Separate 2d and 3d timings: ATI Tools?

gyoung · Feb 13, 2007, 01:31 PM

My new Saphire X1950XT has two sets of timings: lower clock and memory values for 2d and the "rated" higher values that automatically kick in when a 3d app. or game loads.

Trouble is, the card runs very hot. I want to use ATI tools to adjust the fan speed but can't seem to find where (if anywhere) I can enable the auto timings switcher. With just ATI tools, and no CCC, the timings are the lower ones and DO NOT switch to the higher settings automatically. (You can have an app running that shows you clocks and a quick alt-tab out of the app (like 3Dmark 2006) will show the faster speed for a few seconds).

With both ATI Tools (overclock enabled to keep the fan speed settings) and CCC, the auto switching also does not occur.

Is there a way or setting in ATI Tools to keep the dual speed timings for 2d and 3d? By the way; the 2d memory timings are so low that there is not even room on the ATI tools slider to go from 500 to 900, so I can't just overclock to the 3d settings and keep them there.

Dyre Straits · Feb 13, 2007, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gyoung

My new Saphire X1950XT has two sets of timings: lower clock and memory values for 2d and the "rated" higher values that automatically kick in when a 3d app. or game loads.

Trouble is, the card runs very hot. I want to use ATI tools to adjust the fan speed but can't seem to find where (if anywhere) I can enable the auto timings switcher. With just ATI tools, and no CCC, the timings are the lower ones and DO NOT switch to the higher settings automatically. (You can have an app running that shows you clocks and a quick alt-tab out of the app (like 3Dmark 2006) will show the faster speed for a few seconds).

With both ATI Tools (overclock enabled to keep the fan speed settings) and CCC, the auto switching also does not occur.

Is there a way or setting in ATI Tools to keep the dual speed timings for 2d and 3d? By the way; the 2d memory timings are so low that there is not even room on the ATI tools slider to go from 500 to 900, so I can't just overclock to the 3d settings and keep them there.

When you say the card runs 'very hot' just how hot are you seeing it get up to? The reason for the question is that many people don't realize that these cards can actually get up to the 90Cs before it's considered too hot.

My own X1950 Pro runs Oblivion and other such games at around the mid 60s to lower 70s and that's no problem at all.

So, before we try to fix something that may not be broken, let's first determine if it is broke to begin with.

Cheers!

Chaos · Feb 13, 2007, 03:31 PM

I should have one of these cards tomorrow, I will check what I am getting for temperatures while the card is under load. Also making sure you have good air flow inside your case can be a big help. You may also want to look at an after market cooling solution like the ones Zalman has or something from Arctic Cooling

jp306 · Feb 13, 2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gyoung

My new Saphire X1950XT has two sets of timings: lower clock and memory values for 2d and the "rated" higher values that automatically kick in when a 3d app. or game loads.

Trouble is, the card runs very hot. I want to use ATI tools to adjust the fan speed but can't seem to find where (if anywhere) I can enable the auto timings switcher. With just ATI tools, and no CCC, the timings are the lower ones and DO NOT switch to the higher settings automatically. (You can have an app running that shows you clocks and a quick alt-tab out of the app (like 3Dmark 2006) will show the faster speed for a few seconds).

With both ATI Tools (overclock enabled to keep the fan speed settings) and CCC, the auto switching also does not occur.

Is there a way or setting in ATI Tools to keep the dual speed timings for 2d and 3d? By the way; the 2d memory timings are so low that there is not even room on the ATI tools slider to go from 500 to 900, so I can't just overclock to the 3d settings and keep them there.

I used ATI Trey Tools to adjust my fan speeds when I was using the stock HS/Fan on my X1900XT. I also ended up using rabit to adjust my fan speeds in the BIOS so I wouldn't have to mess with it anymore. I just got an Accelero X2, because the stock fan sounds like a hair dryer when you turn it up and even then I would get temps in the mid 80s. Now I run mid 60s at load and don't hear a thing with the Accelero X2 fan at 100%.

gyoung · Feb 13, 2007, 05:29 PM

These cards (Saphire X1950XT) are notorious for running hot, based on the reviews at Newegg. Some are hotter than others and a few run a lot cooler. I am guessing that there are "contact issues" with the coolers. Mine runs in the high 60's at idle, even with the lower timings. When I exit games, it is in the mid 70's C to mid 80's C, which means that it is higher during play. When I tried the ATI tools, fan speed program, and adjusted the speed higher, the temps dropped by almost 10 degrees C at idle.

Chaos · Feb 14, 2007, 07:04 PM

The one that I have is almost identical to my X1900XT and runs just about as hot

Dyre Straits · Feb 14, 2007, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gyoung

These cards (Saphire X1950XT) are notorious for running hot, based on the reviews at Newegg. Some are hotter than others and a few run a lot cooler. I am guessing that there are "contact issues" with the coolers. Mine runs in the high 60's at idle, even with the lower timings. When I exit games, it is in the mid 70's C to mid 80's C, which means that it is higher during play. When I tried the ATI tools, fan speed program, and adjusted the speed higher, the temps dropped by almost 10 degrees C at idle.

I think you may be correct about the 'contact issues' re: the heatsink/fan. I recall reading that some people even saw 'daylight' between them.

My own PowerColor X1950 Pro with the Accelo cooler runs at around 40C idle/browsing the WEB, and can get up to the lower 70s during Oblivion.

So, I'd definitely check out the cooling system and see if it can be improved.