Strange GPU/MEM clock issues with 4870 X2

[Ravynmagi]

I have read that some people have an issue where their GPU clock speed will stay at full speed in idle mode until they run a 3D app.

And what I'm going to describe sounds like this issue, but maybe I'm not aware of the extent of it or maybe mine is just different... But here it goes.

I start up Windows and my GPU is 750MHz and my MEM is 500MHz.

If I run a 3D app in Window mode, Furmark, ATI Tool, or even a game. The GPU and MEM speeds stay the same. Which is annoying because the MEM speed is running very low for the game I want to play in Window mode.

If I exit the 3D windowed application, the clock speeds stay the same.

If I run a 3D application in fullscreen mode, the clocks still stay the same, GPU 750, MEM 500, but after I exit, the GPU comes down to 507MHz.

If I go back into the 3D application a second time, now my memory speed finally increases to 900MHz.

If I exit, the clock speeds go back to GPU 507, MEM 500.

If I try the 3D app in windowed mode, it stays at GPU 507, MEM 500.

So my summary...

If I want to play a 3D game in full screen mode, I need to run a 3D app, like Furmark at least once and exit it, before playing the game in full screen mode. Otherwise the memory will be running at almost half speed.

If I want my GPU to run at idle speed (not going to play a game), then I'll need to run a 3D application in full screen mode at least once and exit it.

If I want to play a game in window mode. Well, so far I have no idea how to get windowed 3D apps to run at full 750MHz/900MHz speeds.

I tested this with ATI Catalyst 8.9 official and 8.10 beta drivers.