The 4800 series Driver, OCing, Cooling and Tweaking Thread

[H82LUZ73]

Hi guys. I just bought a whole new rig, yay for me

Now I'm having frustrating problems with the 4870. Any game I have tried so far crashes sooner or later. Stalker is stable for 10-30mins, but others (Assassins's Creed, Flatout Ultimate Carnage, R6 Vegas, HOMM:V) crash almost immediately. This happens with both 8.7 and 8.8 beta.

All benchmarks go just fine, I even did an all night stress test with both cpu and gpu stressed. I've also tried with a Asus Top bios and it changes nothing.

I'm suspecting something to do with the drivers, since 3DMarks go through like nothing.

Also as an added weirdness, if I have my monitor attached with HDMI calble via the DVI-HDMI dongle, whenever I turn off the monitor (or windows turns it off) and power back on, Windows freezes. The mouse moves, but nothing happens, keyboard doesn't respond etc. This doesn't happen with VGA cable or without drivers. I tried searching the net, but it seems that no one else has ever had the same problem

And yes, I allready updated my monitor drivers too.

Okay, that was a long first post, phew

You try the fan fix or the expert tool (link on main page) for fan control,Sound`s like it overheats.

 

[Inioch]

I really dont think its that. The load temps, especially with the Asus bios are normal compared to what others are reporting.

And when the games crash, they just crash to desktop. The whole computer doesn't. So no reboot is needed.

 

[H82LUZ73]

You installed fresh OS right? Sounds like either a DX10 corrupt file or the games need reinstalled.

 

[Inioch]

Yeah, A fresh install of Windows XP Pro SP3.

So how could it be DX10 problem?

And reinstalling the games doesn't help either.

Thanks anyway.

 

[Gendu]

i had the same problem with the crashing and artifacts in games with my Sapphire HD 4870. i dont think those 70-80degree celsius temperatures are supposed to be normal. do the fan speed fix (got mine running at 65%) to get your card running around 40-50 degrees and your problems disappear completely.

 

[H82LUZ73]

you should download GPU-Z and get the reading for your VRM and memio ,Sounds like your pushing the 90 -100 on them.I do own a Sapphire 4870 too.

try this http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/1163/Gainward_Expertool_v.4.0_for_ATI.html

and this http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

Also flash the Sapphire Bios back to original.I used the Top bios and my vrm readings were 20c higher then normal,Since i flashed back it is back down to normal temps.

http://www.techpowerup.com/vgabios/17171/Sapphire.HD4870.512.080609.html

 

[Gendu]

doesnt flashing the bios go against the warranty? not that sure how to go about it anyway

 

[Inioch]

If something goes wrong, you can almost allways flash it back

I already tried with the original bios too. No help.

I do use GPU-Z, I found the memio, but what do you mean by vrm? Not that into the latest terms... Last desktop gpu was 9600 Pro

 

[EastCoasthandle]

Hi guys. I just bought a whole new rig, yay for me

Now I'm having frustrating problems with the 4870. Any game I have tried so far crashes sooner or later. Stalker is stable for 10-30mins, but others (Assassins's Creed, Flatout Ultimate Carnage, R6 Vegas, HOMM:V) crash almost immediately. This happens with both 8.7 and 8.8 beta.

All benchmarks go just fine, I even did an all night stress test with both cpu and gpu stressed. I've also tried with a Asus Top bios and it changes nothing.

I'm suspecting something to do with the drivers, since 3DMarks go through like nothing.

Also as an added weirdness, if I have my monitor attached with HDMI calble via the DVI-HDMI dongle, whenever I turn off the monitor (or windows turns it off) and power back on, Windows freezes. The mouse moves, but nothing happens, keyboard doesn't respond etc. This doesn't happen with VGA cable or without drivers. I tried searching the net, but it seems that no one else has ever had the same problem

And yes, I allready updated my monitor drivers too.

Okay, that was a long first post, phew

What refresh rates are you using in your games?
What refresh rate is CCC reporting Display Manager and Digital Panel)?
Do you have LCD Overdriver enabled?
Have you checked?

 

[Inioch]

I'm using 60Hz since that is the highest VGA cable will allow me to set.

CCC reports 60Hz also. And since I have to use VGA, CCC says Monitor Properties

And thus, I have no option to enable LCD Overdrive.

I did check

Edit: Ok, with the 8.8 betas I can now use the HDMI cable!

So, should my LCD Overdrive be on or off? (Currently off)

 

[Inioch]

Ok, So my memio temp is around 73c while gaming and vrm at about 68c.

So nowhere near the 80-100c you were talking about.

Still crashing, now with Asus TOP bios, 8.8 beta and HDMI cable.

Thanks to anyone for helping out. I just had to register here to ask around, because I read alot about other problems/tweaks on this forum.

Edit: Setting the fan speed to 50% with EXPERTool the temps were:

Gpu: 55
Memio: 66
VRM: 67

 

[Fastmix]

Is this a coincidence or what?

My games are also crushing after a while and some after minutes like Grid but it has got a littlebit better with 8.8 beta, I too suspect is a driver issue, just be patience tomorrow the 8.8 final should be released.

 

[Inioch]

Fastmix: Can you post some system specs?

Especially motherboard, gpu vendor, gpu bios&settings etc

 

[EastCoasthandle]

Mine reads Display Manager and Digital Panel. Take a screen shot of your CCC and post it.
LCD Overdrive should remain off.
Change your fan speed from 50% to 35%. What are your ambient temps in your room? In your case (if possible)?

Side note:
1) Whenever you experience problems like this it's best to have your motherboard (FSB, CPU voltage, ram sub-timing, N/S bridge, etc), CPU and Ram at stock settings.
2) Uninstall your cat drivers, use driver cleaner in safe mode also use a program like registry mechanic to remove any rogue ATI commands in the registry. Reboot and re-install the Cat 8.7 then reboot again.
3) See what happens with a fresh install of Cat 8.7 using stock settings

 

[Inioch]

I kinda have to use 8.8 betas, because of the other problem that I detailed in my first post. 8.7 crash, 8.8 doesn't. And using vga blows.

LCD Overdrive is off.

Tried fan speeds: dynamic switch/35/50/75/100% No real change.

Ambient about 26c.

Case 30-40c.

Will have to try with stock cpu&ram settings. Though they shouldn't be the problem as they are 12h orthos/prime stable.

I allways fully uninstall my drivers. And clean up. And I've tried stoc bios, asus bios, asus bios @ 750/900, 8.7, 8.8 betas and all combinations of those.

And still the same result.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

WOOT 4K POSTS

When is the 8.8 releasing non beta?

 

[Fastmix]

I have an asus a8nsli premium+ an x2 3800 @ 2.5 (10x250) 2 gig of OCZ pc 4000 and a sapphire 4870 flashed with a custom bios posted herehttp://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=929577&postcount=31.
Like I said with 8.8 it has got a littlebit better, I used to get a blue screen before now just crushes to the desktop most of the time, but other times I can play all night with no issues except for Grid that gives me a blue screen after a couple of minutes racing.

Other games that I have are Crysis, Mass effect and Need for speed most wanted.

I am pretty positive drivers are an issue especially on older motherboards.

 

[EastCoasthandle]

I kinda have to use 8.8 betas, because of the other problem that I detailed in my first post. 8.7 crash, 8.8 doesn't. And using vga blows.

LCD Overdrive is off.

Tried fan speeds: dynamic switch/35/50/75/100% No real change.

Ambient about 26c.

Case 30-40c.

Will have to try with stock cpu&ram settings. Though they shouldn't be the problem as they are 12h orthos/prime stable.

I allways fully uninstall my drivers. And clean up. And I've tried stoc bios, asus bios, asus bios @ 750/900, 8.7, 8.8 betas and all combinations of those.

And still the same result.

I see now, yours is called DTV and under that is attributes. I wanted to see if you have anything checked off under attributes. Do you make sure there are no rogue commands in the registry? Using a program like registry mechanic can remove them. When was the last time you updated directx? If you haven't updated then you can do so here (to cover your bases).

As it stands at this point:
-Uninstall Cat (use driver cleaner in safe mode)
-Try to use a good registry program to remove any possible stragglers
-Install the most current directx if you haven't
-Use standard clock for the MB, CPU and Ram
and see what the outcomes is.

 

[Odin Eidolon]

please guys check out this if you have the time:

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?p=936213&posted=1#post936213

i need help ocing my club3d 3850, now its 824/1060 at stock volts

EDIT: oops sorry i read 3800 series... i am stupid

 

[EastCoasthandle]

DFI Owners take note

Possible problems with some DFI boards and the X2 video card. The reviewer believes the issue is found with the bios (in some cases).

Source

 

[LuxZg]

Well, just wanted to tell you guys that I'll have some more measurments next few days

I finaly got all I need..
- - ->> ..for measurements
- -
- - ->> to mount S1
- - ->> Accelero S1, 6pin molex adapter, case & more fans
- - ->> and the card ofcourse

I'll be testing a lot of variations of cooling and underclocking/undervolting, but post if you have special wishes.
Also, all current and future pictures will be here - http://photobucket.com/HD4870

(and I hope this isn't too big post just as an intro.. )

 

[nafets]

You're going to be very busy. Enjoy!!

 

[rflair]

I have an asus a8nsli premium+ an x2 3800 @ 2.5 (10x250) 2 gig of OCZ pc 4000 and a sapphire 4870 flashed with a custom bios posted herehttp://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=929577&postcount=31.
Like I said with 8.8 it has got a littlebit better, I used to get a blue screen before now just crushes to the desktop most of the time, but other times I can play all night with no issues except for Grid that gives me a blue screen after a couple of minutes racing.

Other games that I have are Crysis, Mass effect and Need for speed most wanted.

I am pretty positive drivers are an issue especially on older motherboards.

Actually no its not, the BIOS on your motherboard is probably to old, read around many people have fixed problems you described by updating their motherboard BIOS.

 

[LuxZg]

You're going to be very busy. Enjoy!!

Well, so far so good.. here is some of the first results. It is very non-scientific method, as I'm short on time (got to give back power meter and IR thermometer on monday, but maybe even before, so I want to do as much as I can today and tomorrow). I don't have any cooling in my apartment, and temps do fluctuate, so take them with a grain of salt.. I do my best to do it repeatedly and so on, but I also do NOT do things like 5 measurments of the same thing etc. I just measure, and hurry on
Most of the things are measured with Crysis bench as load, in XP SP3, on 1680x1050, no AA, in 3 loops. I've found that setting gives me highest power consumption as much as I've tried, so I've stuck with that.
IR thermometer runs were with 5 loops to give some time to card to heat up.. I did few measurments here, with short cooling periods, but my temps did differ about 2-3C between runs (between minimum results and max, so not that bad )

First volt/watt results are on a picture below (linked, would be too long for forum display)

You have all the sensor readings from GPU-Z plus measurments taken with watt-meter and multimeter. These are all with stock bios and stock cooler, only with some clock and fans variations.

With IR termometer I've so far measured only backside of the card, as stock cooler gives almost no access to other components, specialy while in case. Warmest parts were on the backside of memory chips, and that was memory chips that are placed towards the backside of the card, and closer to the PCIe slot they get warmer they are. On overclocked card on 790/1100 (to make it interesting) I get 67-70C max after 5 loops of Crysis bench as told above, depending if I've let the card cool a bit longer or not. Second warmest part is that one around the sticker, on the backside of VRMs. Those got around 75-77C, again, those closer to the PCIe slot and MBO got a bit warmer.
At the same time when I had 70C memory and 77C VRMs I had a GPUZ reading of 92-95 for VRMs eek and 76(dispio)/81,5(memio)/78(shaders).
So it's about 15-20C colder on the backside than in-chip sensors measure.

This is all for today, tomorrow I'll give you numbers with low-voltage bios, and if I am fast anough, you'll start to get results with Accelero as well.
Friday is under question, as I'm also renovating my flat, so maybe I'll be out most of the afternoon.. but you can count on at least some numbers on temperature variations with Accelero and different kinds of fans and VRM heatsinks. You can see in my picture gallery what I'll be working with, and I'll also compare cooling with AC S1 with red plate from stock cooler, and with aluminium heatsinks for memory/VRMs that you get with the S1 heatsink itself. Oh, and I haven't posted pic, I have turbo module hanging around here somewhere, so it's 3 different fans plus turbo, and also will try with dual fans.. so looots of numbers to do on friday and if I hold onto IR thermometer, than during weekend as well.

Cya ppl!

 

[Fastmix]

Actually no its not, the BIOS on your motherboard is probably to old, read around many people have fixed problems you described by updating their motherboard BIOS.

I am already running the latest bios ever made for that MB, where would you like me to find a more recent one.