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    As requested for M17.. ATI 8.12 Modded w/Full Screen Scaling Enabled

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by E-wrecked, Dec 10, 2008.

  1. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    EDIT 12-19-08 : Drivers are final and 100% functioning. Enjoy.

    *** This will *not* work on any other system than the Mobility HD3870's - All other GPU support has been removed ***
    This mod also unlocks the theatre options in CCC under AVIVO - I think.. ;)
    Ok, currently I am uploading the 64-bit and 32-bit .zip, for easy installation of these drivers. This is the full catalyst install package, so no other downloads will be necessary.

    Ok guys..been working on this for the past 2 days, and I am dubbing this version E-wrecked Bored Mod w/DNA Performance Tweaks- I haven't had an opportunity to test performance wise against my first mod. The only thing I have noticed, and possibly it's because I need to reboot is that when I ran 3dMark Vantage, the Graphics Testing didn't display the FPS/Frames/Time in the lower status bar(issue now resolved). Aside from that, I haven't had any issues with testing. However, this .inf will give you all display resolutions you'll need, and it will also fit them fullscreen mode without any hassles/black borders. So, for those of you who want to game @ less than 1920.1200 and more than 1280.1024 - These are for you. The installation process is a bit unorthodox, but not complicated. Here's the deal:

    DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME INSTALLING THIS UNLESS YOU'RE DOING A CLEAN INSTALL - REMOVE ALL REMAINS OF YOUR CURRENT ATI DRIVER/SOFTWARE - Here's a simple method to clean install ATI Drivers.
    Simple procedure. Check it out.

    1) Open Device Manager and Uninstall Old Display Adapter Drivers, also check the box "Delete the driver software for this device" when prompted to uninstall the display drivers.

    2) Open Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel and remove the ATI Technologies Software Suite - device manager may have done so, but double check.

    3) Reboot, and tap F8 like nutzo on boot to enable Safe Mode option

    4) From Safe Mode admin account, check to see VGA Graphics adapter properly installed.. if so see step 5. If not, repeat step 1.

    5) Run Driver Sweeper and check the ATI Display box, then Analyze & Clean..I usually do it a 2nd time just cause. There should only be one entry after you run it the 2nd time, and it's a registry entry. Ignore that.

    6) Reboot - Check to see that Standard VGA Appears in Device Manager - It's ok if Vista reports they're not functioning properly. If VGA appears, move to step 7 and if not, move to step 3.

    7) Now, unzip the file package you downloaded.. run setup.exe under the main Driver Folder and install as "Custom" making sure the CCC is set to install, and also the Video Driver is recognized and will install. I disabled WoW and Cat Registration on my install..no need for the bloatware.

    8) Should install clean, and smoothe..and when finished prompt you to reboot. *ta duh*

    Hopefully this clears up most of the part where I stress a clean install.


    Side note; Download DriverSweeper Here

    There are 2 installation methods.. this first one is a "Do It Yourself" type of install where you get to feel good that you can follow the instructions below.

    Download ATI's 8.12 Catalyst Install Package for 32-bit/64-bit Vista HERE

    Download Mobility Mod Tool HERE

    Download E-wrecked's Bored Mod 64-bit Vista .inf HERE
    EDIT: Added .inf Mod for 32-Bit Vista HERE
    To install 32-bit, follow the same guidelines here and then just drop this .inf in place of the mobility modded .inf - still need a clean install, and do not install the mobility modded driver without using this .inf


    Ok, and here's the easy part.. Run the installer for the 8.12 Setup, and extract the files to a destination of your choice. When it asks you if you'd like to continue the install then cancel the installation. (typical mob mod method)
    Now, following the Mob Mod method, using the Mod tool modify the 8.12 Directory. (if you're unsure of how to do so then read the directions on their download page)
    DO NOT INSTALL THE MOB MODDED PACKAGE
    Now that you've modded the install package, you'll need to copy the .inf I've modded. Copy the my modded .inf into the < ATI install directory>\support\8-12_vista64_dd_ccc_wdm_enu_72276\driver\packages\drivers\display\LH6A_INF\ location. There should already be a copy inside the directory named CH_7226.inf, Vista will prompt you to keep or replace.. You're replacing the file already there. If it makes it any easier, delete the old .inf and move the newly downloaded .inf into its' place.

    Now, if you would be so kind as to change to the < ATI install directory>\support\8-12_vista64_dd_ccc_wdm_enu_72276\driver\ directory you'll see a Setup.exe icon. Double click and begin the installation. I suggest strongly the custom install method, so you can uncheck the "World of Warcraft" and "Catalyst Registration" - you likely don't need them installed. Everything else should go as normal, you'll have to tell Vista to "Install Driver Anyhow" when it prompts you that it is an unsigned driver.. And then reboot after your install. *ta duh*

    Now you have all resolutions that fit to screen, and you also have your CrossfireX controls when right clicking the CCC Icon on your taskbar, and you have an added tweak or two that I think should make you happy. :)

    Installation Method 2(Easy install):
    This is for the folks who wanna let the .zip file do all the work. VERY simple. You will still need to do this as a clean driver install, and I cannot stress this enough. If you're not doing a clean install of these drivers, then you may have problems such as BSODs or lack of resolutions, or horrid performance. Only install if device manager reports "Standard VGA Display Adapter" as your currently install Display Adapter. Now you can download, and the readme.txt inside the download will give you instructions for install. Basically, extract the file contents and run setup.exe - Simple eh?

    32-Bit Vista Full Install w/Modded Package
    Download Full Mod Here

    64-Bit Vista Full Install w/Modded Package - UPDATED 1/14/08 - Hotfix Modded - Resolved Shutdown Hangs, and Sleep Hangs
    Download Full Mod Here


    These should perform exactly the same, if not better, than the 8.12 Final Cat Install Package.. as they didn't have tweaks added. These performance tweaks are compliments of the DNA Performance package and KillerSneak - check out his ATI Catalyst Mods/Drivers @ http://www.donotargue.com - Resolutions fitting to screen are compliments of myself. And, this has been a tedious experience so I hope you all benefit from it.

    Feedback is welcome, enjoy!


    Special thanks go out to DarkSmiley for hosting these files. Visit http://www.darksmileysystems.com for his High-end performance computing solutions - he offered to host so no one would be waiting 2 days for downloads. Thanks :D
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
  2. Axman

    Axman Notebook Evangelist

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    ill give it a shot
     
  3. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    Eh.. I've ran thru the methods for install several times so they should work flawlessly. Im just interested in performance gains and if there happen to be any tweak I need to do in order to ensure success with gaming, benching, etc.
     
  4. fusionsenses

    fusionsenses The Unbannable

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    just normal mod.
     
  5. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    EDIT: removed useless post.. install works flawless. help yourselves.
     
  6. fusionsenses

    fusionsenses The Unbannable

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    Ok sorry. I can't even get the basic working to try yours.
     
  7. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    fusion, you dont need any working to try mine. You are doing it via a clean install of ATI Drivers. Modding the new Desktop package with mobmod(NOT INSTALLING WITH MOBMOD), then replacing the .inf and THEN installing the new driver. Dont rush thru it, you'll never make it. Follow the instructions as they're laid out.
     
  8. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    .zip upload completed.. you can now be lazy and download the .zip which includes the entire 8.12 Cat package for 64bit Vista including the modded files. Just unzip, clean your old drivers, and run setup.exe from the new download :)
     
  9. Axman

    Axman Notebook Evangelist

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    i got it to work, 147 more 3d marks,,
     
  10. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    Sweet deal. :) Enjoy.
     
  11. Ayle

    Ayle Trailblazer

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    Can I modify it to make it work on my HD3650?
     
  12. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    Ayle, PM'd you..
     
  13. psygene

    psygene Newbie

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    Thank you kindly, E-wrecked.
     
  14. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    you're welcome..let me know how it works out for you. I need feedback :D
     
  15. ichime

    ichime Notebook Elder

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    Also, this driver gives you improved performance namely in Far Cry 2 for those who enjoy the game.
     
  16. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    and.. I think I jsut realzied that I unintentionally unlocked the theater capability that is meant for the 4k series. Check under Avivo :)
     
  17. Bayle

    Bayle Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey E-Wrecked, I'm having trouble cleaning my drivers - everytime I do a sweep, then reboot to safemode windows keeps auto-finding drivers for my gpus - it never says "Standard VGA" like it's supposed to.

    EDIT: Ok the installer is running now - had to do a few more reboots. I'll post some benchmarks comparing the 8.12 beta and the E-Wrecked 8.12 shortly.

    -B
     
  18. Flashback Jack

    Flashback Jack Notebook Consultant

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    Dude, stop. I can't keep up with all your hardcore posts!

    *hits subscription button again*

    - F
     
  19. Bayle

    Bayle Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok so after installing the 8.12 proper I am not seeing a huge benchmark improvement thus far -

    8.12 beta: 12036 3dmark06

    8.12 E-Wreck: 12059 3dmark06

    I'll continue testing and see if it improves things elsewhere. I did a ton of Crysis testing I need to post when I get home.
     
  20. Mike2011

    Mike2011 Notebook Evangelist

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    It works I dint uninstall it and it works fine.
     
  21. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    the performance gains aren't the most noteable difference with these drivers. The most important part of this modification, is that now all resolutions will run fullscreen, and not letter boxed or black bordered. 8.11 wouldn't allow it, and 8.12 beta/final doesn't allow it. This modded .inf configures it for functionality. :)
     
  22. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    E-wrecked can you mod a 32bit for me pls ? :p since size & name seem to be different :)
     
  23. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    can you post a copy of the .inf on here for me to download?
     
  24. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    Sure sec, messed it up :p
     
  25. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    This is the one right ? :p
     

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  26. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    That's the one..can I get one not modded by mob mod?
     
  27. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    Sure :p And why does it say that i have to type at least 10 characters ?! sigh ;p
     

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  28. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    Ok.. quickly modded it, but looks like it should install fine. Do not mob-mod the .inf I modded. Just mob mod the install folder, then drop this .inf to replace the mob modded one. Then run the install and lemme know how it works out.
     

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  29. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    Ok, let me check :)
     
  30. hottestzephyr

    hottestzephyr Notebook Consultant

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    E-wrecked, I need some advices about catalyst AI. What should it be set to? After I installed your driver it had been set to advance mode but I read your old thread you suggested setting it to standard, right? so what's the best mode?
     
  31. hottestzephyr

    hottestzephyr Notebook Consultant

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    and another questions. do you have the plan to mod this driver to show all resolutions? It's work very well but I think it will be better if it show all. lol
     
  32. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    Works :) (only tested CoD4 and desktop so far)

    Is it possible to add custom resolutions ? :p
     
  33. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    CooL; one step at a time. It should have most resolutions enabled
    1920.1200, 1920.1080, 1680.1050, 1600.1200, 1400.1050, 1280.1024, then the smaller resolutions we'll never use. What other resolutions were you looking for? I had a hella time getting these to function properly. :D

    zephyr; It depends on the drivers.. You just gotta play with the settings and see what performs best depending on what you're using it for. I don't think there's a rhyme or reason.. but some settings provide different outcomes depending on the game/benchmark. Trial and error :)
     
  34. hottestzephyr

    hottestzephyr Notebook Consultant

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    oh thank :)

    I don't want any resolutions more but I think this is only 1 thing that your modded inf different from stock inf. All perfect!! thank for your work :D
     
  35. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    Used to play with 1600x1024 (or was it 1680?) with the other laptop, loved that resolution :D

    Gonna run a 3dmark in 3 mins to see if theres any impact on it. :)

    Dowloading 1gb of windows updates......... (forgot to do that yesterday) :p
     
  36. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    Well, you got 2 1600s to choose from..smile :p kiddin' - if I figure out how to do so, then I'll add more resolutions. Just not really in the mood to fool with it anymore for now. It's working well as is, so Im just gonna leave it alone. But, I will look into it. Thanks for testing the 32bit - I'll post it to O.P. for download
     
  37. Bayle

    Bayle Notebook Enthusiast

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    I noticed that my CCC seems limited. I feel like there were more options before I re-installed the modded setup. Maybe I'm crazy ... (likely)
     
  38. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    What do you see missing? 32 or 64 bit? Screen shot of CCC?
     
  39. Bayle

    Bayle Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry lol posting from work - can only get one pc connected at a time, so on my work one. Looks like I am only getting the CCC - Basic - looking through the folders I can't find any other CCC related programs, just this one. Weird right?


    [​IMG]
     
  40. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    Hmm.. you try the advanced CCC? It should have prompted you with advanced or basic after your clean install.. It always prompts me after the clean installs.
     
  41. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    ccc in my case works like before, no issues so far, 3dmark scores are around 200 lower but doubt if its a driver issue since i think E-wrecked didnt actually modify the performance of the drivers.

    first is the old score, and the second is with E-wrecked's drivers.

    CSS seems to scale as well as CoD 4 :) Gonna post the rest of the games as soon as i play them a bit more to see if there are any issues :)
     

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  42. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    Hmm.. make sure powerplay is enabled..that's crucial. And, as I mentioned..those CCC settings will make a difference. IT didn't change my 3dmark at all compared to the 8.12 beta - Im testing a new modded .inf now - I'll report back.
     
  43. hottestzephyr

    hottestzephyr Notebook Consultant

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    CooLMinE, have you run another thing in background? I think those score are normal.200 scores is not much if you re run you will got higher.
     
  44. Axman

    Axman Notebook Evangelist

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  45. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    what was it originally?
     
  46. hottestzephyr

    hottestzephyr Notebook Consultant

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    I'm very surprise your cpu run at 3.3!! It's nearly the x9100 but why your score lower than x9100 at 3.3?
     
  47. Axman

    Axman Notebook Evangelist

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    its not at 3.3, not sure why it showed up as that. but i do plan on OCing my cpu soon. im gonna run the test again. my highest mark before was a 12207.
     
  48. hottestzephyr

    hottestzephyr Notebook Consultant

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    you got 13000 point with stock t9400? very strange...I got that point when I oc'ed mine (p9500) to 2.8
     
  49. E-wrecked

    E-wrecked BANNED

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    well..lol, you sure it's not @ 3.3GHz? Maybe this mod also pumps your CPU ;) kiddin.. really. But, that's a huge gain either way.
     
  50. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    Im curious how AW tests their system tbh :p The file that comes with the laptop said they got 13.700 3d marks with my system. First think i installed when it arrived (didnt install anything else than that) was 3dmark and i only got 13.000 :p

    Do they run 3dmark from dos or something lol :p

    But tbh i really hate Vista :( already noticed like 10 programs not compatible with them, plus ive got a few random blue screens just before the welcome screen. And ive got nothing in startup system except from the drivers + nod and adaware (in case something wants to sneak into my startup programs!).

    Gonna try another test tomorrow with Nod and adaware disabled to see if it makes any difference. Might disable a few services too although i dont think it will make any difference and ofc test more games since i didnt really had too much time today to test them :)

    And last but not least, a huge thanks to E-wrecked for finding a way around the scalling issue, was a really annoying problem :)
     
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