6950 flashed to 6970

[Skurge]

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=335318

A few other people have done this with their 6950 on XS forums.

Seems like that bios switch is looking like a good idea now.

 

[RavenSEAL]

Wow, i wonder if this can be done with the HD 6850...

I'm too much of sissy to do it though...

 

[dpodblood]

If I remember correctly the 69xx cards have dual BIOS, so flashing once should not brick the card even if it doesn't work.

 

[daRkKon]

if you ended up flashing and the card didnt start, just reflash it. right?

 

[notty22]

If I remember correctly the 69xx cards have dual BIOS, so flashing once should not brick the card even if it doesn't work.

Exactly. That eliminates HUGE unknowns.
Also the 6970 has slightly better memory chips.
Its great that Nvidia and AMD are trying to add these features enthusiasts will love and cause talk/excitement.
examples :
The gtx 460 overclocking slides/prowess, the gtx 465's unlocking and some having extra memory chips.
AMD unofficially promoting this type of hack with the cards dual bios switch etc.
good stuff

 

[Gikaseixas]

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=335318

A few other people have done this with their 6950 on XS forums.

Seems like that bios switch is looking like a good idea now.

nice find. This will probably make the 6950 a very popular card.
Since the dual bios feature gives you a second lifeline why not use it?

 

[Matrices]

A permanent second lifeline, since it is unwritable, too. Truly idiot-proof.

 

[3DVagabond]

I'm curious to see what % will unlock. I wonder if the 6900's are yielding so good that they have just crippled them in the BIOS to create the 6950's?

It is a good find, Skurge. +1 to ya, mate.

P.S. Hmmm? Wonder if there are any more shaders in there we don't know about? 1920, maybe? LOL just kidding.

 

[notty22]

What will happen imo, users will make custom bios's with .05 or even .1 or more extra load voltage for cards or people that don't want to take a chance and will probably waken the SP's. The cards wouldn't fit under the stock low power umbrella anymore, but its not a bad trade off.

 

[flopper]

wont work for me.
artifacts in 3D mode.
tried powercolor cards, flash works well, and 2D mode, but get artifacts in 3D mode.
gpu-z shows 1600shaders instead of 1536.

 

[notty22]

wont work for me.
artifacts in 3D mode.
tried powercolor cards, flash works well, and 2D mode, but get artifacts in 3D mode.
gpu-z shows 1600shaders instead of 1536.

Try upping the core voltage or lowering the memory clock speed, see whats causing the artifacts , probably the memory speeds.

 

[evolucion8]

Damn, too late, I'm waiting for my HD 6970, it got stuck on December 21 on Illinois, could it be related to the snow storm?

 

[flopper]

Try upping the core voltage or lowering the memory clock speed, see whats causing the artifacts , probably the memory speeds.

tried, no difference.
flashed back.
waiting for better tools for the 6950.

 

[jacktesterson]

I'd like some more attempts made before I try this!!!

 

[notty22]

I'd like some more attempts made before I try this!!!

Maybe boot your card and read + save the bios to see , if your card has the 'same' , 'stock' bios on both chips / sides of the switch.

I remember reading test cards on launch reviews had different bio's on their cards. On A or B, being the 2 bios's.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Just bought a 6950.

 

[(sic)Klown12]

What will happen imo, users will make custom bios's with .05 or even .1 or more extra load voltage for cards or people that don't want to take a chance and will probably waken the SP's. The cards wouldn't fit under the stock low power umbrella anymore, but its not a bad trade off.

You can adjust the power setting on the cards, so when you flash a 6950 you would just need to up the limit. That should keep it in the limits, at least for games. If I remember correctly, you can adjust it +/- 20%

 

[Piotrsama]

tried, no difference.
flashed back.
waiting for better tools for the 6950.

I'm curious how that "flashing back" works...
You turn off the PC, move that special switch, turn on.... and it automatically goes back to the original BIOS??

 

[tannat]

tried, no difference.
flashed back.
waiting for better tools for the 6950.

What brand?

 

[ExcaliburMM]

We need more info compiled on this. Brands, batches, retailer bought from, the works. If anyone knows other forums with threads on this, please link 'em up. I was considering buying a 6950 and this could make or break the deal for me.

 

[flopper]

What brand?

powercolor, in crossfire, might just be one of the cards that isnt up for it.
its ok tho, waiting for afterburner support.

flash back using the same procedure.
atiflash in bios.
easy to do if you ask me.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Crap. Now I have the upgrade itch more than ever...

 

[hclarkjr]

We need more info compiled on this. Brands, batches, retailer bought from, the works. If anyone knows other forums with threads on this, please link 'em up. I was considering buying a 6950 and this could make or break the deal for me.

here is some links i found with google search
http://www.overclock.net/ati/893712-flashing-6950-6970-any-success-story.html
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=264159
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/video-cards/39277-hd6950-possible-unlock-hd6970.html
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18221844
http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2370111
http://www.rage3d.com/board/showthread.php?p=1336457225
that should keep you busy reading those. :biggrin:

 

[flopper]

One of my cards works to unlock without any issues, saw some small glitches in benches but works.
the other is a no go tho.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

My question is whether or not you will run into power issues. The 6950 only had 2x6 pin and the 6970 has 1 8 pin and 6 pin.