7950GX2 Compatibility Concerns.

[imported_Silverturtle]

I received my 7950GX2 today that the people of this forum so confidently told me would work with my mobo depsite my concerns. After installing it today, my scores are not nearly what they should be. In 3D Mark 06 I got barely over 4,000, which seems WAY too low.

And in 3D Mark 05 I got less than 7,000. Now, a local computer store spent three hours on it and couldn't get anywhere with it.

So I ask you, who do I do?

P.S. I already posted this in the hardware forum, but didn't get an answer, so I'm trying here.

 

[Nightmare225]

You have upgraded your BIOS and Video drivers to the latest ones?

 

[jose]

I'd think that updating the mobo & video drivers along w/ any hardware bios updates would work.

But I don't know because I don't have a 7950gx2 .. Can you return the card and get a single core board ?

Where did you get it from ? how much ? You may just want to sell it if it doesn't work for you ..

Regards,
Jose

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

The computer stole said that they had installed the latest drivers. I assume they did the BIOS a few days ago when they built the computer.

 

[Nightmare225]

Don't assume, check. It shouldnt be a bir problem to download the new driver again and BIOS, just to make sure.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

I purchased this card to replace my defective X1900XT; I got both from Newegg. I got this card for $500.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

I actually don't have the computer with me, I left it at the store. I called them and they assured me that the latest BIOS were downloaded.

 

[imported_Crusader]

Um well I hope you formatted after switching from ATI to Nvidia.

Sure, Drivercleaner would probably work.. but it doenst sound like you'd be comfortable with that.

When I switch card models (but stay with the same branding ie. Nvidia), I simply add/remove the drivers (per Nvidias instructions).

When I switch brands, I format. A good format every year helps anyway with keeping things running smoothly, and when you spend $500 on a given video card (in this case a GX2).. thats too much money to not ensure you are not going to encounter any issues by starting fresh with it.

 

[TheRyuu]

Were going to nuke the current driver and install a better one ok???

-Get Get Driver Cleaner Pro
-Get better drivers here.
(should support your video card)
(If it doesn't, Try these instead)
-Uninstall drivers the normal way (Device manager)
-Reboot into safe mode (F8)
-Use driver cleaner pro with profile "Nvidia". Then use cab cleaner on all your cab files (could take a while)
-Reboot
-Install Drivers
-Reboot
-Enjoy

 

[redbox]

I'm not sure if your motherboard is compatiable. There are motherboards that aren't on the Nvidia compatable list that people have said work, but I would stick to motherboards from that list. Here it is I don't know who suggested your board to you but if they did so not knowing themselves if it worked or not then that really sucks.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Originally posted by: wizboy11
Were going to nuke the current driver and install a better one ok???

-Get Get Driver Cleaner Pro
-Get better drivers here.
(should support your video card)
(If it doesn't, Try these instead)
-Uninstall drivers the normal way (Device manager)
-Reboot into safe mode (F8)
-Use driver cleaner pro with profile "Nvidia". Then use cab cleaner on all your cab files (could take a while)
-Reboot
-Install Drivers
-Reboot
-Enjoy

OK, the computer is still at the store, so should I just tell them all of this lol. Are your farily confident it will work? Thanks for the info anyways.

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle

Originally posted by: wizboy11
Were going to nuke the current driver and install a better one ok???

-Get Get Driver Cleaner Pro
-Get better drivers here.
(should support your video card)
(If it doesn't, Try these instead)
-Uninstall drivers the normal way (Device manager)
-Reboot into safe mode (F8)
-Use driver cleaner pro with profile "Nvidia". Then use cab cleaner on all your cab files (could take a while)
-Reboot
-Install Drivers
-Reboot
-Enjoy

OK, the computer is still at the store, so should I just tell them all of this lol. Are your farily confident it will work? Thanks for the info anyways.

It might work.
It would be better to do it yourself though.

And to make sure you have the lastest bios/drivers for everything else. I just don't trust a computer store to do it for me.

 

[videopho]

FYI. Your system should come close to this guy's system performance. His 3dmark06 score. Looking at that number makes me sick.

 

[Dainas]

Originally posted by: videopho
FYI. Your system should come close to this guy's system performance. His 3dmark06 score. Looking at that number makes me sick.

Thats it with that overclock? my stogy old system gets 8K in 3Dmark06.

 

[Creig]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
I received my 7950GX2 today that the people of this forum so confidently told me would work with my mobo depsite my concerns. After installing it today, my scores are not nearly what they should be. In 3D Mark 06 I got barely over 4,000, which seems WAY too low.

And in 3D Mark 05 I got less than 7,000. Now, a local computer store spent three hours on it and couldn't get anywhere with it.

So I ask you, who do I do?

P.S. I already posted this in the hardware forum, but didn't get an answer, so I'm trying here.

I was under the impression that you need an SLI capable motherboard in order to use the 7950GX2 properly. Although it will work in any motherboard with a PCI-E slot, it will only use the card that's plugged into the PCI-E slot. The other half of the 7950GX2 will sit idle. In other words, it will perform the same as a similiarly clocked 7900GT.

http://www.nvidia.com/page/7950_faq.html

Q: Are these available for Intel or AMD-based system?
A: Yes. The NVIDIA® GeForce® 7950 GX2 will work on both Intel and AMD-based systems in single card mode. For SLI support, NVIDIA® GeForce® 7950 GX2 will work on any NVIDIA nForce® SLI MCP-based motherboard. These MCPs are available for both Intel and AMD platforms. See www.slizone.com for a list of compatible motherboards.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Originally posted by: Creig

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
I received my 7950GX2 today that the people of this forum so confidently told me would work with my mobo depsite my concerns. After installing it today, my scores are not nearly what they should be. In 3D Mark 06 I got barely over 4,000, which seems WAY too low.

And in 3D Mark 05 I got less than 7,000. Now, a local computer store spent three hours on it and couldn't get anywhere with it.

So I ask you, who do I do?

P.S. I already posted this in the hardware forum, but didn't get an answer, so I'm trying here.

I was under the impression that you need an SLI capable motherboard in order to use the 7950GX2 properly. Although it will work in any motherboard with a PCI-E slot, it will only use the card that's plugged into the PCI-E slot. The other half of the 7950GX2 will sit idle. In other words, it will perform the same as a similiarly clocked 7900GT.

http://www.nvidia.com/page/7950_faq.html

Q: Are these available for Intel or AMD-based system?
A: Yes. The NVIDIA® GeForce® 7950 GX2 will work on both Intel and AMD-based systems in single card mode. For SLI support, NVIDIA® GeForce® 7950 GX2 will work on any NVIDIA nForce® SLI MCP-based motherboard. These MCPs are available for both Intel and AMD platforms. See www.slizone.com for a list of compatible motherboards.

I think you're misinterpreting the answer. I think when they say SLI in that bolded context, they mean quad-SLI. Not sure though.

 

[Redox]

They are referring to a pair of 7950GX2's in sli which is actually quad SLI. The 7950 still offers dual GPU (ie. conventional SLI) support in single card mode - the other half does not "sit idle". You still need a compatible motherboard but you don't need necessarily need an SLI board.

When I went SLI with a second 7900 GTX, I had problems getting the performance I expected. I tried driver updates etc. but in the end it took a windows reinstall (fresh install after format) to get the setup working correctly.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

The computer store just called me back. So said that there was a newer motherboard download they missed, and that the scores had improved dramatically.

But, they still don't seem nearly high enough. It went from 4000 to 6000, when I thought it should be at least 7500. Does anyone know what's wrong?

 

[Creig]

Originally posted by: Redox
They are referring to a pair of 7950GX2's in sli which is actually quad SLI. The 7950 still offers dual GPU (ie. conventional SLI) support in single card mode - the other half does not "sit idle". You still need a compatible motherboard but you don't need necessarily need an SLI board.

I guess the wording on the nvidia website FAQ is a bit vague.

After reading further, it seems that the main requirement is that the motheboard BIOS be able to recognize a PCIe switch in the PCIe slot instead of just a video device.

So it looks to be up to the motherboard manufacturer to add this capability in order for it to be recognized properly.

Sorry for my earlier misinterpretation of the nvidia FAQ.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Out of curiousity for when I run 3D Mark 06 again, about what CPU score should a stock E6400 be getting?

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

I just ran the the test again, and the CPU score is only 900 now, when before the mobo update is was 1900. After reviewing the results again I realized it was only recognizing one of the cores. So, what do I do?

 

[Keysplayr]

OP: Why would you buy a GX2 for a motherboard that was not on this list?

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
OP: Why would you buy a GX2 for a motherboard that was not on this list?

Because when I purchased the mobo I thought I would be getting the X1900XT, which I ended up returning. And, when I changed a few settings, downloaded some different drivers, I can happily say that it is now performing how it should be.

My 3D Mark 06 score is now around 8,000 at all stock speeds.

 

[redbox]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
OP: Why would you buy a GX2 for a motherboard that was not on this list?

Because when I purchased the mobo I thought I would be getting the X1900XT, which I ended up returning. And, when I changed a few settings, downloaded some different drivers, I can happily say that it is now performing how it should be.

My 3D Mark 06 score is now around 8,000 at all stock speeds.

Good to hear I would be pissed if my motherboard from ASUS didn't work with my 7950GX2. Of course if it hadn't and I didn't check the compatiblity list then all I would have to blaim is y self. Glad to hear its working for you though.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
OP: Why would you buy a GX2 for a motherboard that was not on this list?

Because when I purchased the mobo I thought I would be getting the X1900XT, which I ended up returning. And, when I changed a few settings, downloaded some different drivers, I can happily say that it is now performing how it should be.

My 3D Mark 06 score is now around 8,000 at all stock speeds.

Awesome, glad you got it fixed. You should post what BIOS and driver versions you are using in the event that someone else has the same issue.

edit: btw... You don't by chance play World of Warcraft, do you? If so, I was wondering if you could test something out for me... I had an issue with the 7950GX2 with v-sync and WoW that occurred when I would enable v-sync and disable triple buffering (v-sync doesn't work if don't disable triple buffering). Basically, it would crash the rig when I exited WoW (almost everytime). If you play WoW, I'd appreciate it if you could try it out to see what happens.