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View Full Version : Cheapest 5900 that flashes

busta`
03-06-04, 10:45 PM
What is the cheapest 5900 that can flash into the higher versions? I think it was 5950u? I just want to know what to save up for :)
blurry
03-06-04, 11:12 PM
All GFX 5900s (non-Ultra) can flash up to the higher version. Even 5900 SE/XT owners have had success in flashing it up to a 5950 Ultra.
larva
03-07-04, 01:39 AM
Bear in mind that only the 5900xt/se's that are built on the full size 5900 PCB are proven flashable to the 5950 bios at this point. The Leadtek 5900xt is proven to work.

The xt's that use the new, smaller PCB layout like the EVGA are not proven flashable to the 5950 bios. I can't say it can't work, but I've not seen it tried yet, either.
busta`
03-07-04, 01:37 PM
Yeah I want to find a really cheap Ledtek 5900XT and flash it :)

Does anyone know where I can find a really cheap one?

Thanks-
Droban
03-07-04, 09:07 PM
So what does this mean? You can have a 5900 non ultra that runs as an ultra? Will it be the same even with only 128 megs of ram?
Buhammot
03-07-04, 10:25 PM
From what I have read, the BIOS automatically checks to see how much RAM is available for video use, and same with VIVO i think. But I have heard numerous accounts where the 5900nu's are flashed to 5950u
Droban
03-07-04, 11:58 PM
Let me know if it works for you on your SE
LogRus
03-08-04, 03:36 AM
Originally posted by larva
Bear in mind that only the 5900xt/se's that are built on the full size 5900 PCB are proven flashable to the 5950 bios at this point. The Leadtek 5900xt is proven to work.

The xt's that use the new, smaller PCB layout like the EVGA are not proven flashable to the 5950 bios. I can't say it can't work, but I've not seen it tried yet, either.

eVGA seems to have same PCB as LeadTek or wutever card would work after flash? It's the cheapest one you can find out there...

But considering that the price will be around $190-210, why not get the ATi 9800 Pro for $210 from NewEgg.com that wouldn't need any flashes for at least 1 more year :).
theflyingrat
03-08-04, 10:57 AM
It's unfortunate because the FX5900 non-Ultras aren't as cheap as they were a month ago. I remember seeing several variants for $160 and up... and they weren't even XT/SEs! I picked up my Albatron in December for $199 shipped, and it's just a plain ole' 5900 non-Ultra, 400/850 default. It flashed to an FX5950 Ultra just fine, and has been working flawlessly ever since. Most FX5900 cooling systems are easily enough to take the extra heat demand on, too.

Nowadays, though, I'd tend to agree with LogRus. Since the FX5900s no longer are $60 cheaper than the 9800 Pros, the 9800 may almost be a better choice; some of them are known to overclock quite well.

But of course, buy whatever you find you like. You certainly won't go wrong by getting a 5900. I know I'm very, very pleased with mine.
YellowDart
03-09-04, 12:14 PM
Originally posted by theflyingrat
It's unfortunate because the FX5900 non-Ultras aren't as cheap as they were a month ago. I remember seeing several variants for $160 and up... and they weren't even XT/SEs! I picked up my Albatron in December for $199 shipped, and it's just a plain ole' 5900 non-Ultra, 400/850 default. It flashed to an FX5950 Ultra just fine, and has been working flawlessly ever since. Most FX5900 cooling systems are easily enough to take the extra heat demand on, too.

Nowadays, though, I'd tend to agree with LogRus. Since the FX5900s no longer are $60 cheaper than the 9800 Pros, the 9800 may almost be a better choice; some of them are known to overclock quite well.

But of course, buy whatever you find you like. You certainly won't go wrong by getting a 5900. I know I'm very, very pleased with mine.

Yea, I've seen some 9800 pro's oc'ed nicely to just above 9800 XT speeds. ;) They're pretty tempting @ $200.