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    SLi Performance Issues - I'm Out of Ideas

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by ettornio, Mar 28, 2010.

  1. ettornio

    ettornio Notebook Deity

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    Relevant information:
    GPUs: 2x 9800m GTX
    OS: Windows 7 x64
    Drivers tested: 186.81, 186.87 (Clevo), 195.62, 195.62 Dox, 197.25

    Regardless of driver, my 2nd 9800m GTX will not increase its clock speed to Performance 3D/"Extra" clock speeds, meanwhile the first card does. The result is horrible frame rates. Now here's the thing, using Dox's 195.62 driver, I can increase its clock speed with PowerMizer disabled, but only if I disable SLi and then re-enable it after every time the machine is booted up. The trouble with this is that both cards are at full power, and it's a hassle to do it every boot. It's especially not ideal when not gaming since the fans are always on high because of it.

    This wasn't an issue until one time I used the PowerMizer switch, which was probably a bad idea. Is there any way I can undo the damage? Reverting the PMSwitch doesn't do the trick.

    For now, I've just decided to stick with 197.25 and leave SLi off. Any input is greatly appreciated.
     
    ettornio, Mar 28, 2010
    #1
  2. ziddy123

    ziddy123 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I thought you had to find drivers specifically are SLI compatible? I didn't think all Nvidia drivers were SLI enabled?
     
    ziddy123, Mar 28, 2010
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  3. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

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    Have u tried stock OEM drivers? This might not be a problem with the OEM drivers... however old they're... also it might be a motherboard or some problem so maybe send it in if u got warranty? And ziddy as far as i know , all new drivers from 180 series do support SLI...
     
    sean473, Mar 28, 2010
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  4. ettornio

    ettornio Notebook Deity

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    But it can't possibly be a motherboard issue, because Dox's drivers with PowerMizer off causes both cards to run at full speed. If it was a mobo issue, the second card would never increase its clock speed under any circumstance.

    I can't go back to the stock driver, because Windows 7 drivers don't go back that far.
     
    ettornio, Mar 28, 2010
    #4
  5. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    try and get it working first on a supported OS with supported drivers.
     
    masterchef341, Mar 28, 2010
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  6. ettornio

    ettornio Notebook Deity

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    Alright I solved the problem.

    I reinstalled Windows 7 and quickly installed the latest Nvidia 197.16 WHQL drivers. Everything is fine now on the PowerMizer front. I'm never touching any PowerMizer disabling thingy ever again. Lesson learned!
     
    ettornio, Mar 30, 2010
    #6