GPU clock Problem

I noticed that my 3870 runs at full clocks and wont clock down. If I set it to battery mode the clocks drop but wont go to full clocks. Is ati supposed to do this? This is my first ati card. Help please.

 

At idle, your GPU is supposed to drop down to 2D clocks and such....use GPU-Z to check the core/memory settings compared to your Extra clocks (listed frequencies)

 

It wont clock down. Runs at full clocks.

 

Cant you go into the Catalyst Control Center and lower the clocks manually?

If not, use Riva Tuner.

 

Put your laptop on power saver mate that should make the gpu lower its clocks.

 

That works but I shouldnt have to do this to get it to downclock, it should downclock on its own. What could be the problem. I have used diffrent drivers and they all do the same thing.

 

I suggest u upadate/change your GPU driver, i had the same problem before with my 9800M GS, i solved the problem by changing drivers.

 

I did that with no luck, I have a master 3870 card could this be the problem?

 

what do you mean by "master 3870 card"? i dont get it.

 

It was a master card out of an Alienware m17 R1.

 

Did your 3870 run fine before and the problem just poped up or u had the problem since the first day u installed the 3870? Besides changing/updating drivers, hmm, u could also see if this problem has anything to do with the BIOS of your GPU, use GPUZ to extract the bios and then read it with Nibitor, check if there are different levels of clocks(2D/3D/EXTRA) and whether they are set at the right speed.