BIOS modding for GPU OC fun and profit!!

Mac OSX on the Dell XPS 1645? is this possible? when yes..could you send me a link, where i can download the OSX DVD? OSX would be nice on my XPS 16

 

Yes, it is possible. You need to replace the wireless card, as the included one doesn't work. You can get a 4431 on eBay for $10. As for OS X, you can get it from Apple or any number of online retailers for approximately $30.

 

Haven't been in this thread for awhile. Anything new going on for the 1647?

 

Not really. I haven't had a request for a 1647 in quite a while.

 

hello,
I'm a happy linux user but an unhappy Dell Studio XPS 1645 owner because of the cpu temperature that is always to high: cpu fans always spins and my battery is death after 1h.
I've tried almost everything to lower it, from changing distro, upgrading my kernel, to adding kernel's params from grub, but with no result.
my cpu temps was always around 60 c°, untill I've read in several forums, that a bios update might solve this type of issue for some users with different pc
So I've decided to try the latest bios update provided from DELL ( A13 )
Unfortunately things get worse than expected...
right now I have only chromium opened and i'm typing this post with a cpu temp

Code:

pingu myo # sensors
acpitz-virtual-0
Adapter: Virtual device
temp1:       +26.8°C  (crit = +127.0°C)                  
temp2:       +70.0°C  (crit = +85.0°C)  

my graphic's card is a ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670 and my full system configuration is

Code:

pingu myo # inxi -F
System:    Host: pingu Kernel: 3.3.6-solusos x86_64 (64 bit) Desktop: Gnome 2.30.2 Distro: SolusOS 1.1 Eveline
Machine:   Mobo: Dell model: 0Y517R version: A13 serial: .�@�I۷.CN486430960002. Bios: Dell version: A13 date: 04/01/2011
CPU:       Quad core Intel Core i7 CPU Q 820 (-HT-MCP-) cache: 8192 KB flags: (lm nx sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx) 
           Clock Speeds: 1: 1199.00 MHz 2: 1199.00 MHz 3: 1199.00 MHz 4: 1199.00 MHz 5: 1199.00 MHz 6: 1199.00 MHz 7: 1199.00 MHz 8: 1199.00 MHz
Graphics:  Card: ATI Device 9488 X.org: 1.10.4 driver: fglrx tty size: 165x24 Advanced Data: N/A for root 
Audio:     Card-1: Intel 5 Series/3400 Series Chipset High Definition Audio driver: snd_hda_intel Sound: ALSA ver: 1.0.24
           Card-2: ATI RV710/730 driver: snd_hda_intel
Network:   Card-1: Broadcom BCM4312 802.11b/g LP-PHY driver: b43-pci-bridge 
           IF: wlan1 state: down mac: 1c:65:9d:21:25:50
           Card-2: Broadcom NetLink BCM5784M Gigabit Ethernet PCIe driver: tg3 
           IF: eth1 state: up speed: 100 Mbps duplex: full mac: f0:4d:a2:48:dc:e6
Drives:    HDD Total Size: 500.1GB (8.0% used) 1: id: /dev/sda model: TOSHIBA_MK5056GS size: 500.1GB 
Partition: ID: / size: 79G used: 5.4G (8%) fs: ext4 ID: /home size: 326G used: 33G (11%) fs: ext4 
           ID: swap-1 size: 16.00GB used: 0.00GB (0%) fs: swap 
Sensors:   System Temperatures: cpu: 74.0C mobo: 26.8C gpu: 74.00C 
           Fan Speeds (in rpm): cpu: N/A 
Info:      Processes: 184 Uptime: 1:33 Memory: 1528.7/7970.1MB Client: Shell inxi: 1.8.5 

After reading mostly of this thread's post, I've understood that seeker_moc has done some fixes to the the a13 bios for the liux kernel and I'm wondering if this can helps me to solve my problem.
As I'm not interested into overclocking, is it possible to have bios that can lower my cpu's temp?
thank you.

 

If any of you are interested, Intel recently released 1st gen i7 mobile quad core CPU (CPUID 106E5 family chips) microcode revision 5. A CPU microcode update is like a driver update for the CPU. Intel didn't provide a changelog for the update, but they wouldn't have released an update this late into the CPUs lifecycle if it wasn't important. The stock A13 contains microcode revision 3. My previous mods were updated to revision 4. If you want a new one made with the updated microcode, just let me know. As it's highly unlikely Dell will release an updated BIOS, I'm going to name these new mod BIOSes A14. Just post what you want like normal.

micronox,

Sorry I didn't respond earlier, I missed your post. My mod BIOS fixes most of the errors/warnings/comments Linux may or may not report when you run "dmesg", such as HPET (because modern Linux kernels reject the BIOS OS identification request, the stock BIOS will treat Linux like pre-XP windows), PCIe (stock BIOS _OSC implementation not written to ACPI standard), and LCD Backlight level query (missing in BIOS). However, it probably won't have much of an effect on temps. You could always try, and if you don't like just switch back to stock A13.

 

Is the microcode only for the i7's or could it benefit the i5's in anyway?

 

It's only for the i7, but there might be an updated one for the i5 as well, I didn't look. If you could tell me what your CPUID is, I could check. The easiest way is to go into your BIOS, the CPUID should be listed on the first screen.

 

I hope this helps...

 

Not really. I'm don't know exactly how to convert the family/model/stepping that CPU-Z gives you into the CPUID string. I think your CPU-Z data converts to a CPUID string of 20655, but I'm not sure. Reboot your laptop and hit F2 to enter BIOS setup. On the first screen it will say CPUID: ***** That's what I need.

 

You were right, its 20655

 

The newest version is revision 3, which is dated 1 Sep 2011. I'll check to see what version is in the stock BIOS, though I'm pretty it's older than ver 3. I'll try to get to it soon, but I'm going to be busier this weekend than usual.

 

Alrighty, if you could make one with 800mhz core and 1000mhz memory that'd be great

 

The stock BIOS is only rev 2 dated 1 Mar 2010. I'll try to get the updated BIOS done tomorrow night.

 

Right, that's what I was thinking. I got this laptop back in December of 2010 so it has to not be revision 3. Thanks a lot in advanced for your help!

 

Can you made "A14" BIOS with 150/250Mhz idle and 750/900Mhz, without touch intermediate frequency?

Dell XPS 1645 with 4670.

P.S. Can you set voltages over 1.2v?

 

Eagerly awaiting and updated BIOS seeker! Can't wait!

 

hey seeker i will really appreciate if you could post a studio 1558 modded bios with overclocked gpu
and it will be great to know how you mod the bios

 

I'd like to try rev 5 intel driver just with the stock A13.5 driver (so with A09 video driver )

 

Did Seeker fall off the face of the earth? I've been checking this thread religiously awaiting the updated rev! Can't wait until he finally has time to do it! Thanks in advanced Seeker! You're the man!

 

Sorry everybody, I've been very busy lately trying to close on my new home. There were some unexpected issues that popped up last minute, that delayed my closing and have consumed most of my time during the last two weeks. I completely forgot about Gohan's request and to check the board. I'll try to finish his BIOS tomorrow, which hopefully won't take too long once I actually sit down to do it. I'll also try to get to any one who has posted a 1645/7 request so far. If I don't have it posted tomorrow night, don't expect it soon as I'm going to be moving this weekend, and next weekend I have to travel for a friend's weeding.

I've never tried to do a Studio 1558 before, and I don't know if the tool I use will also work for that. I'll give it a look, but probably not anytime soon.

I can set the GPU voltage to whatever you want. However, I've never personally messed with over-volting a mobile GPU, so I couldn't tell you what is a safe or how much performance gain / temp increase to expect. I'll do it, but it is at your own risk.

 

I'm working as we speak. I can't seem to find the file to 'unlock' the extra BIOS options for the 1647. Let me know if it is critical for you.

 

Not at all, I just would like the most up-to-date bios with the preferred speeds 800/1000

The extra options didn't really have anything in them that I could gain performance out of so that's why it isn't critical.

and who knows, maybe they changed a bunch of stuff and my FPS might go higher (crossing fingers on that one).

 

Also, I'm by no means rushing you. I was just making a joke because you said you'd work on them "tomorrow" lol. I hope everything goes well with the house in time.

 

Ok, I found the unlock module for the A10 BIOS. It should still work for the A11 as I don't think the menu structure changed at all. I'll go ahead and include it, but if your BIOS menu looks all messed up let me know and I'll make you one without it. The only thing modified is the menu template, so there's no danger in trying.

 

Sounds good, If you can throw it in I won't mind. Just don't go out of your way.

 

No problem, I didn't take it poorly. I said tomorrow, but then the next day my Realtor and mortgage coordinator called and and told me there was a title issue with the house I was trying to buy, and things went downhill for me for about a week until we got everything sorted out. I kinda forgot about everything else. At least everything's resolved now and I finally get to move tomorrow.

 

Is there a tutorial on how to do this myself? I have no idea where you found the REV3 updates or how to make these myself. If I could find out, I wouldn't have to bother you for bios.

 

Any change of getting those clocks for Windows? I can only see the one optimised for Linux. Thanks :thumbsup:

 

I was unable to get the unlock template to integrate, so it won't be unlocked. Your BIOS is now complete, but mediafire isn't letting me upload anything for some reason. PM me your e-mail and I'll send it to you. Also, could you please verify that it worked? To do this, download the Intel CPU identification utility at: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/con...OSFullname=Windows+7+(64-bit)*&ProductID=1881

Run it and go to the CPUID tab, under revision is should now say 3 instead of 2.

 

Done and done

 

And yes I will verify that it worked, once I flash it over.

 

BIOS sent.

As far as a tutorial, Kizwan is the one who described to me how to do it, but I don't think there's a complete tutorial anywhere. What you need to do is use the Phoenix BIOS Tool to unpack the BIOS, as explained somewhere buried in this thread. Go to the DUMP folder and find the file _C01.PEI, which contains the microcodes. Open with a hex editor and search for the block of microcode that matches your CPU "55 06 02" (the Hex way to write 020655 [your CPUID]). Delete it and replace it with the microcode you can download from the Intel website and unpack with the "microdecode" utility. Then repack everything with the Phoenix BIOS Tool.

I know this is very vague and glosses over a few steps. I'll try to write a more step-by-step guide, but it will have to wait a while.

 

Pending requests:

Dany|R 1645/4670 A14W 150/250 | 750/900, possibly with an overvolt
DuranXL 1645 A14W stock
the_scotsman 1645/5730 A14W 840/1055

 

Alrighty, flashing now I'll report back when I restart (or have to use crisis recovery, lol).

 

Appreciate your efforts mate, look forward to getting it :thumbsup:

Didn't even notice we're on A14 BIOS now

 

The BIOs worked now I'm going to verify.

 

We're not, I just think the amount of modification I've done warrants me re-naming it A14. It also reduces confusion, and since I think it is extremely unlikely that Dell will ever release another BIOS for such a (relatively) old system, I should be safe.

Also, all the requested BIOSes are done, but mediafire is still broken. Everybody, please PM me your e-mails so I can send the files. I'll try mediafire again tomorrow, but if it is still broken, and I don't get a PM with your e-mail by 4pm tomorrow, you'll have to wait until internet gets turned on at my new house next Wednesday. Alternatively, someone could suggest another file-sharing website (preferably one that doesn't require me to make yet another account).

 

Awesome, glad to see it worked.

 

This might sound like something anyone would say with an update...but man did it improve my GPU performance. I play blacklight: retribution and before this if I would look left or right it would freeze for about a second loading textures now its completely smooth. I even upped the FX just to make sure and it still isn't. Amazing...I wonder what they did.

 

PM Sent

 

BIOSes:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4h3nc2pa80ty2zj/ah2_2LavoX

 

Thanks!
So the 1645_A14W_NoOC one has A09 video driver for 4670 so I don't get throttled at 84c ? (and don't brick my XPS)

 

Thanks :thumbsup:

 

Yes. All 1645 mod BIOSEs have A09 VBIOSes for the 4670 (A07 for 1647s)

 

What the.. I could've sworn I posted again...
So thanks, it flashed fine. Still says A13 in BIOS, is that right?

 

Yes, A14 is just my way of keeping track of my changes, not an official version number. I could probably go into the BIOS and find a way to change the number, but it really isn't that important.

 

Hi seeker_moc, I really appreciate the work you've done so far and I wonder if you can modify the latest (A11) bios for xps1647 & ati 4670, including latest microcode (cpu i7 630m 020652), unlocked menu, best gpu bios (maybe A07?), windows optimization (like 1645 13.5w one), and, if possible, an updated chipset rom ( here the 11.5.0.1347) to improve hd/ssd performance (i read it can be done including chipset rom in bios).

If you need some information ask me!

Thanks a lot!

 

I can't unlock the menus on the 1647 A11 BIOS. Kizwan is actually the one who does the unlocking, I just integrate his unlocked menu module into the mod BIOSes that I do. The one he did for the 1647 A10 doesn't work with A11 (I tried). You can find his thread here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/acer/480992-acer-laptop-phoenix-bios-bios-mod-request.html though the first post says he stopped doing mods since May.

As far as the DSDT fixes go, I would need a 1647 to work on. I couldn't do anything but fix compile errors from my 1645.

For the chipset ROM, it is included in the BIOS, but the link you sent me was to the chipset driver, they are not the same thing.

As it is now, I could give you an A11 with the updated CPU microcode, A07 GPU BIOS, and OCd GPU. If you wanted to go with the A10 BIOS (the only difference between A10 and A11 is a LoJack fix) I could also unlock it for you.