GTX 260/280 Clock Throttling While in 3D Apps. An Explanation.

[saturnotaku]

Originally Posted by ChrisRay

Nvidia is reverting back to an earlier driver state with a new set coming out soon. One that will cause games to go to full 3D while processing DirectX/OpenGL calls. Downside is now the clocks will always be full with a few exceptions. Even processing no gaming DirectX/3D apps.

So I take it that it's not possible to simply put in a user-selectable switch to go back and forth between the two states?

[ChrisRay]

Originally Posted by saturnotaku

So I take it that it's not possible to simply put in a user-selectable switch to go back and forth between the two states?

I'm looking into it with Nvidia. I for one am rather unhappy with the solution they presented. Because I really liked the clock throttling for games. Because most simply did not need it. I for one let them know. Latest news is this is not a final solution and it'll probably be back again.

[xorbe]

Isn't the throttling for Aero, etc? ie, light 3D gets the slow clocks, such as desktop and game menus. Probably the same stuttering that bites some Linux users with heavy 3D desktops. Obviously the parts are trying to save power and reduce heat.

Apparently they need an API with ThisIsEasy3D() and ThisIsHeavy3D().

[ChrisRay]

No, its quite a bit more than that. The GT200 architecture can change its clocks on the fly all the way down the memory bits. When its not doing anything thats loading the GPU. The GPU will downthrottle clocks on specific parts of the hardware. Whether that be shader, ROPS, ect. In games like WoW where shader processing is minimal the GT200 would almost completely shut down that section of the chip.

It'll come back. I'm just not sure when. Personally I didnt see a need to remove it. And I've told Nvidia that. My room has raised 8 degrees playing WoW for 3 hours verses the drivers that have it.

[Lestaticon]

ChrisRay, do you know which driver version will have the feature removed? I'm looking forward to seeing if this is indeed the issue with my WoW experience.

[noko]

A simple program setting profile can't be done? While RivaTuner can do this? I don't suffer from the heat rise in room since air conditioner cools the case, now talk about power usage! I am more concerned about longevity of chip and doing what it needs to.

[ChrisRay]

Originally Posted by Lestaticon

ChrisRay, do you know which driver version will have the feature removed? I'm looking forward to seeing if this is indeed the issue with my WoW experience.

Just use the latest drivers from Nvidia's website.

[jincuteguy]

Hi, is there a Geforce driver version that doens't have this throttling feature enabled for the GTX 280? Im currently using the latest Geforce 181.22 driver version.

[ChrisRay]

So transfering feedback back and forth with Nvidia. Nvidia has enabled the ability to turn this function on or off. So Nvidia is listening to user feedback. Even from this thread. Be sure to wave at the nice driver guys for implementing this. The 190.38 drivers now fully support the ability to toggle it off and on. I know these sort of things take time. But Nvidia is listening to your feedback and I try make sure all good feedback gets heard.



Available from Nvidia's website.

[Blacklash]

Thank them for me.

nVidia's drivers have been getting more and more versatile.

[CHK]

I installed the new 190.38 drivers and I don't see the option for power management...

I have 2 XFX 275 GTX XXX that come overclocked to 670MHz in SLI.
Problem is they always stay at 670MHz and never clock down for 2D.

Why don't I get the option for power management and they always run at max?

Thanks,
CHK

I have been having a problem with the 190.38 and 190.40 drivers where they get stuck at max speed and won't go back down to 2d speeds for a long time while in Windows. WHen they do go back down, a few minutes later they jump right back to 3d speeds. I wouldn't even care but it raises the temperatures in the case unnecessarily.