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    Microsoft performance hotfix for Crossfire cards (M17)

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Kanuni, Mar 31, 2009.

  1. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    from official ATI forums


    Performance issues may occur on a Windows Vista-based or Windows Server 2008-based computer if Active State Power Management is enabled

    Consider the following scenario:

    * You have a computer that is running Windows Server 2008 or Windows Vista Service Pack 1.
    * The computer is equipped with Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express Interface slots.
    * Active State Power Management (ASPM) is enabled in the computer's BIOS setup.
    * The computer is installed with ATI HD3870x2, ATI HD4870x2 hardware, or other hardware that has a PLX Technology Inc. PEX 8647-AB PCI Express switch.

    The system may show low graphics performance, and occasionally the system or certain applications may respond slowly or may not respond at all.

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956563


    maybe helps to m17 owners like me :)
     
    Kanuni, Mar 31, 2009
    #1
  2. poliuy

    poliuy Notebook Evangelist

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    Oooh nice find, +1
     
    poliuy, Mar 31, 2009
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  3. julian-nold

    julian-nold DELETED

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    I'll give it a shot! THX for info!

    Greetings
    Julian
     
    julian-nold, Mar 31, 2009
    #3
  4. kuntazzo

    kuntazzo Notebook Geek

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    quote, +1 rep ;)
     
    kuntazzo, Mar 31, 2009
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  5. jeffreyac

    jeffreyac Notebook Evangelist

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    hmmmmm.... very nice! How long, generally, does it take manufacturers to incorporate this kind of thing (or do they?) My M17 has been held up for parts, and I won't see it for about 3 weeks - is this something the Alienware guys may do, or should I expect to have to do this when I get my hands on it?
     
    jeffreyac, Mar 31, 2009
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  6. poliuy

    poliuy Notebook Evangelist

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    Usually they won't do hotfixes that are this new, they will install SP's and drivers that are up to date. So you can expect to have to install it yourself.
     
    poliuy, Mar 31, 2009
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  7. WaR

    WaR Notebook Virtuoso

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    Could this possibly fix the sleep issue? Any news on this?

    I wish I was at home to try this right away.
     
    WaR, Mar 31, 2009
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  8. kuntazzo

    kuntazzo Notebook Geek

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    in the link i can download two hotfixes. wich one is the right one?
     
    kuntazzo, Mar 31, 2009
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  9. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    i used both of them. 2 > 1 :)
     
    Kanuni, Mar 31, 2009
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  10. jeffreyac

    jeffreyac Notebook Evangelist

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    um... the info says ATI HD3870x2. Isn't this an option on M17's (the dual card crossfire setup) or am I missing something obvious here?
     
    jeffreyac, Mar 31, 2009
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  11. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    Kanuni, Mar 31, 2009
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  12. ichime

    ichime Notebook Elder

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    It does apply to Crossfire cards as well, depending on the chipset. If the motherboard uses a PLX chip, then the update may apply (The M17/W840 does have a PLX chip btw). Not sure of the exact chip number, but we would probably know if it matters or not if this update fixes the crossfire drops that some people may be reporting on their M17s.
     
    ichime, Mar 31, 2009
    #12
  13. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

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    i call FAIL.
     
    whizzo, Mar 31, 2009
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  14. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    this is the plx chipset code from everest.

    PCI-E 1.0 x16 port #2 In Use @ x8 (PLX Technology ExpressLane PEX 8624 24-Lane 6-Port PCI Express 2.0 Switch --> PLX Technology ExpressLane PEX 8624 24-Lane 6-Port PCI Express 2.0 Switch, PLX Technology ExpressLane PEX 8624 24-Lane 6-Port PCI Express 2.0 Switch --> ATI Mobility Radeon)
     
    Kanuni, Mar 31, 2009
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  15. ichime

    ichime Notebook Elder

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    Hmm, so it is a different model than the one mentioned in the hotfix. Wouldn't hurt to apply the hotfix to see if it solves the problem some folks are having with their crossfire.
     
    ichime, Mar 31, 2009
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  16. WaR

    WaR Notebook Virtuoso

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    That made me chuckle...

    Anyway, so did it fix the sleep issue or something?
     
    WaR, Mar 31, 2009
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  17. mcdgexxx

    mcdgexxx Notebook Consultant

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    anybody install this with any luck? Performance increases?
     
    mcdgexxx, Mar 31, 2009
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  18. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    different model but same family. i installed and atm i dont have any negative effect.. i am ok now , i dont know anything about sleep problem. never use sleep and never experience a problem with it.
     
    Kanuni, Mar 31, 2009
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  19. kuntazzo

    kuntazzo Notebook Geek

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    better performance?
     
    kuntazzo, Mar 31, 2009
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  20. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    i dont know how to explain performance ?

    all the games are working well, my sound and video jittering problem is gone, also mouse lag is gone ... but ...

    i made a lot of tweaks before this and at last this hotfixes.. and i dont know which one is helped more.
     
    Kanuni, Mar 31, 2009
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  21. ichime

    ichime Notebook Elder

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    I think halogod2007 was having issues with his system with the crossfirex drops. it's noticeable when running 3dmark06. So maybe he would be the best person to evaluate if this patch works or not.
     
    ichime, Mar 31, 2009
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  22. johnblund

    johnblund Notebook Enthusiast

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    are the fixes just for x86bit system? Because i can't install on my Vista64x
     
    johnblund, Mar 31, 2009
    #22
  23. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    the mouse lag is gone ????!?!?? where you had to wait 3 sec to use the touchpad after touching the keyboard
     
    The_Moo™, Mar 31, 2009
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  24. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    can some one link that page is confuseing
     
    The_Moo™, Mar 31, 2009
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  25. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    fixes are both 32 and 64 bit vista, you need to open download page then choose ;

    Step 1 Show hotfixes for all platforms and languages ..

    download page automatically checks your browser and thinks you are using 32 bit system .( i am using 32 bit firefox) ..

    i had a problems with logitech g9 not with touchpad.

    mr.moo use the microsoft link then click :

    Hotfix Download Available
    View and request hotfix downloads

    accept the terms then ;

    Step 1 Show hotfixes for all platforms and languages ..

    that's it , they are sending the download link with email, also you have the passwords on it for unzipping.
     
    Kanuni, Mar 31, 2009
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  26. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    i shoulda read the first line :eek:

    im getting this update does not apply to you :eek:

    nvm think i got it .... opera was registering my system as 32 bit
     
    The_Moo™, Mar 31, 2009
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  27. Caskey

    Caskey Notebook Geek

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    Sorry i thought 3870x2 were just single card with dual gpu i read that whole thing, I just figured if microsoft was going to put a hotfix out for cards in crossfire it would say something on that hotfix page.
     
    Caskey, Mar 31, 2009
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  28. WaR

    WaR Notebook Virtuoso

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    I know, annoying but, anyone that know about the sleep problem can post if it fixed it? I can't wait to finish work and try it out.
     
    WaR, Mar 31, 2009
    #28
  29. HaloGod2007

    HaloGod2007 Notebook Virtuoso

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    hmmm...i wonder if this will help the crossfire drops i get sometimes....im gonna wait for more feedback..and if this is really for the m17
     
    HaloGod2007, Mar 31, 2009
    #29
  30. dondadah88

    dondadah88 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    thanks a lot I wil post benchmarks.
     
    dondadah88, Apr 1, 2009
    #30
  31. FoxTrot1337

    FoxTrot1337 Notebook Deity

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    That was never a problem. It was a touchpad setting. YOu had to set palm sensitivity to highest possible setting. That fixed it for me.
     
    FoxTrot1337, Apr 1, 2009
    #31
  32. fusionsenses

    fusionsenses The Unbannable

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    That was a useful feature to avoid accidentally touching the pad.
     
    fusionsenses, Apr 1, 2009
    #32
  33. dondadah88

    dondadah88 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    ok one doesnt apply and i cant get the password for the other right even though i copied and paste it.
     
    dondadah88, Apr 1, 2009
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  34. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    you need to use IE opera didnt work for me

    try to use ur 64 bit IE so it detect ur useing 64 bit
     
    The_Moo™, Apr 1, 2009
    #34
  35. dondadah88

    dondadah88 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    what do you mean. i am using orca browser. they both downloaded but one work accept the password and the other says this update doesnt apply to this system
     
    dondadah88, Apr 1, 2009
    #35
  36. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    i got the update doesn't apply error as well but it was because i was using opera ... try to re download with IE and see :) worked for me .....
     
    The_Moo™, Apr 1, 2009
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  37. dondadah88

    dondadah88 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    nope it doesnt work for me. this download is stupid. why couldnt they do it the regular way
     
    dondadah88, Apr 1, 2009
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  38. HaloGod2007

    HaloGod2007 Notebook Virtuoso

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    any performance or general differences with this hotfix Mr. Moo?
     
    HaloGod2007, Apr 1, 2009
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  39. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    i never have had any problem imma bench right now i wa 14 points from julian and then ill be # 1 with a non oc t9400 :D
     
    The_Moo™, Apr 1, 2009
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  40. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    nope i cant even get back to where i was scoreing before :( i even killed more services and programs ughhhhh
     
    The_Moo™, Apr 1, 2009
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  41. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    i dont have any changes in 3dmark 06, i am getting same results but i am using more stable vista, i am feeling it.

    as i already wrote i dont know exactly which modification made this stability.

    what did i do ;

    1- updated drivers (all of them)
    2- no sleep at all
    3- vista 64
    4- disabled powerplay in ccc
    5- changed bios to ocz then again flashed aw
    6- disabled aero
    7- made all the things on that post : http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47212
    8- using windows standart mouse theme (not aero or etc)
    9- updated vista
    10- hotfix from microsoft (this post)
    11- no hibernation
    12- no restore point
    13- no paging file
    14- no indexing
    15- no prefetch

    after all those modifications i am ok. before this mods vista 64 used 1.3gb ram but now only 897mb .. it is fast and stable.
     
    Kanuni, Apr 1, 2009
    #41
  42. julian-nold

    julian-nold DELETED

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    That is nice! I should try this as well, what was your 3DMark06 score bevor "tweeking" Vista?

    Greetings
    Julian
     
    julian-nold, Apr 1, 2009
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  43. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    3DMark06 12.808 (1280x1024) vista 32 bit

    this is my one time best score. after that i am never reach it but near scores.

    also i reach 13030 in vista 32 bit but i think it was wrong.
     
    Kanuni, Apr 1, 2009
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  44. julian-nold

    julian-nold DELETED

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    Didn't you do a benchmark comparison between Vista 64bit und tweeked and tweeked?

    Greetings
    Julian
     
    julian-nold, Apr 1, 2009
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  45. Kanuni

    Kanuni Notebook Geek

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    now i did :)

    before tweak --- > vista 64 : 12672 ati 8.12 drivers
    now : vista 64 12611 ewracked 9.1 drivers.

    i think ewracked is not optimized for 3dmark 06. everytime i am getting low scores with it.

    lol 9.1 is worst for 3dmark

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=350566
     
    Kanuni, Apr 1, 2009
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  46. WaR

    WaR Notebook Virtuoso

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    Sounds good, except for disabled aero, use standard theme, no hibernation, no restore point, no indexing. at least for me. I like those features a lot...
     
    WaR, Apr 1, 2009
    #46