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

Hey Guys. Noob benchmark software question. What is the better software to use for benching the R2, 3DMark11 or Vantage? What version of either should I purchase? Basic, Advanced? I'm planning on buying one and would like to throw some scores up, but want to buy the one that most people use so my scores are comparable to everyone else's.

 

I would suggest Vantage, though to be honest, 3DMark11 may be better. My reasons are as follows.

1. Vantage runs seperate tests and seperates the GPU score and CPU score. Though the GPU is very slightly affected by the CPU, it will show the potential of your cards and CPU seperately.

2. 3DMark11 is great. The GPU score will be accurate, and with 3DMark11 you will get less score fluctuations BUT with 3DMark11 combined test, it will run both the CPU and GPU together, which for the R2/6900 combo, will lead to more PSU trips = shutdowns (if battery isn't installed). The PSU trips may happen in Vantage as well, but less likely.

3. If purchasing, you may be able to run select 3DMark11 tests, so you could eliminate the conbined test. I havn't personally done that yet, as I normally run the whole thing. Thats because I benchmark for the leaderboard as well as hwbot.org. If your not benching for scores, 3DMark11 may be better as you can just run specific tests. I havn't played with the settings though, even though I purchased it, but it should be possible. If going for comparisons, I think Vantage is the most popular and accurate. Plus more people like it because it's not as CPU dependant as 3DMark06, and gives bigger numbers than 3DMark11, which I think excites people.

EDIT: Both benchmark programs can be run on the default settings (used for the benchmark leaderboard) without having to pay, but you will require an internet connection to submit the score. So you can get both and test prior to purchase. Purchasing allows you to run custom setups and change resolutions and other settings, ect.


Hope that helps

 

I like 3DMark11 the best also, but I like them both. If you can afford it ($19.95 each for Advanced editions) buy both of them.

Futuremark Store | Futuremark

I'm not sure why Futuremark does not offer them in a bundled price... probably because they are popular and would make less money.

 

yes i did when i tried to play crysis right after i installed my modded clevo drivers but i fix this by clearing all my crysis game files (the logs that show past settings\game saves\GPU card id\settings) i played it for few minutes then played NFSHP had no shutdowns (both on 1200p max ingame settings). My cards arent undervolted and i keep settings on CCC as default. Right now i modded the 11.9 more indeph so it installed everything in packages (no CAP's atm) for my cards still gotta do some testing on it. I believe i can get the HDMI audio outtput to work because the HD audio drivers that come with ATI's drivers have specific compatible ID's for the HDMI adapter all i think gotta do is switch one (maybe more) to my HDMI id.

heres my 11.9 on GPUz atm. I dont how to fix the VDDC issue of not showing..

 

Once tested, I'd love to get a hold of the driver package. I'm sure you'd get a lot of love if you got HDMI audio working.

 

Glad to hear it Stealth, there may just be hope yet for these cards!!

DR650, Agreed! There will be a lot of happy Vegemites

 

Off topic question, but I am hoping someone here can provide insight!

During one of my laptop modding adventures, I discovered that the left panel of my keyboard no longer shows the colour blue. It shows all other colours (minus blue shades) just fine and operates 100%.

My first thought was dodgy keyboard\cable and I obtained a replacement from Dell.

However the issue did not go away.

I have closely examined the sockets where the cables connect and all appears to be in order.

Has anyone had an similar issue to this?

Is there something that can be reset? I am reluctant to contact Dell because I would have revert everything and it is easier to just leave it be...

 

11-9_vista64_win7_64_dd_ccc_ocl.zip modded 11.9 whql..keep in mind i made this driver to fit my GPU's ID's so it could be detected and installed everything else is same driver from amd site.
these are my ID's
PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6720&SUBSYS_043A1028&REV_00
PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6720&SUBSYS_043A1028&REV_00
so i suggest checking yours under system devices they might be different(if they are i can just remake to your ID so it fits).
This driver seems to be working fine atm and i installed CAP3. im still working with the HDMI thing i dont think its a ID issue so i dont think i can do anything there..

 

Nice, I'll download and install when I get home. Should work for me as my GPU-z gives the same device ID as yours.

 

Have you guys tried installing the HDMI driver from Realteks site?


it is under the High definition audio codec under downloads.
Realtek

 

id still suggest looking under system devices and no i havent tried realtek driver

 

^^^^ Might be worth a shot!

 

I had a problem with my CD Eject button not showing red color only. Would show every other color. After reloading my computer, it came back. So I think it is a software issue. You could try uninstalling the command center and reinstalling it. As it was just one button and one color for me, I didn't give it any attention.

Also, thanks DR and Fox. I think I will spend the 20 and buy Vantage, since I can run 3Dmark11 multiple times for free using basic settings and Vantage can only be run once.

 

didnt work xD but thanks.

 

Cheers for your help with this.

Unfortunately I gave the Command Center a reinstall but no go

 

i found another issue. Projecting mobile photos on WMP 12 using DLNA services crashes the video driver. Ayone noted this? Did a fresh format and the issue remains. Using 11.9 and 11.9 cap3 profiles

 

Nice story! and a lot of luck! i killed a m9750 mb that way!

By any chance did your back from the dead trick kill the shutdown problems you were having as well?

 

Try uninstalling your games that are freezing and reinstalling them. If the game config (.cfg) files are referencing a video card you no longer have installed this will cause freezing.

Alternatively, if you can locate the .cfg files in the game folders, rename them .old and launch the game to create a new file. Each game will have its own configuration file.

For the benchmark programs, try removing and reinstalling them as well. The Futuremark systeminfo configuration probably does not like the video cards being swapped out.

 

Hey Fox,

Brilliant idea man! Great stuffs. I will be sure to try that out.
It is strange though why they work when crossfire is disabled. I was thinking that my Crossfire is broken or there may be a hardware issue. I sure hope not.

Cheers.

 

im looking around for sellers in my country to sell me some 6990ms and was wondering if the 6990ms from this sager model are one of the 'useable ones'. could anyone confirm?

CubeHub - Gaming Laptop Specialist NP7282 - Sager NP7200 series - Sager Gaming Laptops

 

I just tried uninstalling and reinstalling. However 3d mark 11 always gets to the last test, the combined test and will freeze always a few secs into running the combined test. So annoying.

Disabling crossfire 3d mark 11 completes fine.
I have swapped the GPUs around and uninstalled reinstalled fresh new drivers. hmmm...........

Cheers.

 

Combined test will the be most intensive in terms of power draw. Maybe related?

Have you undervolted your cards?

 

True that. Nope I haven't undervolted them.

I just tried running FIFA12 with VSYNC turned on. It actually loads and runs fine. With VSYNC turned off FIFA12 can't even get past the main menu screen.

Cheers.

 

Definately try undervolting the cards, that may be the issue with 3DMark11. Your not overclocked are you?

 

Nope all stock chief!
I just tried running Vantage after uninstalling and reinstalling. It froze halfway through the 1st test.

Cheers.

 

Hi Reborn

Sorry for all the troubles you are having. Hopefully you'll have some luck undervolting the cards.

 

Thanks man,

Any luck with getting your Xfire working?

Cheers.

 

Not yet,

Waiting for my other card to come back from Germany (should arrive sometime next week) and then I'll try a few other things to see if I can get it working. The cards individually work great (running a single 6970 right now, and no problems at all), so something either with my cable(s) or the port on my primary card, since the secondary card I'm getting back from Germany passed all the tests and works flawlessly (per Clevo).

 

undervolting the cards can cause video driver crashes? thus anyone noticed issues with windows aero?

 

I'm trying to find somewhere to buy a pair of 6990Ms for a Xfire setup. Could someone please provide the part number of the primary and secondary card? Another question is, would the existing CF cable, fans and heatsinks on my 5870Ms work on the 6990Ms? I tried eBaying but couldn't find any Xfire pairs and they didn't come with heatsinks or fans either

 

Try running the Windows 7 DirectX Runtime update if you haven't done that since swapping the cards out.

Download Details - Microsoft Download Center - DirectX End-User Runtime

If my other suggestion did not help with the games freezing, this might help the issue on the games and benches.

 

Your current fans and heatsinks will work with the 6xxx series cards. Send an email to Eric@Mythlogic. They are out of 6990s as of yesterday. It is $546 per card for 6990s.

 

FYI - there is no "primary and secondary" on the 6970M or 6990M. They are completely interchangable. Unlike the older AMD MXM cards, no master/slave situation applies.

Below is the information from my pending order on 6990M replacement parts for my M18x.

Item Number: RDRGR
Description: Card,Graphics,Advanced Micro Devices,BLACKCOMB,XTX
Unit Price: $614.99 (each)

Item Number: RYVMN
Description: Assembly,Cable,Advanced Micro Devices,DCR,M18X
Price: $3.99
​

The part number printed on the bar-code label attached to each of the 6990M MXM modules sitting on my desk is: 102C2961510 000001

The CrossFire cable listed above is the for the M18x. It is probably a little longer than necessary for the M17x R2. The connections on each end are the same. Heat sinks and fans will be specific to the laptop and not the GPU. If you are upgrading the R2, you should be able to find the information about re-using the existing parts in the opening post of this thread. Heat sinks are around $25 each from Dell.

Good luck... hopefully, you won't get defective cards. Reliability seems to be hit or miss lately on the AMD 6900M series GPUs coming from Dell and Clevo.

 

You don't want the Dell cards if they're going in an R2. You'll have to use HWInfo for fan control, and you will have problems shutting down properly.

 

Awesome info on the M18x crossfire cable, that's a great deal considering its coming from Dell

Good to see you around Mr. Fox, I see you've been spending a lot of time with your new M18X friends

 

Thanks, Greywolf.

I stop in on all the Alien threads frequently, but don't always add my two cents... even the M11x and M15x threads. We're all part of the NBR Family and the Alien Brotherhood.

 

Thanks Foxxy!!!
I really appreciate all your help and suggestions.

Unfortunately I always keep that up to date
It is part of a folder of programs that I keep constantly up to date or a formatted folder of programs that I always install after a fresh windows install. Much Appreciated man!

Hmmmmmmm I wouldn't mind buying a M18x Crossfire cable or 2. I am actually looking for those.

Cheers.

 

Hey Guys. Just thought I would add my 5870s 3dmark11 score compared to my 6990s score. See attached:

I should also mention that during my 3Dmark11 test with the 6990s, using kill a watt meter, my max power draw was 239. I didn't see any slow down in performance during the testing once levels got closer to 240, but I am using the free version and I think the FPS is not affected as the video is just for show.

This info may have been posted by some others, but I thought I would add my comparison for anyone interested. I'm also not sure why 3dmark11 always says my score is low compared to other systems and that it also says my driver is not approved. If anyone knows why this is, let me know. Using CCC 11.9.

I am going to try and run Crysis 2 with Kill a watt and see what power I'm drawing during the game and if I get any throttling. I'll let everyone know.

 

Thanks all for your info. Looks like a big risk to take . Anyway, would the lastest AMD Catalyst driver package or modded VBIOS fix these problems?

 

Crysis 2 pulled max 249 watts measured by Kill a watt using Ultra settings with DX11 patch installed and enabled. With all settings ultra, DX enabled, vsync yes and 1200p got FPS 30-60 fluctuating with 2 drops down to 10FPS which lasted about 1 second. Didn't install textures pack as it is over 1GB and don't feel like downloading att.

Got FPS in the range of 45 to 60 with all settings Ultra (no DX11 enabled), vsync yes, 1200p, max wattage draw 239.

Oh and haven't undervolted to .96 yet. Wanted to see if it would be necessary first. I will probably run BF3 first to see if I need it. But I did notice small amounts of throttling, however, I couldn't say for sure that it happened as I got over 240, because I hit that mark several times often running high FPS with no drop. I think it is more likely Crysis 2 than the cards. But I think all this has been said before. I'm just adding my experience.

Overall, these cards rock!!! Never played Crysis on Ultra with 5870s.

 

So far neither the vbios or the drivers have any effect on the fan speeds on the Dell cards.

 

Awesome Ghost!! Glad they are working out so well for you.

 

if you downclock your gpus to 0.96V you will possibly not have even those fps drops. At least thats in my case

 

But it did have an effect on the shutdown / sleep problems right?

 

The saga continues. I bought a 5870 to tide me over until Clevo figures out what they're going to do with my 6970. I installed the 5870. When I boot, the fans do their typical thing, DVD drive makes its normal noise, and then nothing. Black screen, no back light even. To my knowledge, 5870s are not hard coded to be a master or slave, so I'm not sure what's going on here. the card has 'A00' on the little sticker on the back, but I read in another thread that didn't matter either. I've done many power drains, but no luck. I do not have a secondary card, so I don't have a lot of testing options. Anyone got anything?

 

Uhhh, just performed a blind flash to the A00 VBIOS, and now it seems I am back in action. What did the VBIOS update fix, just in case I am stuck running the A00 VBIOS?

 

Maybe it has the old vBIOS?!
Do the 5870 post properly if they have the older vBIOS and the mobo has newer BIOS versions?

 

Hey man,

Glad your back in action. The new VBIOS fixed the ability to use new AMD reference drivers. It fixed sleep/standby issues. It also fixed being able to unplug the AC power adapter and other issues. Not sure if the issues were evident when only using one GPU though.

Fixes and Enhancements
1. Fixes display corruption issues found on some 5870 video cards.
2. Fixes issues on battery (BSOD, S3, S4, and black screen) with older VBIOS and 8.7xx drivers.

http://supportapj.dell.com/support/...dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=416152

Cheers.

 

The VBIOS update from the Dell website won't install. I can shutdown, sleep, and run on battery power with no issues though. What other laptops came with this card? Is there a possibility that this is not a Dell card?

 

The M15x can use that GPU as well. Svl7 has a good bios but it is mainly for the M15x.
There were also clevo and other 5870M GPUs out there. Especially the ones FS on ebay.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm............

I remember Hidz7 had some issues last time. Where he had to downgrade the System bios to a very early version and then the GPU would run fine.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...17xr2-edition-owners-lounge-part-3-a-139.html

Cheers.