AGP Rates

[Colb]

Hello, i noticed after running 3Dmark2001 that my AGP Rates were:
Current/Available: 2x/1x 2x

It also does not recognize what mobo I have. Now, I know that I need to go into bios and apply 4x to the mobo, but will the change from 2x to 4x increase my graphic output? And I thought my AGP was always set to 4x, why would it somehow change to 2x?

Score

[Blakhart]

I have seen tests done that showed about a 1% increase in performance with x4 as opposed to x2. Please note that in the study of statistics, 1% is considered irrelevant. Some systems can become unstable at x4. So there ya go. Actualy, agp shows about the same performance as the same card in a pci version. The benefit in agp is the bus being agp only, and has a longer latency time, typicaly 248 or even greater. The x4 and the fastwrites and other things are nice, but often can make a system unreliable.
Try it and see, if it works for ya, you are doing well.

[grimfandango]

if the card does not support 4x you wont be able to run it at 4x

also if you are usin a via chipset mother board download the latest via 4in 1 drivers.

this will enable 4x if your video card supports it.!

[Colb]

OK, did some research and my vid card has AGP 2.0(4x). I just downloaded and installed the 4-in-1 drivers. Went into bios and agp options were only 1x and 2x. ? I know my SOYO supports 4x, but there is no sign of it in bios.
Any ideas?

[TimPoet]

Upgrade the BIOS?

[FantasySoul]

Dont do it!~!~!it just cause your computer to freeze up.......I own a VIA MOBO and update the bios frequently.
I enable the 4x and what gives?It showed many unknown flashing texture when I play Counter-Strike and few other games too.....performance was still the same.....damn........

[Colb]

Well, i am getting a 9700 either today, or tomorrow. So I would like this 2x/4x situation settled out befor it arrives.


Has anybody ever upgraded their bios and not have it freeze up during the upgrade, leaving the bios corrupted? I just need some hints on upgrading the "correct" way. Thanks.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Yes, several times. Most mobos nowadays come with their own software to do the flashing. It's painless and easy.

You log onto the internet, start the app and it automatically detects your mobo and if there are BIOS updates available. If they are, then it prompts u to update. When you click update the files are downloaded to your computer. When the download is complete the app will prompt you to restart the system. At this point no changes have been done to the BIOS. The changes take place when you restart.

So, if your connection drops in the middle of the download you won't be left with a useless PC. The only prob would be a blackout or a cut in the energy while the PC is restarting.

I'd go for it.

[Colb]

Good news, receive my 9700...poped it in........and presto......all of a sudden I have 4x. Maybe my old card just was not compatible with 4x? Oh well, I am not going to try and upgrade the BIOS, but thanks to everyone who had info to share.