I'm excited and happy + OCing question.

[mettleh3d]

My scores have improved vastly. I didn't even think it would be this huge in difference.

3dmark01 from 15522 to 20516
3dmark03 from 4490 to 6657
3dmark05 lol, why bother?

maybe this is sad compared to your 7800GTX's but Im extremely happy and humble with my system.

btw, those of you who have done this before, does flashing it count as OCing the card? Flashing it automatically made the speeds 412/365 core/mem up from 380/340. I didnt use Radclocker or ati tool to do anymore tweaking. Will it shorten the card's lifespan? I'd much rather have a working card than an hourglassed one.

Thanks so much

 

[GuitarDaddy]

If pushing it any farther I would use a probe to monitor temps. GPU's are much easier to burnup than CPU's. Learned that one the hard way

 

[raildogg]

You're wise in keeping your Radeon 9800 Pro (or XT now )

The next generation of graphics cards will be even more powerful with better shaders and newer technology. I have kept my Radeon 9800 Pro and plan on keeping it a while, or at least the next generation of graphics cards. But if I see a cheap deal on a Radeon X800XL or Geforce 6800 GT, I'd jump on it.

Besides, after upgrading to 1GB of RAM, Battlefield 2 seems to run more smoothly on my rig.

 

[mettleh3d]

I'm just wondering if making it a 9800xt is "overclocking" and would shorten the card's lifespan. Thats my main concern.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: mettleh3d
I'm just wondering if making it a 9800xt is "overclocking" and would shorten the card's lifespan. Thats my main concern.

Thanks for the replies.

If I remember correctly, flashing a Pro to an XT also increases the voltages pumped into it.

Thats going to shorten its life time a lot more than the overclock (assimung your card and cooling can handle the overclock)

 

[mettleh3d]

but if its natively an XT, flashing it would mean its true nature is being brought FORTH; else 9800xt consumer cards would essentially have SHORT lifespans since both situations seem identical to me.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: mettleh3d
but if its natively an XT, flashing it would mean its true nature is being brought FORTH; else 9800xt consumer cards would essentially have SHORT lifespans since both situations seem identical to me.

Even if its a 256mb 9800 Pro, Im not sure whether the PCB would be the same as with the XT.

Im suprised Apoppin hasnt been here yet.

 

[aatf510]

In theory, it would shorten the card's lifespan.
but we are probably talking about a drop from 10 years to 5-6 years.

 

[mettleh3d]

Originally posted by: toattett
In theory, it would shorten the card's lifespan.
but we are probably talking about a drop from 10 years to 5-6 years.

:frown: that doesnt sound too good. Realistically I'll be definitely done with it by then, but the thought of it sucks.

 

[SVT Cobra]

Originally posted by: mettleh3d

Originally posted by: toattett
In theory, it would shorten the card's lifespan.
but we are probably talking about a drop from 10 years to 5-6 years.

:frown: that doesnt sound too good. Realistically I'll be definitely done with it by then, but the thought of it sucks.

as long as you have some good cooling on or near it, you'll be fine...

 

[mettleh3d]

I hope so. I have the Arctic cooling Rev. 3. I've read some great reveiws about it and I love it. Really really quiet. Thanks for the replies

 

[albumleaf]

When was the last time your graphics card failed on you like a year after you bought it?

 

[mettleh3d]

this dude had supremely OCed his cards (with sufficient coolign mind you) and he got 3 RMAs after each lasted "several months." I dono where I read that, but stories like that concern me, thats all.

 

[Tiamat]

good job!

i only have R350, but I run 3d apps at 420/360

 

[mettleh3d]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
good job!

i only have R350, but I run 3d apps at 420/360

how do you know you only have R350? Everest?

Nay, the ONLY way to know if you truly have an r 350/360 core is if you physically remove the HSF and eyeball the core yourself