Changing a GPU BIOS (examples use 7800)

[advancedkill]

Hi

I recently installed a new cooler on my Asus EN7800GTX graphics card.

(see: http://www.extremeprometeia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6733)

It is this card:

http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=2&l2=6&l3=198&model=546&modelmenu=2

Now that it is cooler (thanks to the new HSF), I wanted to overclock it. Using RivaTuner I managed to get 500mhz/1350mhz. However, I must load up rivatuner each time to apply these settings. Is there a way to change the card's BIOS to have a higher clock speed, so that it runs at that speed, even if I move the card to another PC?

Could I change it to this card's BIOS?

http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=2&l2=6&l3=198&model=589&modelmenu=2

Thanks!

 

[K404]

Dont see why not. I think newer versions of Nibitor (BIOS flash tool for nV cards) allow BIOS flashing in Windows, but I use a floppy with the modded BIOS on it, as well as nVFlash boot Utility.

Download links to both should be in the graphics section sticky..I think.

K

 

[advancedkill]

Ok - I've downloaded Nibitor and read my BIOS file from the graphics card and backup up my original BIOS. What do I need to do to change the Core speed (to 490mhz) and the memory speed (to 1350 mhz)? I was just going to fiddle around with it, but decided to not to as I don't want to muck anything up.



Thanks!

 

[K404]

1350/2 is 675MHz, so change your 3D core to 490 and Memory to 675 if it can handle that 24/7.

The 2D voltage is lower, so dont put the clocks too high else the card will keep falling over.

 

[advancedkill]

So when I overclocked the card in RivaTuner to the values I stated, what parts of the card did it overclock and to what levels? Did it overclock the 3D and 2D parts to the same level?

 

[K404]

You can adjust them separately. You should have a pull-down menu to select 2D or 3D clocks to overclock.

All of this is ignoring the Delta Riva has options you can enable to see exactly whats going on with each of the cards clocks, speaks a thousand words of explanation

 

[advancedkill]

I thought I could have a look at the settings for this card:

http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l...&modelmen u=2

Do you know where I could download a copy of it's BIOS?

 

[K404]

MVKTech.net is where I get GPU BIOS

 

[advancedkill]

Ok - I randomly searched on google and found a BIOS file for the card on a hexus.net forum post. (Then I checked back here after you had posted again - thanks for the site link!!!) Here is what I got:



Should I try loading the 7800 TOP file I have or change the values of my own card's BIOS (I have backed it up)?

Thanks!

 

[K404]

Either way will be fine. Doesnt matter

 

[advancedkill]

Ok - downloaded the 7800 TOP file from the link you suggested to make sure that both of the TOP files were correct - both matched. How do I save the new BIOS onto my card?

Thanks!

 

[K404]

if Nibitor cant flash in Windows (I cant check from this computer) you`ll have to make a bootable floppy with nVFlash, with both the backup and the new BIOS on the disk (backup in case of accidents! )

 

[advancedkill]

Ok - I checked in the Nibitor help and it says that it can't flash BIOSs. It says to use nvflash. The help file told me to go here: http://www.mvktech.net/content/view/15/37/

However, I found it a bit confusing - could you tell me what I have to do?

Thanks!

 

[K404]

Once you have a bootable floppy with nVFlash on it, and the bios, restart with the floppy as 1st boot device.

When it comes up, enter:

nvflash -p -u -f biosfilename.rom and hit enter

I get away with

nvflash biosfilename.rom

biosfielname is whatever the new BIOS is called...I normally call mine modded, with the backup as...backup

DISCLAIMER: You do this at your own risk. If it goes pear-shaped, it aint my fault. No-one has a gun to your head.

 

[advancedkill]

How do I make a bootable floppy disk?

 

[K404]

Floppy in, right-click on A-drive, select "format," make bootable floppy.

Theres guides online, and probably some info tied to nVFlash. I gotta say, if ur not sure about making a bootable floppy, are you sure BIOS flashing is for you? :$

 

[advancedkill]

Ah - I've done that before - I did that when flashing my mobo BIOS. All I need now is a floppy disk. . .

--- edit ---

If it all goes wrong, what can I do to save myself? Could I use a PCI card as my main graphics card and the 7800 as a secondary and flash like that? Will I need to uninstall my drivers before doing the update?

Thanks!

--- edit ---

 

[K404]

I got a guide in CPC for blind flashing..I`ll try to hunt it out and i`ll edit this post with info from it

(blind flashing needs the backup BIOS and some memorised commands)

BLIND FLASHING A GPU BIOS (from Custom PC)

you need a bootable floppy disk, nVFlash utility. Follow the relevant instructions for making a bootable floppy with nVFlash as the boot program. A backup copy of the original GPU BIOS should be on the disk.

In windows, go to run and enter cmd. Type in A: at the command prompt then "edit autoexec.bat" (without commas) In the editor line, add "nvflash -4 -5 -6 -a -y original.rom" save the file and exit. (original is whatever the backup BIOS file is called)

To blind-flash: Make sure the first boot device is the floppy drive. Once you restart the computer, the computer should boot off the floppy to restore the GPU BIOS. Leave it on and running for 10 minutes to be safe (should only take a few minutes) After 10 minutes...remove floppy, restart PC.

DISCLAIMER: GPU BIOS flashing invalidates warranty. Neither myself, nor ExtremePrometeia will be held responsible for any accidents that occur during overclocking or BIOS flashing. No-one forces you to do this, the decision is yours alone. Following any info published is taken as acceptance of this disclaimer.

 

[advancedkill]

Cool - thanks. I heard there was an article on overclocking the delta (geometry) section of a 7800 card in issue 29, page 98 of CustomPC. I don't have a copy of that issue - I wonder if anyone who does could please scan it in for me?

Thanks!

 

[K404]

edited, updated and stickified