRIBL gets the card up to about 76C in silent mode, 70C in normal. Not sure if I like the temps being this high, so I might have to get me a VF900 or just lower the voltage/clock rates. :\

Did you volt mod the mem to get to 1872?

Right now I'm at 705/1830 and I'm stable so far, though for some reason Coolbits doesn't seem to work and I have to use PowerStrip (which I don't like.) I can't wait until Rivatuner supports 7900 series cards.

Ya, I did. Coolbits works for me, but it will only allow me to take the GPU to a really high clock speed, not the mem (max is like 900 or so). Been using PowerStrip to go higher than what Coolbits allows.

Also, I've been running Oblivion for a good while now and have not seen the card go above 61 in silent mode. RTHDRIBL makes this thing bake, though. :

 

[Zebo]

GTX is a such foolish choice right now it's not even funny. With GT for almost HALF PRICE can be a GTX or lower priced x1900xt performing better on D3D titles (the majority because of MS's monopoly)

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Damn. Strange things are happening now. After I run 3DMark05 like once, suddenly everything runs at almost the same FPS whether I use default clocks or overclocked @ 700/1820 . . . this happens with both Powerstrip and with Coolbits . . . it's driving me nuts . . .

 

[samusaraniv]

Originally posted by: 1Dark1Sharigan1
Damn. Strange things are happening now. After I run 3DMark05 like once, suddenly everything runs at almost the same FPS whether I use default clocks or overclocked @ 700/1820 . . . this happens with both Powerstrip and with Coolbits . . . it's driving me nuts . . .

A couple things for me, too. Occasionally, Oblivion will completely freeze for about 5-7 seconds and then resume. I'm thinking maybe I have my memory clocked a tad too high (but I'm not seeing artifacts!). Also, sometimes when I ALT+TAB to check temps (I know this isn't the most accurate method..), when I get back in-game it seems like the game is running at a lower FPS, so I ALT+TAB again and then it seems to be fine. Maybe I'm hallucinating, or maybe PowerStrip is screwing up, who knows..

FPS is still crappy in Oblivion outdoors in some places, around Oblivion gates and in dungeons with a lot of fog. This is running at 11x8, HDR, High Quality set in advanced prefs, triple buffering, everything maxed in video settings (save fade distances, which are set to half each, and shadows), and the developer INI tweaks discussed in another topic.

And I retract my statement, I've seen the card get up to 68C in Oblivion w/ VF700 set to silent.

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

I think I figured out my problem. It seems it has to do with the 2D clocks and that my card would run the 2D clocks even in 3D mode (dunno why, driver issue I suppose) So I set the 2D clock to 700 as well and I'm getting the improved speed now.

But yeah Oblivion doesn't show much improvement in outdoor environments with HDR on. Even with a 200 Mhz increase in core speed . . .

 

[samusaraniv]

Thanks for the heads up. Maybe I'm experiencing the same issue.

 

[jim1976]

Originally posted by: Zebo
GTX is a such foolish choice right now it's not even funny. With GT for almost HALF PRICE can be a GTX or lower priced x1900xt performing better on D3D titles (the majority because of MS's monopoly)

7900GT is simply an amazing card for the buck.. But 7900GTX and x1900xt/xtx O/C too..
And do not forget the disadvantage of not being a 512mb card..

 

[dman918]

So would you recommend 1.4 or 1.5 volt on a 7900GT with a VF700? I am definitely going to try this, but I am just wondering if there is really that significant of a performance difference between 1.4 and 1.5 volts.
Thanks!

 

[Extelleron]

Originally posted by: dman918
So would you recommend 1.4 or 1.5 volt on a 7900GT with a VF700? I am definitely going to try this, but I am just wondering if there is really that significant of a performance difference between 1.4 and 1.5 volts.
Thanks!

There is no performance difference between 1.4V and 1.5V. 1.5V simply allows for more overclocking.

 

[aiya24]

Originally posted by: samusaraniv

Originally posted by: 1Dark1Sharigan1
Damn. Strange things are happening now. After I run 3DMark05 like once, suddenly everything runs at almost the same FPS whether I use default clocks or overclocked @ 700/1820 . . . this happens with both Powerstrip and with Coolbits . . . it's driving me nuts . . .

A couple things for me, too. Occasionally, Oblivion will completely freeze for about 5-7 seconds and then resume. I'm thinking maybe I have my memory clocked a tad too high (but I'm not seeing artifacts!). Also, sometimes when I ALT+TAB to check temps (I know this isn't the most accurate method..), when I get back in-game it seems like the game is running at a lower FPS, so I ALT+TAB again and then it seems to be fine. Maybe I'm hallucinating, or maybe PowerStrip is screwing up, who knows..

FPS is still crappy in Oblivion outdoors in some places, around Oblivion gates and in dungeons with a lot of fog. This is running at 11x8, HDR, High Quality set in advanced prefs, triple buffering, everything maxed in video settings (save fade distances, which are set to half each, and shadows), and the developer INI tweaks discussed in another topic.

And I retract my statement, I've seen the card get up to 68C in Oblivion w/ VF700 set to silent.

how is your case set up? fans? i'm just curious since i will be using a VF700Cu in a shuttle. it'll be a real bummer if it can't keep it cool enough.

 

[dman918]

Sorry, I should clarify. Will I achieve a significant enough increase in overclock possibility by going to 1.5v vs 1.4v? I am wondering if the little extra voltage will allow me to overclock enough to warrant it.

 

[TheRyuu]

Got a question. Just to clarify something, the things that I circled in red in the picture below are the mosfets right? Also, is the one in yellow a mosfet too? cause it's not with the other two.

Picture of 7900GT

Cause I figure it might be a good idea with the voltage mod to pop a few heatsinks on them since I got a couple of those blue zalman memory HS's laying around.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: wizboy11
Got a question. Just to clarify something, the things that I circled in red in the picture below are the mosfets right? Also, is the one in yellow a mosfet too? cause it's not with the other two.

Picture of 7900GT

Cause I figure it might be a good idea with the voltage mod to pop a few heatsinks on them since I got a couple of those blue zalman memory HS's laying around.

They shouldnt need additional cooling unless you are going way out of spec with the voltage, i wouldnt expect any heat build up at all until you exceed 1.5v

 

[TheRyuu]

Also, could someone elaborate on how to do the 2.2v memory voltage mod? I know it involves a pencil, and I know someone posted a link to it showing were to do it, I'm just not sure just what to do? Draw a line over it? what?

Here's the link:
http://sg.vr-zone.com/?i=3330&s=2

 

[nib95]

Guys, this is by far the easiest way to mod a 7900 GT to 1.4v.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1355686&postcount=162

Just follow the guys exact pattern but with a conductive ink pen.

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: nib95
Guys, this is by far the easiest way to mod a 7900 GT to 1.4v.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1355686&postcount=162

Just follow the guys exact pattern but with a conductive ink pen.

Yes, I relize thats the way to do the vgpu mod to 1.4, but how do you do the memory voltage one? And is 2.2v safe for the memory like 24/7 safe?

 

[samusaraniv]

Just thought I'd update you guys..

I have my 7900GT SC at 700/1940 stable now. Temps are not getting above 65C in Oblivion or RTHDRIBL with a VF700 in silent mode using AS5 and OCZ copper ramsinks. I have voltage for the GPU set to 1.4 and did the pencil mod for the VMEM resistor. Apparently, the reason I was getting such high temperatures in RTHDRIBL originally (clocked at 693/1860) was because I had accidentally streamed the two points necessary for 1.5V together when I intended to mod for 1.4. The conductive pen I have is HARDLY precise (don't get the one from Radio Shack!)

Needless to say, I'm enthralled. The fact that these insane speeds can be reached with moderate air cooling is simply amazing!

 

[dman918]

Anyone want to sell me their conductive pen now that they are done with it. I'd rather not spend like $15 for just this single use if possible. I know, I am cheap...

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Originally posted by: samusaraniv
Just thought I'd update you guys..

I have my 7900GT SC at 700/1940 stable now. Temps are not getting above 65C in Oblivion or RTHDRIBL with a VF700 in silent mode using AS5 and OCZ copper ramsinks. I have voltage for the GPU set to 1.4 and did the pencil mod for the VMEM resistor. Apparently, the reason I was getting such high temperatures in RTHDRIBL originally (clocked at 693/1860) was because I had accidentally streamed the two points necessary for 1.5V together when I intended to mod for 1.4. The conductive pen I have is HARDLY precise (don't get the one from Radio Shack!)

Needless to say, I'm enthralled. The fact that these insane speeds can be reached with moderate air cooling is simply amazing!

Hey could you do some benches with the memory at 1800 vs. the memory at 1940? I'm wondering if it's worth it to do the mem volt mod.

 

[samusaraniv]

OK, so I've been playing Oblivion for about 30 minutes since I posted last and right before I exited the game, I noticed some very slight artifacting. Also, the game froze up one time during those 30 minutes for about 5 seconds then resumed. I have noticed that if your GPU clock is too high, it seems that in Oblivion the game will either freeze and resume or completely lock up. If mem clock is too high, for me, the screen either goes completely black (but you can still get into the inventory menu or escape out of the game), you see artifacts, or weird geometrical shapes start popping up -- never a freeze or complete lock-up. This is just obversation, perhaps I'm wrong.

For right now I'm going to revise my stable, problem-free clock rates as 695/1910. As for benchmark comparisons, I would like to install 3dMark06 but when I tried last, right before install the application said it was going to isntall some Creative crap on my computer so that the in-bench sounds would be supported, but I don't have a Creative soundcard, so I declined because I didn't want to potentially create a conflict with my existing card. I can do 3dMark05 if you'd like..

 

[unsped]

when i did the 1.4v mod, my card became very noisy ... as in drive you nuts noisy (seemed like high pitched cap noise). i had to reverse it.

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: samusaraniv
Just thought I'd update you guys..

I have my 7900GT SC at 700/1940 stable now. Temps are not getting above 65C in Oblivion or RTHDRIBL with a VF700 in silent mode using AS5 and OCZ copper ramsinks. I have voltage for the GPU set to 1.4 and did the pencil mod for the VMEM resistor. Apparently, the reason I was getting such high temperatures in RTHDRIBL originally (clocked at 693/1860) was because I had accidentally streamed the two points necessary for 1.5V together when I intended to mod for 1.4. The conductive pen I have is HARDLY precise (don't get the one from Radio Shack!)

Needless to say, I'm enthralled. The fact that these insane speeds can be reached with moderate air cooling is simply amazing!

How do you do the pencil mod for the VMEM resistor? And is the 2.2v that it gives the memory 24/7 safe?

 

[samusaraniv]

Originally posted by: wizboy11

Originally posted by: samusaraniv
Just thought I'd update you guys..

I have my 7900GT SC at 700/1940 stable now. Temps are not getting above 65C in Oblivion or RTHDRIBL with a VF700 in silent mode using AS5 and OCZ copper ramsinks. I have voltage for the GPU set to 1.4 and did the pencil mod for the VMEM resistor. Apparently, the reason I was getting such high temperatures in RTHDRIBL originally (clocked at 693/1860) was because I had accidentally streamed the two points necessary for 1.5V together when I intended to mod for 1.4. The conductive pen I have is HARDLY precise (don't get the one from Radio Shack!)

Needless to say, I'm enthralled. The fact that these insane speeds can be reached with moderate air cooling is simply amazing!

How do you do the pencil mod for the VMEM resistor? And is the 2.2v that it gives the memory 24/7 safe?

As far as I know, it is safe with adequate cooling. I would guess that higher voltages might shorten the life-span of the card a bit, but 1.4/2.2 shouldn't do so substantially, IMO. I'm no expert, however, and am willing to take the risk..

I did the pencil VMEM mod by shading the space in between the silver edges of the resistor pictured in an earlier post.

Completely stable (no artifacts, freezing or lockups) at 690/940 after 2 hrs. of Oblivion!

 

[nib95]

I finally got my Opteron to run stable at 2.7ghz.

My 3dMark05 score is now 13900 (13897 to be exact) and my 3dMark06 score is 8754!!

These are both with SLI 7900 GT at only 550/1500 OC (no volt mods).
Imagine what I could get with this volt mod!?!

I need to get myself to a hardware store quick!