Radeon 8500...but what do I actually have?!?

[Henry Rollins II]

Yo all,

just opened up a big box, full of new computer stuff. Haven´t felt this good since christmas about 15 years ago. :D

Among the stuff a Radeon 8500 card. I didn´t specify which brand I wanted when I ordered it, just any would be fine. A bit surprised though, when I found out it was _used_!! :mad:

It says "XpertVision" on the box, but the driver disk is ATI original and no manual. The card itself looks exaktly like an ATI original, but how can I tell if it is? Are there copys that look just like it?

The board has (copyright)2001 ATI technologies inc printed on both the front and the back, ATI logo on the back.

Memory modules:
hynix 146A
HY5DV641622AT-36

I know somebody wrote about how to interpret the memory markings, but I can´t find that post. How fast are these memory chips?

regards,
Henry.

[Violator]

Those are Hynix 3.6ns memory chips. They are used on the Retails and some LEs.

If it doesn't have 'BUILT BY ATI' and in a black/red box then it is not a proper Retail. Sounds t'me like an LE, which will probably be clocked at 250/250. But which also might hit Retail speeds without modding.

[Silversinksam]

Henry,

Download Powerstrip:

http://www.entechtaiwan.com/ps.htm

Then check to see if the memory and Core is 249.5/249.5

If it is, thats an OEM, if its 275 mem / 275 Core its a Retail Radeon 8500

[Henry Rollins II]

250/250......so it must be a OEM then.

But if it has the same memory as the retail, it should be able to run at the same clock speed too?

Anyway, it´s a really great card. Picture quality is cleary better than the GF3 I used to have.

regards,
Henry.

[Violator]

Originally posted by Henry Rollins II
250/250......so it must be a OEM then.

But if it has the same memory as the retail, it should be able to run at the same clock speed too?


Not necessarily. The OEM/LEs have a different memory voltage setting to the Retail, which can limit overclocking potential without modification.

But regardless it's still a fine card :).

[Henry Rollins II]

Oh it sure is! Smoke/fire/fog effects is amazing....!

There seem to be no option in the ATI drivers to overclock the card, as there is in Nvidias drivers.

regards,
Henry.

[Henry Rollins II]

I must be stupid or somethin....:rolleyes: I just downloaded PowerStrip....

[funnyperson1]

youll have to download powerstrip or Radeon Tweaker to oc an 8500..