PCIe graphics problem?

In further pursuing my multimedia CPU spike and DAW timing issue I came across info about conflicts causing these phenomena due to the combination of Intel 925X chipset, certain higher quality PCIe video cards, SATA controller and firewire devices. My Dell dimension 8400 is suffering this anomoly. I have the 925x chipset, ATI X600 Pro PCIe video card and Firewire Video and audio I/O.

I have several emails out to the manufacturers involved but was wondering if anyone here dealing with multimedia authoring has encountered such problems?

Here is my basic config:
Dell Dimension 8400 P4 (3.0 ghz, 1 gig DDR2 ram, (2) 160 SATA hds, ATI X600 Pro PCIe video card w/256MB Ram, Canopus ADVC300 1394 video converter, M-Audio Firewire 410 1394 audio I/O.

This a link to the sites that gave some insight:
http://www.rme-audio.com/english/techinfo/cpuspikes.htm
http://www.adkproaudio.com/PCI-E.cfm

Thanks,
symbaman

 

Yes, I have had the same results.

While I do respect the ATI chipset, this is a big issue.

But then, they way I see it, if you are gonna build a PC or UPGRADE it, knowing what issues you may come across really helps.

I myself like to use resources like ANANDTECH or TOMS HARDWARE for OTHER peoples opinions, and for hard ware analyisis using different components.

A vital part of owning a computer now a days, is letting the end user know EXACTALLY what there PC can and can not do, and what components will match well together.

You can't very well have ANY given PC parts vendor who will be able to provide you with a product that will work well with EVERYTHING you use it with.

I personally have respect for DELL computers and the products they sell. There probably the ONLY commercially available PC distributor who carries a line of products that are of high quality. But NOBODY is perfect !! Intel, AMD, nVidia, ATI, VIA, creative labs, turtle beach, MSI, ASUS, BIOSTAR... and the list goes on, are all names in the world of not only PC home builders, but MAJOR companies like Dell, Compaq, HP, Gateway, eMachines, etc, that have a well known name to the end user. Its coordinating all these different technologys together, is where we get problems and incompatibilitys.

People just need to be WELL INFORMED when they make an investment into a new PC. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way in real life because by the time someone has been well taught on how to buy a very reliable machine, they have probably already put there investment into ANOTHER machine.
.
.

 

This is very true. Before I purchased this system I spent a LOT of time reading and researching. I had a number of items to acquire for the A/V editing station and having built our other units I knew the process. Mainly I've been configging and maintaining the existing systems which were not the newest architecture, so I knew I had homework to do . 2-3 weeks prior to a coomputer show here I went to the major OEM sites as well as turnkey system manufacturers, and many forums just to start getting up to speed again on the new hardware developments.

With the Dell reseller at the show, I explained in great detail what we were going to be using this system for. I spent about 5-6 hours at the show that day looking fir the best price/quality ratio. It's another reason I like to shop from local vendors in case stuff like this pops up.

In all my reading and quiries, the PCIe issue for multimedia NEVER raised its ugly head ONCE. I went to Intel's site to get up to speed on the chipsets and processors, I collected TONS of PDFs and tech sheets, checking specs and driver info. So I was quite shocked when the CPU spikes started chewing up my productions and i couldn't find any immediate cause.

What was your solution to rectify the problem you had? The ONLY thing I've seen so far is to buy a LOWER GRADE card and MAYBE that will stop the bottleneck. I can't reach the support dept until tomorrow AM to see what they say. At this point I would have been better getting an 8X AGP based system like I first intended.

Symbaman

 

I actually RMA'd the MB and went with a different chipset instead, I didn't wanna change my initial price, so I took the hit for restock out of my own pocket.

But then THAT'S ME, that's how I work. I basically kicked myself for being a dummy and not looking just a BIT deeper... but then, like I said.. NOBODYS PERFECT !!
.
.