WHQL-approved GeForce 280.26 drivers released

[RSS_Poster]

Nvidia has released a new set of drivers, 280.26 addressing some issues that 500 series owners were having in Crysis 2 when using Multi GPUs.(fix from 280.19 beta) as well as fixes dating from the 275 series drivers. Added support for the following GPUs: • GeForce GT 530 • GeForce GTX 460 SE v2 &buhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/NewsAtBjorn3dcom/~4/lkjckS704lE

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[Saryn]

Even with the 280 drivers I am still having the downclocking problems with my 460. But because of a power failure and a loss of data while computer trying to update, I may try them again since I had to reinstall windows.

[werty316]

Something I read bout:
Dynamic GPU Performance Mode

With the Release 280 drivers, NVIDIA GPU clock speeds will increase more quickly in response to increased graphics demands. Conversely, with lower graphics use the GPU clock speed slows down more quickly, conserving as much power as possible. You may notice the fluctuation in clock speeds while engaging in various tasks on the PC. This is to be expected, and indicates that the GPU performance mode is adjusting as needed and that the GPU is operating at the optimal performance level at all times. It does not hurt the life of the GPU. If you wish to force the GPU into maximum performance mode, open the NVIDIA Control Panel, click Settings 3D Setting>Manage 3D then set the Power Management mode setting to Prefer maximum performance.

A quicker power management response time could be useful for folding on non-v7 machines.

[Blacksmith1]

this option doesn't exsist for XP users apparently. gotta scrape up my pennies for win 7. As for v7 versus non v7, at this point v7 is a control interface. The cores you fold with are the same no matter what you interface fold under. As I understand it the V7 hasn't changed anything that the clients are doing, or the clients themselves.

[Saryn]

Even with the "Prefer Maximum Performance" option enabled, the GPU downclocks severely. If i remember right it was going to to like 80/160 and wouldn't go back up until I rebooted. 267.24 is fine with me until they fix that.

And yes, the V7 client is just a control interface. Rather than having two instances of F@H running, one for GPU one for CPU you can control it all from V7 client. You can setup SMP, Uni or GPU, set flags in one screen. You can even setup remote monitoring and control of other computers running F@H.

[Blacksmith1]

I'm having similar problems with my 200 series cards.

[Saryn]

Tonight I am going to the Nvidia forums and will detail the problems I am experience with the newer drivers in the Beta thread. A month back I remember seeing a few posts concerning the issue, but didn't seem to be taken seriously.

[werty316]

In v7 client can keep folding when a completed WU is uploading which means a GPU can fold almost non-stop without going into an idle state. Client v6 does not do this which means the GPU will remain idle while a completed WU is uploading which is why I mentioned non-v7 machines.

[Blacksmith1]

with my DL speeds that gains me amybe one min folding time per client. but this problem is that the clocks go to 2d mode in during the work unit. it starts at the O/C clock of 1512 then drops to 799 and stays there. and it's only the 200 series (280, 260) on my system. the 260 keeps failing WU's so i just shut it off. and the 280 started that crap with the last driver. (last whql one for xp64)

[Saryn]

Im working a few 16 hour shifts in a row so i won't be able to do much testing on my end to document what is happening, but probably this weekend I will play with the newer driver again to get a better idea of their behavior with the down clocking.