GTX480 Questions :

pumeco · Sat Aug 07, 2010 4:59 pm

Hi, this is my first post here - so maybe expect some dumb questions.

I'm currently building a new computer with importance being placed on being able to run Octane as fast as possible (and within budget). Being the sort of guy that would normally spend around £50 on a graphics card, it came as a bit of a shock to discover the price of a GTX480. But anyway, after finally convincing myself it would be worth it to be able to use Octane, I then came accross a discussion here and read about FERMI.

FERMI, yeah, so here's the dumb question - what the hell is it?
I can't seem to find anything about it, yet it seems to make a massive difference to speed.

Here's the card I've decided to purchase if all is well with the spec:
http://pden.zotac.com/index.php?page=sh ... t&Itemid=1

Does this model support FERMI?
Is FERMI a software driver that would run on it, or is FERMI even a driver?

I haven't a clue about it but don't want to make an expensive mistake. I'm hoping it's got (or does) this FERMI thing, whatever it is, because that's the best card I can afford if I'm to keep within budget.

Any info on FERMI and this card would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Len.

radiance · Sat Aug 07, 2010 5:01 pm

Hi,

fermi is the name of the architecture of the new GTX400 series cards. (and other new quadro and tesla cards)
they are much faster than previous cards, eg GTX200 series.

Radiance

pumeco · Sat Aug 07, 2010 5:10 pm

Cheers radiance, but just so I'm understanding this properly, you mean all GTX400 are FERMI cards?

radiance · Sat Aug 07, 2010 5:15 pm

yes.

Radiance

Maryus3D · Sat Aug 07, 2010 6:39 pm

All cards that is based on GF100 and GF104 chips are fermi: GTX 480, GTX 470, GTX 465, GTX 460, Quadro 4000, Quadro 5000, Quadro 6000, Tesla C2050, Tesla C2070, Tesla M2050, Tesla M2070, Quadro 5000m (mobile) and GTX 480M (mobile).

pumeco · Sat Aug 07, 2010 8:26 pm

@radiance
Cheers, I'd better get that card ordered then.

@Maryus3D
Thank's for the info, and bloody hell, I had no idea they made such cards for the mobile platform as well

Those laptops must run hot!

Mind you, I think even the little 1201n from ASUS will run Octane - it has the spec!

Maryus3D · Sat Aug 07, 2010 8:57 pm

The hotness and power consumption are the last think you should think of

. Performance and stability are the first on others later

.

pumeco · Sat Aug 07, 2010 9:24 pm

To be honest, the noise is my biggest concern because I'll be working with audio on the same machine

I'm also beginning to wonder if the power supply I chose is going to be enough to power that machine:
http://www.zalman.com/ENG/product/Produ ... sp?idx=344

Is that PSU powerful enough to run a GTX480, AMD 1090T, 4GB, Twin Hard disks?
500W sounds powerful enough when I read some specs, but not others.

Maryus3D · Sat Aug 07, 2010 9:35 pm

Corsair 650HX should do the trick

. The noise depends much on fan speed. You'll need a good air flow on your case. Also there are available custom GTX 480 with zalman coolers. Check zotac GTX 480.
http://pden.zotac.com/index.php?page=sh ... t&Itemid=1

pumeco · Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:41 pm

Well I do like the Zalman stuff, in fact I went out of my way to make sure I chose that brand wherever possible. The PSU, the Case, the Case Fans, and the cooler - it's all Zalman and very nice quality. From your reply it sounds like 500W isn't powerfull enough, but I'll still give this PSU a chance first (seeing as I already have it). If it won't fire-up I'll just change it for a bigger Zalman PSU. I suppose I was just hoping you'd say it was powerful enough.

There's no way I'm buying anything made by Corsair, believe me, I have my reasons!
Good stuff I hear, but my experience has been the opposite.

Anyway, thanks for the tip, at least now I know to go for at least 650W if this 500W isn't sufficient