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**svcglobal** · 09-30-2008, 08:51 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

I have one HD3870 DDR3 512MB, made by Powercolor and got exactly the same warnings IF I am pushing too far the video clocks (ATI Overdrive) found on ATI Catalyst control panel.
So, the issue IS related to video memory and/or GPU clock and nothing to do with mobo and/or OS. Maybe a defective video board or PSU 12v rail must be taken in consideration.

**goaty** · 09-30-2008, 09:02 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Thank you for your reply svcglobal.

Unfortunately, as I mentioned, everything is at stock and I still get the recovery message. I've even got a replacement card and a new PSU, still same issues. Also forgot to mention that I've run the "GPU memory test" program, can't remember exact name, that I found on the MajorGeeks and it didn't find any problems. So after all this I want to try some BIOS tweaks that would result in, perhaps, improved GPU stability, and if that doesn't work, I guess I'll just get a refund and try nVidia or something.

**svcglobal** · 09-30-2008, 09:18 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Yes, you are pointing to the right direction. 99% sure that the GPU is not working as should. Did you enabled the ATI Overdrive? Is that 4870 factory overclocked? Check here if there is a upgrade for your board.
Check also in the mobo MIT screen if the item "Robust Graphics Booster" is in AUTO mode.

**goaty** · 09-30-2008, 09:24 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Originally posted by svcglobal View Post

Yes, you are pointing to the right direction. 99% sure that the GPU is not working as should. Did you enabled the ATI Overdrive? Is that 4870 factory overclocked? Check here if there is a upgrade for your board.
Check also in the mobo MIT screen if the item "Robust Graphics Booster" is in AUTO mode.

Overdrive not enabled, the card isn't factory overclocked either. I'm using a newer BIOS than the ones uploaded on techPowerUP (had to update because I had hard lockups with older games). MIT is set to AUTO. Anything else I could check?

**Lsdmeasap** · 09-30-2008, 09:34 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Originally posted by goaty View Post

(also, the card isn't defective because the one I'm using right now is a replaced one, returned the first)

The problem: randomly getting TDR messages when running intensive 3D applications (mainly games and 3dMark) - a baloon message in the taskbar saying: "Display driver atikmdag stopped responding and has successfully recovered." It always recovers by the way, never got a BSOD or anything, the screen goes blank for a few seconds and then I regain control, everything working normally.

One last note: I've noticed that my SB heatsink gets rather hot on touch, I guess it's because the card being dual-slot and blocking air circulation, but I wonder if that could be the culprit?

How can you say the above first comment? Just because they sent you a new card does not automatically mean it is fine. Just the fact that you had to RMA one would worry me. I'd get a Sapphire if it was me, isnt powercolor on the budget side of things? Could be part of the major reason.

As said above, this is FOR SURE a graphics card ONLY issue. I can be caused by cards overclocked too far, Vram Overeating, or GPU overheating.

And yes, SB being hot could cause more issues with your GFX card, can you fit a 40mmx10mm fan between the card and heatsink? If not, can you point a fan from below or in the drive bay area towards it. This may help.

Have you tried without PCIE +.1? Doubt it will help, but may help a little since it would lower SB heat. But like I said, and BongWizard said this is a GFX card itself issue caused by heat and or clocks (Or poor manufacturing)

You may want to look at a different model/brand of card or get a aftermarket cooler for the Vram and GPU.

Just for reference of your temps, do you already have Everest Ultimate? If not, can you get it? If not here is the trial. I am not sure how much you can see with the trial or what Sensors your card even has, but you should be able to see Temps for Vram, GPU, and possibly other Graphical sensor values (In computer, then sensors). But like I said the trial may be limited so you may not be able to view them >>>
Lavalys - Comprehensive IT Security and Management

If you see them, but the trial does not let you see the Values, try this >>>
CPUID - PC Wizard

**svcglobal** · 09-30-2008, 09:37 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Well, I can't remember anything else for now but you see that the video BIOS are in same way the main culprit.

BTW, if you have a voltmeter (could you borrow one?) could be also great to monitor in real-time the 12v (and also the other voltages too) PSU rail under game.
Your card is very hungry for amperes in that mode and, maybe the PSU is starting to limit its output in order to protect himself.
Those cheap meters coming from China cost $25 maximum and do great job to discover such strange issues.

**goaty** · 09-30-2008, 09:53 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Originally posted by Lsdmeasap View Post

And yes, SB being hot could cause more issues with your GFX card, can you fit a 40mmx10mm fan between the card and heatsink? If not, can you point a fan from below or in the drive bay area towards it. This may help.

Have you tried without PCIE +.1? Doubt it will help, but may help a little since it would lower SB heat. But like I said, and BongWizard said this is a GFX card itself issue caused by heat and or clocks (Or poor manufacturing)

You may want to look at a different model/brand of card or get a aftermarket cooler for the Vram and GPU.

Just for reference of your temps, do you already have Everest Ultimate? If not, can you get it? If not here is the trial. I am not sure how much you can see with the trial or what Sensors your card even has, but you should be able to see Temps for Vram, GPU, and possibly other Graphical sensor values (In computer, then sensors). But like I said the trial may be limited so you may not be able to view them >>>
Lavalys - Comprehensive IT Security and Management

If you see them, but the trial does not let you see the Values, try this >>>
CPUID - PC Wizard

There's no room for an additional fan on the SB, I've got a 12mm fan blowing from the front of the case and also tried attaching a fan to the side panel of the case so it blows directly above the video card/SB, it didn't help.
Concerning Everest Ultimate, I've got it, but I've monitored my temps before (with RivaTuner) and I've never noticed anything above 80 Celsius (with fans on AUTO, when I force fan speed at 40-50% it won't go much above 60 Celsius), so I doubt that temps are the issue.

I guess only thing that's left for me to try is getting my money back and trying some other card.

**VorLonUK** · 09-30-2008, 10:14 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

How can you say the above first comment? Just because they sent you a new card does not automatically mean it is fine. Just the fact that you had to RMA one would worry me. I'd get a Sapphire if it was me, isnt powercolor on the budget side of things? Could be part of the major reason.

Ati partners have nearly always stuck to the reference design, so the only thing "budget" about some makes is the warranty.

Even Nvidia partners mainly stick to the reference design these days. there are exceptions with Gainward and Gigabyte etc in the areas of cooling, but everything else generally remains the same.

Even the bios versions are shared amongst manufacturers too..

I find the only main thing that tells them apart, is the price, box they come in and sometimes the cooling solution they use.

Edit:-

Goaty, have you contacted PowerColour and or Gigabyte to find if there is a compatability issue and if there is a fix?

The problem: randomly getting TDR messages when running intensive 3D applications (mainly games and 3dMark) - a baloon message in the taskbar saying: "Display driver atikmdag stopped responding and has successfully recovered." It always recovers by the way, never got a BSOD or anything, the screen goes blank for a few seconds and then I regain control, everything working normally.

This could be a driver problem that does get miraculously fixed in a later release. This wouldn't be the first time an ATI driver caused a weird problem.

**Lsdmeasap** · 09-30-2008, 10:23 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Originally posted by goaty View Post

There's no room for an additional fan on the SB, I've got a 12mm fan blowing from the front of the case and also tried attaching a fan to the side panel of the case so it blows directly above the video card/SB, it didn't help.
Concerning Everest Ultimate, I've got it, but I've monitored my temps before (with RivaTuner) and I've never noticed anything above 80 Celsius (with fans on AUTO, when I force fan speed at 40-50% it won't go much above 60 Celsius), so I doubt that temps are the issue.

I guess only thing that's left for me to try is getting my money back and trying some other card.

Do you get a Vram temp output? Video ram often causes the issues you are describing when it overheats. Which can often be FAR hotter then the actual GPU

Do you have Init First Display set to PEG (Not a big deal, just wondered)

Ya, you may have to pick a different card out, or get a aftermarket cooler

Originally posted by VorLonUK View Post

Ati partners have nearly always stuck to the reference design, so the only thing "budget" about some makes is the warranty.

Even Nvidia partners mainly stick to the reference design these days. there are exceptions with Gainward and Gigabyte etc in the areas of cooling, but everything else generally remains the same.

Even the bios versions are shared amongst manufacturers too..

I find the only main thing that tells them apart, is the price, box they come in and sometimes the cooling solution they use.

Edit:-

Goaty, have you contacted PowerColour and or Gigabyte to find if there is a compatability issue and if there is a fix?

Ya, BUT... A shiny box and nice looking card always seems to function better

J/K

I just hate Normal ATI cards I think, and have always loved Sapphire's quality. And yes I know many think they are junk!

Everyone has a opinion, I Guess I just voice mine more often then need be

**goaty** · 09-30-2008, 10:23 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

I've contacted Sapphire (dunno where did the PowerColor part emerge from, but I've mentioned that I've got a Sapphire card), they didn't mention anything about incompatibility, they've told me to try getting a replacement card (which I did) and if the problems persist, try the card on another system (none avaliable) or bring the whole system to my vendor for them to test it (which I will do tomorrow).

EDIT:

Originally posted by Lsdmeasap View Post

Do you get a Vram temp output? Video ram often causes the issues you are describing when it overheats.

Do you have Init First Display set to PEG (Not a big deal, just wondered)

Init First Display is set to PCI, I'll check the Vram thing asap.
EDIT2:

(used GPU-Z since it has the screenshot option)
Is it the MEMIO entry?

**VorLonUK** · 09-30-2008, 10:59 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Everyone has a opinion, I Guess I just voice mine more often then need be

lol, me too :-)

I didn't think there were many variances these days be it ATI or Nvidia. It's usually the same design and usually manufactured by the same source. It's just the bling and often the cooler structure thats altered in some way.

The days of Hercules doing different things, like a blue PCB etc seem to have gone.
Gainward still seem to do things differently with some models.

As for ATI, are there any big differences you can think of between manufacturers (like for like model wise)? I can't think of anything, bar warranty etc.

**Lsdmeasap** · 09-30-2008, 11:01 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Ya, I think those are the ram temps. They do look at bit high for idle, if that is idle. how high do they get during a game?

Init first Display should be set to PEG for the first PCIE slot, PEG2 for the second. So you should set to PEG as you are likely using slot one

I think I say svcglobals comment and thought you also had powercolor.

Well too bad you dont have another system to test in, or could take to a friends. Hate to see you paying someone to test things

Good luck with this. I think it may just be hot ram, or a plain old driver issue

**goaty** · 09-30-2008, 11:26 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Switched to PEG, forced fan @ 50% speed, the temps didn't even reach 60 Celsius, still I experienced a recovery.

Well I better start backing up some stuff before I take the whole system to my card's vendor :)

Anyway, thanks alot for all the suggestions guys, I'll report back if anything of relevance changes.

**VorLonUK** · 09-30-2008, 11:54 AM

Re: Possible EP35-DS3R/HD 4870 compatibility issues

Originally posted by goaty View Post

Switched to PEG, forced fan @ 50% speed, the temps didn't even reach 60 Celsius, still I experienced a recovery.

Well I better start backing up some stuff before I take the whole system to my card's vendor :)

Anyway, thanks alot for all the suggestions guys, I'll report back if anything of relevance changes.

Goaty, I can't help thinking this is down to a driver issue on relatively new hardware that will be ironed out in a future release. I've never been a fan of ATI because when there are errors, they are a pain in the **** - as I found out with my old Radeon 32DDR and then my 9700.

Have you checked over at the Rage3d forums?
&

Page not found - AMD Community

http://forums.amd.com/game/messageview.cfm?catid=260&threadid=98860&enterthread=y&STARTPAGE=1

&

http://www.rage3d.com/board/showthread.php?t=33932484

Not exactly your problem, but possibly connected in some way and manifesting itself as something else.

* I see you have posted on the AMD forum goaty...

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