Get your X1950Pro modded BIOS here

[Ketxxx]

Notice: Neither me or TPU are accountable for you screwing your card up attempting to use any BIOS found here-in.

Ok as some of you know I'm getting a X1950Pro shortly, so in the meantime I figured I would grab some 1950 BIOS' an mess with em a little, this is the first attempt at modding a 1950Pro BIOS so changes arent staggering, this BIOS is meant for 512MB 1950Pro cards.

Changes:

Default VGPU vcore changed from 1.3v to 1.4v
Default VGPU core frequency changed from 575MHz to 600MHz
Default memory frequency changed from 1.38GHz to 1.39GHz

Thats it for this BIOS, let me know your results

Edit: This edit is to clarify some things;

1. Latest modded BIOS is 1.7, see P54, post 1330 for download.
2. There is no promises this BIOS will work for you. Its soul purpose was to attempt soft fixes for problematic 1950Pros, as such it is NOT recommended to try any modded BIOS unless you are specifically having problems.
3. This modded BIOS more than likely won't work with all cards due to PCB revisions and differing components, such as memory.
4. 1.7 has been tested with Xpertvision and C3D cards, however take heed of point (3)
5. There is NO surefire way to get a 1950Pro that allows voltage changes via BIOS, its down to pure luck. There doesn't seem to be any one manufacturer where odds are noticably improved, either. I have only heard of and been told about success stories.
6. 1.7 is available in VIVO and non-VIVO flavours, 256MB and 512MB. I have no means of testing 256MB versions without somebody donating a 256MB Pro for testing, so don't bug me if the 256MB version doesn't work for you. See page 56, post 1389 for downloads.
7. As of yet, there is no AGP 1950Pro BIOS, and even when there is, I'll have no means of testing it.

[TUngsten]

is there a link?

the HIS x1950pro I have runs 621/1485 out of the box, might be interesting to try that bios on your card, but it's 256mb ram vs your 512

[Ketxxx]

Here she is, all done and double checked, it all *seems* to be ok. I'll do a 256MB BIOS if I can for ya tungsten gimme 20mins or so.

[Ketxxx]

Ta-da! was easier than I thought, heres the 256MB version.

[Zubasa]

Originally Posted by Ketxxx

Notice: Neither me or TPU are accountable for you screwing your card up attempting to use any BIOS found here-in.

Ok as some of you know I'm getting a X1950Pro shortly, so in the meantime I figured I would grab some 1950 BIOS' an mess with em a little, this is the first attempt at modding a 1950Pro BIOS so changes arent staggering, this BIOS is meant for 512MB 1950Pro cards.

Changes:

Default VGPU vcore changed from 1.3v to 1.4v
Default VGPU core frequency changed from 575MHz to 600MHz
Default memory frequency changed from 1.38GHz to 1.39GHz

Thats it for this BIOS, let me know your results

My X1950Pro is faster at stock clock than your clocks in the bios

[Lazzer408]

Did you change the fan speeds? I'd like to see 100% by 70c. My memory worked out stable at 1400. Can you add v+ to ram?

[Ketxxx]

Originally Posted by Zubasa

My X1950Pro is faster at stock clock than your clocks in the bios

Nobody has played or even come out with decent software OC tools, I'm making BIOSes that are generic - aka basing the BIOS clock frequencies on reference frequencies (575\1.38GHz) and providing a small boost in performance over reference frequencies while trying to make sure nobodys card dies where it cant handle the frequencies - more advanced BIOS' will come later.

[Ketxxx]

Originally Posted by Lazzer408

Did you change the fan speeds? I'd like to see 100% by 70c. My memory worked out stable at 1400. Can you add v+ to ram?

No, I can have a look at that, for now just see how the modded BIOS does

[Zubasa]

I can get the memory to 790Mhz (DDR3 1580) and core to 621Mhz on CCC and it runs solid stable.
I guess I need to see how much better will it OC with the increased voltages.

[Ketxxx]

BIOS' updated.

Changes:

Fan should rev up to 100% once the VGPU hits 70c, anything below that the fan should spin @ 64%

[TUngsten]

Does ATItool report correct gpu temps on the x1950pro? I can't recall if I read that in one of the posts or something.

Mine idles ~40C and tops out under load @50C w/ the fan @60%

So Ket - what advantage would I get flashing to that bios when my stock speeds are higher?

[Ketxxx]

Better OC potential because of the higher VGPU vcore. I can customise BIOS' much more (higher core frequencies & memory frequencies) once I know these bases are working.

[s4fun]

Sorry for such an oddball request. I have a HIS Iceq3 x1950 pro factory overclocked at 620.1480. I was wondering if there is bios I can use that sets it to the ATI reference standard at 575/1380? I am trying to chase down some stability problems.

Thanks.

[mullered07]

if its unstable at those clocks and sure its down to the factory oc rma it dont underclock it to run normally, factory oc cards should be sfae and tested at the speeds theyve been set too maybe you just got a bad one ?

[Makaveli]

I just bought the Sapphire 512mb card, so i'm interested in what your going to be doing with the bios. My card already comes with the memory at 700mhz, but I do like the 600 default core speed with your bios, i'm at 580 stock. I'm still on the stock cooler so no overclocking until its replaced.

can u make a 600/725 / or a 650/750 possibly. or even a 600/700 to keep it modest.

[Ketxxx]

Indeed I can, I expect reports on how the BIOS fairs tho I cant start whacking frequencies up until I know the "base" is stable.

Your BIOS sir;

[Lazzer408]

Originally Posted by Ketxxx

BIOS' updated.

Changes:

Fan should rev up to 100% once the VGPU hits 70c, anything below that the fan should spin @ 64%

This is the best way to o/c crossfire because CCC is needed to enable xf then atitools is needed to set each clock seperatly then save the profile and load it every time u start windows. What program do you used for flashing the bios to the card and what recovery options are there?

[dolf]

Guys if you want a flash tool (on bootable CD) just prepare for me a set of moded BIOSes (1,2,3....) with short description (core, memory speed, changed Vcore ....) and I can put all together in one automated flash utility (also the original BIOS should be included).

[anticlutch]

Originally Posted by dolf

Guys if you want a flash tool (on bootable CD) just prepare for me a set of moded BIOSes (1,2,3....) with short description (core, memory speed, changed Vcore ....) and I can put all together in one automated flash utility (also the original BIOS should be included).

Man I can't wait for that... I used your flashing utility to get my x800GTO up to 16 pipes without a hitch, so when Ketxx makes a bios with a decent OC on it I'll be sure to dl it :P

edit: I still can't believe that so few programs support OC'ing of the x1950 pro... it kind of makes me regret buying the card in the first place :|

[tkpenalty]

Um... Anticlutch, its just that W1zzard is taking a while to figure out the X1950PRO.

Ketxxx, can you just make a 100% fan speed operation bios? I've got the accelerox2.

[anticlutch]

Originally Posted by tkpenalty

Um... Anticlutch, its just that W1zzard is taking a while to figure out the X1950PRO.

Ketxxx, can you just make a 100% fan speed operation bios? I've got the accelerox2.

Yeah I know W1zzard is taking a while, but I would have expected ATI Tray tools to OC my card a bit (it does OC the core, but as soon as the mem speed is raised, the card locks up).

Eh, it's all good. Waiting for an OC program isn't that bad especially since the x1950pro performs pretty well at its stock speeds :P

[tkpenalty]

Waiting for 100% fan speed bios T_T.

[Ketxxx]

updated;

BIOS' now have fan spinning @ 100% (or rather, it should do)

Flash guide:

BIOS Flashing

How To Flash Radeon Based Cards

To flash a Radeon based card you will need to download Flashrom v2.4 Do NOT use ATI flash.

Windows XP users: Go to "My Computer" right-click your A:\ drive and select "Format" and check the box saying "create MS-DOS bootdisk"

Windows 9x \ ME users: Once you have downloaded Flashrom put a floppy in and from MS-DOS prompt at the C:\WINDOWS> prompt type; FORMAT A: /S hit enter when prompted, once the format and copy of the system files have been completed (hence the /S switch) double-click the .zip file and open the file onto drive A:\

Note: Due to MS-DOS filename limits make sure the VC BIOS filename is no longer than 8 characters long, these 8 characters do not include the file extension name (eg: .ROM)

Make sure your required VC BIOS is also on the floppy then restart the system with the floppy in the drive.

To see a full list of Flashrom commands after the floppy has loaded type; FLASHROM.EXE you will be required to hit enter once the first page is displayed in order to see the continued commands for various actions. The only commands however you need to know are as follows; After the floppy has loaded within MS-DOS, simply type; FLASHROM -p 0 WhateverTheFilenameIs.rom \ bin


That will immediately flash your VC BIOS without backing up your original VC BIOS. I however strongly advise you do make a copy of your original VC BIOS. To do this after the floppy has loaded from within MS-DOS type; FLASHROM -s 0 original.rom that will make a backup of your original VC BIOS and save it to the floppy as original.rom

Should your VC not like the BIOS you have just flashed it with you will need a PCI videocard. Simply put the PCI VC in and connect your monitor cable to it. If your mainboard BIOS is configured to display PCIE and not PCI graphics you will need to clear your CMOS, this is done either by removing the battery from the mainboard or via a jumper setting on the mainboard, consult your mainboard manual for specific details on which method applies to you.

Once your PCI display is up and you are back within MS-DOS at A:\ prompt type; FLASHROM -p 0 original.rom that will then re-flash your PCIE VC with its original BIOS. Once its re-flashed simply reset the system, enter your mainboard BIOS and set it to display PCIE graphics before removing the PCI display card.


How To Flash nVidia Based cards

To flash nVidia based cards you will need a program called WFFLASH.

Follow the same procedure as with the ATI cards. Once everything is copied to the floppy and you are within MS-DOS type the following command at A:\ prompt; WFFLASH nm WhateverTheFilenameIs.rom \ bin - flashes VC with new BIOS and makes a backup of old BIOS to floppy with filename of saveold.rom. Should your nVidia card not like the new BIOS simply follow the same procedure as for ATi cards to recover your VC but type WFFLASH nm saveold.rom

No excuses now, I want some reports Once I know the BIOS is good I'll start changing frequencies.

[Ketxxx]

so whos tried em? in total there have been 34 downloads, so methinks that means at least 10 of you out there have a copy of these BIOS', so I want to know if the bases are ok before I chuck out ramped up versions! Ya'll aint gettin any until then

[tkpenalty]

So is there a standalone 100% fan speed bios there?