crossfire benchies

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003

Originally posted by: trinibwoy
What's up with people claiming Crossfire is "new" or has "immature" drivers. Crossfire was supposed to be ready in June!

Some folks cant think about things unless those things are right in front of their eyes. Xfire drivers have had since June (and probably a good ways longer) to mature whether or not Xfire setups have been available for sale or not.

Wouldn't you agree however that in-house testing is somewhat limited and that NVIDIA released some tweaks for SLI performance well after it's retail release?

Also you have this to consider, "While retail Crossfire product is still a way off, the APC Labs team has managed to obtain a Crossfire setup based upon early hardware"

What does get released to retail may or may not be improved upon. There are just too many unknowns in this test, they don't mention anything about what driver they are running, let's assume it's 5.8. Chances are ATI will be releasing a "new" or optimized(cough) driver when Crossfire goes live.

These results are pretty lackluster, hopefully ATI will bring something better to the table upon retail release if they really expect people to shell out the money for new mobos and "master" cards that will undoubtedly carry a price premium.

 

[nitromullet]

Not at all, you are taking offense at me bashing SLI when I was doing nothing of the sort. The fanboyism needs to be checked at some point.

No, I take issue (not offense) with you erroneously bashing SLI. Like I said, I think that either solution is acceptable. However, some people read these forums to find out information, so you talking about SLI requiring the flip chip as if it was gospel when it is not the case may mislead some people looking for information. I don't appreciate you painting me with the fanboy brush just because I point out that your information is false. Apparently, anyone that doesn't agree with you needs to chill out or they must be a fanboy.

Internal versus external connection is less important than compatability and quality, nevermind price/performance. The NVIDIA system requires game-specific code, while ATI's does not, n'est ce pas?

Spoken like an ATI marketing guy... SLI does NOT require game-specific code. What it does require is a game profile to work at it's best. In the event that NV doesn't provide a profile for the game you want to run, you can easily create a profile yourself. All the profile does is tell the driver which mode of SLI to use, the game doesn't need to be be specifically programmed for SLI, nor is the driver hard coded for a specific games. It does take a few extra minutes to set up, but it isn't difficult by any means.

 

[hans030390]

That's all the performance boost? strangely, I thought i saw other benchies that showed it doing better...

oh well. Not like i could get it anyways.

 

[Cookie Monster]

I dont know why people fuss about "NVIDIA SLi requires game profiles" etc and complain it doesnt support ALL the games.

People need to start to realise and smell the fresh air. Are you going to play all
the games ever existed on the face of earth?

All the latest games are being supported such as Doom3, half life2, far cry and so on.
People buy SLi because they want to play the latest GPU hungry games at a much higher detail and faster performance..

I dont see why people fuss over such a minor issue, or heck its not even an issue at all.

And also the connector. I dont know why people fuss over it. It really amazes me, there is NOTHING wrong with such connector. Is it harming your PC? Is it taking ALL the space inside the case?

 

[Auric]

Originally posted by: nitromullet

Internal versus external connection is less important than compatability and quality, nevermind price/performance. The NVIDIA system requires game-specific code, while ATI's does not, n'est ce pas?

Spoken like an ATI marketing guy... SLI does NOT require game-specific code. What it does require is a game profile to work at it's best. In the event that NV doesn't provide a profile for the game you want to run, you can easily create a profile yourself.

Nah, spoken like an apparently misinformed but legitimately seeking confirmation guy. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle.

It could appear somewhat hypocritical that you admonish another for accusing you of fanboyery yet accuse moi of marketery. J'accuse!

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: supafly

Originally posted by: Cooler
now let see 2 x1800 crossfired.

First, lets see one x1800.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: Auric

Originally posted by: nitromullet

Internal versus external connection is less important than compatability and quality, nevermind price/performance. The NVIDIA system requires game-specific code, while ATI's does not, n'est ce pas?

Spoken like an ATI marketing guy... SLI does NOT require game-specific code. What it does require is a game profile to work at it's best. In the event that NV doesn't provide a profile for the game you want to run, you can easily create a profile yourself.

Nah, spoken like an apparently misinformed but legitimately seeking confirmation guy. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle.

It could appear somewhat hypocritical that you admonish another for accusing you of fanboyery yet accuse moi of marketery. J'accuse!

I didn't actually accuse you of marketery, and I appologize if it came across that way. What I meant was that has been the line that ATI marketing has been pushing against NV. I went to a CrossFire demo a while back and they were babbling on about the special coding required to run games in SLI as well. it is quite obvious from your post that you are in fact a victim of said marketery, and not the evangelist.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: Auric
Internal versus external connection is less important than compatability and quality, nevermind price/performance. The NVIDIA system requires game-specific code, while ATI's does not, n'est ce pas? Additionally the former does not allow dual displays if I recall, which would be a hassle switching to 'n' fro.

It's amazing to me that people still have misconceptions about the way SLI and Crossfire work.

Profiles are only setting defaults that nVidia has set up for you based on their testing. They've saved you the trouble of trying SFR and AFR and seeing which works better with that game.

ATI has profiles built into their drivers as well. The only difference is ATI has two default fallbacks for non-profiled games, and nVidia has one. Either way, you still have to test which SLI method works best yourself for non profiled games.

SLI gives benefit to ALL games. Games that are cpu limited with one card can use 16X SLI AA for better IQ.

While ATI offers tiling as an additional SLI mode, nVidia didn't bother with tiling because it has a lot of limitations: can't scale geometry, no Open GL, no 12 pipe cards, and it overfetches textures.

I said losing 3d05 to the 6800GTs with X850XTs is bad news for ATI because it will be a tough sell for them if their solution is both slower and has less features. Why would anyone want lesser motherboards, less visual features, and less performance? Two X850XTs, a motherboard, and maybe a new psu is a lot of money to spend and have to make compromises?

 

[BFG10K]

Just what is they hope to prove by testing a low resolution like 1280x1024?

 

[xtknight]

Never heard of the magazine/site. The 1280x1024 benchmarks make them lose all their credibility in my book. How this site got the 'exclusive' is beyond me, they don't even know how to bench.

 

[BFG10K]

As bad as this is I've seen one case where a reviewer couldn't tell if AF was enabled or not through visual inspection.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: Auric
Internal versus external connection is less important than compatability and quality, nevermind price/performance. The NVIDIA system requires game-specific code, while ATI's does not, n'est ce pas? Additionally the former does not allow dual displays if I recall, which would be a hassle switching to 'n' fro.

It's amazing to me that people still have misconceptions about the way SLI and Crossfire work.

Profiles are only setting defaults that nVidia has set up for you based on their testing. They've saved you the trouble of trying SFR and AFR and seeing which works better with that game.

ATI has profiles built into their drivers as well. The only difference is ATI has two default fallbacks for non-profiled games, and nVidia has one. Either way, you still have to test which SLI method works best yourself for non profiled games.

SLI gives benefit to ALL games. Games that are cpu limited with one card can use 16X SLI AA for better IQ.

While ATI offers tiling as an additional SLI mode, nVidia didn't bother with tiling because it has a lot of limitations: can't scale geometry, no Open GL, no 12 pipe cards, and it overfetches textures.

I said losing 3d05 to the 6800GTs with X850XTs is bad news for ATI because it will be a tough sell for them if their solution is both slower and has less features. Why would anyone want lesser motherboards, less visual features, and less performance? Two X850XTs, a motherboard, and maybe a new psu is a lot of money to spend and have to make compromises?

did you even bother looking at those AT benchies i linked to for you earlier?

 

[Auric]

Yea, nitromullet, I am but a victim and indeed fear am being oppressed! BTW, I meant genuinely or even sincerely rather than legitimately, to be more precise.

Does anyone even really care aboot X8xx specific CrossFire? I mean, I suppose it has been useful to get the development rolling but from an end-user perspective it would appear dead in the water if the X1xxx's are introduced shortly and especially if CrossFire enabled from the start (i.e. master cards or whatever necessary). All subject to price/performance and availablility of course. But at the mo' it would seem X8xx CrossFire could have a shorter raison d'être than than 6800 SLI did.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: dug777

did you even bother looking at those AT benchies i linked to for you earlier?

I didn't need to, I'm familiar with them? That was sort of a sad article, with it's tales of "we could not get AA to work on this game at all". Doesn't really make you want to run out and spend $800+ on Crossfire does it?

It's one thing to give up AA with HDR that already has a massive performance hit, but to give it up on games like UT?

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: dug777

did you even bother looking at those AT benchies i linked to for you earlier?

I didn't need to, I'm familiar with them? That was sort of a sad article, with it's tales of "we could not get AA to work on this game at all". Doesn't really make you want to run out and spend $800+ on Crossfire does it?

It's one thing to give up AA with HDR that already has a massive performance hit, but to give it up on games like UT?

yeah, I'm hoping part of this delay has been ironing out some of those 'little problems'.

 

[Pabster]

ATi better stick to getting a single R520 out the door before they worry about Crossfire.

 

[Ackmed]

Originally posted by: trinibwoy
What's up with people claiming Crossfire is "new" or has "immature" drivers. Crossfire was supposed to be ready in June!

When did ATi say it was supposed to be ready in June? Even if they did, what does it matter? Crossfire still isnt new because its allegedly a few months late? That doesnt make any sense. A 7800GTX is still a new card, and has been out for a few months.

Launching hardware, doesnt mean drivers are not immature. NV launched SLI and have very immature drivers. They are leaps and bounds better than they were, back when it launched.

Originally posted by: Rollo
I said losing 3d05 to the 6800GTs with X850XTs is bad news for ATI because it will be a tough sell for them if their solution is both slower and has less features. Why would anyone want lesser motherboards, less visual features, and less performance? Two X850XTs, a motherboard, and maybe a new psu is a lot of money to spend and have to make compromises?

One mag/site did a test, and now its 100% fact that its slower? I find that hard to believe. Mainly because the X850XT is faster than the 6800GT. Ill wait for a real hardware site to do a real review. Not that 3dmark matters anyways. Well, to some people it does... That and the fact that ATs old article shows a much better picture than these new numbers.

Besides that.. I recall you making a big deal when the shimmering aticle wasnt from the US. This mag/site isnt from the US. Funny how you change you tune, eh? Now what these guys say is 100% fact...

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: Ackmed
When did ATi say it was supposed to be ready in June? Even if they did, what does it matter? Crossfire still isnt new because its allegedly a few months late? That doesnt make any sense. A 7800GTX is still a new card, and has been out for a few months.

Don't be an arseclown. ATi was supposed to have Crossfire ready before June. Then it was pushed back to June. Now we're hearing October? Come on.

Launching hardware, doesnt mean drivers are not immature. NV launched SLI and have very immature drivers. They are leaps and bounds better than they were, back when it launched.

The difference is that nVidia announced SLi and they delivered. ATi announced Crossfire and has delivered absolutely nothing - except rumors and speculation - and more excuses for why they haven't gotten it to market yet.

Frankly I'm tired of the fanboys on both sides. Reminds me of a processor debate.

 

[Ackmed]

Originally posted by: Pabster

Originally posted by: Ackmed
When did ATi say it was supposed to be ready in June? Even if they did, what does it matter? Crossfire still isnt new because its allegedly a few months late? That doesnt make any sense. A 7800GTX is still a new card, and has been out for a few months.

Don't be an arseclown. ATi was supposed to have Crossfire ready before June. Then it was pushed back to June. Now we're hearing October? Come on.

Launching hardware, doesnt mean drivers are not immature. NV launched SLI and have very immature drivers. They are leaps and bounds better than they were, back when it launched.

The difference is that nVidia announced SLi and they delivered. ATi announced Crossfire and has delivered absolutely nothing - except rumors and speculation - and more excuses for why they haven't gotten it to market yet.

Frankly I'm tired of the fanboys on both sides. Reminds me of a processor debate.

Oh, ok. So you cant link me to the offical release date of Crossfire, and then you resort to calling me names? Then you ignore the fact, that even if it is "late" it can still be new? Good job.

There is no difference. SLI had immature drivers when it was released. They are much better now. Crossfire is new tech, just as SLI was when it launched. Yet some people dont think Crossfire should, or could have immature drivers when its released? New hardware, especially when its new hardware working in tandem with one another wont have mature drivers the day its launched.

I guess you're tired of yourself then.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: Ackmed
Oh, ok. So you cant link me to the offical release date of Crossfire, and then you resort to calling me names? Then you ignore the fact, that even if it is "late" it can still be new? Good job.

You go ahead and waste your time Googling if you want some phony release dates that ATi has spewed throughout the last 4-6 months. Everyone knows Crossfire is long delayed. But you keep on...

There is no difference. SLI had immature drivers when it was released. They are much better now. Crossfire is new tech, just as SLI was when it launched. Yet some people dont think Crossfire should, or could have immature drivers when its released? New hardware, especially when its new hardware working in tandem with one another wont have mature drivers the day its launched.

You made the distinction I've already made for me. You say Crossfire is new tech. OK. Then WTF is Crossfire? Where is it? SLi is here for real, and has been, for a long time now. Argue over drivers all you want - nVidia has always had the upper hand in the driver department - I'm talking about the technology itself. SLi is here; Crossfire isn't. Case closed.

 

[nRollo]

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2432&p=10

Most motherboard manufacturers are telling us to expect CrossFire motherboards by the end of July at the earliest, but more realistically, we can expect retail availability sometime in August.

July and August came and went, we're halfway through September and Crossfire is still no where to be found. I know you're used to waiting months and months for ATI products after paper launches Ackmed, but it's getting sort of ridiculous?

This is technology they've supposedly been using in the commercial market all along, and it takes them a year after nVidia has it for sale to bring it to market?

What's up with that?

 

[Ackmed]

Originally posted by: Pabster

Originally posted by: Ackmed
Oh, ok. So you cant link me to the offical release date of Crossfire, and then you resort to calling me names? Then you ignore the fact, that even if it is "late" it can still be new? Good job.

You go ahead and waste your time Googling if you want some phony release dates that ATi has spewed throughout the last 4-6 months. Everyone knows Crossfire is long delayed. But you keep on...

There is no difference. SLI had immature drivers when it was released. They are much better now. Crossfire is new tech, just as SLI was when it launched. Yet some people dont think Crossfire should, or could have immature drivers when its released? New hardware, especially when its new hardware working in tandem with one another wont have mature drivers the day its launched.

You made the distinction I've already made for me. You say Crossfire is new tech. OK. Then WTF is Crossfire? Where is it? SLi is here for real, and has been, for a long time now. Argue over drivers all you want - nVidia has always had the upper hand in the driver department - I'm talking about the technology itself. SLi is here; Crossfire isn't. Case closed.

Really, ATi spewed them? Proof, or more opinion and rumor?

Just because Crossfire isnt out yet, doesnt mean its not new tech. In fact, that would mean its very new tech.

Rollo, thats what the motherboard makers told AT, not ATi. Even if ATi did tell them that, and Crossfire it "late", thats not the point I was making.

The point was, triniboy was saying that Crossfire shouldnt have immature drivers, because it was supposed to be avail in June. Which going by your link, is up to two months off, and the simple fact that new hardware generally doesnt have mature drivers. Why is this so hard to understand?