ATI 9500 non pro 128MB, on 9700 PCB

[castlef]

Seems like this is the only forum on the net that doesn't have this , but apparently the ATI 9500 non-pro with 128MB is built on the 9700 PCB. It has 4 pipelines enabled, and with a hardware/software modification it has all 8 enabled, including 256 bit memory .

Here are some links:

http://www.sharkyforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=172159

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=31&threadid=948048

http://arstechnica.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?a=tpc&s=50009562&f=67909965&m=3230913545

http://www.hardforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=549211

http://www.community.tomshardware.com/forum/showflat.m?Cat=&Board=comp_graphics&Number=479084&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5

I ordered 1 a couple days ago and should be getting it on the 25th

[Texuspete00]

Sum up of the situation:

9700's - 256 bit memory, 8 pipes
9500pro 128 bit memory, 8 pipes
9500 128mb- 256 bit memory, 4 pipes
9500 64 mb- 128 bit memory, 4 pipes

The 9500 non pro 128 MB, was built on the 9700 pro pcb to save time to market and money for redesign. For the same reason, pipelines were disabled, not taken away. So even though Ati has pushed that they have a 128-bit interface, they really have 256 bit. This is because future versions probably will only be 128 bit and the 9500 non pro can't use the bandwidth anyway w/it's 4 pipelines. Though it is believed all 128mb are on 9700 pcb's, look at the memory config to be sure, 2 on top, 2 on side of gpu indicate 9700 pcb as opposed to in line 4. You are not creating a 256 bit interface, it is there. Edit: And for these reasons, these mods are not for the 9500 PRO. It already has 8 pipes, and you can't pull a 256bit interface out of the air.

1he 9500 non pro 64mb does not have enough chips or are not in the right config to make 256 bit interface. Modding these cards result in 64mb flavor of 9500pro. 128 bit memory, 8 pipelines.

Speculation-> Some are getting artifacts. Some believe it is from OC'ing to high. Or likewise, flashing the 9700 pro bios, as these cards have faster, more aggressive timings perhaps on Ram.


Methods of modding
1. sollder the resistor higher ala russian site
2. connect those same points with conductive epoxy (variations on this include possible pencil trick or what I'm hoping-good ol' rear window defogger kit)
3. Wait for riva tuner for software fix (may need to wait when new drivers are released)

After modding hardware way, will need to get new bios o the card will complete it's transformation! Not sure about software way, it's not out yet.

details are left out of modding section b/c you should really look into it hard b4 doing! I do believe reading this puts you in the know and a trip to xbitlabs will detail the soldering/epoxy job.

Phew!:cool:

[pam123]

How expensive a mistake are you willing to make ?
This can work, but you'd better do your homework!