X850Xt (again): RAMsinks?

[pigdos]

Through a lot of trial-and-error in-game testing I've discovered that 576 is
about the maximum memory clock I can get on my X850xt without artifacting in
Far Cry and FEAR. ATI Tray Tools has tested my memory reliably up to 595
though. If I were to use copper (I'm guesing these are the best) RAMsinks
would I be able to increase my memory overclock? The thing is, I don't begin
getting artifacts on my memory overclock until I've run the game for maybe 5
minutes. This makes me suspect it might be the RAM overheating.

I'd like to get the most out of this x850xt AGP because I'm going to be
stuck w/this system for the forseeable future (i.e. until I get a better job
or until CPU/motherboard/vid-card prices drop dramatically [since I'll have
to buy all three at once]).

 

[Nick Dalton]

I'd like to get the most out of this x850xt AGP because I'm going to be

stuck w/this system for the forseeable future (i.e. until I get a better
job or until CPU/motherboard/vid-card prices drop dramatically [since I'll
have to buy all three at once]).
--

I think most peeps are thinking the same (I am!) so it looks as if there
will be a lean period for manufacturers as the gap closes. Serves 'em
right!.

 

[First of One]

Through a lot of trial-and-error in-game testing I've discovered that 576
is about the maximum memory clock I can get on my X850xt without
artifacting in Far Cry and FEAR. ATI Tray Tools has tested my memory
reliably up to 595 though. If I were to use copper (I'm guesing these are
the best) RAMsinks would I be able to increase my memory overclock?

Before the heat reaches the heat sink from the IC, it first has to go
through the RAM module's plastic chip package. Thus, I don't think copper
will make a tangible difference over aluminum.

The thing is, I don't begin getting artifacts on my memory overclock until
I've run the game for maybe 5 minutes. This makes me suspect it might be
the RAM overheating.

I'd agree. What you are using right now, just the stock heat sink? One
benefit of individual RAM sinks is that you are no longer constrained to
thick thermal pads. Use a good thermal adhesive like Arctic Ceramique and
you can get slightly better temps. Mix the adhesive 50/50 with thermal paste
to get "removable strength" attachment.

There are other ways to increase performance besides overclocking. You can
tighten memory timings, or relax them to reach higher clocks. Video RAM
isn't accessed the same way as system RAM, so one method may work better
than the other.

 

[pigdos]

Thanks again First. I've figured out that some of the problems I've been
having w/performance have to do w/triple-buffering. When I forced
triple-buffering on in Far Cry via ATI Tray Tools the game became much more
playable (w/vsync on).

 

[First of One]

Triple-buffering? In Far Cry's OpenGL mode, right? I don't recall the option
being available in D3D.

 

[pigdos]

There's a console variable you have to set in Far Cry. I don't think it
works though. I used ATI Tray Tools to force triplebuffering. I always
thought the Far Cry OpenGL mode was experimental?