XT versus XTX

[imported_neptune]

So, 'tis my understanding that largely the XT and the XTX are the same board. I myself have confirmed that my XT comes with 1.1ns memory which matches that of the XTX. That said, is there a timing difference between them that prevents XT's from overclocking as far as the XTX? Or, is it a yield thing in that ATi and its partners simply package the better yielding parts as the XTX? Both?

Anyone know or believe that if I flash the XT BIOS with an XTX binary if I can expect similar overclocks to that of a "true" XTX?

Also, one thing I don't really understand is why if 1.1ns memory is rated to 900Mhz, how come the board makers can only yield <=800MHz out of it? Normally we can overlock beyond specs, not hope to reach them... Any insight is welcomed. Thanks again.

Thanks!

 

[RobertR1]

Less voltage required, less heat output, don't need very expensive coolers, gives enthusiasts a chance to overclock their systems which can make it appealing to a lot of them, etc.....

 

[Bladen]

Can't you just soft overclock it to XTX speeds to see if it is stable, then flash it iif it is?

 

[imported_neptune]

I appreciate anyone responding, but no one is answering my questions. I will overclock it to see if I can get XTX speeds, and if so will flash it. That isn't the question though:

Are there timings differences between the two binaries?

If they are the same boards sans BIOS, why can XTX's overlock higher than XT's? hand picked chips for XTX?

Why can't ATi or nVIDIA get 1.1 900MHz rated memory up to 900MHz?

Thanks!

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: neptune
I appreciate anyone responding, but no one is answering my questions. I will overclock it to see if I can get XTX speeds, and if so will flash it. That isn't the question though:

Are there timings differences between the two binaries?

If they are the same boards sans BIOS, why can XTX's overlock higher than XT's? hand picked chips for XTX?

Why can't ATi or nVIDIA get 1.1 900MHz rated memory up to 900MHz?

Thanks!

You better search these forums a little more. A week or so ago, I was reading that someone here on AT had a XT, and tried to flash it to XTX...and it didnt work. He went through alot of problem's with it. Finally he did get it fixed...but when he fixed it, it ended up as the same when he started. Not worth it, I wouldnt try it on a $500 card.....

 

[moonboy403]

i'm also interested in knowing why the 1.1ns memory can't reach 900mhz?!

 

[Munky]

Yes, there are timing differences between the 2 versions. I know this because:

1) My xt could not reach 775mhz on the mem just by OC'ing, but after the xtx bios flash it runs 775 no sweat, and
2) Keeping the core at 650mhz in each case, my xt with 750mhz mem got a higher 3dmark score than after the bios flash with the mem at 775mhz

Now, I still believe the xtx are cherry picked cores, because at default voltage my xt/x cant reach more than ~670mhz on the core. Maybe I got a bad OC'er, but I've heard the real xtx's can usually reach 700mhz and higher. So, most if not all xt's with 1.1ns mem will run at xtx speeds, but that does not mean they will OC as well as the xtx.

 

[RobertR1]

Memory timings, voltage and cooling can determine whether or not the mem will actually reach 900mhz. Rated and what's required to reach those speeds are very different things.

 

[imported_neptune]

Originally posted by: munky
Yes, there are timing differences between the 2 versions. I know this because:

1) My xt could not reach 775mhz on the mem just by OC'ing, but after the xtx bios flash it runs 775 no sweat, and
2) Keeping the core at 650mhz in each case, my xt with 750mhz mem got a higher 3dmark score than after the bios flash with the mem at 775mhz

Now, I still believe the xtx are cherry picked cores, because at default voltage my xt/x cant reach more than ~670mhz on the core. Maybe I got a bad OC'er, but I've heard the real xtx's can usually reach 700mhz and higher. So, most if not all xt's with 1.1ns mem will run at xtx speeds, but that does not mean they will OC as well as the xtx.

Excellent, thanks for the response. Now anyone game to answer the question about 1.1ns memory? Why can't red or green use the memory at the spec of 900MHz? Usually we end up overclocking memory, not underclocking, right?

 

[Bull Dog]

The reason why those 1.1ns memory modules probably won't reach 900MHz is becuase ATI tightened the timings on them. This makes them peform faster at lower MHz.

Oh and my XT does 700Mhz core with 0.05v less than the regular (stock) nominal voltage.

Food for thought.

 

[SniperWulf]

i flashed mine with an XTX BIOS and it works fine

 

[MTDEW]

I flashed mine to an XTX bios.

Card works fine, but it didnt seem to overclock any better with the xtx bios.

Not that im complaining.