Mix a GTS 250 and a 9800GTX+ for folding?

[chrisk]

What do you guys think?

I can get a GTS 250 for much cheaper than a 9800GTX+, and I want to replace the 9600GSO in my sig with the GTS 250. Problem is, you normally cannot mix a 200 series video card with a 9000 series.

However, as we all know, the GTS 250 is really just a rebadged 9800GTX+, with a new PCB that is more energy efficient. Both have the same number of shaders, which is key for folding as well. Efficiency is imp for 24/7 folding, which makes the GTS 250 attractive as well.

You think both of these will play nice, considering its the same chip? I cannot find any instances of anyone else trying this in various forums, and an admin (toTOW, knows his stuff) at foldingforum.org thinks its possible, but isn't sure. I have been searching around for a few days and cannot find a thread that confirms this.

[Eldonko]

Yes, it should work with a dummy plug.

[3.0charlie]

The 250 being relatively new, you may have a hard time finding information regarding this mix. Though you mentionned the single most important compatibility concern: shaders. If they are the same, it should work.

[Sagath]

Yes. It works. I'll find the thread and post back here, but it does work.

You can also cross-flash a (reference) 98gtx and gtx250 back and forth.

[Eldonko]

Both cards have 128 Stream Processors thus it should work fine with a dummy plug.

[chrisk]

I know I am not getting the performance I should in folding with my 9800GTX+ and 9600GSO, due to the shader mix.

However, the main issue seems to be driver-related when others have tried to fold using a 9000 series card with the 'older' 200 series (GTX 260, 280, 285).

[chrisk]

Thanks guys....I was ninja'ed by a few of you!

[3.0charlie]

Flash the GTX+ to a 250... ;)

If it works.

[chrisk]

Originally Posted by Sagath

Yes. It works. I'll find the thread and post back here, but it does work.

You can also cross-flash a (reference) 98gtx and gtx250 back and forth.

This is appreciated! I prefer not to flash my cards with improper bioses but it gives me an avenue to pursue should I encounter difficulties.

[Sagath]

grrr. Forum updates or something buggered up my post, and lost both of them.

CPU3D.com / How to turn your Geforce 9800GTX+ into a GTS 250 / Introduction

HOWEVER: Page one says out of the box the 250/98gtx+ should SLI. That being said, they also show you how to flash it if you want the 'eyecandy' of having 2xGTX250...up to you :)

Also, Chris, since you're replacing that 9600gso, Id be willing to get it from you (let me know a price in PM) and put it towards F@H in my rig
6500ppd just isnt nearly enough