[Guide] Installing AMD Radeon Mobility 6970 / 6990 in your M17x R2 (Single GPU and CrossfireX)

What is the power, voltage and current rating of the 240W PSU of the r2?

I am thinking of buying an r2 from the nbr marketplace, but I live in India and the voltage rating is 220V at 50Hz. America has 110V at 60Hz right? So can the r2 support 220V or what?

Sorry, I know it is off topic but you guys were discussing PSU's and all, so thought that you all would know this

 

Ok just checked in the comprehensive specs and it does say that 240W works with 110-240V and 50-60V.

HAHA, temperature range is upto 40C (wher's the sign for degree on my lappy) and the room temperature here goes upto 47C. Guess what will happen after 24 hours of continuous use.

YAHOO, guess who just joined the r2 brigade

Guys get 6990cfx working real soon!!

Whoa, do you think that with 220V instead of 110V , I might be getting more power from the PSU as compared to in the USA?

 

Congrats I think you will find that the 6990m's have already been proven to work

It will be fine, if you look at the PSU it gives a range of what voltage it can handle, and it will say 110-240v. This means the adapter will work in any country that has 110 to 240 volts.

No you wont get any more power.

That temperature is incorrect, my adapter gets almost too hot to touch under full load for extended periods of time.

 

Greywolf, here's a couple of things to ponder.

Do you know if the two cards you have now are the exact same two cards you sent back? Are the serial numbers the same?

Also, I have two crossfire cables. An M17x cable and an M18x cable. My M17x cable is a bit faulty, and sometimes doesn't work with my 4870's, but no matter what I tried, it wouldn't work with the 6970's. When I tried the M18x crossfire cable, everything worked perfectly on the first try. The cables shouldn't be different, but it's something to think about.

Also, has anybody else, used Clevo 6970's and confirmed CF works? Ichime has right? I'm not using Clevo cards.

You reinstalled the OS, so I guess this takes care of it, but I was going to suggest uninstalling the ATI drivers with driver sweeper. I had a few issues in the beginning that this fixed. I don't remember if CFX was one of the problems, but I almost remember having to solve a software problem to get it to function, but I'm having a hard time thinking right now.

GPU-Z says "Crossfire Avaliable (Disabled)" Right? That leads me to think that the CFX cable is actually working and its a driver issue. Can you try running the system with both cards in, but take out the crossfire cable? See if GPU-Z says anything different - if it does, then I think we can narrow it down to not being a bad cable (or bad ports).

 

I purchased Ichime's 6970 clevo cards, sitting on my desk at home, I know they work in CF. Hope to have the time to install over the weekend if I don't have to work, Looks to be plug and play can't wait..

 

I want to buy Ichime‘s 6970m too ,but you purchase so fast ,Wish you enjoy 6970m cfx.Someone want to sell used 6970m cfx,contact with me please.

 

Hi Aarpcard,

Thanks so much for the recommendations. Regarding the serial numbers, that was my first thought as well, luckily I had taken pictures of both sets of cards for pkhetan (when I was having the previous problem). So I compared the older serial numbers with the new serial numbers. I can confirm that they are both indeed not the same cards...at least the serial numbers don't match.

Interesting thought with the crossfire cable, I had ordered another one just to be certain that my cable wasn't the problem. Both work fine with the 4870's, but neither work with the 6970's. I left the second one unmodified just to see if it had something to do with the modification I made on the cable, but no luck. Unfortunately I don't have access to an m18x crossfire cable so don't have a way to verify that...although it would be something worth trying if I can locate one.

I'll give drivesweeper a try...I had done a complete wipe of the drives with just a base load of windows on it, so I don't think it's a driver problem. Although I have not ruled that out completely yet. I think going the driver sweeper method to verify everything is completely cleared out is something I'll try today when I get a chance

GPU-Z actually says just "Disabled" in the crossfire section. If I got into CCC it recognizes that both cards are available, but if I go into the crossfire trouble shooting diagnostics it says "Verify that a cable is connected and that it is plugged in correctly to both connectors".

I still feel that this has got to be one of the cards crossfire connectors not working properly, unfortunately with only one set it makes it difficult to know which card might be the problem one.

I am working with one of the members on the forum who's going to test the cards in his system to see if he can get them to work. If they work in his system then the problem most likely has something to do with my system (maybe something odd with the motherboard or something else).

One other thought, and I don't know if this will work or not. Is it possible to run the system with a 6970 and a 4870 at the same time? What I mean by this is, obviously crossfire won't function, but would I get a different message if a cable is connected between them? IE would it say "you are not using compatible cards" or something? I'm just trying to determine if there is a way with the components I have to narrow down a card that might be problematic. Just a thought, not even sure if it's possible.

Thanks guys for all your help and assistance!!!

 

I think if you try to boot with two different video cards in it, the laptop won't post. But it's still worth a shot - you might get lucky.

EDIT: Also, if GPU-Z just says disabled, then it a more vague problem. A physical problem with the connection can cause that, but so can a problem with the drivers. . . . just to double check, you're using mobility drivers - not modded desktop ones right? Also i don't know if you already said it, but which driver versions have you tried?

 

Hi Aarpcard

I was worried about it not posting...but thought I'd ask since I wasn't certain.

I've tried actually two drivers...I tried the modded mobility 11.7 drivers that have worked for various folks using the 6970's (Cpt I know used these).

But I figured I'd try the standard AMD drivers so loaded the 11.8 mobility driver...same problem

 

It is strange though to think that you would get cards with possibly a bad CFX port twice. . . .

Hmm, I'm gonna keep thinking.

Has DR650SE run into any problems?

 

I bet he already put his benchmark SSD in and pushing for numbers ATM hehe.

 

Havn't had any issues, although I havn't tested the new cards. I'm shipping them out as I got the wrong ones in error, and mine when another place. Big mixup, but my last 6970s worked well in crossfire when they actually worked. These 6970's should be good I would guess since they should be new. I'll wait till I get the 6990's to report back.

I wish I was pushing for numbers, but will do so in due time.

 

@greywolf: Hello, just been reading through the last few pages, its worth noting i have exactly the same spec m7x r2 almost ( HDD aside) and i have had almost the same problems as you. I returned the cards and a new set are at home waiting for me, unfortunately im oversea's until mid September so i can't tell if the new ones work in my system. One thing i did notice though with the first 6870's i had was when i first installed them the standard vga drivers would only install correctly on one of the cards i found the other always gave an error ten (is this the same on your cards now?). Mobility drivers would install with varying degrees of success (11.4 was the easiest to get to stick) and some games would fail to load( i.e crysis 2). But i always had the crossfire problem you had(have). Sorry you struggling,hope things work out

 

Thanks Clarky...yes very similiar indeed (although I don't get the error 10, and the ATI drivers seem to install), but just no luck at all with the crossfire connection. Wish you were at home to try your new cards out

I'm curious if your problem is resolved in which case I'd believe even more that the cards are a problem.

I am thankful that one of the members on the forums is going to help me out to test the cards...at least that way if they don't work in his system I know it's not just me.

 

Ok...so something curious...I'd have to put my 4870's back in to see if the problem persists or not. But just because I was running out of ideas to try, I decided to run the diagnostics program on bootup.

It plays a lovely melody...and then presents the following error:

Error Code 0321
Error code 2000-0321
LCD EDID - Unable to access eeprom

I "believe" I've run this diagnostics program before with the 4870s and not seen this error. It doesn't seem to impact anything (I can see the screen, everything works fine)...and I haven't attempted to swap my graphics cards yet to see if it will boot as the primart (going to do that a little later).

But does this mean anything to you guys? Does it do this with the 6970s because they are Clevo cards? I don't know if this has any barring at all, or is simply a non issue.

 

I hope you can sort things out. I'll let you know how i get on when i return to the UK. Good luck!

 

Update:

Not a good one, but an update...so, I swapped the slave/master cards around, and reflashed the bios. Still no luck. I am using another cable (a different one of my two), and still reports there is no cable connected. I also made 1000% sure that the cable is securely attached on both sides.

On the plus side, I can confirm that both cards work fine individually. So the cards themselves are sound, just not the connection between them.

Since I know that both cables are working (well they were, I didn't re-test them again today) with the 4870's, then I suppose it could be the connectors again, or something more elusive (motherboard, processor, little gremlins that climb in while I'm putting everything back together).

Anyway, the next step will be to ship my cards out to have them tested, if the tests work and the cards are fine, then I'll start digging into other things. If the tests come back that it's the cards then I guess I'll RMA again (or try to figure out a way to determine which card is the broken card and RMA just the one if they'll let me).

Thanks again guys for all the good advice if I haven't rep'd you all yet, either its coming, or I need to spread it around first.

But I appreciate everyone's assistance.

 

Well that's a bummer, pkhetan is no longer selling 6970s or 6990s

 

If i can't get mine to work, they'll be for sale when i get back around the 17th sir

 

i´m very interrested in the cards. what kind do you have?6990 or 6790.

 

Hey if your's don't work and mine don't work maybe we just need to swap... lol. I hope I can get mine working, it's all been a bit discouraging. I hope yours all work out.

 

@Kenny27 or anyone who knows
Are you the only one who has tried and successfully installed 6990s in the R2? What brand are you using and where did you purchase them? Did you use 5870 CF cable and did it have to be modded? I'm interested in doing this upgrade and could post results and experience. But I'm not sure what model to get and where to get them. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Read the first post, Ghost, it's all there!

 

I read the update about the 6990s. I'm interested in finding out where Kenny got his and how he proceeded though. Since he appears to be the only tried and tested CF 6990 upgrader, I would like to follow his steps exactly to ensure the least amount of problems. When DR650SE gets his, I will be very interested in his upgrade path and results as well.

 

Stealth has also done the upgrade. I believe they both bought their cards from Pkhetan (Clevo), although he currently doesn't have any to sell. They did use their existing 5870CF cables, and most likely followed the mod (as it makes the cable less bended...but it is possible to fold it in such a way that you don't have to do the mod I don't recommend it).

Kenny/Stealth sorry if I spoke for you guys, let me know if I mis-stated anything.

 

My 6970's worked like a charm, really happy. Not much for benchmarks, but Rift really rocks now. Temps good. Ichime is the best.

Anyone need some 5870's

 

Hi Spydwed

Awesome glad to hear yours are working well.

 

Thanks Greywolf22. +1 for the info. I'll have to ask Pkhetan if he is planning on getting anymore. From the last page, it sounds like he may not be. Never ordered cards before. Can they be ordered directly from Clevo or Dell? If anyone has a model number of the CF 6990s I could reference for the purchase, that would be appreciated.

Also, does anyone know if The Wiz is still working on BIOS mods for the R2? From his website forum, there hasn't been any new info in over a month. Wondering if there will be a fix for the 330 AC adapter.

 

Anytime Ghost

Pkhetan is awesome to work with, a really great guy...so hopefully he can help you out (if not now, in the somewhat near future). Unfortunately I don't know about ordering directly from Dell or Clevo as I haven't tried, but hopefully someone can help you out with that.

I know mxm-upgrade sells 6970's...but I don't know if they are selling 6990's...other then that I'm afraid I don't have much more info.

Anyway, good luck to you!

 

@ghost

I would contact mythlogic, as I did because pkhetan will not be selling any more in the near future. Mythlogic said they sell clevo 6990's in pairs for $920 plus shipping. I will probably be ordering through him if I do not hear from any of the others (listed at the bottom of the first post) I have pm'd about the cards.

edit: or contact Aikimox, a pair of clevo 6990s are $900 + shipping.

 

Cool. Good idea. I'll try Aikimox first. Thanks. +1.

 

yeh Greywolf you pretty much got it right, clevo cards, plugged them straight in, I bent the cable (didnt mod it), re-installed windows, installed latest drivers and caps, and they are working awesome

 

Thanks Kenny. +1 for the info. Glad to see it worked out well for you. I am on the fence right now trying to decide between AW 6970s and Clevo 6990s. Would the AW 6970s be less hassle free to install and use? They are a little cheaper and I may go that route if there is less work involved. Would the AW 6970s be easier to install and configure than the Clevo 6990s?

 

Are you using the standard power supply with the 6990's?

 

Can some people on here who have dual 6970's in CFX monitor their gpu usage with gpu-z while in games?

I've noticed that the card will run at 95-100% usage when gaming, and then after a few minutes the usage will go down to 75-80% and stay there indefinitely.

For me it only happens in games where a solid 60fps limited with vysnc results in more than 70% usage on the cards. Some games to try this out on are Metro 2033, Crysis, Crysis 2, and the Whitcher.

When the cards cut to 70-80% usage, framerates do dip, and some microstutter does occur. I'm not sure if the problem has always been here. When I first got my cards, I played a lot of games that were maxed below the 70% usage mark, so if the problem existed, I would not have noticed it. I've been trying a plethora of different drivers with varying luck on fixing it.

Could some people confirm/deny my experience. It might be hard to pick out just by playing a game. You're going to need to look at the gpu-z logs. They should show usage at 90-100% for the first several minutes, and then drop to 70-80+% for the rest of the time the game is running.

I've tried it with and without the dual PSU's, with and without gpu overclocks, with and without cpu overclocks, with and without cpu and ram overvolts, with drivers 11.8, 11.7, and 11.6. Nothing has fixed it. I'm trying 11.5 now. Using 11.6, I didn't experience the throttling, but did experience increased instability.

 

Yes using the standard 240w power supply, so far no problems unless I overclock
I'll log my gpu usage as well (before I only looked at the max)

 

Do you experience the same thing with furmark, aarpcard?

 

Yes 10char

 

What was the maximum power draw you experienced?
Maybe there's something else telling the system to throttle when a certain draw is experienced :/

 

Hey aarpcard...well if I can ever get two cards communicating with each other I'll give this a try as well. I've got all of the above so would have a good comparison.

Interested to see the results from everyone else.

 

Thats good news to hear, thank you

 

For measuring power draw, do you guys use the P3 Kill-a-Watt meter? I was going to order one from newegg. I believe Ichime mentioned it specifically in the first post. Is this tool adequate for measuring power draw?

@aarpcard...this might be a dumb question, but have you tried your test without Vsync enabled on these games?

 

Standard 240 with a 920XM and a pair of 6990s? I just went from six o'clock to noon. Can you use ThrottleStop? Or just stock clocks with the GPUs and CPU?

@Ghost: I have always used the standard Kill-a-watt meter. I bought it at Home Depot for $30. Just plug it into your outlet, then plug the PSU into it. It shows a lot of good information other than wattage draw as well.

 

Hilarious! Thanks for the info on Kill-a-watt. +1. (have to wait to give you some rep. been promiscuous lately). Buying one from newegg. Think I'm going to get the 6990s. Aikimox says he can get them, so I will probably go through him.

 

Been a while since you been here huh? Been some sweet developments since you been gone. Check out the benchmark thread.

 

Yup

I'm running mine throttlestopped (i like the word ) 80W tdp (i was keeping it 75W but since i had no problem i rised it a bit) 23x133 on 4 cores. Cards are undervolted @0.96V and with this voltage i can oc'em up to 735/1050 but i keep them at stock clock since no game till now need them to go any faster than they are

 

i´m interested. Send me please a mail to [email protected], cause i can´t do PM.

 

I'm going to tentatively say I solved the problem. I was still getting throttling on 11.5b Hotfix, but not as bad. It would throttle to ~90% and stay there. I don't really have a way of measuring my wattage, but I believe they are pulling a constant stream of current based on the temp of the heatsink on my converter board.

However, I put thermal pads on the back of the DC to DC chips on the back of the cards like I suggested to Stealth and like the guys at MXM upgrade did. So far that seems to have done the trick. I haven't tested extensively though.

 

If your having problems in Crysis run it in 32 bit mode and thought the console enter the command 'r_multigpu=2' (to enable all commands enter 'con_restriced=0') , seems to have fixed my performamce issues with Crysis, now I just have to solve the crashing!

Edit: sorry this hasn't fixed my performance issues with crysis but has made it better, still crashing, I have given up for now, waiting for better driver support

 

Yeah as far as I can tell the thermal pads on the back of the cards fixed the throttling issues. I guess that's another trick to add to the book for anyone experiencing issues. I went back to 11.8 and its fine.