Help newbie with 4850

[chuckles2000]

So, about every 5 years I build a new machine up from scratch (saves a little money, gets me "sorta" current, and it's just kinda fun). Last week was ordering time. I didn't do a ton of research on the video cards as the new 4850 seemed like a no-brainer....inexpensive, good performance. Done.

Now I'm reading about the heat issues, fan locked, etc. Just so you know, I will not be overclocking the GPU, but I might overclock the CPU.

I bought the ASUS version of the 4850, mostly cause it gave me a discount on a mobo at newegg. Can somebody give me a step by step process to make sure the new card works properly? I've heard 8.6 drivers with "hotfix?" Fan tweak (but I've also heard the ASUS ships with some software that will fix this..is that true). Is that independent of the drivers? Should I just use the stock drivers (shipped with card) and wait for an official update for the 4850? Bios flash (never done this on a vid card...how does one do it?)? Basically, I'm hoping somebody can give me a recommended apprach to make this card work.

Your help is much appreciated.

Mike

 

[sticks435]

You can either install the 8.6 hotfix drivers from ATI, or download the 8.7 beta drivers from guru3d. I've heard the 8.7's have issues with some of the syntetic benchmarks, but I've had no problems with them. Offical drivers should be out next week.

Since you bought an Asus, it should come with software that allows you to change the fan speed without having to edit the driver config files. This is seperate from the ATI driver control center.

As for the bios flash, the first release of the 4800 serious shipped with Powerplay broken. It doesn't properly change the clocks in 2D mode to save power and reduce heat. MSI released an updated BIOS, and you can flash the reference cards to make it work. Although there is some debate on whether this works on Asus cards.

 

[Magusigne]

Honestly, the whole heat issue I think has been slightly blown out of proportion.

Yes, these cards DO put out alot of heat. There is no question about that.

Yes, they should have came with better fan settings out of the box.

BUT there is an easy, and I mean easy way to reduce temps by 30c+ by just taking a second to create a profile in CCC and change the "23" in fanspeed line to say "60".

This might be too loud for some people but you can always tweak from there.

Follow the link below and watch your temps drop. Adjust fan speed to your liking.
Fan Fix @guru3d

 

[chuckles2000]

Thanks for the great info sticks.

I guess I'll just go with the 8.6 hotfix drivers (is that two installs?).

Cool on the Asus...I'm assuming it's just an app that lets you edit the xml file. Do you know if it will then load that xml profile on a restart? Or do I have to switch to it manually every time?

Hmmm..how important is that Powerplay?

Thanks again.

Mike

 

[Magusigne]

Originally posted by: chuckles2000
Thanks for the great info sticks.

I guess I'll just go with the 8.6 hotfix drivers (is that two installs?).

Cool on the Asus...I'm assuming it's just an app that lets you edit the xml file. Do you know if it will then load that xml profile on a restart? Or do I have to switch to it manually every time?

Hmmm..how important is that Powerplay?

Thanks again.

Mike

Hotfix driver is one install to my knowledge.

Also use a text editor to change the values in the .xml file.

No need for reboot. once you activate the profile in CCC you'll hear the fan speed whir up.

As for starting the profile every time you restart..I don't think I've had to do that yet, it is always using my fan profile.

Its really very simple.
Let us know what your temps drop from

 

[Magusigne]

Whoops! Double post

 

[sticks435]

The 8.6 hotfix drivers come with the complete install, so just one driver install. I don't think the Asus program actually controls the ATI CCC profiles. I figure it has it's own code to access the card. I do know that with the CCC fix, it will load whichever profile you last used. I have 2 set up, one for idle, and one for gaming. If I leave my gaming one on when I restart teh computer, it'll load that one when Windows starts. Not sure if the Asus is the same way.

 

[dakels]

I used the driver/software package that came with the card. I have the same exact mb and card (Asus P5Q Pro, Asus 4850). Its the 4.6 drivers which are working fine for me so far. 13000 3Dmark06 scores, 1680x1050: 80-120fps in COD4, 60-70fps with 4xAA COD4, 50-60+(V-sync capped) in WoW, 60+ (V-sync capped) in Mass effect, and I will try Crysis next week when I get time. 1080p HD video plays seamless. S-Video to TV has worked great, I haven't tried the HDMI. Also the smartfan app works fine for me. That fan is incredibly annoying and loud though at 80%+ rpm. I am eagerly awaiting the new aftermarket coolers. The card stays around 65C for me under load and fan at 100%. Normal app and web usage (non game) it won't go over 60C at 60% rpm which isn't too noisy.

So all in all the drivers it came with were pretty current, like the disc said 1 month old or so and they have worked fine for me so far. If it ain't broke...

 

[chuckles2000]

Ok guys. Thanks a bunch for the help.

It's important for me that the profiles (either CCC or Asus created) get loaded automatically as I have a couple of kids (8 and 6) that might get on the machine and will forget to load them.

I'll likely stick with the drivers that came on CD and look for an update (sounds like next week?).

I haven't heard of anybody that has to run the fan at 80%...I'm hoping 45% is plenty.

dakels...did you update the BIOS on the card? Others...is the Powerplay important?

 

[runawayprisoner]

Powerplay helps reduce heat significantly when the card does not have to process intense 3D games.

You may also edit the BIOS to force fan speeds at different temperature settings, and further reduce performance when the card is not doing anything, so temperature may drop down further. So ultimate fix would be to modify the BIOS to fit your need.

However, if you are still too concerned about heat, try an aftermarket cooler.

 

[dakels]

I haven't flashed the bios. I was waiting for ATI to get proper drivers out. I put smartfan at 80% at 60C and 100% at 65C. Right now with a lot of ambient noise I'd rather have noise and cooler then hot and quiet. Besides when I am not gaming the card is very quiet. When I am gaming I have speakers high and headphones on usually so I don't mind the high fan noise.

I'm waiting for the Accelero TWIN TURBO.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: runawayprisoner
Powerplay helps reduce heat significantly when the card does not have to process intense 3D games.

You may also edit the BIOS to force fan speeds at different temperature settings, and further reduce performance when the card is not doing anything, so temperature may drop down further. So ultimate fix would be to modify the BIOS to fit your need.

However, if you are still too concerned about heat, try an aftermarket cooler.

One point on the profile hack with a lot of cards is it only works if you change the "Automatic" setting to "Manual" ,if I leave it on "Automatic" the hack does not work.


Automatic is important to allow the fan to speed up if it gets too hot,anyway I ahve been doing some serious stress/temp testing using FurMark and my card idles at 79/80c but at full load with FurMark goes up to 92C ,however it remains rock solid and stable(just with normal cooling without fan hack).

I'm going to try one of these next week ,bargain at £5 in the UK.

They should have a proper software fan fix soon anyway,always options out there without having to mod your card.


Btw the fan hack guide is here.