ATI Mobility Radeon 9800!

[keysersoze]

ATI Mobility Radeon 9800 Announced! :)

http://www6.tomshardware.com/mobile/20040727/index.html

But only for Dell's right now. :(

"Its name might lead one to suspect that the graphics core of the MR9800 is a derivative of the Radeon 9800 (R350) or Radeon 9800XT (R360) desktop chip, both of which have eight pixel pipelines and four vertex shaders. However, that is not the case here. The basis for the MR9800 is the graphics core of the X800, i.e. the first graphics chip from ATi with PCI express interface. Why isn't the chip called Mobility Radeon X800, then? Well, ATi decided that only products with the PCI Express Interface may have an "X" in the model name, and the MR9800 is only a graphics processor with an AGP interface. "

[vraxtus]

Err.. this was announced weeks ago...

[keysersoze]

Err.. this was announced weeks ago...

OH WELL CRAP.

Sorry.

I suck.

[keysersoze]

Err.. this was announced weeks ago...

Since this thread should be all but wastelanded...I have a question for you vraxtus-

... your computer specs are similar to mine... I just tried installing and playing Sim City 4 ony my G5 last night and got the black screen of death when I launched it (even after patches). Just curious if you have it and have gotten it to work?

[vraxtus]

Since this thread should be all but wastelanded...I have a question for you vraxtus-

... your computer specs are similar to mine... I just tried installing and playing Sim City 4 ony my G5 last night and got the black screen of death when I launched it (even after patches). Just curious if you have it and have gotten it to work?


Actually I've not played SC4... what exactly did you mean by BSD (:D) because I've actually had very few gaming problems on mine with the exception of War3 refusing to quit sometimes.

[keysersoze]

Actually I've not played SC4... what exactly did you mean by BSD (:D) because I've actually had very few gaming problems on mine with the exception of War3 refusing to quit sometimes.

When I initially launch the game, my screen goes black, and I have to force-quit to get back to my desktop. I went to Aspyr's support site and downloaded 2 patches, that supposedly fixes the BSD for ATI cards. Unfortunately it doesn't say which ones. I am wondering if the 9800 SE is not included in the patches... which would suck because I would like to play the game. :(

[keysersoze]

Actually I've not played SC4... what exactly did you mean by BSD (:D) because I've actually had very few gaming problems on mine with the exception of War3 refusing to quit sometimes.

Actually, on the subject of W3, have you installed any of Blizzard's patches? I got 1.14 to install, but the subsequent Mac patches 1.15 and 1.16 refuse to install for some reason... even on top of a fresh install of the game. Any luck with those? :)

[vraxtus]

When I initially launch the game, my screen goes black, and I have to force-quit to get back to my desktop. I went to Aspyr's support site and downloaded 2 patches, that supposedly fixes the BSD for ATI cards. Unfortunately it doesn't say which ones. I am wondering if the 9800 SE is not included in the patches... which would suck because I would like to play the game. :(


Ok this might be a hard question to answer... but does the screen go black as in it's displaying black color? Or is it black as in the backlight is out?

Because my sense is that if it's displaying in black color then the application is probably launching but there's some incompatibility with either the card or the OS. If the backlight is out it may be that the game is trying to change the resolution, but your monitor can't display it. My best guess but I'll see what I can find out for you.

[vraxtus]

Actually, on the subject of W3, have you installed any of Blizzard's patches? I got 1.14 to install, but the subsequent Mac patches 1.15 and 1.16 refuse to install for some reason... even on top of a fresh install of the game. Any luck with those? :)

No, I've actually had 0 War3 problems with my comp... and boy does it look nice with FSAA and AF with our cards! Wouldn't you agree? :D

If they won't patch try a manual install from the battle.net website.

[vraxtus]

I checked Aspyr's site... are you on v. 1.0.2 or 1.0.1? They claim 1.0.1 fixes it but if you're not on 1.0.2 yet it might be worth a shot.

[keysersoze]

No, I've actually had 0 War3 problems with my comp... and boy does it look nice with FSAA and AF with our cards! Wouldn't you agree? :D

If they won't patch try a manual install from the battle.net website.

Without a doubt, a truly awesome game. I remember I first tried it on an iBook G3 with 16MB of VRAM.

OOOOFFF.

Life is sweet now. :)

[keysersoze]

I checked Aspyr's site... are you on v. 1.0.2 or 1.0.1? They claim 1.0.1 fixes it but if you're not on 1.0.2 yet it might be worth a shot.

Thanks for checking on that. I did install 1.0.1 and then 1.0.2. The same BSD after each install. When I launch, the monitor actually switches off, like it is trying to switch to a different resolution, but can't do it. So it's not just a black-colored screen... :confused:

[vraxtus]

Thanks for checking on that. I did install 1.0.1 and then 1.0.2. The same BSD after each install. When I launch, the monitor actually switches off, like it is trying to switch to a different resolution, but can't do it. So it's not just a black-colored screen... :confused:


Maybe try doing a manual resolution change before you open the application. It may be trying to display at a higher resolution than your monitor may allow. This is not very common but I've known it to happen before...

[keysersoze]

Maybe try doing a manual resolution change before you open the application. It may be trying to display at a higher resolution than your monitor may allow. This is not very common but I've known it to happen before...

I actually tried this and it WANKED my computer. I set the resolution lower (800x600), and then launched SC4 and still black screen. I then tried to change my resolution back and it wouldn't do it! I tried everything to no avail, and then wound up throwing out a bunch of preference files and that fixed it so my display could actually work at 1024x768.

I should point out that I am using an old-school Apple 1705 Multiscan which is incapable of displaying over 1024x768... maybe that's the problem. Although I've never had a problem with any other game before, including COD, MOHAA and others.

Hey-- if we keep this up we'll both reach avatar by the end of the day :)

[vraxtus]

I actually tried this and it WANKED my computer. I set the resolution lower (800x600), and then launched SC4 and still black screen. I then tried to change my resolution back and it wouldn't do it! I tried everything to no avail, and then wound up throwing out a bunch of preference files and that fixed it so my display could actually work at 1024x768.

I should point out that I am using an old-school Apple 1705 Multiscan which is incapable of displaying over 1024x768... maybe that's the problem. Although I've never had a problem with any other game before, including COD, MOHAA and others.

Hey-- if we keep this up we'll both reach avatar by the end of the day :)


O_O Now I'm stumped :p It should be fine, however, as most games will run at 1024x768 with no problem at all. However... it's possible that it's incapable of running at 32-bit color, but that's very unlikely since I'm guessing you're running your games at 32-bit with that card :D

And yeah, that's the plan :)

[keysersoze]

O_O Now I'm stumped :p It should be fine, however, as most games will run at 1024x768 with no problem at all. However... it's possible that it's incapable of running at 32-bit color, but that's very unlikely since I'm guessing you're running your games at 32-bit with that card :D

And yeah, that's the plan :)

I checked on the 32-bit color issue before getting the card... and MOHAA works on 32-bit... now I've got to get my hands on one of the new cinema displays... ;)

Do you know if W3, COD or any of the other newer Mac games work with a wide-screen format?

[vraxtus]

BTW here's your monitor specs:

Apple Multiple Scan 1705 Specifications

Screen Attributes
17" Shadow mask
15.8 viewable image
.28 mm dot pitch
Input Signal
Video Signal : Analog
H Frequency : 30-65 Khz
V Frequency : 50-120 Hz
Sync Signal :

Video Bandwidth
Mhz
Input Connector
DB-15

Maximum Resolution
Maximum : Up to 1024x768, 75 Hz
Macintosh : 1024x768, 75 Hz
Flicker free :

Power Use
Power Supply : 165 watts
Consumption :
Compatibility
Mac Adapter : II Series
PC Adapter : Mac Connect

User Controls
Digital controls
BR, CT, HZ, HS, VE, VS, CV, PN, TZ, DG
Plug and Play: No

Dimensions and Weight
Height : 17.2
Width : 16.5
Depth : 18.8
Weight : 45.2
Regulatory Compliance
EMS EMI :
Safety :
X-Ray :
Radiation :

Power Saving
EPA "EnergyStar"

[keysersoze]

BTW here's your monitor specs:

Apple Multiple Scan 1705 Specifications ...

It's about 9 years old, I believe :p

So does it suck that bad?

[vraxtus]

I checked on the 32-bit color issue before getting the card... and MOHAA works on 32-bit... now I've got to get my hands on one of the new cinema displays... ;)

Do you know if W3, COD or any of the other newer Mac games work with a wide-screen format?


I've heard that War3 does in fact support widescreen but I've never had any experience with it... I'm on a 17" Studio that's running 4:3 AR.

And actually I never had a single problem with older Apple monitors. I myself had the 15" one that came bundled with the Performa 6400/200 :D That one supported 1024x768 res with no probs...

I'm still not sure why yours won't display SC3 however...

[keysersoze]

I've heard that War3 does in fact support widescreen but I've never had any experience with it... I'm on a 17" Studio that's running 4:3 AR.

And actually I never had a single problem with older Apple monitors. I myself had the 15" one that came bundled with the Performa 6400/200 :D That one supported 1024x768 res with no probs...

I'm still not sure why yours won't display SC3 however...

I am actually pretty happy with the 1705... I need it to hang in there for awhile longer. Aspyr support got back to me regarding SC4:

"The black cities mean that the original files for these cites were corrupt. Fortunately this is fairly easy to resolve. All you need to do is go into your user's home folder, open the Library folder, open the Application Support folder and remove the SimCity4 folder located there."

I don't think this will resolve my issue... considering I can't even launch the application. I sent a reply detailing my issues further... hopefully they will be able to give a better answer.

[vraxtus]

I am actually pretty happy with the 1705... I need it to hang in there for awhile longer. Aspyr support got back to me regarding SC4:

"The black cities mean that the original files for these cites were corrupt. Fortunately this is fairly easy to resolve. All you need to do is go into your user's home folder, open the Library folder, open the Application Support folder and remove the SimCity4 folder located there."

I don't think this will resolve my issue... considering I can't even launch the application. I sent a reply detailing my issues further... hopefully they will be able to give a better answer.


Did you try a reinstall?

[keysersoze]

Did you try a reinstall?

I actually have not. I'll give it a go tonight after work.

[vraxtus]

I actually have not. I'll give it a go tonight after work.

Yeah... cuz if they're saying the files are corrupted... it might not be a bad idea to wipe all your old SC4 files, and do a clean install of the game, then patch, THEN try playing it.

[keysersoze]

Yeah... cuz if they're saying the files are corrupted... it might not be a bad idea to wipe all your old SC4 files, and do a clean install of the game, then patch, THEN try playing it.

I agree... After my initial install I tried launching it once and it failed. THEN I patched it. Maybe the initial pre-patch launch somehow FUBAR'd it. I will clean it out and attempt to make it work...

Hopefully Doom3 won't have the same issues.

;)

[vraxtus]

Hopefully Doom3 won't have the same issues.

;)


Whenever THAT comes out for Mac :(

Somehow I'm fairly confident that it will run well, however.

[vraxtus]

BTW I forgot to point out from your original post that this is what is most likely keeping ATI from producing the X800 for Mac... since no Mac is using PCI-Express.

[applekid]

I like how this went from the 9800 Mobility to about two people's computers. :rolleyes: ;)

Awesome!

Anyways, there X800's that are AGP-based. I don't know how much of a jump it is from a 9800 XT to the AGP X800, but, the X800 is available for AGP slots. Click here, if you don't believe me. (http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=320766)

But, yes, once Apple has PCI-Express ready PowerMacs, I think we'll see those X cards. Looking at Dell's website, they have yet to ship their PCI-Express XPS machines. So, it may be in the next PowerMac revision at the earliest.

[vraxtus]

But, yes, once Apple has PCI-Express ready PowerMacs, I think we'll see those X cards. Looking at Dell's website, they have yet to ship their PCI-Express XPS machines. So, it may be in the next PowerMac revision at the earliest.

Whenever that is ;)

But as for X800 performance... it's roughly twice as fast as the 9800 from reports that I've read (or at least it's capacity is).

[keysersoze]

Whenever that is ;)

But as for X800 performance... it's roughly twice as fast as the 9800 from reports that I've read (or at least it's capacity is).

Well, Jenn at Aspyr walked me through a clean-install and patches of SC4... to no avail. Apparently the game does not work with "newer" cards. She said she'd check on fewer patches. If nothing's in the works, she said we'd work out a deal.

hmm :D

[vraxtus]

Well, Jenn at Aspyr walked me through a clean-install and patches of SC4... to no avail. Apparently the game does not work with "newer" cards. She said she'd check on fewer patches. If nothing's in the works, she said we'd work out a deal.

hmm :D


Niiiiiiiiiice. Maybe they'll give you free games :D

[Santaduck]

BTW I forgot to point out from your original post that this is what is most likely keeping ATI from producing the X800 for Mac... since no Mac is using PCI-Express.


What are the latest rumors as to when we can expect PCI-express for Apple laptops?

[vraxtus]

What are the latest rumors as to when we can expect PCI-express for Apple laptops?

I actually don't even know of any current laptops using PCI-Exp... so probably not for a while...

[3210ccdriver]

Well, Jenn at Aspyr walked me through a clean-install and patches of SC4... to no avail. Apparently the game does not work with "newer" cards. She said she'd check on fewer patches. If nothing's in the works, she said we'd work out a deal.

hmm :D

I have been following your situation. Have you tried editing the plist manualy so that the resolution is orginally set to the max of your 1705. I had this problem when playing UT2K3 on 48 Mitsu from my 15" PB. The HDTV's res would not change to what my laptop normally ran so i had to make two different pref files one for the laptop and one for when i play on the big screen. Once i got though it looked f***ing awesome.

Let me know if this helps and if you need help with the plist part I can help you out with that.

[keysersoze]

I have been following your situation. Have you tried editing the plist manualy so that the resolution is orginally set to the max of your 1705. I had this problem when playing UT2K3 on 48 Mitsu from my 15" PB. The HDTV's res would not change to what my laptop normally ran so i had to make two different pref files one for the laptop and one for when i play on the big screen. Once i got though it looked f***ing awesome.

Let me know if this helps and if you need help with the plist part I can help you out with that.

Hey thanks! I'd be more than willing to give it a shot. I am not quite sure how to edit the plist... any info or specific steps would be most appreciated! :)

[3210ccdriver]

Hey thanks! I'd be more than willing to give it a shot. I am not quite sure how to edit the plist... any info or specific steps would be most appreciated! :)

look in the "Username"/Library/Preferences folder for either preference file or a file with the suffix .plist that has to do with SC4 if it is not there it would by in the "Username"/Library/Application Support. These are the most likely places to check first. if you want me to walk you through it email me the file and i will take a look at it and find what we need to change. your standard .plist or preference file is basically a specially formated text file that the app scans for certain values on launch. they can be edited using the pico command in the terminal or with textedit.

[keysersoze]

look in the "Username"/Library/Preferences folder for either preference file or a file with the suffix .plist that has to do with SC4 if it is not there it would by in the "Username"/Library/Application Support. These are the most likely places to check first. if you want me to walk you through it email me the file and i will take a look at it and find what we need to change. your standard .plist or preference file is basically a specially formated text file that the app scans for certain values on launch. they can be edited using the pico command in the terminal or with textedit.

OK! I'm there! Awesome!

uh.. now what? :)

If you PM your email address I can send it over to you! And thanks for your help!

[BenRoethig]

I actually don't even know of any current laptops using PCI-Exp... so probably not for a while...

Acer just released one. As for when we see them, I can't honestly say. Unless Freesclae or IBM has something up their sleeve, it could be a while.