Best card to softmod.

[elkinm]

My dad uses solidoworks. I tried to softmod my 8800GT, as solidworks is one are where the mod works, at least on the 8800GTS.
I also have an ATI 1900XT, but it is not directly moddable and won't perform as well.

So I am looking for the best softmod card.

I am thinking either a HD3870 or a 2900XT as both can be softmoded and both perform extremely well in solidworks. I would prefer the 3870 as the later card.

I have been looking if a 4800 card can be modded, but I have not seen any so far.

As far as going with a true pro card, I just can't justify paying that much for otherwise inferior hardware.

Thanks

 

[Seggybop]

3870 works very well. 1gb versions of 3850 or 3870 are good if you have huge projects. 4800 works inconsistently depending on the program (mostly doesn't work).

 

[Pelu]

what the heck is softmod?

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: Pelu
what the heck is softmod?

the opposite of a hardmod

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Pelu
what the heck is softmod?

I'm guessing they're referring to "soft" (using driver hacks or proggies like Rivatuner) modifying a Geforce into a Quadro, or a Radeon into a FireGL. The Quadro/FireGL cards are "workstation" level cards. However, underneath the special drivers and expensive price tags are just typical high end gaming cards with perhaps some "extra" instructions that are "locked" on the gaming cards. Kinda sorta.

 

[elkinm]

Thanks, I have not found any examples of 4800 mods. Is it a real mod or just the performance of the 4800 coming into play?

I still have not found any results before or after a mod. Anybody know of any benchmark results?

Thanks

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: elkinm
Is it a real mod

I think the purpose of the mods are to allow the Quadro/FireGL drivers to load, which results in certain professional apps using the GPU.

 

[elkinm]

I was wondering if the 4800 series really see a performance benefit or just perform better anyways. It is possible to simply install FireGL drivers without the additional performance.

I decided to order a 3700. I will post my results once I get it.

 

[Denithor]

Does a softmodded 8800GTS 640MB work well for most Autodesk apps?

 

[sgrinavi]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Does a softmodded 8800GTS 640MB work well for most Autodesk apps?

Any Nvidia chip post NV41 gen does not really softmod, it is pretty much just makes the software think it has a quadro card.

The ATI softmods work well and are very easy to do with RivaTuner and a few scripts -- I have tried the hd2900xt and a 3870, both 512mb GDDR4 parts. I prefer the 3870 as it uses less power and runs cooler. They both work VERY well in 3dsMAX and get pheonimal viewspec perf numbers. Just as good, and better in some cases, as a FireGL V7700.

On the down side there are some quirks. Surfaces will dissappear or turn into gray lines.. restarting the app clears it up. No biggie and no corruption.

I pay close attention to the RivaTuner section over at the Guru3d forums and no one, to date, has been able to mod a 4800 card. I am going to test the performance of the 3d3 drivers in 3dmax using a 4850 and compare it to my using OGL with the softfireGLv7700