Can driver issues cause a video card to read as 32-bit instead of 128-bit?

[homestarmy]

I have had issues with a video card as I have posted about in multiple threads. I have found that it will not play 1080i HDTV because it is reading as 32-bit via ATI Tool. The card is a Sapphire x1300 pro, and this has been driving me up a wall!

First, could ATI Tool be wrong? Second, can a driver issue cause this? I used an x300 for a short time before this card, ripped all drivers, and then installed this card. I ripped all drivers once again after the card was installed to confirm.

Here's a link to the proof.

Additionally, newegg seems to sell three cards with specs that are exactly the same this card, the 100143L, then the 100143 and the 100143SR. They are all listed as 128-bit, but common sense tells me that it would not make sense to make three cards that are exactly the same.

Here is a link to all three cards. Is there something that I am missing about them? I emailed Sapphire about the issue. I called ATI as well becaues the Sapphire website told me to, yet they do not support this product. I also contacted newegg with my complaint and that is what pointed me towards Sapphire, who pointed me to ATI, who pointed me back to Sapphire .

At this point, I am ready for newegg to cover all costs and give me another NON-SAPPHIRE card!

Any thoughts on this issue would be something that I would really like to hear. Thanks so much!

 

[F1shF4t]

Hmm thats weird, use another prog to verify that, everest is good.

I dont think its a driver issue, cause u cant change memory bit width with software.
What actually happens when u try running the HDTV stuff, is it skipping etc?
And whats the rest of ur system like?

 

[homestarmy]

Yeah, it's skipping, 720p is ok though (Fox and ABC if I remember correctly).

Biostar Tforce 6100
512MB RAM
Sempron 3000+ (both at stock 1.8 GHz and 2.7 GHz [it is stable at this speed])
ATI HDTV Wonder
Seagate 160GB
WD 250GB

My previous system with the same RAM, same HDTV Card, 2600+ Athlon XP at stock speeds, and 9600XT ran it flawlessly... And I thought this would be an upgrade!

 

[homestarmy]

I tried to check everest, but the tab where it shows how many bits wide the path is does not load at all (the GPU tab). I thought it might be because of remote desktop, but it loads properly on my other computer running a 9600XT. The only tab that gives any useful information at all does not have it listed and here is a screenshot of it:

http://s88644212.onlinehome.us/everestcrapvidcard.JPG

 

[TanisHalfElven]

weird i don;t think the 9600xt even has h264 acceleration and x1300 pro does. try a windows reinstall before shipping the cards. also what media player are you using and whats your cpu usage while playing at 1080p

 

[homestarmy]

I haven't done a windows reinstall, but I may do just that today on a spare drive without destroying my data if I get a chance.

I am playing it in Windows XP Media Center. Zoom player or WMP plays 1080i ok, but the method - I think it was called VMR9 - I am told in MCE is a lot more intensive than in the other players.

My CPU usage isn't maxed out, I don't remember the exact numbers, but I think it was around 40-60%. I had the CPU at various speeds, 1.8, 2.16 and 2.7GHz. It is not maxed out at 1.8 as of now.