E-wrecked's Modded ATI Driver Collection for M17 - Performance enhanced, fullscreen resolution scaling enabled!

Are you tired of having to game at Native resolution? Think your M17 video drivers should perform better? These drivers have been modified to allow all resolutions to scale fullscreen, Mobility Modder has a bug which won't allow that to happen. Also, performance tweaks have been added, and it's a constant work in progress. So, download..and enjoy!

*** This will *not* work on any other system than the Mobility HD3870's - All other GPU support has been removed ***
These modified drivers also unlock the theatre options in CCC under AVIVO, as well as some additional CCC performance options not typically available.
These are the full ATI Catalyst install packages, so no other downloads will be necessary unless you want to Modify your own driver using Mobility Modder.

This is a work in progress..so bear with me as I tweak it to your likings. Links below will allow for downloading both modded, and non-modded drivers.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME INSTALLING THE MODDED DRIVERS 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

E-wrecked's Bored Mod Drivers:
VERY simple. You will 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. Now you can download. Basically, extract the file contents to a folder of your desire and run setup.exe - Simple eh?

JUST ADDED Catalyst 9.1 - Updated 1/30/2009!

ATI 9.3 Catalyst 64-Bit Vista & Win7 Full Install w/Performance Package & Fullscreen Scaling for ALL Video Resolutions - Download Full v3 Mod Here

ATI Catalyst 9.3 32Bit won't scale fullscreen - so I didn't add it to the list. If I figure it out, I'll update the links.



Official Catalyst 9.1 Release Notes Here

Windows Vista & Win7 64-bit

Previous E-wrecked Bored Mod Versions:
ATI 9.1 Catalyst 32-Bit Vista Full Install w/Performance Package & Fullscreen Scaling for ALL Video Resolutions - Download Full v2 Mod Here

ATI 9.1 Catalyst 64-Bit Vista Full Install w/Performance Package & Fullscreen Scaling for ALL Video Resolutions - Download Full v2 Mod Here

ATI 8.12 Catalyst 32-Bit Vista Full Install w/Modded Package
Download Full Mod Here

ATI 8.12 Catalyst w/Hotfix 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 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.

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.

Feedback is welcome, enjoy!


Extra Downloads:
Download ATI's Latest Catalyst Install Packages for 32-bit/64-bit Vista HERE

Download Mobility Mod Tool HERE if you'd like to begin moddifying your own drivers.

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

 

julian - you now have 1280x800 resolutions with these drivers.. just for you buddy

I noticed 3dmark Vantage freaks out with the 9.1 driver - just like it does with the 8.12 Hotfix.. It's not my mod - it's the driver. If I find a resolution to the problem, then I'll post it. Also, the 9.1 Package is strikingly similar to the 8.12 Hotfix. Maybe 9.2 will have some other major improvements.

 

Yea had the same problem with Vantage with 8.12 as well. Took me 5 runs to complete it successfully. Was getting errors either between tests or on the start :s

 

I didn't get errors..but it's visual defects. The water in the first scene blazes upwards thru the scenes.. Maybe I need to re-install DirectX or Vantage.. Not gonna worry bout it.

 

CSS got 12 fps increase in the stress test, and +70ish in 3dmark

Moving to other games and temps

 

Good deal. Posted the link to 32bit - glad it works. Make sure you have the extra CCC options also. "Enable Geometry Instancing" should be there under "All settings" - if so then everything is gravy.

 

Yeap its there and enabled by default

 

Thanks, AGAIN, for your help CooL - gotta love being the test dummy aaight.. my work here is done for tonight. Oh, and on a side note.. I saw a decent gain in FarCry 2 - about 10% gain in average FPS. Not too shabby. Looks like ATI is finally coming around with these Crossfire drivers! I'll run some benchmarks tomorrow - for now I am quite happy

 

Temps are the same. Same as CoD - MW and WoW's fps.
Theres a minor bug, not sure if its from the new drivers ATI released, when you run Mirrorsedge with Fraps you get 2 mouses on the screen, one in the spot that the mouse was before the game opened (flicking) and the actual game mouse. Doesnt happen without fraps.

Also i noticed that ATI's run better with Vsync enabled, something i didnt expect since all the nvidia cards i had before performed better with vsync off. But apparently with ATI its better to have it on. Noticed less fps drops that way.

Edit: forum doesnt let me rep! says i have to spread some rep around and stuff

 

lol.. it's all gravy. and please report if you see any other bugs.. I'll collect and forward em all to ATI - cause I refuse to believe it's my mod

 

nah probably an ATI problem and a new one since 8.12 didnt have that issue

Not sure if its because its been a while i run 3dmark but it looks smoother with these drivers for a reason, even when u get around 25fps.

 

Will try this prolly next week. I just got my M17 two days ago, and I don't feel like playing with drivers just yet.

I'm paranoid like that.

 

Btw ive noticed that cleaning the drivers in save mode is no longer necessary.
Tried it at first but when i tried to find any remaining files/registry values with Driver Sweeper there werent any left.

So basically now i just uninstall the drivers, use the Driver Sweeper tool (before restarting), then restart and install the new drivers. Saves a few minutes

 

hmm this version gives me a solid black screen after install. i have to manually shut down and reboot. then i get 1440 res and nothing available to change to?

maybe this notebook is wierd though because the regular modded drivers work fine for me i have no res issues with them. seems weird that some people have that issue and some dont

 

yeah ati has been pretty good about uninstall's of late

 

What notebook do you have ? These drivers are restricted to 3870 on Crossfire only if im not mistaken.

 

thanks e-wrecked...these drivers work good...installed like a charm...

 

As I sad ... you are my hero!

Greetings
Julian

 

nice imma install tonight when im out of school i liked the standard 9.1 but if i can get more FPS WTHN!!!!

 

its a ocz version i tested them on.

 

i have a problem when i try to install........
there is a solid black screen and i have to force shutdown
any help........

 

When do you have a black screen? When installing the drivers, it will go black for a few seconds as it remoives the old and installs the new. Quite possibly this is what you're seeing. Anyhow, did they work out for ya?

 

the black screen was there for 15 min
but it finally worked after a third try
thank you for the mod.........
its great

 

+1 rep for E-wrecked

 

Hi
I have the problem, that when I uses the non native resolution the "window" is smaler ... I mean ... I have black bars all around.
Normaly the "black bars all around" problem normaly can be solved in CCC
but this time not ...

@ Notebook Panel Properties I CAN select:
-Preserve Aspect Ratio
-Full Screen
-Centered (o)

But the problem is, when I select the first or the second and confirm with "Apply" I get a black screen and after a second ... "Centered" is selected again -.-

Spoiler: :o

I can select 1280x 880 ... not 1280x800

I am sry that I make so mutch truoble

Greetings
Julian

 

Julian, in the CCC 3d section.. Do you have a checkbox for "geometry instancing"? I don't think u installed properly. 1280.800 is there, and scaling definately works.

 

You are right! I don't have this ... but I did what you discribed! ... I am on W7 can this be the reason for thus problem?

Greetings
Julian

PS: I'll do it one more time mom^^

 

julian.. I lied - I did have the wrong res. My bad man! Uploading the new version now! Fixed it, again In the meantime, you can replace the .inf with this one and then re-install the driver. *hugs julain* sorry

http://ewrecked.darksmileysystems.com/CH_74234.zip

 

THX!!!

I forgot to subscribe^^ ... I will never get used to it to subscribe by my selfe even after posting in this thread^^

btw I oversaw the "geometry instancing" ... it is and was there

Greetings
Julian

 

dude E-wrecked i love you man installed your drivers and played fallout 3 ultra high for a hour and my temps were a little up but instead of getting 30fps average i got 60 almost all the time even fighting like 6 people ... i actually played that scene with old driver(unmodded 9.1) and new (e-wrecked) and the old ones i couldnt beat it because i lagged soo bad and then i had to switch it to low to get it normal and with E-wrecked i did it in ultra high ohhhh the love

 

be-e-e-enchmarks! be-e-e-enchmarks! be-e-e-enchmarks!

 

i dont have 3d marks my internet sucks im going to the city some time .....but the FPs were better if that helps

i have a 400mb download limit how "happy" is that

 

3DMark06 score droped from 12,4 to 12,1 ... but the AW are known to be tweeked to perform better @ 3DMark06

Greetings
Julian

 

well that's a letdown, considering how mr. moo reported 2x the fps...

 

Yea... 8.10 catalyst, and previous tend to score a bit higher in 3dmark06 - 8.11 and later lose a couple points. BUT, the newer drivers SMOKE the older in gaming.

Moo; glad it works well for ya I also noticed much better gaming performance. And, I'm gonna dip for a bit, time to drop my QX in its new home.

whizzo, my synthetic benchmarks are pretty much identical to 8.12 drivers. But, gaming is a world of difference. I think the newer drivers focus more on DX10 performance, and the previous drivers focused more on DX9 performance(3dmark06) - Either way..they kick @$$

 

That's what I think as well ... and it's what we want

But the problem with the "full screen" is still there ... 1280x800 problem is solved! THX a lot!

Greetings
Julian

 

julian, PM me a list of display resolutions you want/have - I'll make sure they're all working fullscreen for you. Obviously there's some diff resolutions for 1440x900 that need tweaked.

Side note- QX9300 installed. Bout to benchmark

 

400MB?! That's it?! Unheard of.

I don't know how your survive with that; I have 60GB monthly and I almost always go over.

 

i have no download, and it's just as well....

 

First
Congratulations!

Second
I am sry I don't understand^^
1440x900 is Full Screen, 1280x800 not ...
And the resoulutions are working great ...
only the "Full Screen" and "Preserve Aspect Ratio" options @ CCC make truble.

Greetings
Julian

 

edit--- very carefully ....lol mostly i just surf and download some music ..if i go over the download limit they slow my internet to 2 kbs F Butt Nuggets!!!!! for 24 hours

i have satilite internet it sucksssss and i live in a town of 250 people lol im the only person that can work on computers and no one even knew what a alienware was good money fixing computers.... i live in louisiana there are huge cattle farms and chicken houses ... its the COUNTRY I HATE IT SOMETIMES but the closest dsl town is 10 miles and the next closest is 30...sigh

 

that's definately worth moving. What about ATT or Verizon, or Sprint Wireless services? you in Metarie or something? OR, you deeper south down by the gulf?

 

nope athens la att doesnt get signal here and verizon gets 1 bar off altell tower btw north louisiana is less populated lol new orleans is down there

lol i just turned 18 last week ... i live with my g parents to help them out and i am starting collage in the fall.... imma stay ....btw if any one cares we won our basketball game tonight and tied 3rd in our leauge i had 16 points and like 10 rebounds ... im just happy we won now its on to the tournament ...o yea and to continue my random speech every one who complains about the m17 being huge its easy for me to carry and feels just right since i am 6 foot 6 lol i weight 215 and i bench 250 hahahahaha its my NETBOOK can yours play fallout 3 ...i think not!!!

 

yea..but there's some country places down there by the rigs..my boy used to captain a 100-ton vessel outta Metarie. You're up there by the prisons and such So...run a really long DSL cable from the closest town. Or, call and petition some company to setup a hub out your way. At least you're doing better than dial-up

 

lmao our road is 8 miles long and 6 houses on it ....we tried thay said we would have to pay to run the line and it was like 5 or 6 thousand ....our satilite internet has 1 mb download but we never get that ..average download speed is 112kbs

 

Even in the city, there are many computer illiterate people.

I make money fixing or setting up some of the simplist things. (Made 50 installing AVG to find a virus and a 100 for connecting a Wii and PS3 to a flat panel)

 

nice i made 50 for cloneing a hard drive lol i clicked source and target and i was done then 40 for replaceing a hardrive ...etc it gets me alot of favors

 

I've just installed the E-Wrecked's 9.1s and here's my report:

The installation was a real snap. I just had all the needed applications downloaded and followed the simple instructions. After a fresh installation of the drivers, I ran 3D Mark with these settings:

- 1280 x 1024
- AA + ASO = Off
- Mipmap detail = High Performance
- Catalyst AI = On, Basic
- Windows theme = Classic
- Wi-Fi = Off
- Disabled almost all unnecessary background programs and services
- (And yes, these were the same settings that I used with my previous score)

I scored 12,058, as opposed to my previous record of 12,153 with AW's stock drivers; I'm not too sure what version they were, but we all know that they weren't the 9.1's. So yes, there was a slight decrease of roughly ~100 points, but I couldn't care less really. The large selection of resolutions, bug fixes and updates far outweight -100 3D Mark points; however, I am rather srure that real-game performance should be better.

I have yet to game on these drivers, but I will do a fair amount of playing within the next day, so I will be sure to write about that as well as any issues with stability if I should experience any.

All-in-all, thanks E-Wrecked... You're rad.

 

Yeap old drivers (8.10 for eg) perform better in 3dmark BUT as E said, the difference in games between those and the newest drivers are HUGE. Far cry for instance gives you double fps. Same goes for most newer games.

 

Agreed. I've just tested Fallout 3 and there is a substantial increase in performance. WIth the 8.10's, my M17 struggled with the HDR on full, now everything is maxed and I can run it like a champ.

More to come...