Switching from NV to ATI...

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: Rhezuss
The more I read the more i'm leaning toward the X1900GT or the 7900GT. The AIW drivers looks to much trouble.

If I go for the X1900GT....Sapphire or ATI?

I hate shopping for computer stuff!

There is nothing wrong with the drivers. They are the same drivers used with the X1900GT. I use the AIW for gaming, so I can't comment on its AIW abilities.

 

[imported_Graeme]

Avalon,

In the link I posted above they refer to a Powerstrip software which can be used to overclock although apparently it will not allow a maximum overclock. They also have you turn off several services which limit resolution and refresh rates possible while overclocking. You may want to take a look and try those steps, they are pretty easy to reverse if you dont get the results you are looking for. Another option (which I am unsure as of yet about) would be to use either the NGO or Omega drivers which *may* allow more latitude for overclocking.


The AIW does use the same base drivers...plus many other additional drivers for the tuner etc. It basically comes with a load of software by comparision to the GT, XT, XTX levels of the card due to its other capabilities.

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: Graeme
Avalon,

In the link I posted above they refer to a Powerstrip software which can be used to overclock although apparently it will not allow a maximum overclock. They also have you turn off several services which limit resolution and refresh rates possible while overclocking. You may want to take a look and try those steps, they are pretty easy to reverse if you dont get the results you are looking for. Another option (which I am unsure as of yet about) would be to use either the NGO or Omega drivers which *may* allow more latitude for overclocking.


The AIW does use the same base drivers...plus many other additional drivers for the tuner etc. It basically comes with a load of software by comparision to the GT, XT, XTX levels of the card due to its other capabilities.

I would have used the Omega drivers, but at the time I didn't see the 6.6 set on their website. I will look into the NGO's. I checked the thread you linked to earlier, but the steps in that thread do not apply to me, as I have no such services running on my system.

*Edit*
Oops, I just realized that when I checked for the services, I went to the startup tab by mistake, since I do that nearly daily. I'll check the correct tab when I get home. Thanks.

 

[anandtechrocks]

Originally posted by: Graeme
Just wondering....did you follow the steps in this link before trying to overclock your card anandtechrocks?

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=450596

I have been reading that symptoms can vary system to system and that it may not be a simple lockup....games/programs can crash etc. One major sticking point seems to be in the change over from 2d to 3d much like when you start up a game. At that point the overclock causes instability and can start having problems.

You might want to take a look at that link and see if its of any help.

On the X1900AIW vs the X1900GT one thing to keep in mind is the driver situation. The AIW has a much larger driver set due to the greater capabilities of the AIW card requiring more drivers/software to manage it. I would keep this in mind when it comes to overclocking.

Thanks for the tip Graeme, but I've already done that.

About the drivers, don't be afraid of AIW drivers. I don't use the TV tuner on my AIW, I just use the standard 6.8 Cats and I have no problems (other than when overclocking).

I would definitely get the X1900AIW or the 7900GT over the X1900GT.

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: Rhezuss
The more I read the more i'm leaning toward the X1900GT or the 7900GT. The AIW drivers looks to much trouble.

If I go for the X1900GT....Sapphire or ATI?

I hate shopping for computer stuff!

Whichever is cheaper. They say Sapphire makes ATI's cards. Sapphire's cards use the same design as the regular ATI ones, and all the Sapphire's I've owned have been of equal quality to "1st party" ATI cards.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I just bought a x1900AIW myself over a GT. I really haven't played with it that much yet since I just put the whole new computer together but sofar its up too 570 core and memory without messing with any voltage. I've had it too 600 for both but had some artifacts and just want to play it safe for now. Haven't had any problems with Oblivion, GTA SA, or 3dmark06 which are the only things I've thrown at it sofar. I doubt I'll use the tuner in this computer but I figured like lots of other have posted its a wash speed wise between the AIW and GT so might aswell get the AIW. I can always slap it in my old computer when it gets out dated and use it to replace my old tv card.

 

[ronnn]

Originally posted by: hmorphone


I believe your problems may more reflect issues with the current ATItool builds than actual problems with the Catalyst drivers

Yes, seems that many people having driver issues are wanting overclock higher than ccc overclocking will let you go. A good extreme overclocking tool is needed.

 

[ronnn]

Originally posted by: Rhezuss
The more I read the more i'm leaning toward the X1900GT or the 7900GT. The AIW drivers looks to much trouble.

If I go for the X1900GT....Sapphire or ATI?

I hate shopping for computer stuff!

The drivers are very stable for most of us, but I like most do not have an aiw. Overclocking gives marginal gains in most games, unless you really push your card - which of course is a risky affair. I think you will find any of those cards will give a nice increase at stock speeds over your 7600.

 

[Rhezuss]

Just saw a e-VGA 7950 GT KO for 349CAD on NCIX.com. Didn't saw any reviews of this card yet but I might go that way if this card can beat the others.

 

[Rhezuss]

Ok now now.....I lean toward 2 choices now.

The X1900XT or the 7950GT. From what I saw, there's not a huge difference between those 2 babies. The only difference is that the X1900XT is 50CAD cheaper.

Lets look some more...!

EDIT: Well screw the 7950GT, it's looks like they want to make some more cash on the soon to be replace GF7 series.

I'm going for ATI!

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: Rhezuss
Ok now now.....I lean toward 2 choices now.

The X1900XT or the 7950GT. From what I saw, there's not a huge difference between those 2 babies. The only difference is that the X1900XT is 50CAD cheaper.

Lets look some more...!

EDIT: Well screw the 7950GT, it's looks like they want to make some more cash on the soon to be replace GF7 series.

I'm going for ATI!

The X1900XT is a no brainer if it's $50 CAD cheaper than the 7950GT. Good choice.
:thumbsup:

 

[thedarkwolf]

Well after figuring out you have to set the voltage to 3d mode doh I got my aiw up to 640 core and 595 mem without pushing the voltage more then a hair over stock. The stock cooler sucks so I don't think I'll go any higher then that unless I replace the cooler.