guide to flashing bios on video cards

[candle_86]

First goto http://mvktech.net and then there downloads section. For Nvida go to ulitites and then download the latest version of nvflash. Now depending on what you want to do, there are several different combinations. For basic flash with nvflash back up your current bios with nvflash -b (filename to save as) next to flash the new bios type nvflash  -4 -5 -6 (filename of bios)

I would include ATI bios flashing but none of the utilites atm support X850+ gen cards. IF you have questions about older ones feel free to ask. Also if you would like to know how to tweak your timeings I can show you taht also

[ctjoyce]

ATi cards are just as easy. Flashrom, or ATIFlash are the utilities to use. A:\>program -s 0 backup.rom to backup your bios, then A:\>program -p 0 x800xl.rom (or whatever BIOS file your useing). Once the program tells you, roboot and your good. Just make sure that your useing a BIOS with a compatable core. Such as all the X800 series (with the exception of the GTO) are based on the R430 core. So you can flash any X800 to say a X800XL. However things like the 9800XT run a different core than the 9800 series so your not going to be able to make your 9800SE a XT.

Cheers
Cameron

[candle_86]

With ATI you must make sure ram size matchs, if it doesn't then you will loose your card, and unless you have a PCI card you will learn what blind flashing is. Do not use the ATI utilites for the X1800 line, they are not compatable with the new cards, and users have reported problems, best wait till ATI or another copany releases a new version of the flash software. I do recomend you have a PCI Card handy at all times, if not your going to have to rember eveerything and type it all in without seeing it. A PCI card helps to circumvent that. ONLY DO THIS IF YOU WANT IMPROVED PREFORMANCE AND YOU ARE CAN AFFORD A NEW CARD IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SkyNoz]

http://mvktech.net..............doesn't work

[ctjoyce]

MVK is down right now.

As for the RAM issue, you have to make sure you get a matching BIOS for both your core and RAM or you will fry your card. Also the X1K line, the newest virsion of flashrom works just fine.

Cheers
Cameron

[candle_86]

MVK is down right now.

As for the RAM issue, you have to make sure you get a matching BIOS for both your core and RAM or you will fry your card. Also the X1K line, the newest virsion of flashrom works just fine.

Cheers
Cameron

I had heard problems with it. I prefer tweaking Nvida cards. I had a 5900XT with a 5950 bios.

[SkyNoz]

How much can u tweak a Nividia Geforce 5500 FX?

[ctjoyce]

LOL not much. You may be able to flash the bios, and O/C it, but I will quote congo on this one "You can't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse." Theres only so much you can get out of a card before you have to give in and buy a new one.

@Candle: I had heard those issues too, however a friend of mine just flashed his fathers X1600 successfully, however for the X1800s its probibly the fact that the XT (with the exception of the HIS Tech) all have 512MB of RAM. Therefore trying to flash a XL (256MB) to a XT (512MB) your going to run into issues.

Cheers
Cameron

[candle_86]

How much can u tweak a Nividia Geforce 5500 FX?

Ok the 5500 is a 5200 over clocked. Look at the 5200 Ultra clock speeds and try to get the core close and mem close. DO NOT FLASH 5200 ULTRA BIOS TO IT.

[legoalex2000]

CJ you know im gonna ask...

is it possible for mine?

Ramos

[ctjoyce]

Nope Alex, your at the top of your class. Sorry dude, but throw a Zalman on there, and clock the hell out of it.

Cheers
Cameron