GeForce4/Windows XP/Refresh Rates

[Atif]

Hello Everybody,

That's the basis of this thread. I am waiting on my Gainward GeForce4 Ti4400 Ultra/700XP video card to arrive either today or tomorrow. This will be my first nVidia card (all 3dfx, ATi and Matrox before) so I just wanted to clear up one (relatively speaking) minor issue before I get the card.

In regards to refresh rates, I've already collected several GeForce utilities (including the beloved NVRefreshTool) to help me work-around the ridiculous refresh rate limit imposed by Microsoft in OpenGL/DirectX gaming.

I was going through the FAQ/Readmes for these refresh rate fix utilities and was finding that they all suggest/require using the reference Detonator drivers. My question is this: do I have to use the reference Detonator drivers to use the refresh rate fixes, or can I use the Gainward-supplied drivers of the same Detonator version? (i.e. 28.32)

Thanks in advance for the help. I don't believe there's a huge difference between the two anyhow, however, the Golden Sample cards come with the unlocked overclocking page if I'm not mistaken, so it'd be nice to circumvent any extra work if at all possible

Peace

 

[dougp]

IMHO (and I think most would agree), go with nVidia reference drivers over the ones Gainward releases unless there's something special to your card. nVidia's drivers are normally always better, the graphics card company just drops in their logo & changes some of the menu's around.

 

[jcmkk]

Actually, I don't think the refresh rate fix works with the latest detonator drivers. At least it didn't last time I updated my drivers. Guru3D has the latest drivers, with a hack to let you use the refresh rate fix.

 

[Atif]

ens0mniac, I guess I'll just install the Gainward drivers, look around and see if anything's 'special' about them. If it's nothing more than just dropping a logo onto the drivers and editing the titles of the various control applets, then why can't the NVRefreshTool work on it with no problem? (just a thought)

jcmkk, that's strange (not being able to use the refresh tool with the Detonators) as they've listed support for all official Detonator releases up to 28.32 and the tool is said to work properly (they have actually gone all the way to the leaked 29.40 saying the tool is compatible with the drivers)

Peace

 

[BFG10K]

RivaTuner's 60 Hz refresh fix will work on any Detonator driver.

 

[Atif]

Okay, I'll try out RivaTuner right now. I just got my card, so it's time to start testing, LOL. I heard that RivaTuner is a memory-resident application though. I have 512MB of PC2700, so I guess it won't make a huge difference, however, I've heard that NVRefreshTool makes a registry tweak, hence eating up no RAM whatsoever.

Thanks everybody for the help. I guess I'm an nVidia newbie for lack of better terms

Peace

 

[Atif]

UPDATE!

It seems as if I should have waited on creating this thread. Gainward's drivers are the reference drivers. Nothing more. No co-branding even. Nothing is changed AT ALL. Thanks everybody. I guess I can use the NVRefreshTool as well if RivaTuner doesn't cut it.

Peace

 

[Mem]

I've heard that NVRefreshTool makes a registry tweak, hence eating up no RAM whatsoever.

NVRefreshTool 1.0 is a great little program, I use it all the time and probably is the best one for the simple refresh fix,also works with all detonators.

 

[Atif]

Thanks for the reaffirmation of NVRefreshTool support. I'm about to use it right now. I decided to jump to the 29.42 WHQL drivers available at Guru3D. I actually downloaded the 'non'-WHQL version that has been modified for the refresh rate fix. I'll let you guys know if I run into any problems.

By the way, do I have to install the separate Windows Driver Model (WDM) driver as well for the Gainward video card? Gainward isn't too clear on why in the world I'd need the WDM driver anyways, however, I've taken the liberty to assume that it will be used for the capture features of the card. Am I correct, or is this 'WDM' driver something else altogether?

Thanks

 

[LostHiWay]

An easy way to fix the refresh rate problem is to edit the driver for your monitor. Just open the .inf file in notepad and set the min. refresh rate to 75mhz or 85mhz.

 

[Atif]

Here's what I did:

1.) Installed 28.32 WHQL drivers. Just a quick note here: WinXP still told me that these are unsigned, LOL. Oh well.
2.) Installed NVRefreshTool using suggested scanned settings (verified with monitor manual, they were all correct)
3.) Installed WDM (VIVO) WHQL drivers.

I ran DXDIAG and quickly found that I CANNOT run the D3D 8.0 tests. It immediately says:

Failure at step 5 (GetDeviceCaps): HRESULT = 0x8876086a (3D not available)

HMMMMMM....

I had originally used the 29.42 'leaked WHQL' drivers and gotten this error. So, I uninstalled, deleted all instances of this driver and used the 28.32s that I'm currently using. I'm still getting this error though. If anybody can help, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Peace

NEVERMIND: I found my fix here (It's actually more of a workaround, so I hope this was just application specific. I'll test the card out with Freedom Force in a while just to be sure I can use D3D 8.0 applications.

 

[Norse]

I?m using nvrefreshtool_ 075_beta on the 28.32...
Don?t know if any newer have come out (but this one works for me)... = )

 

[Atif]

Norse, as a matter of fact, there is a newer version of both nVidia drivers and NVRefreshTool. The latest version of NVRT is 1.0, and the latest (albeit unofficial) drivers for nVidia GeForce4 cards are 29.42.

Peace

 

[HardwareAddicted]

Ok...this may sound stupid....but here goes.

I don't see a problem.... what is the problem and what would you see ?

I have a 4600 and use 28.32's

I'm running my desktop and games at 1280 x 1024 32bit and 100mhz refresh.

Let me know what the deal is here please.....

Peace

 

[Necrolezbeast]

I decided to jump to the 29.42 WHQL drivers available at Guru3D. I actually downloaded the 'non'-WHQL version that has been modified for the refresh rate fix. I'll let you guys know if I run into any problems.

so with the whql 28.32 I can't use the refresh rate fix?

 

[Atif]

HardwareAddicted: the 100Hz refresh rate that you've set in Windows (I assume by going into the Monitor control applet from "Display Properties") is for the Windows UI and non-gaming applications. The moment you run a D3D or OGL game/application, a 60Hz refresh-rate ceiling kicks in. What you would see would be an image, however, if your eyes are sensitive enough, the 60Hz refresh may cause strain to your eyes and/or create a noticeable flicker. Ideally, you should push for 85Hz at any resolution you desire as this tends to be the lowest most people's eyes will take without strain/noticeable flicker. If you're not bothered at all, then really, you can go about how you currently are. You may want to give a refresh-rate unlocked driver a try just to see if your eyes appreciate it more.

Necrolezbeast: no, you cannot use the NVRefreshTool with the WHQL 28.32 drivers. There are registry entries that must be changed before you are able to use the NVRefreshTool. For this reason, you'll have to pick up one of the many 'Refreshrate Fixed' driver versions and then apply the NVRefreshTool. Of course, if you wish to use a memory-resident application to help you perform this task instead, you may very well be able to use a WHQL driver instead. I've found in two days of testing that the only disadvantage to having an on-WHQL driver is that Windows XP forces me to go through DirectX Diagnostic Tool, disable Direct3D Acceleration, Exit, then re-open the Tool, re-Enable Direct3D Acceleration and then run any Direct3D 8.0 or greater application.

I'll have to look into my personal problem a little more, however, please realize I am an nVidia newbie, so I may not be correct on some points. If there are any corrections/points I missed, others are invited to please help answer HardwareAddicted and Necrolezbeast.

Peace

 

[Nucleus111]

How do I know if I need this "fix" or not????

 

[HardwareAddicted]

Thx AtifofVNRoundup

I was checking this and found that in my game, my monitor still said 100mhz..... UNTIL TODAY.

Now when I go into RTCW for example, my refresh just as you said, at 60mhz. CRAP !!

It's not as noticable as it is in windows, but it still bugs me, so now I know I need to fix it.

SO if I understand correctly, I will be looking for the latest drivers that are fixed to allow the refresh tool (NVRefresh) to mod the rate.

Off I go to find these items.....or, if someone want to link to the best tool and drivers, that would be a great post to this thread.

Thx again for your reply.... HardwareAddicted

 

[Mem]

HardwareAddicted just download and install
NVRefreshTool 1.0 ,you will need to reboot and it should all be working fine,this is all I did with my Official Nvidia 28.32 drivers,that`s install the refresh fix and reboot,you can select what refresh options you want for gaming in the Refreshtool program.

 

[JellyBaby]

How do I know if I need this "fix" or not????

If you enter a graphics mode and the pathetically low 60 Hz you get bothers you, you need to apply the kludge.

Does Linux have a refresh rate problem like this?

 

[HardwareAddicted]

This worked great !!

I still have my original 28.32's.... All I did was install the NVRefreshTool 1.0 and I have 100mgz again... too cool.

With all of the talk, I thought I was going to have to do alot more than install this.

I accepted the defaults and I was done

Thx again guys !!