2.8.5.  Gainward

The company offers four 5900XT-based models.

The Gainward FX Ultra/1100XT TV-DVI is the simplest version on the 5900XT reference design, but with 400/700MHz frequencies (i.e. the chip corresponds to the full-fledged 5900 GPU, but it is in fact a 5900XT).

The Gainward FX Ultra/1100XT TV-DVI Golden Sample is an similar product, but with increased nominal frequencies (450/780MHz), like in all Golden Sample series cards.

The Gainward FX Ultra/1300XT TV-DVI carries a 5900XT chip, but uses the PCB and cooling system from the GeForce FX 5900 Ultra. The graphics memory amount is 256MB (this is the only 5900XT-based card to have a memory amount another than 128MB). The core/memory frequencies are 400/700MHz.

The Gainward FX Ultra/1300XT TV-DVI Golden Sample is an similar card, but with the Golden Sample mode (450/780MHz frequencies).

2.8.6.  BFG Technologies

The product from this American brand comes under the name of FX 5900XT OC. “OC” stands for overclocking – the regular frequencies of the card are higher than usual, 435/730MHz. The overclockability is the same as with other brands, though. BFG Technologies is selling its produce in North America only, so the users from other parts of the world may examine the results of this card just for curiosity.

2.8.7.  InsideTNC

Manufacturer form Korea is not so well-known brand for average user, but they definitely have the most interesting 5900XT card in their product range. It is called FX 5900 XT Tuning and has three interesting features: memory chips with 2.2 ns cycle time, impressive default clocks – 425/850 MHz and legendary BIOS (see Unit 3.5.7).

3.  Exploitation and Overclocking

3.1.  Are there any peculiarities or characteristic problems with 5900XT cards?

GeForce FX 5900XT-based cards don’t usually create any troubles to their owners when working at their regular frequencies. All “peculiarities” arise at overclocking, which sometimes transforms into pure shamanic rites.

3.2.  What drivers are better?

Drivers earlier than 5x.xx don’t identify the 5900XT at all. Those below 53.03 identify it as “NV35”. By my personal tests, the best performance results are with the version 53.03 drivers, the first for this graphics processor. Versions 56.xx and 60.xx are less fast than 53.03.

You can make a 5900XT card work with Detonators version 4x.xx after making certain changes in the driver. The fastest of them is version 44.03, due to its application-specific optimizations.

3.3.  What overclocking utilities work best of all with the 5900XT?

There’s no difference which utility you use. The latest RivaTuner (RC14.3NY) usually handles this job right (earlier versions don’t allow overclocking a 5900XT-based card). If the results of RivaTuner seem too low or there are any problems, try PowerStrip. Don’t forget about the division of the frequencies into 2D and 3D – you should only increase the 3D clock rates. Usually, you don’t run into any problems at overclocking. It is only not recommended to use NVIDIA’s driver for overclocking (CoolBits) – it doesn’t work correctly, often reducing the possible results. This especially refers to the AutoDetect function that you’d better leave along altogether.

3.3.1.  RivaTuner doesn’t change the GPU frequency at overclocking. What to do?

General advice: check out the version of the program. RC14NY works excellently with the 5900XT, while earlier versions do not. Sometimes the reported problem happens with the latest RivaTuner: the program still shows 300MHz GPU frequency after you have confirmed the frequency change. In fact, the frequency did change (in accordance to your settings) and you can notice it in any test, but RivaTuner itself sometimes fails to detect the change. But it’s all right, don’t worry! J