radeon 8500 AGP fast-write problem

[Drewpy]

After upgrading to the Catalyst 2.5 drivers, I noticed that they have added a SMARTGART tab to the display properties.

Through the BIOS I have always set AGP Fast-Writes to Enabled. However, checking the SMARTGART reveals that fast write is off.

I Changed the radio button to ON, and rebooted my computer as prompted. When going through POST I checked within the BIOS again to see if fast-writes were enabled, and the were.

Upon checking in SMARTGART after logging back into Windows, the fast-writes were disabled again! WCPU-ID confirms this.

I have tried every combination of On and Off within the BIOS and driver settings. Can anyone tell me how to enable fast-writes? After checking old WCPU-ID print-outs, fast-writes have NEVER been enabled.

sys specs:
Asus A7V266-E rev2 motherboard (latest 4in1 drivers)
ATI Radeon 8500 (latest catalyst 2.5 drivers)
Windows 2000 (SP3 fully patched)

If it doesn't affect performance please tell me, so that I don't start pulling out my hair, and tossing hardware around.

Because I won't be upgrading my mobo anytime soon (spending my money on some case modding), I would like to be able to get the best performance possible out of it.

pls check my sig for further deatils of my comp if needed. Pokey II.

 

[Tates]

Fast writes does not add or detract from the 8500's performance. Save your hair

Read about Fast writes here

 

[Drewpy]

THANKS!

 

[Viper96720]

Yep don't make a noticeable difference. I get higher scores in 3dmark with it off. Not that it matters any. Since I can't play 3dmark.

 

[CurtCold]

I have the same board, and same card, and yes I have fastwrites turned on in the bios, but with the smartGart, it says it's off. Just like these guys said it makes 0 difference that I can tell.

3d Mark=8571