o/c 9800 Pro question

[TrevorS]

Hi,

I'm currently running a 9600XT 256MB o/c'd to 540MHz CPU and 340MHz Memory (with Zalman flower cooler). I use ATI Tool for the o/c.

Just ran across a nice price Sapphire 9800 Pro 128MB with a rep for easy o/c to XT speeds. I'll install a Zalman on it for the o/c, but am wondering if there is any real advantage to flashing the BIOS to XT rather than using the ATI Tool approach.

Any thoughts?

Thanks -- Trevor

[Skiracing108]

how bouts a 6800gt

[GrahamGarside]

I believe the XT bios will give higher voltage and more relaxed memory timings allowing it to clock higher, but you aren't talking about massive gains, and it's maybe not worth the risk of the extra voltage and heat killing the card

[TrevorS]

Hmm,

Never occured to me the memory timings are set by the BIOS. I have a couple 9600 cards with very fast memory chip specs, but the memory only o/c's around 25 to 30MHz (200MHz stock) -- WAY short of the Samsung published spec -- and Ram Sinks make no difference. The timings could explain that. On the other hand, their GPU's o/c VERY nicely -- around 50% with active cooling (480MHz Vs 325MHz stock). Too bad ATI Tool can't access the timing settings.

Still, I understand the 9800 Pro is already a warm running card. Do you know if the voltage increase is for both the GPU and the memory?

Thanks -- Trevor

PS Regarding 6800GT -- big price problem

[surlyjoe]

dood, if those are your actual sytem specs in your sig, you need a faster board/chip before you start worrying about better vid cards

[GrahamGarside]

Thats a very good point, will it even have a compatable agp slot?