Video Display Corruption running 2xRadeon 1800 in SLI

[thedocstudio]

I've recently been running SH4 with 2 ATI Radeon 1800 Cards in SLI mode. During gameplay over time the graphics slowly become corrupted. At first simple menu options vanish then the Navigation Map goes black during night-time and an hour into the game and sections of the 3D environment become pretty rainbow fragments :D.

Has anyone else had problems like this running in SLI mode? Just wondering if its another SH4 bug or general problems running 3D games in SLI mode.

I have updated my Catalyst driver to the latest version (as of 28th March 07)

[Incandescent]

heya,

Actually what you are describing may be due to Heat.
And its CrossFire mode not SLI, thats NVidea's domain.
I too am running in XFire. Dual 1900XL's at 1gig total. I am not seeing any mal effects other than the AA all others are seeing.

Try opening the case, and blow a fan on it while playing and see it it comes back.

[RickC Sniper]

I have some graphics corruption occuring too. At the periscope screen after awhile there are some green and blue "smears" around the sides of the periscope.

It reminds me of Aces of the Deep if you didn't set it on 256 colors. I took screenies but the oddity doesn't show up on them. It is definately not heat related.

I have also seen the rainbow fragments just above the horizon in external view. Taking screenshots seem to have caused those.

Ati 1950xt 512 mb Catalyst 7.3 drivers. No crossfire rig though, just one card.

[MONOLITH]

and an hour into the game

Definatetly heat build up. You need to cool that case down somehow. Depending on how old the setup is, might be worth opening up the side and vaccuming the dust out. If not, think about beefing up the fans.

[MONOLITH]

It is definately not heat related.

Ati 1950xt 512 mb Catalyst 7.3 drivers. No crossfire rig though, just one card.


Not sure about the XT version, but I have the X1950 Pro (512 as well, dual power molex connectors), and it is notorious for heat issues.

[NefariousKoel]

From what I understand, SH4 does not support either SLI or Crossfire.

Also, I've heard graphics horror stories from running one of them on a game that doesn't support it. Most likely reason.

[thedocstudio]

I have a feeling that yes SH4 does not support CrossFire since I was able to play the game perfectly last night without any graphic issues by disabling CrossFire in the Catalyst control panel although both cards were still running in the machine. Not sure if it might be heat (although there still might be a chance of it) since I am running both cards in a Thermaltake Shark case with ample of ventilation and Fan Support to assist in the cooling process.

Thanks for your replies.

[Autechre]

I run a x1900xt crossfire setup here fine. I agree with the others about the heat issue. It seems like you are maybe experiencing artifacts caused by overheating.

[SteamWake]

One clue would be the speed of the cooling fans on the cards. If there whinging there little bearings off you have heat issues.

Another thing to consider is your power supply, is it up to the task ?

Read this thread here http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=111512

[RickC Sniper]

One clue would be the speed of the cooling fans on the cards. If there whinging there little bearings off you have heat issues.

Another thing to consider is your power supply, is it up to the task ?

Read this thread here http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=111512


Power supply is more than adequate.
What exactly is a "safe" temerature to run at? My rig is new, well ventilated and the air exiting the tower is barely more than room temperature. My Catalyst control panel shows a steady 76 degrees C after playing this game for hours. The video card fan very rarely revs up to it's higher speed, and when it does it's only for a short time. The smearing at the periscope station is there at boot up (cold computer) or after playing for hours.

:-?

Rick