GSOD fix for G73 Owners - vBIOS update Guide

First I'd like to state, use at your own risk. Updating your Video Card BIOS can mess up your laptop if done wrong. BE WARNED!!!!

***I am not responsible for anything that goes wrong, if you wish to flash, please understand the warnings and know, while it went fine for me. There is ALWAYS a chance it wont go fine for you.***
List of things that will NOT work after flashing to Clevo Bios:
If anyone comes across anymore, please post so I can add.

• No more PowerPlay, it will be completely Disabled
• HDMI port will no longer work(display will no longer be recognized when it's plugged in.)
• VGA port does not work either.
  

This probably only fixes the problem for those who can't upgrade from stock drivers without getting GSODs/crashes. This is not a official Asus bios, so beware of that. I found it on the Sager/Clevo forums on this site, so I've done nothing to the bios, and the bios actually comes officially from Clevo.

The vbios(using GPUZ to check) I had, as well as the other people that have flashed successfully was VER012.017.000.004.035992, if you do not have this vbios, I'd be more careful, since we have not confirmed if it would work fine or not.

You will need to make a bootable USB drive using this Guide so all credit goes to zfactor for a good guide on how.

I already keep a bootable flash drive on hand, so for me, I just had to download it and extract. Clevo 5870 vBios can be found HERE
**Note, link will ask for a username and password in IE8, but works fine in Firefox and Chrome. If needed I can provide another link, but for now I'd like to keep official links only.**
Updates: There has been some more vbios's popping up, the MSI(same as clevo no vga, no hdmi, but you get powerplay and overdrive) and Xeven's bios(modified Asus vbios, so you shouldnt lose anything but hasnt fully been tested yet, so still use at your own risk) . Both of which came from Xeven, so praise be to him.

Once you have the files downloaded, extract them on the the bootable flash-drive and double check to make sure all the files are extracted.

Then Restart or bootup your G73 pressing and holding the ESC button. This will take you into the boot menu where you should see your flash drive. Select it, and press enter.

If you created a boot disk right, Dos will open up, which from there, you should do the backup of your original vBIOS first. Type exactly as below says, this will put your original vbios onto your flash drive where you can go back, zip it, and save it in case you ever need to flash back.

Code:

atiflash -s 0 OLDBIOS

Once you have backed up your old vBIOS, you can do the update by simply typing "update.bat" without the quotes. It will say successful and from there you can safely reboot. After that, go into windows, open up GPUz and check to make sure your vBIOS was flashed correctly, it will now say VER012.019.000.003.035951 if it was done correctly.


Thanks jortex for testing this out secondly, and giving a Firm reminder to always do a back up of your original vbios. Also Thanks to MarcusTaz for helping me with the guide a little through PMs.
Edit:Quick thanks to Kalim for pointing out the ESC boot method.

All-in-all, I wish the best of luck to everyone. So far there has been no ill effects of flashing a clevo 5870m bios onto a Asus G73 5870m bios, but there is ALWAYS that chance that something is incompatible. Main thing of course is the Powerplay, but other than that. No one has reported any problems.

If Asus ever does come out with a actual, official fix. You can always re-flash back to your original vbios. It sucks knowing we had to find the fix ourselves, but hopefully this will lead to a quicker official fix for the many that do not want to flash their vbios.

Reference thread: G73 Gsod....

EDIT: Also, if your laptop some how messes up, and it is still turning on, but you do not see the LCD displaying anything. There is a blindflash method in which hopefully you saved your original bios to be able to do this.

Blindflash means you will not be seeing anything on your screen while following these steps, but is worth a try if this happens to you, start it up, press and hold ESC, hopefully you remember how far down your flash drive was because you will need to select it.

Once you feel you have selected the right drive, wait about 10secs. Then type in atiflash -p 0 -f ORIGBIOS, now the "origbios" part is just the name, so if you did not name it that, just type in whatever original name you used when you backed up your vbios.

Give it a sec, then once you feel you typed it in and hitting enter. Reboot, hopefuly you will see stuff on your screen again.

I Believe this is all the steps when blindflashing, but is difficult considering you will not see anything on the display and pretty much have to guess what your doing. But it is a way to "unbrick" so, hopefully no one has to ever do this. But there is the guide anyways.

Edit2: If anyone has a higher Asus vBios than VER012.017.000.004.035992 and you have no problems when updating your drivers. Would you please upload them for us. This would be a even better fix for those with problems and should even fix the incompatibilities. Thanks

 

And here I thought I gave the firm reminder.

I know there has been much debate over the years on whether it's okay to install new cats right over the top of the old cats or whether it's better to do a complete uninstall first. Is it possible that the people who are having problems with drivers newer than 9.12 are simply not doing a proper install by completely removing the previous version first?

 

Brick? Is that a typo? unless you're implying it become a brick afterwards.

 

Nope, I did a fresh install about 3 times using only 10.3 and 10.4 drivers first. Both same effects.

Actually updating drivers by simply installing the new ones on top works pretty good. I had to do that after I flashed my bios since I had already did a Asus recovery as I thought I would be sending it back that day. It ran absolutely great.

Believe me, I'm sure everyone has tried everything that can be thought of to fix the GSODs and crashes. I even spent like 3hrs looking thru the asus stock driver files hoping to find some major differences. But still, no luck, the vbios updates seems to be the only method, tis be why I feel this guide is needed for those who do not wish to RMA or even possibly those who would have to pay to ship it back.

I gave the big warning, and as much details I could about how to flash, so I really hope no one has any troubles doing so. Flashing a vbios on laptops is dangerous, but its not something to be scared of really. It was so easy, and not hard to do at all.

Edit: Brick is pretty much the right word I presume, I think there is blindflashing, but since I have never done it, nor is it very easy to do anyways. I'd say brick seems like the right word in this case.

 

Nope. Did it multiple times clean install with both 32-bit and 64-bit OSes on TWO G73JHs and I'm no means technically incompetent. It can be "fixed" somewhat by varying the core/mem clock when using CAT 10.3/10.4/10.6 but using the Clevo bios is more of a permanent fix. This is a moot point for me anyway since the ASUS tech handling my unit replacement admitted that it's a GPU problem. But since I didn't want to have to go through RMA replacement again (3rd time), I just used the Clevo bios instead. Torture tested with Furmark for at least an hour on both 10.4 and 10.6, no problems with stock mem/core speed and stock core voltage. Ran heaven multiple times, played crysis for 10 hours and everything stable so far = happy camper. They still need to release a fix for the stupid FN+ESC = Freeze though -__-'

 

Ah okay. That pretty much rules out previous debris getting in the way.

It usually works, but not always. When asked, I always recommend removing the old drivers first, that works 100 percent of the time.

I'm not suggesting the guide isn't needed.

Yeah, I think you are making that clear here and in your other posts of your concerns. The guide covers the points I raised in my post here when I gave my "firm" warning.

Brick means dead. Has the pulse of a brick. Solid none functioning object.

BTW, don't you think using the ESC key to go into the boot menu would be better then telling people to go through their BIOS? The ESC key is certainly easier and quicker.

 

Okay, just wanted to make sure.

Yeah, that is a really stupid bug.

 

Ahah, Ty, didnt know ESC did that. I will edit my post and add thanks to you too .

I never meant to sound mean in my last post. Sorry if I did, and yeah I agree with you, a clean install would be the method I would always recommend too. I was just adding from my personal experience, even though I guess even I myself would never do it that way if I planned on leaving that W7 install on the laptop for a while.

As for the brick thing, that is a good point. I guess I should just say it can mess up your laptop or something.

Again, ty, I appreciate all the tips.

 

Wasn't tryin to be snide by the way, I found your guide to be uber helpful when I was trying to figure out what the heck was going on the first time round

 

@dkillone
Thanks. BTW, I didn't take your posts to be mean, so no need to apologize. I spent decades cutting my teeth on Usenet (if you know what I mean) and as a result my hide is thicker than most.

@Xeven
Thanks. BTW, I didn't take your posts to be snide, so don't worry about it. I was just being terse.

 

Cool cool, yeah I figured even though I've said it before in other threads, it wouldnt hurt to restate it here for others that havent read the other threads.

Anyways, all is well. And as a future reference to all, all tips are welcome. I havent really written a guide before, so I'm sure I could have done better.

 

I am so tired of my driver GSOD's problems.. Currently forced to run on stock.

Damn, it appears that I'm a chickien afraid to mess with my machine. I would love to do vbios update according to instructions, but well.. How risky is that? If my card goes black, there's no way to reflash, just RMA or worse.

EDIT: My vBios is exactly the same version as yours, dkillone. So I took the risk. And it worked like charm!

I just kicked in mobility 10.4 drivers and I'm going to test GSOD games, like GTA 4 or League of Legends.

Card runs much quieter now while maintaining same temps.

Best wishes to you all!

 

SO ... does this mean a standard MXM 3.0b card will fit and work? It sounds like the vBios is on the card, rather than on the motherboard - if the card itself isn't reverse mxm, it sounds like asus has taken a step in the right direction. Perhaps it just means we can get a Fermi card replacement in the future ... or maybe asus has seen the light and provided a laptop with a standard user replaceable video card?

 

I think the 5870 wasn't really finished to become an end user product. The drivers weren't good enough and appearantly the card is going to need a VBIOS update in the near future. I expect Asus to release one in the near future.

Then there is the strange behaviour that the memory isn't downclocked at idle situations.

 

Asus addressed that already. The power usage of the memory at 1000 or less clocks wasn't noticeable so they left it unchanged.

But yes, I expect either a new vbios from Clevo that support power play or a new one from Asus.

 

thank u very much sir. This guide is very informative indeed. +rep.

Although I haven't switched from my stock drivers yet (no pressing needs, since i dont play BF:BC2, COD: MW2 and Arkham runs beautifully so far on stock), but its good to know that there is hope of someday getting an official fix to this.

 

worked for me, from now ama running on VER012.019.000.003.035951 VBIOS , it was piece of cake to flash it...

just now i am downloading oficial 10.4 catalyst... will keep you informed

 

Ok, just got a PM from MarcusTaz, he said after flashing his HDMI port didnt work. Anyone else experience this?

If so, I will have to add this into the main post and get a list going for any other problems.

I do not have a HDTV or anyway to test myself, so it would be great if someone else could after flashing their vbios so I can know 100% sure it dos not work. It very well could have been a weird fluke for MarcusTaz. But I'm sure since all G73s are the it will yield same results for everyone.

 

OR...the M5870 for whatever reason seems to be more at risk for the same GSOD issues that have been plaguing many 5xxx-series video card owners since ATI introduced them last year, and like so many others, you're spreading FUD without bothering to base your claims in reality or support them with facts.

 

As someone who's messed with clocks it's actually ridiculous.

700/1000 ->100/200 increases battery runtime by 40-50 minutes and drops the GPU temp from 62C to 50C.

 

HDMI port isn't working? Could someone else confirm this? Normally I'm working with external dell 2409wfp monitor via HDMI, but currently I'm out of my study place so I can't check it.

The thing is, that with new vBios everything runs smoother, no GSOD's, no crashes, no throttling and first and foremost - gpu fan runs much more quiet, even under the load (same temps, actually, perhaps a little colder).

HDMI problems are rather bad news, because I'll need to reflash back to use my external display and get use to sluggish stock drivers again... Sure I could use VGA, but image quality is very miserable then.

 

I confirm, that HDMI doesn't work anymore on Clevo vBios... System doesn't find external display at all. I tried only on stock 9.12 and 10.4, but I believe it doesn't work for any.

Anyway I read somewhere that some of you has G73 vBios newer then most typical VER012.017.000.004.035995. If so would be great if someone with one could upload it to try for rest of us.

 

Dang, I guess that settles it then, thanks a bunch for trying it out. I guess its officially a downside then.

And yeah, if anyone does have a higher vbios, and do not have any problems upgrading, please, please upload it, so others can test. I no longer have my notebook, so no testing for me.

Maybe I will get lucky and my new A2 will have the higher BIOS though.

Edit: K added a list, and at the bottom of my first post asked for someone with higher vbios to upload. Thanks again Yareck, this should help a lot.

 

I hope the new bios does exist since I might be on my 3rd G73 soon. The way I'm going right now I might end up with ten replacements until I get a good one -__-'.

 

Yes HDMI nor the VGA port will work with the Clevo. Asus needs to get their A$# in gear and fix this issue. Please post on the threa running in the VIP Asus vip forums... The more that post the better...

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Forum- G73 Issues that needs to be resolved


Please post here mates, it is prob the best place to get their attention to address our issues...

 

Hey thanks marcus!

It probably wouldn't work, but there is a slimmer of hope, that maybe if enough people post in their own thread, Asus might just have to start taking notice of these issues.

 

I put a mini rant there -> ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Forum- GSOD vbios fix. When?

 

My question is who is going to void thier warrenty to let ASUS know there is a bios issue and they that have fixed their system with a non-official vBios. This is rediculous that the users have to come up with a fix/cure before the company does..............

 

Thanks for this Guide, work fine for me

 

It is so easy to revert back to the official bios and no one has to reveal their true identity who tries the Clevo. I flashed 3 times and reverted back each time without issue. Is there a risk, of course but if you are not sure what you are doing then you should avoid.

Again it is all about pressure and the more people that post over there the better, and yes maybe we should post our individual threads and then all post in one large thread...

Again Asus needs to get off their butts and address the issue.

 

The MSI vBios version 12.020.000.004.036532 works fine as well. Powerplay works fine and additionally Overdrive is now enabled. Only caveat is, the HDMI still doesn't work. It's as stable as the Clevo bios and is probably a better alternative.

 

Interesting Xeven, could you please upload the vbios? Or even just PM the link? If your all good, I would like to add it into the first post. Thanks a bunch in advance.

That does sound like a better alternative, still sucks HDMI wont work but at least PP works.

 

I would be interested in getting MSI's vbios as well.

 

That may be true, but heat sure is- I saw my temps drop as much as 10C when clocking the mem from 1000 to 300. However, I also got GSOD's when trying to ramp it back up, so I leave it alone.

 

I haven't done much tests (only Furmark + short BFBC2 run) but it seems to work well. If anybody else is brave enough you can find the bios here from the official MSI site -> http://download2.msi.com/files/downloads/frm_exe/1727_BR36532018.zip

 

Thanks very much Xeven +rep.

I just got my A2 today so I may not need it, still no updated vbios though.

And if it can pass furmark and BC2, im sure its good. Basically as long as you can see ur display after the flash, u can always at least flash back easy if its unstable.

But yeah, thats good to hear, always like alternatives and knowing we can have vbios that offers PP and overdrive.

Edit: Looking at the MSI vbios I see it is from 03/08/10. So definitely newer than clevo's which was from February 2nd.

 

I dont understand something about GSOD on G73

Why peaple with same vBios have crash and other not crash, i have update with the clevo vbios and my G73 are rock stable now, but i would like understand what is the with the vbios problem if this is the same ?

Thanks

 

^ thats been the biggest issue. Without knowing the deep down differences between 9.12 and 10.3 (10.1 only if your manufacture made it available) its really difficult to say why some cards exhibit this issue and others do not even with the same vbios. Its clear that the issue has been addressed and resolved with the newer vbios but none of these are specific to Asus' implementation and so issues with the hdmi port crop up even though it fixes the GSOD problems.

 

I remember from reading in the ATI forum in the GSOD thread that what the desktop bios changes that fixed GSOD did was changing the core/mem voltage settings. There are tools, maybe GPU Voltage Tuner (3dguru), to look at those settings in the Bios. People who flashed could compare those voltage settings with the Asus stock GPU vbios. Maybe using GPU Voltage Tuner alone could solve the GSOD but obviously I am only speculating.
@ hamon
If this is a hardware it is not likely the same for all people. In case it is core voltage a smaller increase might be sufficient for some cards but nor for all.

 

None of these bios seem to allow setting of the core voltage (tried GPU tool and RBE anyhow). RBE 1.25 doesn't display the voltage registers, so it cannot be modified using that route right now. That being said, one of the differences with these bios seems to be that AMD GPU Tool reports the Stock bios of ASUS as 1.15V but the Clevo and MSI reports 1.05V (hopefully AMD Tool is correct). I'll try to do some research after work if there's a way to change them through I2C, but that's a longshot right now.

Btw, the Medion Akoya x7811 based on the GX740 apparently allows the voltages to be set. But I might just as well be reading gibberish since the forum is in German and I can't understand the posts very well -__-'

 

Hey Xeven,

Thanks .. what you report about the voltage setting sounds logical. Lower voltage would mean less heat. Anyway luckily I am german so if you link those post I can easily translate .

 

i hope someone else would like to flash the msi bios before i do it..leaving the country in a week and cant afford to screw anything up hehehe

 

Hi, Xeven! Do your card downclocks automaticaly when on desktop, after falashing new vBIOS like desktop cards do?
Or maybe someone knows how to do it on current from Asus, exept using AMD GPU clock tool?

 

Just an idea: Has anyone, using stock vbios, who has no issues with 10.4 or better with drivers supplied from ATI, used atiflash to make a copy of their vbios and supplied it online, even if it's the same version numbers as those of use with issues? I would think it may be worth trying as there may be a difference. I figure it's worth a try.

 

That's a good idea. ASUS is known for changing code without changing the version number.

BTW, the current test build of GPU-Z has most of the ghosted areas in the "Graphics Card" tab filled and the "Sensors" tab is now fully populated and functional (with the exception of the fan speed).

You can find the current GPU-Z test build here.

 

Looks like Vbios : 012-017-000-004-0359-A33G version doesn't crash for everybody. Would be great to test it if person with non-crashing vbios could upload it.

 

I've done a binary compare of amoeller's bios (which has no problems with 10.4) to mine and they are exactly the same.

Btw, I've attached the modified bios that I use right now. Since the HDMI is important to me I went back to my old stable timings with the stock ASUS bios. These timings are rock-solid in both the G73JH's that I've had. I haven't found a real solution for changing the voltages (I'll try to work on it) but this interim "solution" works fine for me. Everything that works with the original bios works (including Powerplay and HDMI) and this survives torture tests with Furmark and Heaven in 10.4 as well. Anyhow if you're brave enough you can find it here -> G73JH MODDED BIOS ASUS=**CKTARD EDITION. Be warned that this is a modified bios and there's the normal risk of flashing.

As an alternative you can also use AMD GPU tool to load these timings on startup, but if powerplay kicks in, the start-up timings from GPU tool will be discarded. Using this bios is a more permanent fix. Good luck.

 

Great job Xeven +1. Could you specify what you changed to make run Furmark stable? I will try your vBios when will be back home. What application you use to modify bios settings?

As more safe alternative I would suggest for people with GSOD problems to try newest ASUS VGA driver which is avaliable with update date 2010/04/15 at:
G73JH ATI/ASUS mobility Radeon 5870 driver x64 W7 V8.692.1.0
As far it is stable for me as stock 9.12 and much faster then stock. Try and comment your results.

 

Xeven and Yareck, due to the content of that image, you should consider editing it or removing it.

 

Thanks Xeven. Tried that your Modded bios.Everythings works fine. No GSOD at all.Thanks