XoticPC's OCZ Extreme 840 - Are you ready?

If the OCZ ever comes out with mobile 4870's in crossfire and Intel releases it's i7 core chips(from what I've heard very easy overclocking) for this beast, then I would consider upgrading but for now I'll just have to settle for my NP-9262.

 

your 9262 is ALREADY a beast! xD

3.0Ghz quad. o.0

 

IKAS, you got a beautiful rig there, yourself I'm waitin to figure out how to OC the GPUs on this.. Ive not been around here much lately cause I've been busy tweakin the hell outta it and trying numerous video drivers. By thw way, ATI isnt as easy as NVIDIA to find drivers On a scale of 1-10.. I give it a 9. Would probably have been a 10 if I didn't have to dig for drivers to have working sound, an updated chipset, and newer video drivers.. Oh, and the temps are a bit high..but that's just cause of the crappy thermal pad on the Chipset side of the CPU heatsink. I've replaced it with another thermal pad, but I'l have to let the new stuff burn in to see how the temps change. Only dropped me about 6-7c all the way around so far. I don't ever wanna see my CPU hit 80c again..but, that is also running OC'd @ 3.3 GHz. I love fixing new computers ;P

The pros: Beautiful vibrant screen with a minimal bleed at bottom, full size keyboard with good keytouch feel(smoothe clicks), sturdy as a rock, sexy and shiney, easy to OC CPU, good sound once you get the right drivers, tons of in/out audio & video connections, 3 color choices for backlit keyboard.. did I mention it's sexy?

The cons: fingerprint magnet, current heat issue being resolved, did not ship with sound drivers so you must download the latest RealTek HD Audio drivers & HDMI Audio driver otherwise only front right speaker produces sound, finding new compatible GPU drivers seems challenging(guess ya gotta mod them with Mobility Modder) - That's really it.

Overall: For the cost vs. the value, this is a phenomenal machine. I mean, it's fresh on the market and $1000 less than the other big names..but is competing(successfully) on the same level. Once the community begins purchasing and raving..then more support for the new technology will be readily available. And then it will be interesting to see what power and performance this machine has in reserve for us!

Personally: With more research, and self-education, I'll overcome the current video driver issue. I was frustrated with the Audio drivers not being included on the driver CD..it took a while to find the resolution, since one speaker DID work..thought it may have been an internal issue. If anyone has a heads up, or some insight on ATI drivers for this thing.. or even a link that is known for ATI modded performance drivers.. let me know. Right now, 14,700s is where I'm hittin 3dmark06 @ 3.3 GHz on Vista 64 Home Premium. Having an issue with Crysis not offering 1920x1200 resolution the other night, but haven't tried since updating drivers..so I'll get around to that today. Anyhow, I'll try and keep ya guys updated.. and I'm gonna start yet another thread, for this new hotness. Hopefully it will be beneficial for everyone!

 

Sweet! Congrats, dewd!

Suqs about your sound drivers though.

Oh and keep us posted ok??

 

what up e, i see ya slowly making it up the completion latter..*LOL*

man, that heat issue has to really stink! but i know you'll over come it.

say, did it allow you to run furmark or is that program an issue to run as well?

 

no..didnt try. But, there is an updated furmark that is ATI compatible with crossfire. That's a furmark problem they recently resolved..

 

oh yeah? i wonder if they have an update for the 180.43 driver as well...it doesn't seem to want to work with that driver....going to go check.

 

Oh, and I posted the unboxing in another thread..someone was asking for pics. Just in case anyone is interested. I took a bunch more, but those are the basics.

EDIT: Ok..edited the OP of the thread to offer a bit more feedback without anyone having to dig around. The link to unboxing pics is there, and I will be adding more as I go. Also, Justin from Xotic called as soon as I posted about the audio drivers..the issue was resolved before I made mention of it. I guess the CD just didnt get em And, thanks for your follow-up Justin.. You guys have been great throughout this experience.. reading customer comments and taking the initiative to resolve a problem, instead of waiting on me to make the phone call. That's going above and beyond!

 

Managed to get 14,938 3dmark06..not as if anyone here is paying attention. ;P

 

Good stuff.
Slightly higher than I have gotten. Haven't really tweaked anything though...but it's commin.

 

Man..it's a pain to tweak But, no tweak I did finally run Crysis benchmark

10/30/2008 4:18:37 PM - Vista 64
Beginning Run #1 on Map-island, Demo-benchmark_gpu
DX10 1900x1200, AA=No AA, Vsync=Disabled, 64 bit test, FullScreen
Demo Loops=3, Time Of Day= 9
Global Game Quality: High
==============================================================
TimeDemo Play Started , (Total Frames: 2000, Recorded Time: 111.86s)
!TimeDemo Run 0 Finished.
Play Time: 115.81s, Average FPS: 17.27
Min FPS: 11.73 at frame 1950, Max FPS: 24.98 at frame 1780
Average Tri/Sec: -11900352, Tri/Frame: -689103
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.33
!TimeDemo Run 1 Finished.
Play Time: 93.61s, Average FPS: 21.36
Min FPS: 11.73 at frame 1950, Max FPS: 30.04 at frame 985
Average Tri/Sec: -14687005, Tri/Frame: -687442
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.33
!TimeDemo Run 2 Finished.
Play Time: 93.49s, Average FPS: 21.39
Min FPS: 11.73 at frame 1950, Max FPS: 30.04 at frame 985
Average Tri/Sec: -14710575, Tri/Frame: -687617
Recorded/Played Tris ratio: -1.33
TimeDemo Play Ended, (3 Runs Performed)
==============================================================

Completed All Tests

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>>--SUMMARY--<<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

10/30/2008 4:18:37 PM - Vista 64

Run #1- DX10 1900x1200 AA=No AA, 64 bit test, Quality: High ~~ Overall Average FPS: 21.375

 

Did you patch crysis or is that a fresh install?
I did some crysis tests this morning (haven't posted em yet) but I havent patched to 1.2 yet.

 

thats a fresh install..patched to 1.2 version. No other patches.

And I've found a way to push this rig a bit.. here's what I've got so far..and I'm sure more to come within the next couple days, to weeks.





Temps are high on CPU..but I'll get them down soon enough. It can handle 100c anyhow

 

for you to push the sm2.0 score up...your going to need to raise the core. so start by only raising the core and shader.(if this is even possible) this should get you to 7k on the sm 2.0

 

there's no shader with the ATI cards.. I was thinkin the same.. but, no dice. I guess its the "Engine" - Anyhow, never said I oc'd

 

Are the video cards user upgradeable? I just looked at the GPU-Z. Can you confirm each card is actually running at x8 instead of x16?

Man it's tempting to get one of these, but at 1920x1200 7811FX can do anything but Crysis. Well for some games 9800M GTS cannot do 4xAA too, but seriously now it's not bad.

And basically such a trade-in costs about 800USD exta. A little hesitated if I should do that...

 

which program/method did you use to overclock the cards?

 

what about any adjustments to the core?

edit: im not sure, but doesn't ati have a bios card editor now...or is that some internet nonsense?

 

shhhh.. it's a secret.

Angel, it's worth it..really. I mean, it cost me only $500 out of pocket to swap out for the 7811. Then again, that was cause I had the CPU, RAM, HDDs, and then I threw in an extra $200 for BluRay. But, not a bad deal.. $100 was shipping

John:
They've had a bios editor forever..havent tried that yet.

 

yes...but does it do mobile....go on ahead and be the first test dummy.

you know i was the first test dummy for allot of laptops over the last 8 months

 

that's only cause you couldnt ever flash my BIOSes And yea, I will be a test dummy.. just sent Justin a PM askin if my 15 day return policy still applies. Kiddin, of course. He sent a PM to congratulate on the 15k+ 3dmark. And he thought I was kidding bout representin'

 

nice. news travels fast there pal!

 

Are the fans loud on this rig?do they spool up often? after you got your sound problem driver out of the way,how is the sound quality?

 

hey ikas, hoop hit 15.6

 

Ikas, fans scream when hot..not annoying noise, but they're definately spinnin... yes, they spool up when it runs warm, and hot.. but they're very effective. And the sound kicks @ss now that it works. Oh..and new record for myself. hoop's will be easily passed. I just dont have the time tonight..Its late, and Im tired. But, here ya go.

 

You guys are really putting these things to the test and I salute you.

 

mmmmm i want one, i may have a buyer local for my 1730 so we'll see if i can sell that ill be ordering this no doubt... great scores man

 

A friendly reminder for everyone.

Let's not get into a pissing contest about whose retailer is more kickass.

 

lol..nothing bout retailers here. Whatchu talkin bout Willis?
oh.. heres the last one for the night. g'night folks.

 

Hey, since you broker the 15.5K you are not showing the temps anymore. Are you hitting 100C? I am getting one of those shortly and will put the x9100 in it. YOU HAVE TO SHARE THE OVERCLOCKING INFORMATION ON THOSE CARDS. Else, I'll assume you are Dook. ;P

 

Here is the QX9300 so far.

 

yea, I was affraid to look at the temps! Kiddin..CPU peaked at 81, GPU was 84 and 82. Tz00 was 86.. Hopefully I can get those tamed a bit. We'll see. And I may share my secrets.. For the right price kiddin.. Lemme know when ya get the rig

 

It wasnt photoshopped at all was a snippet uploaded to photobucket.

 

Yea I havent figured out what program to use with the overclocking the GPU. Maybe E will hook me up =)

 

Just checking. We should find a way to scare E so that he will share his secrets.

 

hahahahaha. *LOL*
E is the reason hooper started finding out how his system is suppose to run. im sure they will be trading trader secrets after a bit...*LOL* if they haven't already started.

edit: and in other news.... seems like they may be replacing my whole system.

 

No I just didnt see the need to push it until E mentioned it I gave him the PLL to help him so trial and error.

 

ummmm, yeah...exactly what i said....*LOL*

you gained 600 points behind him...else you would still be safe and sound at 15.1... so that entails E pushing you...(in a friendly way!!)

 

Yep, it has been fun. Havent got to mess with it since last night. I havent had a chance to mess with the FSB on the GPU's. It should easily hit 16k+ wihtout a cooler. At some point it will need a cooler im sure. But have to say its a beast.

I think its kinda cool getting it so high when alot of people said the Quad would cause too much heat or wouldnt work etc.

 

lookie here hoop...we were trying to put quads in the 7811fx, so we WANTED to see it work, personally...well...at least a few of us did.

the gateway and hp forums are a bit more friendly in terms of trying the untested waters...over here (the high end of laptops world)...your subject to get hanged before you get off the ground good...LOL

 

Yea I guess its the no way its possible that actually make things possible.

 

Ok..after a lil tweaking..and some toying around, I've managed to get a bit closer to my goal of 16k.



The Orb Link is in my sig.

 

wtg pal!! another 250 points and your there.

 

231..every point counts ;P Gonna run a farcry benchmark for some folks..and likely spend some time playing some of these games. I just wanted to secure my position as THE man. Hence, the title beneath my sig. I'll check in laters..

 

hahahahaha. well alrighty.."da man"

LOL

 

not too shabby

 

make sure fire extinguisher is at hand

 

oh, and it is! Actually.. I think I left it in the kitchen..was cooking dinner. Thanks for the reminder, tho.