• Competitor rules

    Please remember that any mention of competitors, hinting at competitors or offering to provide details of competitors will result in an account suspension. The full rules can be found under the 'Terms and Rules' link in the bottom right corner of your screen. Just don't mention competitors in any way, shape or form and you'll be OK.

Catalyst 8.3... A Preview...

I'm ****** off with Nvidia drivers at the moment. I won't get into all the reasons but it's mainly to do with my TV at the moment, can't get 1366x768 to work and some driver sets won't even do the slightly blurry 1360x768.

I might even skip the X2 and go for the standard 3870, depends if I feel like spending or saving really.

If i were you id just keep what you have till proper new cards come along. I see you've removed it from sale anyway.
 
I'm ****** off with Nvidia drivers at the moment. I won't get into all the reasons but it's mainly to do with my TV at the moment, can't get 1366x768 to work and some driver sets won't even do the slightly blurry 1360x768.

I might even skip the X2 and go for the standard 3870, depends if I feel like spending or saving really.

Hmm the 3870 is just like the 2900Pro except a little faster in a few areas. I would advise not to do this. Even in UT3 and Timeshift, games that don't have AA options the 2900Pro overclocked @ 850Mhz core and 1000Mhz memory still made me feel the burn after playing the same game with the GTX. CoD4 without AA runs brilliantly though, even @ 1920x1440 in MP. I didn't try too many games out as I was just doing a quick comparison with my m8 as he was having problems with his DOA 3870 (Holland not from OCUK). Try your best to go for the X2 as downgrading is never fun and the only way up from the GTX is the X2.
 
If i were you id just keep what you have till proper new cards come along. I see you've removed it from sale anyway.
Aye while I make up my mind.

Hmm the 3870 is just like the 2900Pro except a little faster in a few areas. I would advise not to do this.
Sorry for the snip, I did read it all. :)

One reason I'm considering a single 3870 instead is because, if I am not satisfied, the prices I've been looking at seem to make it look cheaper to add a second in crossfire than it is to buy an X2. I'm going to take the weekend to make my mind up instead of one afternoon like I have done today, it's a pretty big decision.

I have just about had it with Nvidia drivers at the moment though. :(
 
Last edited:
Hmm the 3870 is just like the 2900Pro except a little faster in a few areas. I would advise not to do this. Even in UT3 and Timeshift, games that don't have AA options the 2900Pro overclocked @ 850Mhz core and 1000Mhz memory still made me feel the burn after playing the same game with the GTX. CoD4 without AA runs brilliantly though, even @ 1920x1440 in MP. I didn't try too many games out as I was just doing a quick comparison with my m8 as he was having problems with his DOA 3870 (Holland not from OCUK). Try your best to go for the X2 as downgrading is never fun and the only way up from the GTX is the X2.

Can you hear that tune? :p:D
 
Aye while I make up my mind.

Sorry for the snip, I did read it all. :)

One reason I'm considering a single 3870 instead is because, if I am not satisfied, the prices I've been looking at seem to make it look cheaper to add a second in crossfire than it is to buy an X2. I'm going to take the weekend to make my mind up instead of one afternoon like I have done today, it's a pretty big decision.

I have just about had it with Nvidia drivers at the moment though. :(

Or just sell your TV, get a real 1080p TV, then you won't need to worry about stupid resolutions. Sell your 360 for a PS3, play MGS4 and be happy. :)
 
So when will a 3870XT be faster than an 8800GT in everything? New drivers from ATi now seem impressive and make me wonder if a 3870XT is going to be a good change.
 
Or just sell your TV, get a real 1080p TV, then you won't need to worry about stupid resolutions. Sell your 360 for a PS3, play MGS4 and be happy. :)
ROFL! :D Well I definitely won't be getting a PS3 considering my 360 Elite is gathering dust waiting for GTA4 and Fable 2, it'll probably end up sold at this rate. 1080p is a much nicer resolution though, hmmm.
 
Sorry for the snip, I did read it all. :)

One reason I'm considering a single 3870 instead is because, if I am not satisfied, the prices I've been looking at seem to make it look cheaper to add a second in crossfire than it is to buy an X2. I'm going to take the weekend to make my mind up instead of one afternoon like I have done today, it's a pretty big decision.

I have just about had it with Nvidia drivers at the moment though. :(

NP I know you're not a noob like that :D.

Aye, solid thinking in the single 3870 for now (If opted for) and also taking the time out as impulse buys usually blow up in your face (not literally :p).

Tom, I've been awake since 9PM last night so could you elaborate for me as I've not got a clue what you meant by
Can you hear that tune?
:o lol I'm a bit slow tonight for banter :p.
 
Tom, I've been awake since 9PM last night so could you elaborate for me as I've not got a clue what you meant by :o lol I'm a bit slow tonight for banter :p.

My wallet is singing a sweet tune, the lack of worthwhile upgrades is keeping my wallet very smug indeed, nothing wrong with the X2 though so don't take it the wrong way people :D

Cant resist it, I caught an downgrade bug :o

GT to 3870XT is a downgrade. So, fixed.
 
I know a lot of folks are just thinking ill just get 2x3870XTs cos there only 130 quid... but erm nope 3870X2 cheaper.

Idealy id love to wait for that tiny powercolour X2 or the Asus 3870X2 with its silent cooler.... but will see :)
 
Hmm the 3870 is just like the 2900Pro except a little faster in a few areas. I would advise not to do this. Even in UT3 and Timeshift, games that don't have AA options the 2900Pro overclocked @ 850Mhz core and 1000Mhz memory still made me feel the burn after playing the same game with the GTX. CoD4 without AA runs brilliantly though, even @ 1920x1440 in MP. I didn't try too many games out as I was just doing a quick comparison with my m8 as he was having problems with his DOA 3870 (Holland not from OCUK). Try your best to go for the X2 as downgrading is never fun and the only way up from the GTX is the X2.

Yeah it is, as the 2900pro is exactly the same card, just downclocked, so everyone was buying up the 2900pro's when the were around instead for cheaper, and clocking them up to the XT speeds, thus having full blown 3870 XT's. :)
 
My wallet is singing a sweet tune, the lack of worthwhile upgrades is keeping my wallet very smug indeed, nothing wrong with the X2 though so don't take it the wrong way people :D

I know you still have a soft spot for ATI Tom. Can't kid a kidder :D as I love me some ATI too ;).

I remember now m8, http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11183028&postcount=75

I'm in sloth mode tonight forgive me :o.

Just think about it Tom though?. If you had the X2 3870 then you could be testing this new driver and slipping us all NDA approved hints :D.
 
I know you still have a soft spot for ATI Tom. Can't kid a kidder :D as I love me some ATI too ;).

I remember now m8, http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11183028&postcount=75

I'm in sloth mode tonight forgive me :o.

Just think about it Tom though?. If you had the X2 3870 then you could be testing this new driver and slipping us all NDA approved hints :D.

:D

Ah yes, I'm actually still a part of the ATi Beta team as I have other machines with ATi hardware, Oh I can also say this 8.3 driver has been available to me since the 3870X2 came out :p

But yea no 3870X2 to test on, Doh!

Things with ATi are looking up, looking forward to seeing where they go with the R700
 
Yeah it is, as the 2900pro is exactly the same card, just downclocked, so everyone was buying up the 2900pro's when the were around instead for cheaper, and clocking them up to the XT speeds, thus having full blown 3870 XT's. :)

I've got the 2900Pro as well Loadsa. I know they are the same, it's just off the top of my head that I seen the 3870 a couple of FPS in the lead at times in an early review and it's the only thing I can remember. Maybe it was due to the higher memory on the 3870 as I'm sure it was against a 2900XT. Plus it was right at the launch of the 3870 so not the best bit of information to reflect on right now.

My argument with old tech with you before was between G80 and G92 but I cba going down that road again as we have different views on the Nvidia cores ;). I do agree now that ATI have done it though. I was just debating that lower heat, noise and power draw was a sign of an upgrade to me. Please let us not start this one again though as it's way O/T :).

:D

Ah yes, I'm actually still a part of the ATi Beta team as I have other machines with ATi hardware, Oh I can also say this 8.3 driver has been available to me since the 3870X2 came out :p

But yea no 3870X2 to test on, Doh!

Things with ATi are looking up, looking forward to seeing where they go with the R700

Your whole post screams of you returning back to ATI Tom :). It's in your blood man!, don't turn away from the light!!! :D. Sorry, I just would like to see you back with ATI and using the mighty X2. Showing us partially or just getting excited which in turn gets us excited. Oh how I miss those solid ATI moments and at least this time you will have a superior product in your hand that loves a dollop of AA and AF ;). Go on Tom, you know you want to (no pressure! :p).
 
Looks to be a nice update. What i would like to see ati implement in their drivers is a crossfire load balance indicator like what nvidia have for sli.

Ati's method is pretty dumb, essentially a litle guage in the control center which obviously helps in no way when you;re running a full screen 3d game. On screen in game indicator would be so much better and most likely wouldn't require much time to implement.



ccc.jpg

I wish i could run the ATI overdrive like you. I put in the 8 pin power for the graphics card and no luck at all :(
 
Back
Top Bottom