As far as I can remember, ATI/AMD has done this from time to time. Here I thought the 9070 was overpriced in order for AMD to make up for the XT variant.
They have, but not for a while. They also didn't used to set power levels or voltage limits at all (until long after nvidia), and after they did clock limits often more for safety than [
extreme] product separation.
So this takes me back to a happier time when things like that separated the companies. And sometimes their clientele. The AMD/ATi users were often the informed nerds; sometimes more time and/or less money.
This is why 9070 is priced so close; IYKYK and those that don't can buy the 'better' (stock) thing and be none the wiser. As I've said before, I think it always should have been (allowed to overclock to) this level.
I don't like what they did with the stock 9070 bios (PL) at all, and was VERY out of character for them to cut overclockers out of tangible performance gains. Again, IYKYK, but it's why I don't like the stock 9070.
This is why I clapped back so hard; they're not taking it from (us) without me dying on this hill. nVIDIA can straight fuck themselves for doing what they do, and I'm not going to let AMD become like nVIDIA.
THEY know what I'm talking about, even if most people do not. The community used to be a much better place when this was how AMD/ATi operated, and some (quietly) knew; sharing it on forums etc.
Huang literally said you shouldn't know how things work; you don't need to...and this is why you do. AMD, through things like this, implores people to learn/understand req perf (and find/use these bioses, etc).
Because then you don't get taken advantage of (in ways such as Huang does with products he doesn't want you to understand) and are able to get exactly what you need, sometimes cheaper (if more envolved.)
It's made that fun little line where you had your Paul Walkers/Vin Diesels of the scene, which actually made the hobby fun. For contrast to (sometimes uninformed) people that own something like a stock 5080/Ferrari.
Sure, some could just buy equal/better stock, but this is more fun/interesting. And not all people can, nor do they necessarily care about power usage (as much) rather than absolute perf/$. Now that option exists.
It's a lot more accessible (in a monetary sense); just requires a little bit of knowledge, or willingness to learn, and maybe a little bit of courage at first. I'm sure the bios nerds will make some new friends.
Maybe acquire some long-term help in that section of the forum if those people stick around, and I think that's exactly what we need. The Airman probably doesn't want to do it until they're 90, but glad still here.
...and is probably going to see a lot more business relatively soon. That may make them excited (as I think they like to help), but also nervous...I don't want to speak for them...but hopefully you understand.
We're the type of people that like to teach/help, but it can get repetative, so we appreciate it when somebody else can learn and also help with that same knowledge base and/or general intent.
The people that notice/appreciate the real-world gains from this will be the type that do.
As I've said, how many out there can't afford a $600/700+ card now, and even a $500 or maybe even $400 card even later. Probably a lot of people. But they could do this, and IMO be quite happy.
It's for those same people that used to buy the 120hz+ 1440p Korean monitors back in the day (and maybe even still something similar now). Maybe the type with the best bang-for-buck 1080p/1440p monitor.
This is for them, and the world needs more of not only those (informed) people, but things for them. I used to be that kid/guy; I bet many of us were. I also had a 9500pro->9700pro, and many other things.
I also still appreciate these things, even if relatively-speaking I aim for a higher-end market. Maybe I'll be the guy overclocking a 24GB next-gen card so it's 'good-enough' vs a stock 32GB card in next-gen games.
Who knows?
To me, this is a gift (from AMD). For that person that can barely afford that 1080p/1440p monitor, and maybe eventually barely scrape together the money for the 9070 they've been eyeing, even if down the road.
From somebody that maybe didn't know it could do that, but is buying something better anyway.
I truly am thankful for things like this whenever they occur. Not only to help those people, but also for the community to perhaps gain more people with that (eventual) knowledge and mindset long-term.
As you can see, the mod does exactly what I thought it would. The results take something like
this and make the mins ~48+ [VRR]. For other games ~50fps
at stock, it should be ~60+. That's perfect for many people.
And likely (especially if they're the type where this might be a big/long-term purchase to them) might last them through the whole next console generation, even if not at the highest settings forever.
I'm thinking of that kid with his first job or maybe some B-day/holiday money that eventually sees one for <$400 on a forum/ebay when the newer (3nm) gen launches and similar performance costs that.
Or maybe someone that could afford that card, or received it, but cannot afford an upgrade later; this may allow them to have a decent experience that much longer. Maybe a hand-me-down for a kid/friend.
This makes the 9070 not e-waste or an upsell; they could potentially go from one person to another as the first buys something better, and potentially become legendary (especially once price drops over time).
I think if you start using my mindset, or at least try to be understanding of it, you'll begin to understand why these things are so special/important to me.
This is why I want to see results; I want to see those people that the 9070 was a big deal for them have a great(er) experience; now staying in the VRR window and/or keep 60fps at high settings.
I also want to see those people learn how to flash a bios (and/or quietly e-mail the company reps for bioses [shh] and/or the creators of the bios-flashing software to implement it.) Welcome to my (former) life!
Mb some people screw up and they realize that's what OCing used to be; it's not the companies fault (and don't blame them for your choices) but some 'risks' are worth it...and some are not as big as you think.
Maybe someone discovers some weird relatively amazing bios works where it 'shouldnt'...and that person should be proud of themselves.
I hope many-a new relationship/appreciation for what people do is formed, and along the way people learn skills they never thought they would (and hopefully eventually share them in some productive way).
This is kind of my goal; that more people start to 'get' it. Hopefully without having to literally explain it ever again. There's a reason why this is usually 'quiet', but hey, reward those companies that allow it.
I want you to just look at AMD overclocking results (and/or these bios things) and understand; just see the performance and extrapolate "Huh, that looks like it would be good-enough for ____" vs something more-expensive. Because this is literally what they do. Most just don't talk about it. I only did because it's pretty clear (with CPUs, not just GPUs) they've been trying to take it away.
And I am not going to let them without making a scene, because I care about everyone having the best they can regardless if from knowledge/time (from things like this) or money (buying a better thing stock).
I don't like talking about this stuff, bc then may cost more defeating the actual purpose, and only did because I thought stock 9070 took what AMD has been trending towards too far ($ per not attainable perf).
Just like 7900GRE at first (which needed that 10% from overclocking the memory).
Just like...well, I'm not going to go and screw up all of AMD's entire product lines explaining why things are the way they are. But let's just say this; to some people (or maybe just me) it's incredibly obvious.
And sometimes they take it too far (and are like nVIDIA making sure certain products do not infringe on other/certain future products). And I will let you know when I see they do, one way or another.
(I know, I know...kidding...most people don't have one of those things laying around, but it'll be supported by the software at some point soon, I'm sure).
