***M18x - AMD Crossfire (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

[OmegaNemesis28]

That's weird , I got like 300-400fps on max (benchmark mode)

Spoiler :

What?!
I dont even get that on my 4.0ghz and 6990 desktop rig

EDIT:
According to GPU-Z, it says the first 6990M is not going to the proper clocks. I tried both 12.3 and 12.4


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[vzachari]

Are you using the latest version of GPU-Z? I had to update mine to show correct clocks with 12.4. Also, if you overclock while GPU-Z is open you might need to restart it in order to show correct clocks on both cards.

Also it might help to clarify what you mean by proper clocks? Non-overclocked both cards should read 715/900 under the "Graphics Card" tab and under the "Sensors" tab 100/150 if you are just on the desktop. Overclocked usually shows the overclocked speed under the "Graphics Card" tab i.e. 815/1050 and then 100/150 in the "Sensors" tab if you are just sitting on the desktop (both cards).

What?!
I dont even get that on my 4.0ghz and 6990 desktop rig

EDIT:
According to GPU-Z, it says the first 6990M is not going to the proper clocks. I tried both 12.3 and 12.4


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?hh14c0

[OmegaNemesis28]

Are you using the latest version of GPU-Z? I had to update mine to show correct clocks with 12.4. Also, if you overclock while GPU-Z is open you might need to restart it in order to show correct clocks on both cards.

Also it might help to clarify what you mean by proper clocks? Non-overclocked both cards should read 715/900 under the "Graphics Card" tab and under the "Sensors" tab 100/150 if you are just on the desktop. Overclocked usually shows the overclocked speed under the "Graphics Card" tab i.e. 815/1050 and then 100/150 in the "Sensors" tab if you are just sitting on the desktop (both cards).

Thats what I mean, the primary card is underclocked at 100/150 as if powerplay is on. Only the second card is clocked correctly in League at 715/900.

I do not overclock, and it is the most up to date GPUZ

[vzachari]

Thats what I mean, the primary card is underclocked at 100/150 as if powerplay is on. Only the second card is clocked correctly in League at 715/900.

I do not overclock, and it is the most up to date GPUZ

You can try disabling ULPS if you want. It sounds like one card is stuck on ultra low power state. Disabling ULPS won't keep the cards at max clocks so don't worry.

You can do it via the registry manually or you can download sapphire trixx and it will have an option to disable ULPS from the settings (you can just enable it afterwards if you need to as you wish from trixx)

EDIT: Also in windowed mode, in some games I tested (like Mass Effect 3, Heaven DX11) GPU-Z showed one card as being 100/150 always.

[OmegaNemesis28]

I believe I fixed it.
I uninstalled 12.4, computer manager and uninstalled the 2 cards, driver sweeper, and then reinstalled 12.4. Which is what I normally do when I install drivers but whatever.

I also overclocked my CPU a ~little~ bit than stock just to see if anything changed.

I now get 230~ FPS from 90~ FPS in League, and both cards show clocked correctly in GPUZ.

In CCC, I noticed that there is now an option to overclock the GPUs as well which for some reason was not there before I reinstalled 12.4 despite it being the same EXE I downloaded and installed originally. So something clearly was messed up.

[JAD85]

Does anyone know what the part number for the 6990m bracket is? (didn't see it on the part number list thread) Also will the heatsink from a 560m fit on the 6990m as well? Thanks

[JAD85]

No one has upgraded to a 6990m from a 580 or 560m?

[Mr. Fox]

@JAD85 - From a GTX 580M, that would be a downgrade, not an upgrade. But, from the GTX 560M it would be a performance bump. I don't recall seeing anyone post that they downgraded their M18x 580M SLI setup. However, look at the opening posts in these 3 threads for part numbers.

***M18x - AMD Crossfire (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

***M18x - NVIDIA SLI (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

M18x Part Number List - Reference

The heat sinks are different between GPUs. You can buy complete GPU setups with the MXM cards and heat sinks pre-assembled from Dell. The bracket (back plate) is included with a heat sink kit. Heat sink kits are around $25.00 each. They include all the necessary pads and the excellent (long-lasting) factory TIM for the GPU die surface is already applied, providing for a simple bolt-on installation without the need for thermal paste.

Have you considered going with one or two 7970M modules? If you're looking to switch to AMD for personal reasons, one 7970M is roughly the equivalent performance as 6990M CrossFire from the looks of things being posted on other threads. Going that route may save you several hundred dollars (with one 7970M) and give you an upgrade path to add a second 7970M later on. If you do not have a lot of experience with AMD cards, the drivers are kind of a pain in the rear end to deal with. (I used mostly AMD graphics for many years and their driver quality has been increasingly poor since AMD took over the reigns from ATI.)

[JAD85]

@JAD85 - From a GTX 580M, that would be a downgrade, not an upgrade. But, from the GTX 560M it would be a performance bump. I don't recall seeing anyone post that they downgraded their M18x 580M SLI setup. However, look at the opening posts in these 3 threads for part numbers.

***M18x - AMD Crossfire (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

***M18x - NVIDIA SLI (Driver Questions, Performance, Problems) Discussion Thread***

M18x Part Number List - Reference

The heat sinks are different between GPUs. You can buy complete GPU setups with the MXM cards and heat sinks pre-assembled from Dell. The bracket (back plate) is included with a heat sink kit. Heat sink kits are around $25.00 each. They comes with all the necessary pads and the excellent factory TIM for the GPU die surface is already applied.

Have you considered going with one or two 7970M modules? If you're looking to switch to AMD for personal reasons, one 7970M is roughly the equivalent performance as 6990M CrossFire from the looks of things being posted on other threads. Going that route may save you several hundred dollars (with one 7970M) and give you an upgrade path to add a second 7970M later on. If you do not have a lot of experience with AMD cards, the drivers are kind of a pain in the rear end to deal with. (I used mostly AMD graphics for many years and their driver quality has been increasingly poor since AMD took over the reigns from ATI.)

I have already purchased a 6990m from a member here for a very decent price (sub $400). I'd love a 7970m but it's a little above what I want to spend right now. I have used AMD cards in my desktops without any issues in the past, although I do usually prefer Nvidia cards, their prices are always a bit higher than what I am looking to spend. Thanks for the info

[Mr. Fox]

@JAD85 - you're welcome. Sounds like a great price on the 6990M.

@TheMatrixHacker - I moved our posts to the NVIDA thread.