Going from TNT to Ti200! Do I need to reformat?

[Actaeon]

Woohoo, I finally got a new videocard! Well, I won it, and it needs to be shipped.

Anyways, should I do a clean reformat? or will everything be ok since Nvidia uses Unified drivers?

Thanks!
Actaeon

 

[Sleater]

Nah, you don't need to reformat.

But you do need to get your system ready for the new hardware:

1) In display properties find the 'adapter' tab and change to 'standard vga'
2) reboot
3) in add/remove programs remove your TNT drivers
4) shut down computer
5) put in new videocard
6) turn on computer
7 install drivers

voila

 

[spanky]

what sleater said.

 

[Actaeon]

Ah, I see, Thanks Sleater and Spanky!

Is there anything I should do before I install the card? Should I use the Drivers I already use (29.80), or Should I use the one that comes with the card?

I do plan on overclocking.

And one last question, any good programs out there to tweak your videocard? I don't like it too much, But It works. Anything else out there thats better?

Thanks!
Actaeon

 

[snow patrol]

Actaeon - download the latest official detonator drivers from the Nvidia official site. It'll just be an exe file so it's really simple to install. But as the others said, delete your previous drivers before hand just to be on the safe side.

As for tweaks, Riva Tuner is generally considered to be one of the best. Nice and easy to use, lets you overclock and fiddle with fsaa/LOD bias/anisotropy settings to your hearts content

 

[Actaeon]

Ah, thanks for the replies!

I read my last post, I didn't make too much sense.

I meant to write, "I tried Riva Tuner, and I don't like it too much".

It works just fine, but I just don't like it *shrug*.

Thanks again!
Actaeon

 

[snow patrol]

Have you tried Powerstrip?

 

[Actaeon]

Yeah, I've tried powerstrip...

Is there anything else?

Thanks!
Jonathan

 

[blade2]

erm coolbits is good i think, well ive just started to overclock my tnt 2 anyway and its proved easy, any help on that btw (on overclockin my tnt2) its currently at 125/120. i read somewhere that overclocking above 10% of the speed isnt safe/recommended - is that true - that would mean i could clock to only 137/132- any recommendations

sorry for asking though i have checked the net for o/c my tnt2 and came up with nothing but help on how to O/C at old tnt card

 

[Actaeon]

Hehe, a TNT2 is basically the same thing as TNT1, except TNT2 has a faster Core and Memory.

I recently overclocked my TNT, Its running at 121/140 right now, completely stable.

I suggest just overclocking as high as it can go, before you start seeing artifacts.

Use 5 mhz increments. Start with your memory first, Go up and up, until its unstable, or you see artifacts. Once you do, bring it back down 5 mhz, if its still unstable, bring it down another 5. Then do the same with your core, and there you go, a perfectly safe Overclocked TNT2.

BTW, who ever gave you that gibberish about 10% Higher isn't safe/recommended is total BS. Overclocking isn't safe at all, and it does have its effects, if done unproperly w/o decent cooling, you can damage your Videocard/CPU. Careful Overclocking is the best way to do it. Don't try a 3000mhz core on your TNT 2, because its not going to happen, and you're gonna fry the thing.

In conclusion, overclocking is as safe as YOU make it. Take it carefully, and you won't damage anything.

 

[blade2]

thanks for the advice Actaeon , question tho, i know what u mean by artifacts but what program should i use to check my overclocking for these artifacts, am currently d/l 3d marks 2001 SE, is that ok or should i use a game like unreal tournie or max payne?(which runs like treacle on my computer anyway)

 

[Actaeon]

Ah, well, for finding artifacts, any intense 3d application would work.

Usually you can spot them on the desktop first.

 

[blade2]

thanks Actaeon ,i know what i'll be doing tomorrow. im thinkin of getting a Ti200 -is yours a 64Mb or a 128 Mb? if you could, try and let me know how it all goes and what u think of the performance etc
thanks again!

 

[Actaeon]

No problem for the help.

Mine is 64MB, I would have gone for a Ti4200, but the price on this MSi was unbelieveable.

I don't exactly have the Card yet, It won't be coming in till late this week, or early next week. So until then, I'm rather waiting for it. But, I'll be sure to let you know how my card performs

Good Luck OCing your TNT2.

Jonathan