6800NU softmod pre-test

[nRollo]

System:
A64 3000+/MSI K8T Neo/1GB Corsair CAS 2.5/SB Audigy 2/ ref 6800NU & XFX 6800GT
Far Cry: all settings on highest, 4X AA 4X AF
Research Demo, SM3 Path

10X7X32
GT = 83.3fps
GT@325/700 = 69.4fps
NU = 57.6fps
NU@350/800 = 62.5

12X9x32
GT = 61.4fps
GT@325/700 = 50.3fps
NU = 31.5fps
NU@350/800 = 34.1

16X12X32
GT = 43.9fps
GT@325/700 = 35.3fps
NU = 19.0fps
NU@350/800 = 18.8fps

I wish I could disable 128MB of GT RAM to test at 16 pipes, NU speeds, 128MB. This would be the final variable in the equation.

 

[THUGSROOK]

good info!

i wonder how much of that is actually vid bios differences?
(yes vid cards have memory timings just like a moboard)

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: THUGSROOK
good info!

i wonder how much of that is actually vid bios differences?
(yes vid cards have memory timings just like a moboard)

Thanks Thugsrook. I don't know the answer to your question, but those are some pretty big deficits to make up with memory timings.

My experiences with Far Cry and Doom3 and clocking a GT at NU speeds pretty much confirm for me that no one will be turning a NU into a GT with Rivatuner.

On the other hand, I think the NU is an excellent card in it's own right, and if someone can get a few more frames out of it for free, all the better. The possibility of not being able to get it back if the pipelines are defective would keep me from trying this though. 🙁

 

[THUGSROOK]

the differences may lie in the vid bios.
bios flashing a GT bios onto a NU card will be the only way to find out.
that way the only true difference is the extra 128mb of memory.
(assuming all 16 pipes will work on the NU)

🙂

 

[moonboy403]

i don't understand
how would we know if the extra pipes are working or not?
would there be artifacts or would there be no performance gain at all?

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: moonboy403
i don't understand
how would we know if the extra pipes are working or not?
would there be artifacts or would there be no performance gain at all?

I assume you'd see artifacts/no gain if it didn't and a gain in fill rate tests like UT2003 Flyby if it did?

 

[reallyscrued]

I wish I could disable 128MB of GT RAM to test at 16 pipes, NU speeds, 128MB. This would be the final variable in the equation.

actually, one more variable would be vertex processing units, there are only 5 on the NU while 6 on the GTs.

 

[Avalon]

You're the man Rollo. Can't wait for the rivatuner patch.

 

[THUGSROOK]

Originally posted by: reallyscrued
actually, one more variable would be vertex processing units, there are only 5 on the NU while 6 on the GTs.

yep that is another important variable. rivatuner may be able to fix that (read that somewhere) and/or a vid bios flash may cure both those probs. meanwhile both are assumptions right now.

Rollo's results definately confirms that out of the box ~ there is more then just a mhz and mb difference here. now the job is to see exactly what those differences are and if they can be eliminated.

im almost tempted to pickup a 6800 just to see what i can do with it 😀 (not an Asus tho 😉 )

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: Avalon
You're the man Rollo. Can't wait for the rivatuner patch.

Thanks Avalon, happy to help.

 

[reallyscrued]

rollo, do u happen to like rollos?

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: reallyscrued
rollo, do u happen to like rollos?

Sure, but my name comes from the old tv sitcom "Sanford and Son". I liked the show, used to be "Fred Sanford" on 3dfx Gamers.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: reallyscrued
rollo, do u happen to like rollos?

My 4yr old would choke you out with the "monkey on the back" for a roll of 'em :laugh:

BTW guys&gals, Thugs has an awesome guide to tweaking your G5xxx-G6xxx vid cards bios here

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
<blockquote>quote:
<hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>reallyscrued</b></i>
rollo, do u happen to like rollos?<hr></blockquote>My 4yr old would choke you out with the "monkey on the back" for a roll of 'em <img src="i/expressions/anim_laugh.gif" border="0">

BTW guys&amp;gals, Thugs has an awesome guide to tweaking your G5xxx-G6xxx vid cards bios <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.bleedinedge.com/for...ad.php?t=4034">here </a>

I'm not taking on the little Punisher, I'd give'm up freely.

LOL- your 5800U caused me no end of trouble on the board, but I still enjoyed my use of it. By purchasing 3 5800s I've apparently invalidated any other opinions I might have- I better not say how many V2 sli rigs I bought, or GF2 Pros!