CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

ncc1701d · Joined: 08 Aug 2007 Posts: 187 Location: sweden

I remember reading on AVS forum a long time ago how to modify the
ATI 8500 card to perform better image quality.
But i can't find the info again.

I had something to do with removing capacitors and/or resolder resistors if i'm not remembering wrong.

I would like to do that mod now..

**AnalogRocks** · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 3:25 pm Post subject:

It was probably the Mike Parker mod. See the NEW 1.4 version here.

http://mpmods.com/MP1-4.shtm

ncc1701d · Joined: 08 Aug 2007 Posts: 187 Location: sweden

Hmm the one i am looking for was free.. the follow up to the ATI 7500 mod.
I know there was descritions of what to remove complete with pics of it.

It was i think a removal of some filters that would make image clearer in very high resolutions.

**kal** · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 8:08 pm Post subject:

You're talking about removing the LC filter right before the VGA output.

Yes, that's possible. I've done it on a number of video cards in the past.

What you do:

Bypass [short] any inductors (L)
Remove [open] any capacitors (C)

There will be one or two of each on each of the RGB lines. Use a voltmeter/continuity meter to measure back from the VGA plug to find what you need to do.

Stop when you hit the 75 Ohm terminating resistors.

Every video card model will have a slightly different layout so unless you get pictures of the EXACT model you're looking for, pictures are not going to be very useful. Ie: You can't use pictures of a mod'ed 7500 to show you where the LC parts are on an 8500.

Kal

ecrabb · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 9:18 pm Post subject:

I bet if you posted a nicely detailed macro shot of the front and back of the output section of the particular card you'd like to mod, some of the smarty-pants around here could point out what you need to change.

SC

ncc1701d · Joined: 08 Aug 2007 Posts: 187 Location: sweden

Thanks.. this was what i was after.. i will post pics tomorrow.. nighty time here now..

**kal** · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:12 am Post subject:

Yep. SC is right - it's pretty easy to see where the LC filters are (since there's 3 of them for R G B)

Kal

Mark_A_W · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 4:40 am Post subject:

8500????

Well, I guess it is expendable..

**AnalogRocks** · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 4:58 am Post subject:

Hey the 8500 was a top of the line card at one time. With craptastic drivers but I digress.

ncc1701d · Joined: 08 Aug 2007 Posts: 187 Location: sweden

When i started using HTPC all on AVS forum said that ATI 7500 or 8500 had best picture quality so i got one then. But never did the mod because i never ran hight resolutions..

i feel stupid becuase i cant't find the filters/caps.

http://www.anderserlandsson.se/rgbconv/Projektor/front.JPG
http://www.anderserlandsson.se/rgbconv/Projektor/back.JPG
http://www.anderserlandsson.se/rgbconv/Projektor/ATI8500LE.JPG

ncc1701d · Joined: 08 Aug 2007 Posts: 187 Location: sweden

I found the L'c and c's. shorted the coils and removed the caps.

Wow... id did something wonderful for my image in 1080i..

Clearly visible improvment in readability of text on the desktop.
Much less fuzziness.

Thanks all..

robnec · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 87 Location: NYC

Hello. Ncc can you circle all removed components on the board. Robert.

ncc1701d · Joined: 08 Aug 2007 Posts: 187 Location: sweden

It's those 9 components to the right of the two big caps left in the "front" image.