BIOS modding for GPU OC fun and profit!!

Updated 03 May 2015
I no longer own my XPS 16, nor do I monitor this thread. I'll still try to help if you PM me, but I haven't done any BIOS Modding for a couple of years now.

Intro

Based on the fun we had here XPS 16 GPU Overclocking, and thanks to the help of nando4 over on this thread How to Overclock ATI 5650 and the folks here Tool to Insert/Replace SLIC in Phoenix / Insyde / De1l / EFI BIOSes I've been able to mod the Studio XPS 16 BIOS to accommodate a permanent GPU overclock.

The advantages of an overclocked video BIOS over a software overclock is higher stability, no longer requiring a software OC program running, and retention of PowerPlay functionality, so your GPU will only overclock at full load, leaving power and heat saving idle clocks as stock. A BIOS OC also functions under Linux, unlike most software overclocking tools.

Changes to mod BIOS format

There are some changes to the modded BIOSes I've made below. Most significantly, I am now uploading the unpackaged BIOS files, and the BIOS flashing utilities separately. This will remove the need to first downgrade your BIOS, so now only one flash is required. Just make sure that in the "Advanced Settings" menu of the WinPhlash tool, you uncheck the 'Flash only if BIOS version is different' box.

BIOS GPU Overclocking

At the bottom of the page are the modded BIOSes organized by model. Because I've changed the format of the modded BIOSes, ones that I've made so far are not included in this list, though the links to them can still be found throughout the thread. To start, I've created some mildly OCd BIOSes for people that don't want to do any testing. For those of you that have done testing, and have some good clocks you want made, just post the settings you want and I'll make one for you. Requests are welcome.

If you don't know much about overclocking, or you want some good overclocking testing procedures, take a look through these threads: How to Overclock the ATI 5650, XPS 16 GPU Overclocking, and of course this thread itself.

Besides just increasing the clocks, I can also adjust voltage both higher and lower (though this is dangerous and use at your own risk, as there's no way to test out changes with software before making them semi-permanent in the BIOS), and even decrease clocks if cool and silent are your goal.

For reference, these are the stock sets of clocks/voltages for the 4670 and 5730. I can change any combination of these clocks/voltages to anything you want:

GPU / vRAM / Voltage:

5730

100 150 0.9
100 300 0.9
300 300 0.9
375 400 0.9
400 800 0.95
450 800 0.95
550 800 1
650 800 1.1

4670

220 300 0.9
300 300 0.9
300 500 0.9
300 400 1
450 600 1
300 800 1.2
400 800 1.2
675 800 1.2

In all of the BIOS mods included below, only the max clocks are changed unless otherwise noted.

Due to throttling issues, all mod BIOSes will include the 4670 vBIOS from version A09 (1645) or A07 (1647), as it has the highest temp threshold before throttling, reducing its occurrence. Unlike with the 5730, there were no changes between the 4670 vBIOS A09 and A12 except for the temp threshold, so you won't be missing out on any new features/optimizations.

More than just overclocking! Unlocked BIOS menus for 1645 and 1647 including thermal control options.

Thanks to the help of Kizwan at this thread Acer laptop Phoenix BIOS mod requests, the new mod BIOSes will include a significantly expanded unlocked BIOS menu, which allows us to change more BIOS settings, most significantly the ability enabling Intel VT-d technology for those interested in virtualization, ability to disable the HPET, and the ability to control many other options. If you find these extra options helpful, please send some rep points Kizwan's way. Below are some screen shots of the new unlocked BIOS options.

Unlocked BIOS menu screenshots

1645 BIOS version A13.5W/L

For the 1645, all new requests will be posted as BIOS A13.5W. All A13.5 BIOSes include:

Based on BIOS A13

• Unlocked Menus
• A09 4670 vBIOS
• CPU Microcode updated from v3 to v4 (like a CPU driver update)
• Patched DSDT fixing multiple ACPI errors
• DSDT is optimized for Windows users by default (A13.5W) (minor changes)
• A Linux optimized version is also available by request (A13.5L) (major changes)
  1. Fixed HPET
  2. Fixed _BCQ function
  3. Fixed PCI-E
  4. Others

Getting the most out of overclocking / keeping your laptop cool

If you want to get maximum clocks out of your laptop, keeping temps down is key. If you haven't already, I'd suggest upgrading your thermal paste, and (SXPS16) removing the dust filter from the intake fan. These two mods will drop your temps by around 10C. There is lots of information on these subjects in this thread, and elsewhere on the XPS board.

Also, I'd recommend you visit this thread (or one like it for your model) and upgrade all your drivers Latest Driver & Software Updates for Studio XPS 16.

BIOS Flashing Tools

WinPhlash 64-bit

WinPhlash 32-bit

Phlash for DOS

Modded BIOSes

1645

View my folder at mediafire:
1645 Mod BIOSes - MediaFire

1647

1647_A10_5730_725_900-4670_750_900.zip

Unlocked BIOS menu options / stock clocks:
Dell Studio XPS 1647 A10 MOD_FIXED.rar

1640

Sorry 1640 owners, after several tries, I have been unable to create a mod BIOS that will successfully flash on your systems.

New XPS 14/15/17 series

I'm able to unpack the Phoenix BIOS, but I'm having trouble getting NiBiTor to recognize the Nvidia vBIOS to edit it. It's still possible, but we'll need to wait for a new version of NiBiTor to recognize the mobile 4xx series GPUs (I haven't checked up to see if the new version works or not yet...)

This also only applies to the 1st Generation XPS15/17, not the Sandy Bridge models. The 15/17R2 models use the new UEFI, not a traditional BIOS, so the modding tools I use don't work for them (yet).

Warning

There is a (minor) risk any time you flash your BIOS. This is done at your own risk, and I will not take responsibility if your laptop is bricked by the upgrade. Many people in this thread have used my BIOS mods without any problems, but this doesn't mean it can't happen.

That said, if you do brick your laptop, it's not the end of the world. Most modern laptops have a "Blind Flash" capability, so even if it bricks, there is a way to recover without needing a new motherboard. I have bricked my XPS 16 before trying out something new (don't worry, nothing I'd ever release here), and was able to recover using the below tools fairly easily. Though one thing the instructions fails to mention is that you need a 32-bit computer to create the rescue disk, it will not work with 64-bit windows. Instructions for using the tool are here: Bricked XPS 1645, Help!, though the link to the tools in that thread are dead. An active link to them is here: http://dev.phoenix-consultancy.nl/dell/20100327_Dell_Studio_XPS_Bios_Tools.zip (thanks to Mitchell2.24v for hosting them).

Final words

If any of you have any suggestions for improvement, or see anything I've missed, please let me know. Have fun overclocking!!

 

Does this permanently set the clock speeds or just the ATI Powerplay clocks? It would be really awesome to just change the ATI Powerplay clock speeds, since Rivatuner already has the functionality of changing your clock speeds in the Registry, and still staying there after Rivatuner is removed, if desired. Seems like Rivatuner is a better combination of ease of use, stability, and safety.

 

Yes, this mod only changes the max clocks, leaving powerplay fully functional. It will still undervolt / underclock itself at idle or reduced loads, saving power and heat. That's another big advantage over using a software OC, which locks your GPU at max speeds at all times. I could even lower the idle or reduced clocks further than they already are, but I'm hesitant to mess with any voltages, so I don't know how much of a difference it would make.

I just ran 3DMark06, and got 9329 marks with a max GPU temp of 64C (while running 3DMark06). Furmark absoulte highest GPU temps to be posted soon, but I highly doubt they'll be any different than the 79C max I hit with the software OC.

Edited original post to reflect this info...

 

This is very interesting!!!

My GPU has maxed 81C and its still in the stock Thermal Paste. Idle GPU temp is 49C, too bad.

I think I will try to change the thermal paste first then flash this modded BIOS.

BTW in a short span you have contributed alot to this forum and you are a Geek!

++Rep to you friend

 

Just did this mod and almost had a heart attack. Use winplash to downgrade to a08. And if froze at block 26. Of course i was about to drop to the floor. Let it sit for 10 minutes no change. So i took the risk of unplugging it and had the crisis usb ready. Turned it on no problems flash the A11 mod and its fine. Im surprised. But i still feel my heart beating out of my chest

 

Well as long as it worked... Strange that it froze on you, though I'm glad it was from the downgrading, and not my mod . I think that because it erases and re-writes one block at a time, even if there's an error during the flash, it shouldn't be disastrous.

How's the OC working out for you so far?

 

Very nice work, I hope you get some data from 4670 users also so a similar one could be made for them.

I know you mentioned you didn't want to play with the volts, but this is an area where it could take this a step beyond anything possible before. I remember unclewebb made a little program showing the Volts down at 0.9 when Mhz lowered and at 1.2 when at middle/peak (state 0,1,2 respectively I think).

BTW: crazy 3dMark score you've got compared to mine back when I was still playing around trying to max this. Even though you've got a newer GPU and WLED instead of RGB, it's like we're talking about a totally different system.. though I'm still happy, I'm all for getting the most out of this within limits/safety.

 

Well now that I know it just changes the PowerPlay values, that's awesome, although I personally will stay away from using a modded BIOS.

 

The stock A11 has 9 possible GPU/RAM/voltage settings to choose from for the 5730 depending on the usage, ranging from 100/150/0.9 volts to the normal 650/800/1.1v

For the 4670 it has 16 possible values ranging from 220/300/0.9v to 675/800/1.2v These are the automatically changing values already included in the unmodified stock BIOS.

One strange thing to note is that with the 5730, default clocks are the max ones (650/800/1.1), and it then underclocks on demand. With the 4670, the mid-range 400/800/1.2 is the default, and it will either over or underclock depending on the situation.

I could mod a bios for 4670 users. I'd just need to know the stock BIOS they'd like me to base it on, a set of clock/mem settings that most agree are safe.

 

Mod has raised my temps about 3c. I want a program that can control fan speed. The fan is only running at 30% according to gpuz. I think i might apply new thermal paste once i get some money

 

That's not bad. 3-4C increase is what I was seeing with the software OC depending on how high I went.

Try this, it's what I'm using Newegg.ca - MASSCOOL G751 Shin-Etsu Thermal Interface Material

Edit: Holy crap!! CAD9.99 shipping for a CAD5.99 tube of thermal grease!! It's only $2.99 shipping in the US. Canada is expensive! I didn't notice that when I first posted the link.

 

Ill probably pick up Ic diamond 24 when i get some cash. But defiantly good mod.

 

At 1280 x 1024 I got a score of 8491 on 3dmark06

 

I have the same specs, but I've highly optimized my Windows installation, and before I run 3DMark I shut down all non-critical programs and services running (right now I have 46 running processes, which is low enough as it is, but when running 3DMark I only have processes in the low 30s), so my scores may be a bit higher than with regular use. Also, I'm change my CCC settings to High Performance. I find the drop in quality is barely noticeable compared to the increase in framerates. I'm running 3DMark06 version 1.2.0 if it makes any difference.

 

I think I prefer the software solution. I like running at 810core 1100mem. I don't optimize or anything (haven't done a clean install... yet.)

The only problem is, that if the plug falls out, my computer immediately tries to undervolt and downclock the graphics card, but the clocks stay fixed at 810/1100... so it only undervolts, causing the driver to crash.

Also, seeker, you're running a different resolution than we are . 3dmark06 only runs at whatever resolution your monitor supports, and us humble beat poets with the 1920x1080 resolution are forced to use 1280x1024 with the trial version. I suggest you connect to an external monitor and run that resolution, since it's the more common one for the benchmark.

 

What res did you run at? I just ran 3dmark Vantage and got a score of P4718 at 1280 x 1024. I have full version so i can change the res for that one. So let me know what res you ran at to see if i can get close

 

I just ran 3DMark06 at 1280x768, without the 'cheating' of disabling my anti-virus and other non-critical programs first, and came out with 9344 (actually higher than before ), with component scores of 3477/4319/3031.

I'd like to think that the scores are scaled for resolution, but I'm not sure. I'll try running at 1280x1024 on my desktop monitor tomorrow, and post the results. I'll try to run Vantage as well, but I hate their trial activation scheme, really not user friendly.

 

Ok, I just connected to my laptop to an external display and ran 3DMark06 on default settings with 1280x1024 res like the rest of you, without any special preparation like shutting down services, and got 8424 marks, with just the BIOS 750/1000 OC, right in the same ballpark as the rest of you.

ORB - World of Performance

I then turned the OC up even further with the clock tool, to 835/1125 (not nearly safe enough for a permanent BIOS overclock, but stable enough for a benchmark) and came up with 9279 @ 3529/4182/3063 all at full 1280x1024. Just because I could, lol.

ORB - World of Performance

Vantage at BIOS overclock 750/1000

P4692 / GPU: 3991 http://service.futuremark.com/home.action;jsessionid=F39F6D1C25E86D9F549797FFCF5198C6

Vantage at additional software OC 835/1125

P5229 / GPU: 4512 http://service.futuremark.com/home.action;jsessionid=11EFEFDDAC791D4C2D36F862B549109B

Max GPU temp through all testing today: 66C

Based on the data at notebookcheck.net (admittedly not the most reliable, but still...) the BIOS OC will make your 5730 just a bit faster than a stock clocked 5830!! Take that HP Envy

 

i've got a studio xps 1647 with ati 4670 with latest bios... if you can optimize the voltage, or the clock to make it cooler at same speed would be wonderful!

i've extracted AcpiTbls.rw but how can i send it to you?

can it contain personal information? (like hardware windows key, like slic, or service tag...)

 

Add it to a zip file and then attach it to your post.

I can alter the slic if you want. I have the Dell 2.1 slic file (came with the mod tool), but I'll need your "certificate", though I don't know how or where you get that from. Look at the forum link in my first post, it may explain what exactly what is needed. Add it to the zip when you send it to me. I wasn't interested in that part of BIOS modding, so I haven't really done any research into it. I don't think it necessary, as the BIOS already has all that included. From what I understand, you'd only need to mod the SLIC if you were trying to make another computer look as if it was a Dell.

I could drop the voltage from 1.2 to 1.1v, but I have no way of testing that it would be stable. Worst case scenario, it would be unstable at load, but because I'd only be changing your full load settings, it should still be stable enough in windows to flash back to an unmodded BIOS, but if anything doesn't work the risk would be on you.

What version of the BIOS do you want me to mod?

 

I could make you one for 810/1100 if you're comfortable with it being semi-permanent.

 

is it too much work to teach us how to do it our selves instead of you catering to everyone's individual clock requests?

 

can i do it to my hd4670 or its only for 5730?
I have a dell xps 1645

 

Interesting about the custom mod. I use Linux exclusively and nvclock doesn't work. A modified BIOS would really be the only way. XPS 1340.

 

Which is the lattest Bios for XPS 16 Laptop ?
Thanks

 

Another linux user here; interested because there's no way to mod the 5730/4670 clocks in linux that i'm aware of.

I would be grateful if you could document the method, so I can duplicate it myself. I'm familiar with BIOS modding on the desktop side (i've modded my Nvidia BIOS and also the main BIOS (to upgrade option roms, activate hidden menu items, load in newer microcode, etc.) Is the process similar?

 

Go to this thread to download the PhoenixTool, then read through the first 2-3 pages to get an idea how the tool works. Then skip to and read pages 105 - 107 which explain what you have to do to mod the vBIOS.

Tool to Insert/Replace SLIC in Phoenix / Insyde / De ll / EFI BIOSes

You'll also need to download a hex editor or the Radeon BIOS Editor

I'd also review pages 9-12 of this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...-cards/487795-how-overclock-ati-5650-a-9.html

And if you have any questions beyond that, just ask.

As far as Linux goes, the Phoenix BIOS tool is a windows program, and so is the BIOS flasher. You could go through and flash under windows, but once flashed, the BIOS OC will work under Linux. (I'm running dual-boot with OpenSUSE right now, have only been playing with it for a month so far, don't know yet if I like it, but the OC does work).

It should work the same, whether a 4670, 5730, or whatever the XPS 13 has (as long as it's a Dell/Phoenix BIOS and an ATI GPU). You could even use it to mod a Dell BIOS with an Nvidia card, but you'd have to research how to change the values in an Nvidia BIOS.

 

You can. The main Dell BIOS contains vBIOS for both the 4670 and the 5730. You could either follow the instructions in the post above and do it yourself, or you could tell me specifically what you want and I could make one for you.

 

The 1640, 1645, and 1647 all have different BIOS versions. The newest for the 1645 is A11, I'm not sure about the others.

 

Thank you!
if it is possible, i would like to be cooler when i use internet,office progams etc and a little 'stronger' when i use 3d applications but without have big difference in the max temperature (not extreme overclocking). What you thing? Whats the default 'settings' in your current version?

I have dell xps studio 1645, a11 bios, i7-720,hd 4670

 

I only changed the values for my max performance clocks, and left everything else the same. If you wanted to, you could try undervolting the power saving clocks, but I can't guarantee they will be stable. There's no way to test undervolting with software before you flash, like you can with overclocking. Personally, I don't think it's necessary, as my GPU stays in the high-40s under a light load, which is cool enough for me.

 

In your 1645_A11_oc_mod.zip, how much higher are the clocks compare to mh hd4670 default clocks ? May i use this file (1645_A11_oc_mod.zip) to make the update?

 

I only changed the 5730 clocks in that BIOS. If you want, you can either try to mod the 4670 yourself based on the info in the threads I've linked to, or I could mod 4670 in either the A09 or A11 BIOS for you to whatever clocks you want.

 

so i was testing with the amd gpu tool and this card can overclock decently had it at 825/1050 for a while.
temps were 81-82 furmark for 725/1000 and 87 ish for 825/1050
just a question what if you want to revert back to another bios. Do we just flash it the same way?

 

Yep, just downflash to A08, then reflash with the standard BIOS.

I can get mine to run stable at 835/1100 or 855/1050 (835/1100 gives me a higher 3DMark08 score), but I'd suggest dropping down around 5% from max unless your absolutely sure it's 100% stable. Even though flashing back to stock clocks are relatively easy if you crash, it's still kind of a pain.

FWIW I recently upped my personal BIOS to 785/1025, and I can run OCCT Furmark, and Prime95 for 30 min with no throttling, errors, and max GPU of 79C.

I'd suggest not to flash with anything that will bring the GPU over 85, for longevity reasons. Try upgrading your thermal paste, and removing the dust filter covering up the fan intake to reduce temps, those 2 things will drop temps by over 5c at load.

 

Thanks. already did new thermal paste and fan filter. i guess ill just stick with your 750mhz bios.

 

87C is kinda excessive if you've already done those 2 things. Is your fan choked with dust, or do you set the laptop down on a soft surface that blocks airflow? If not, maybe yours just doesn't OC as well. That's the issue with OCing though, some chips do it well, others not, total crapshoot; which is why I won't post a BIOS over 750/1000 unless someone specifically requests it.

 

hrm seeker you always come out withe the coolest things to do to our laptops. i definately gonna try this on my 4670. right now i run 835/950. temps are kinda high at 82-86 C. this is runing furmark. but my temps are way lower running SC2. do i dunno what would be a safe value to set my overclock at. guess it's time for some testing.

 

Those numbers pretty much match what I had earlier (4670). I had it at 830/960 which was Furmark proof (temps at around 85) but with 3DMark06 and games the temps were maxing at around 72. This is with A11 so your computer will shutdown if the GPU temps go up to low 90s (92-94 off the top of my head).

 

I dont know why but i had to revert back to stock bios becuase i was throttling. but temps for cpu and gpu were about 70 for gpu and 65 for cpu. So im kinda clueless because it doesnt look like a temp issue.

 

The 4670 runs hotter than the 5730, and you're GPU will never get as hot as it does with FurMark, so those temps aren't too bad, but I'd still try to find something stable at under 84 max under Furmark (that's just me though).

 

That's strange, the only thing different is the clocks, so it shouldn't cause throttling if it's not overheating. What version BIOS were you running before? Is it the CPU or the GPU that's throttling?

 

im sure its the cpu. i was running A10. thinking maybe my power cord doesnt give enough power or something. 130w here.

 

Try running the official non-modded A11. If it throttles then, it may be that your laptop just doesn't like A11 for some reason. I could mod an A09 or A10 for you, if you're throttle free with those.

 

no thats fine. thanks any way. ima try to reapply thermal paste.

 

Remove the dust filter over the fan intake as well. IMO, this makes as much of a temp difference as the paste did.

 

sooo.. what happens now with the new BIO

I plan to try this out once i get the laptop (never had experience before). Can someone let me know if I am correct in the procedure?

Since the laptop will come after the A12 is released, i assume it's going to be using that bios?
I'll first do a clean install of the window 7.
then I will downgrade it to BIOs A08..
then I will upgrade it to the modded A11 BIOS seeker created?

is that correct?

 

They probably won't start shipping them with A12 for another month or so. A11 was already released when I ordered mine, but it only came with A09.

 

Sorry to be an idiot, but I've never done this before. Would we have to use the upgrade/downgrade bios tool to use the mod if our current revision is anything lower than A11, or would simply running the provided .exe do the job? Also, am I correct in assuming that this is safe to do?

 

Ye right, my 4670 already gets too hot at default MHz