XFX 4890 Pencil Mod?

[Pyroja]

My GTX260 died on me and XFX shipped me a 4890 as a replacement. I was initially excited, knowing the high overclocking potential I remembered the 4890s having. Ultimately, I was disappointed to learn that XFX uses a non-ref design that ditches the programmable VRMs. Here I am reading of how these 4890s get over 1ghz, and I can't eke out 900.

I've heard of a pencil mod for these things, but I can't seem to find a clear how-to anywhere.

Does anyone know where I can go to figure this out? I'm eager to give it a shot!

 

[cj3waker]

thats wack! I mean id rather have a 4890 than a 260, but shipping an ATI replacement for an NV card just seems weird

 

[munkle]

thats wack! I mean id rather have a 4890 than a 260, but shipping an ATI replacement for an NV card just seems weird

Well xfx doesn't have nvidia cards anymore so they usually send an equivalent card out.

 

[novadaemon]

If you have the ZSFR model then you just got a piece of shit.

Look at the card. The cooler doesn't contact the VRM's. Even if there were a pencil mod even a modest overclock would blow those VRM's out. If you can't OC past 900 on the stock voltages I don't know what to tell you. You are SOL.

 

[Gorilla]

If you have the ZSFR model then you just got a piece of shit.

That's a little harsh I think. That's what I'm using, and it performs just fine at stock speeds. Though you are right, it won't OC at all. And yes, there is no cooling for the VRMs, so OP, be careful, you wouldn't want to have to do another RMA so soon would you. If you really want some increased performance, sell it while it still has some value and get something better.