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    BIOS modding for GPU OC fun and profit!!

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by seeker_moc, Sep 30, 2010.

  1. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    I doubt that'd do anything. Do you know if you're throttling? Could you post a copy of your Throttle Stop log and a GPU-Z log for when 3DMark is running?
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 17, 2011
    #301
  2. HSeldon

    HSeldon Notebook Guru

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    He mentioned artifacts too, but I'm fine with 800/900, it lets me hold off a little longer for a new machine.

    I've had zero problems with win7 hibernation and the xps 16 especially since running A12. It helps when flying across the country on a regular basis. But so far the brightness issues has only popped up once, so maybe it's a fluke.
     
    HSeldon, Jan 17, 2011
    #302
  3. error-id10t

    error-id10t Notebook Consultant

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    No need to disable anything in BIOS, I don't at least (well.. I do for WWAN for the wireless button as I don't have one).

    For the chipset, run it via command prompt as an Administrator with the -overall switch. I think you can run the executable with /? and it shows you all the switches available. Don't just double click the executable in GUI.

    I didn't see any artifacts.. because the driver died before I could see anything (nothing to do with heat, it was just too much). As I wrote earlier, 800/960 doesn't kill the driver but shows artifacts in Furmark. You could try 800/950 which is running nicely for me and allowed me to raise settings in the games - the games themselves don't need as much as Furmark alone and/or Furmark+Prime.
     
    error-id10t, Jan 17, 2011
    #303
  4. NestaRasta

    NestaRasta Notebook Consultant

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    I feel for all of you guys that are struggling and I was there once, too until I figured out my issues which were primarily the dust filter and my 90W power adapter. Also, I am sure this helps...

    Amazon.com: Targus Lap Chill Mat AWE55US (Black with Gray): Electronics

    I am not that big of a gamer in terms of 3D games on my laptop but now that my computer seems to be in better shape I may give some a try. I am running the 800/1000 for the 4670 and have had great results. I just ran the free version of 3DMark06 and got an 8556 and a top temperature of 80C...

    Result

    I couldn't believe it. My previous was in the 5000's so I have been there. I guess you just need to keep researching your issues and you'll figure it out and you will have it working much better than now. Overall, for me, the biggest solution by far was removing the dust filter.

    The tests that seemed to not go well were the CPU tests and on the first one I had 0-1FPS and on the second I had 1-2FPS. Has anyone had good results on these tests and does anyone have any suggestions on improving them? Thanks.

    Those CPU results are below...

    CPU1 - Red Valley1.08 FPS
    CPU2 - Red Valley1.6 FPS
     
    NestaRasta, Jan 17, 2011
    #304
  5. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    Don't worry about the FPS on the CPU tests, just look at your score. The CPU tests are designed to be like that. 8550 is pretty good for a 4670, congrats.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 17, 2011
    #305
  6. Uruha

    Uruha Notebook Consultant

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    that is troublesome! do you recommend it?
     
    Uruha, Jan 17, 2011
    #306
  7. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    Only if you're having issues with the catalyst control center not working (it happens sometimes, not sure why). For most people, just download and install the drivers from the AMD website, and everything should work fine.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 17, 2011
    #307
  8. NestaRasta

    NestaRasta Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks, I couldn't have done it without you!
     
    NestaRasta, Jan 17, 2011
    #308
  9. Uruha

    Uruha Notebook Consultant

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    Yes they are nice! I got 8476 for my 750/1000 5730.

    EDIT: Nice, with the 650/800 clock i only got 7339. Im not sure how good a 1000pts increase is but it must be good.
     
    Uruha, Jan 18, 2011
    #309
  10. Lakshya

    Lakshya Notebook Consultant

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    hey guys, does anyone know how to mod the xps 14 bios for gpu oc? (i7/gt425m)
     
    Lakshya, Jan 18, 2011
    #310
  11. error-id10t

    error-id10t Notebook Consultant

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    Nice score there, beats mine by 350 points. I saw that you were getting 1FPS per GPU test more than I was, and your CPU score overall was 300 more.

    I bet some are laughing at these scores, but from the stock 4670 system it's definitely better to play games with!
     
    error-id10t, Jan 18, 2011
    #311
  12. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    [​IMG]

    ThrottleStop
    GPU
     
    mixuil, Jan 18, 2011
    #312
  13. error-id10t

    error-id10t Notebook Consultant

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    Nothing wrong with your CPU score, it may go up/down few points.. but your GPU score is way low. That GPU log didn't really show much except that it does go to the right clocks at least once.

    Do you see 675/796.5 all of the time your GPU is under load (this is what's missing from there), there's nothing wrong with temps either implying it appears to clock up correctly.
     
    error-id10t, Jan 18, 2011
    #313
  14. DuranXL

    DuranXL Notebook Evangelist

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    I just overclocked my 4670 to 775/900 from 650/800 with only +4c increase in temperature.

    So flashing the bios would result in higher full-load clocks but it will still go to 200/225mhz when not used?
    I'm now testing whether i can go higher, maybe 775/925 or 800/925.

    For now rivatuner overclock shortcut works fast enough, but might come back here
     
    DuranXL, Jan 18, 2011
    #314
  15. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    and how to fix it?
     
    mixuil, Jan 18, 2011
    #315
  16. Uruha

    Uruha Notebook Consultant

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    I looked up what would be a good score and people were in the 10,000s back in 08! maybe even 07!
     
    Uruha, Jan 18, 2011
    #316
  17. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    Did you have the 'Continue refreshing this screen while GPU-Z is in the background' box checked? I assume not, because of the 9 minute gap in timestamps between the first two entries, and that for all of the entries, your GPU is idling. I should have mentioned it earlier, but you need to check that box or it stops logging when 3DMark goes fullscreen. Could you please check that box, enable logging, and re-run 3DMark and post the new log?

    For the good news, your CPU seems to be performing just fine.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 18, 2011
    #317
  18. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yes, that is correct, the BIOS OC's I've been doing only alter the full load clocks, leaving everything else the same (though I can change the whole range of clocks if you need it done for some reason).
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 18, 2011
    #318
  19. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    GPU-Z
    ThrottleStop
    3DMark06 Score P5473
     
    mixuil, Jan 19, 2011
    #319
  20. DuranXL

    DuranXL Notebook Evangelist

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    Do you have a A12 1645 bios with A09 video bios? What are the OC clocks you've seen on the 4670? I just tried 800/925 and it seems stable
     
    DuranXL, Jan 19, 2011
    #320
  21. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    DuranXL what is you score in 3DMark06 ?
     
    mixuil, Jan 19, 2011
    #321
  22. DuranXL

    DuranXL Notebook Evangelist

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    Not sure, i might run it later
     
    DuranXL, Jan 19, 2011
    #322
  23. DuranXL

    DuranXL Notebook Evangelist

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    DuranXL, Jan 19, 2011
    #323
  24. NestaRasta

    NestaRasta Notebook Consultant

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    Nice!!! Congrats!
     
    NestaRasta, Jan 19, 2011
    #324
  25. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    mixuil,

    Well, you're not throttling either, and your GPU is running at full speed whenever you're at full load. I'm really stumped as to what your problem may be. The only thing left that I can think of trying is a reformat and fresh install of the OS, but that can be a pain if you've never done it before.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 19, 2011
    #325
  26. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have A12 w/ A09 VBIOS 800/1000 posted on page 26 and 800/900 on page 27. I could custom build 800/925 if you wanted it.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 19, 2011
    #326
  27. DuranXL

    DuranXL Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't know how much effort it would be? If not much, yes please :D
    But 800/1000? Was that stable? Maybe I should try to go higher before u make it?
    Maybe I can go higher but not sure if it's a good idea for permanent basis

    edit: right now it maxes 91C after 2 hours of bad company 2
     
    DuranXL, Jan 19, 2011
    #327
  28. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    seeker_moc, what os have you installed
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64 ?
     
    mixuil, Jan 20, 2011
    #328
  29. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    Windows 7 HP 64 (main) and Fedora 14 (secondary)
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 20, 2011
    #329
  30. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    I formated hdd and install new windows
    Donwlad drivers and 3dmark and still the same low score
    Where can be a problem ?
     
    mixuil, Jan 21, 2011
    #330
  31. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    seeker_moc, can you show link what driver did you install and version
     
    mixuil, Jan 21, 2011
    #331
  32. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    ATI Catalyst? Mobility Display Driver

    I don't know what to tell you. It doesn't seem to be a hardware problem (no throttling and good temps). It's not a software problem (fresh install of OS, newest drivers). I thought it might be some kind of obscure but significant configuration error or undetected bloatware, but a fresh install of the OS should have fixed that as well.

    There's only two things left that I can think of. Do you have the newest BIOS installed (A12)? If not, try upgrading your BIOS, though any BIOS A09 and newer should be fine.

    Or, possibly, your hardware (i7 + 4670 + RGBLED) is just consuming more power than the 130W power adapter can provide (you do have the 130W, right?), and your performance is suffering for it. We'd need another owner with the same i7+4670+RGBLED configuration to run 3DMark06 for a comparison score to confirm. Also, next time your run 3DMark, turn your backlight brightness down as far as it will go. If your score improves, then this may be the case, and there's nothing you can do to fix it.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 21, 2011
    #332
  33. error-id10t

    error-id10t Notebook Consultant

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    I remember the early days I used to get between 6700-7100 and I was sure it had something to do with the RGB like I'm sure it's stopping me from using 800/1000 at the moment... bit of a trade off for such a good screen.

    Have you tried running it when just using Battery and see what it shows? The early BIOS versions allowed more power via Battery than the 90W adapter (but I think that was changed later on and I hope you do have that 130W adapter, anyhow.. give it a go, nothing to loose).
     
    error-id10t, Jan 21, 2011
    #333
  34. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    With temps of 91, that's about your max GPU clocks. If anything, you might want to drop your GPU clocks abit to cool down. Mem clocks should only minimally effect your temps.

    Use OCCT to get GPU temps up (they should get hotter with OCCT than with BC2), and run 2-3 threads of Prime95 to simulate a heavy gaming load on your CPU as well (they share the same heatsink, so for a through stability testing you want to stress both). You want to look for GPU clocks as high as you can get them and maintain stability with GPU temps around 90C or under, and mem clocks as high as you can without artifact errors. Once you got it figured out, close OCCT and Prime95, and run 3DMark to ensure stability. If it crashes, turn down your GPU clocks by 10MHz or so and try again. Try starting with something like 785/975 or so and see what you get.

    Once you figure out your max, take a small amount off that for a safety margin, and let me know, and I'll make your custom clocks.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 21, 2011
    #334
  35. Uruha

    Uruha Notebook Consultant

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    Ugh, everytime I install CCC it says installation completed but with errors. I uninstalled it before reinstalling, too!
     
    Uruha, Jan 22, 2011
    #335
  36. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    Yes, i Tried latest bios, and with when screen set to low it still the same point :(
    just don't know what to do
     
    mixuil, Jan 22, 2011
    #336
  37. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    With or without 130w adapter
    and
    With hight or low brightness
    Score is the SAME +-10points

    I think system not eating 130w, some thing like limit ...

    I tried A6, A9, A11, A12 Bios
     
    mixuil, Jan 22, 2011
    #337
  38. GogolMogol

    GogolMogol Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi seeker_moc!

    Your clear and informative posts on OC inspired me to boost my 1645 XPS :)
    Therefore I have a couple questions for you:
    1) First of all I will be replacing the factory thermal grease, what do you think of Coolaboratory Liquid ULTRA?
    2) What about the power source, is 130W adapter enough, or do you recommend to get a 150W one?
    3) Decided to go with a BIOS OC, have you tried to mod the new A12 BIOS for 1645?
    4) I see you desided to keep "ATi 5730 (BIOS OCd to 813/1067)" on your machine
    Do you recommend it as a most stable and optimal OC for i7/5730?
    5) Do you know if the 1080p WLED display requires more watts over a 900p WLED one and will affect system performance after overclock (increased heat or even throttle)?

    Thanks in advance, man!
     
    GogolMogol, Jan 22, 2011
    #338
  39. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    seeker_moc, lest start from begin. what can lag the system

    1) Viruses (free os)
    2) Ati driver (dowload from ati.amd.com)
    3) Mainboard driver (installed from dell.com and then updated from intel.com)
    4) Power (130w adapter in bios writed 130w, buyed from ebay)
    5) HDD BIOS updated from dell.com
    6) Catalyst all set to high Perfomans, even power manegment

    I think maybe GPU bios need to update or something like that ....
    and how to see how much watt system eat?
     
    mixuil, Jan 22, 2011
    #339
  40. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    To truly see how much the system eats, you need a watt meter, like Kill-a-Watt. The GPU BIOS updates are included in the regular BIOS, so if you're running A12 you already have the newest. If you were throttling, I'd suggest you use A09, but that's not the case. If you're still under warranty, I think it might be time to call Dell and ask for a new motherboard.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 22, 2011
    #340
  41. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    1) Anything is better than the crap Dell uses. Normally, I'd recommend AS5 or similar. I've never tried the Liquid Ultra, but according to some sites that have done testing, it should work great.
    2) I would like to be able to recommend a 150W, but getting one won't to you any good, because the BIOS is hardwired to only allow 130W power draw.
    3) Yes, most of my recent modded BIOSes are based on A12
    4) Optimal clocks are different for each and every individual chip. There is lots of information on overclocking and stability testing in the BIOS mod thread, and the GPU overclock thread (both on the front page as of today). I'd suggest you look through them, test your laptop, and let me know what clocks you want. 750/900 would be a good place to start, as most 5730s seem to be able to go at least that high.
    5) It does, but not enough to be significant. It's only the RGBLED that you have to worry about, as it eats about 2x the power of a WLED display.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 22, 2011
    #341
  42. DuranXL

    DuranXL Notebook Evangelist

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    Why OCCT? Does it detect artifacts? What about furmark/
     
    DuranXL, Jan 22, 2011
    #342
  43. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    FurMark works just as well, if not slightly better for heat production, but OCCT has very sensitive error detection built in. It just makes things easier IMHO. Also, FurMark is OpenGL, whereas OCCT is DirectX, and DirectX is more common in most new high-profile games.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 22, 2011
    #343
  44. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    In my Country there is no dell service :(
     
    mixuil, Jan 22, 2011
    #344
  45. GogolMogol

    GogolMogol Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for reply!
    3) Do you have the updated A12 bios file? (I found only A11 in the topic)
    4) You suggest to try various OC speeds via software at first to see how it will work out, and then write a new bios. Thats a good point.
    You mean that even though I have ati 5730 1 GB on my xps 1645, you do have same chip the clocks may be different? Why is that?

    One more thing, are you using the official dell ATI driver found at support page (ver 8.692.1.0000, A17) or another tweaked one?
     
    GogolMogol, Jan 22, 2011
    #345
  46. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    May be there is some diagnostic app
     
    mixuil, Jan 22, 2011
    #346
  47. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    There is actually. First go to Drivers and Downloads and download the newest version of Dell diagnostics. After updating, reboot your computer. Use F12 to get the boot device menu, and select diagnostics. Go through all the diagonstics, and make sure you select all of the most through options. Warning: it takes forever.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 22, 2011
    #347
  48. mixuil

    mixuil Notebook Guru

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    seeker_moc ok
    How to install R260000 update ?
    Dell System Software Utility (urgent) on the dell support

    It says "the microsoft windows operating system service pack is not supported
    Please update to the latest Microsoft windows service pack"

    I have isntalled all updates
     
    mixuil, Jan 23, 2011
    #348
  49. JKleiss

    JKleiss Notebook Evangelist

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    Wow ok, this may be refering to the Windows 7 service pack 1, its release must be almost upon us, apparantly its ment to be on 28th/29th january, i cant find the link.

    Although the RTM version has been leaked, (I have installed it already)

    Dell must have created this as patch for after service pack 1 but have released it too early.

    Just wait a week or find an RTM leak
     
    JKleiss, Jan 23, 2011
    #349
  50. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    The "Dell System Software" is just a collection of Microsoft hotfixes. You've probably just already gotten all the updates through Windows Update.
     
    seeker_moc, Jan 23, 2011
    #350
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