Factory Overclocked 8600GTS TDR errors

[david.hill64]

I have a pair of 730MHz XFX8600 GTS cards used with an XFX680LT MB and 4GB OCZ 800MHz SLI ready memory. I am using the 163.75 graphics driver with Vista 64 Ultimate. I get the dreaded TDR error (nvlddmkm stopped responding), particularly when restarting from sleep mode which usually results in a BSOD. However, if I underclock the card with NTune, the system is stable. I am not yet sure how fast I can run and still be stable.

My questions: what is the relationship between clock speed and memory speed? Do I need to keep these in the same proportion? Shutting down and restarting the PC results in the settings returning to factory preset. How can I make the changes permanent unless I reset them myself?

Although I have two cards I am not using them in SLI mode. If I try this with 4GB system memory some windows open all black or all white (example the Microsoft games supplied with Vista). This problem does not happen with 2GB memory. Can anybody suggest what is happening here?

[Miker]

Have you tried updating the BIOS?

[david.hill64]

Motherboard BIOS is P06. How woudl I change it for the cards?

[xfxsupport]

You can use programs like Riva tuner to keep any changes you make. Does the same problem happen if you only have one video card at a time installed or only when both?

[Miker]

I would say try the newest MoBo BIOS, but wait for XFX Support to respond to this idea.

[david.hill64]

Motherboard BIOS is up to date.
The problem also occurs if there is only one graphics card installed. The system seems fine at 720MHz core and 1090MHz memory.
I have installed Riva tuner, but Vista disables it on restart or change of user. How can I stop Vista doing this?

[Miker]

I don't know Vista so can't help there. If nether card works you have some other problem. Why did you get 2 8600s not one 8800? What PSU you have?

[david.hill64]

I work in Bangkok, but have built SLI systems for my boys in UK. Their systems have two 8800GTS cards (One system with ASUS 320MB cards, the other with twin XFX cadrs). One has simple ASUS SLI board and the other an ASUS MSN32 -SLI premium Vista board. Both are running Vista 64 and neither has problems. I do not need an SLI system, but I wanted one here in case there were issues back home, and sometimes it is easier if you have something similar to play with. I also enjoyed building the systems and wanted to get into a bit more. I had a leftover PSU - a 600W Coolermaster i green SLI - which I know is underpowered for two 8800 cards, so went with the 8600GT originally and then changed to 8600GTS cards. Maybe I need to upgrade the PSU, but I guess that the TDR error cannot be linked to that as it happens with a single GTS card or the pair in SLI. All is well if I underclock the cards!
Well nearly all: I still have the issue that with 4GB memory and SLI mode, some windows open all black or all white. I am just about to start playing with things: I have a thread on the motherboard section relating to detection of the OCZ SLI memory (the PC will not boot with 4GB instaleld and SLI-memory enabled) and another member has suggested some voltage tweaks.
Time to play!

[david.hill64]

The issue with windows opening all black or all white in SLI mode with 4GB memory has resolved itself. I have just installed the latest driver for my Creative X-Fi Extreme Gamer and the problem has disappeared. Now why didn't I work out that my sound card was causing the problem!!!

It still doesn't like the graphics cards at the factory overclocked setting, but seems fine if I detune them a bit.

[jimcpl]

The issue with windows opening all black or all white in SLI mode with 4GB memory has resolved itself. I have just installed the latest driver for my Creative X-Fi Extreme Gamer and the problem has disappeared. Now why didn't I work out that my sound card was causing the problem!!!

It still doesn't like the graphics cards at the factory overclocked setting, but seems fine if I detune them a bit.


David,

My son is having TDR problems with his new XFS 8600GT. How low did you have to underclock the 8600GT for it to be stable? Also, did you have to underclock both core and memory clocks?

Thanks,
Jim

[david.hill64]

David,

My son is having TDR problems with his new XFS 8600GT. How low did you have to underclock the 8600GT for it to be stable? Also, did you have to underclock both core and memory clocks?

Thanks,
Jim

Jim, I took both core and memory clocks down a little: 730Mhz to 720MHz and 1120 to 1085MHz. I am not sure which of these did the trick. I have not had time yet to fine tune the system. Good luck.

[jimcpl]

David,

Ok, thanks for the info.

I noted that the "stock" clock for core/memory for the 8600GT is something like 540/1400, where as the card he has, XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT XXX 256MB, is clocked at 620/1600. I wonder if setting it to 540/1400 would affect his problems?

Jim

[david.hill64]

David,

Ok, thanks for the info.

I noted that the "stock" clock for core/memory for the 8600GT is something like 540/1400, where as the card he has, XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT XXX 256MB, is clocked at 620/1600. I wonder if setting it to 540/1400 would affect his problems?

Jim

Jim,

I certainly do not claim to have any expertise, but you can use ntune to reduce the speeds until you get a stable system. You may not need to go down to stock speed. I have not yet got my system to work at the factory overclocked speeds but I do not need to go down to the standard clock speeds. It may be that there are some hardware combinations that are less tolerant than others. Make sure that you have all the latest BIOS and drivers installed first. There also some Vista hotfixes (identified on the Nvidia website under 'Drivers') that may help. The hotfixes also seem to vary if you have a US or International version of Vista.

[jimcpl]

Jim,

I certainly do not claim to have any expertise, but you can use ntune to reduce the speeds until you get a stable system. You may not need to go down to stock speed. I have not yet got my system to work at the factory overclocked speeds but I do not need to go down to the standard clock speeds. It may be that there are some hardware combinations that are less tolerant than others. Make sure that you have all the latest BIOS and drivers installed first. There also some Vista hotfixes (identified on the Nvidia website under 'Drivers') that may help. The hotfixes also seem to vary if you have a US or International version of Vista.


Hi,

I don't see links for Vista hotfixes you mentioned. When you say "under 'Drivers'", where did you mean?

Thanks,
Jim

[david.hill64]

Hi,

I don't see links for Vista hotfixes you mentioned. When you say "under 'Drivers'", where did you mean?

Thanks,
Jim

Jim, sorry: they are under the 'Download Drivers' menu

[jimcpl]

Jim, sorry: they are under the 'Download Drivers' menu

Hi,

Hah! I was on the correct page but didn't bother to look at the black/green buttons on the top/left part of the page. Duh :)...

Thanks,
Jim