Installed ATI 3870, after testing = NOT faster than 2600 ?!?

Discussion in 'Mac Pro' started by sparkie7, Apr 4, 2009.

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  1. sparkie7, Apr 4, 2009

    sparkie7 macrumors 68010

    sparkie7

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2008
    #1
    Just installed the 3870 from OWC. Ran a tests in XBench and Geek bench and there is almost no difference in scores. In fact the XBench scoring was WORSE with the 3870 :confused::eek: wtf?

    Geek Bench: 9230 (with 3870) vs 9219 (with 2600)

    XBench: 258.97 vs 265.49

    Am I missing something? the Quartz graphic test and OPenGL test on the 3870 are SLOWER than the 2600. Surely his can't be right

    On top of this, the fan is always on. I have search but there doesnt seem to be a firmware update for the 3870

    Any ideas?

    Right now I feel like calling OWC for an RMA number. Problem is having to ship it all the way back to the US from Australia. and I'm not going down the Accelero cooler route. Don't see why I should have to pay more for a card that was designed properly to start with.

    Also looking at OWC's site, it looks like there are 11 "open box" 3870's at a slight discount. Guess quite few people have returned their 3870's and OWC are trying to offload them at a reduced price ($19) -- not much if you ask me

    http://eshop.macsales.com/search/3870
     

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  2. ReanimationLP, Apr 4, 2009

    ReanimationLP macrumors 68030

    ReanimationLP

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    #2
    Neither benchmark really makes use of the GPU core.

    Go fire up some games, and watch your framerate double/triple.

    And the reduced price is 199.

    If they were 19, they'd be sold out right now, as I'd buy them all and upgrade all my machines video cards.
     
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  3. sparkie7, Apr 4, 2009

    sparkie7 thread starter macrumors 68010

    sparkie7

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    #3
    I was referring to the price REDUCTION of $19 :D

    I havent got any games, just pro apps. is there a tester than utilises the GPU?
     
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  4. UltraNEO*, Apr 4, 2009

    UltraNEO* macrumors 601

    UltraNEO*

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    #4
    Most people usually upgrade to the 3870 so they can get the best of both. Having a fast card for Core Image and decent GPU for games too! From what I've seen, very few people upgrade to the 3870 for ProApps alone.
     
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  5. MacVidCards, Apr 4, 2009

    MacVidCards Suspended

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    #5
    http://www.realtech-vr.com/glview/download.html

    This benchmark runs in OSX or Windows and gets similar scores in either.

    It is quick, and will show a difference in GPUs.

    Your other option is to run a timedemo in Halo or Doom3.

    Either one will have the 3870 handing the 2600 a stunning defeat.

    So, ou basically just PROVED how those other benchmarks DON'T WORK.

    XBench is especially worthless. It was last updated when Clinton was in office.
     
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  6. sparkie7, Apr 4, 2009

    sparkie7 thread starter macrumors 68010

    sparkie7

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    #6
    thanks:D tried it (OpenGL Extensions Viewer) and the results came out with the 3870 being roughly 370% faster than the 2600. So guess thats not a bad improvement :p:D
     
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