L702x Modded GPU BIOS

8/20/12 Informed about newest BIOS update.
5/09/12 Removed older BIOS files.
3/31/12 A16 GPU BIOS has been uploaded.
3/25/12 A17 GPU BIOS has been released! Every GPU model is compatible with this release.

Hi guys, I just wanted to share that there is a way to change the GPU voltage on the XPS L702x system. You will be able to get a considerable amount of core clock increase with this BIOS. Feel free to ask any question regarding this mod.

This is a list of all current and future voltage modifications. Please take note that the voltage change does not affect the 2D mode voltage.

Changed 3D Voltage Profile 0.8620 -> 0.9120

A16 GF106/GF116 All Models and BIOS Versions
A17 GF106/GF116 All Models and BIOS Versions

Changed 3D Voltage Profile 0.8620 -> 0.8120

Comming soon!

Changed 3D Voltage Profile 0.8620 -> 1.0000

Note: This setting is currently only applicable to the GF106 GT 555m. I have tested the GF106 GT 550m version and it does not have this setting.

I would just like to thank and mention capitankasar, jkbuha, and seeker_moc (because I previously owned an XPS 1645 system) for their threads on bios modding because the same or similar processes have been used to edit the L702x BIOS.

L502X modded bioses download (GPU voltages and more!)

(UEFI) Dell XPS 15/15z L502x/L511z modded BIOS - and HOWTO

BIOS modding for GPU OC fun and profit!!

I would also like to give thanks to the people at MVKTech: Saltius and Mavke for showing examples on other modded video cards. You may also ask them to request a more detailed BIOS such as permanently changing the default clock speeds.

MKVTECH.NET

Without these individuals these mods would not have been possible.

I have tested this BIOS and it is working. I am currently using it on my system. I am able to make other BIOS files of other GPU configurations because they are all bundled within each BIOS revision that DELL officially releases.

You will also experience a minor to significant temperature increase depending on the ambient temperature. I suggest performing a reapplication of thermal paste on both the CPU and GPU to negate the possible increase in temperatures.

Testing these BIOS files will really help me prove that these files are working. No bricks have been reported so far and I am pretty confident in what I upload. Worst case scenario would be your GPU would not be recognized but you can easily flash back because of the INTEL graphics taking over. After further testing, Worst case scenario is now 3D voltage not being recognized. No failed BIOS flashes have been reported and experienced by me.

In order to flash your BIOS, Use the altered version of WinFlash available below for flashing the BIOS. You may also use this utility to flash back to older BIOS versions.

In order to use WinFlash and the BIOS file, unpack WinFlash and the BIOS file using any compression utility like WinRar. Then run WinFlash and select the appropriate BIOS for your system. When selecting the BIOS file to flash, be sure to change the file type from "BIOS Image (*.fd;...)" to "All Files (*.*)" so you will be able to see the BIOS file. You may also type the file name directly into the "File name:". The auto complete function should guide you into locating the file. Your system will then restart and flash the BIOS. The computer will then start to beep but don't fret this is normal.

You can request a different BIOS version such as A12 or A14. I will make these versions if anyone requests them.

Please take note of your GPU BIOS Number. Flashing the incorrect GPU BIOS number will result to ZERO changes to your system because the BIOS will only flash to the appropriate revision. Please read the directions located above this section. Feel free to ask any question regarding the directions if you are still not sure. You may also flash to these stock files if you want to roll back to an older BIOS version.

WinFlash Program

Stock A16 BIOS

Stock A17 BIOS

STATUS: Tested and working
NOTE: Works for all GPU versions!
A16 0.9120

STATUS: Tested and working
NOTE: Works for all GPU versions!
A17 0.9120

 

Nice. So when I OC my card, the driver fails when it gets too high. Is this because it doesnt have enough voltage? I am assuming every card is different because others are able to OC higher than me.

 

In a way yes, with this BIOS mod you will be able to achieve higher clock speeds but there is a downside to this you might experience higher temperatures. In the GPU-Z screen shot I placed, The clock speeds reported were before overvolting. I will be updating it to see how far I can push this GPU until it artifacts.

 

I am with A12 bios.Do i need to flash to A16 to use this mod.I am with gt555 106 chis.

 

Oh my, that looks really interesting. Here are my screenshots as you asked. Current bios - A16

 

Hey batmemo, I read in another post that you needed A12 in any event something goes wrong. Here you go A12 BIOS.

Hi letmeknov, I have already placed the modded bios in the first post. Feel free to try it out and if you can provide feedback. I am pretty confident that the mod will work.

 

Hello,
is it possible to have an undervolted version for the GF106 GT 555m ?

Thanks !

 

Based on what I have read through the other forums, Our cards can only be adjusted to 3 to 4 set voltages such as 0.8120, 0.8620, 0.9120 and I believe 1.0 for the GF106 and those are only for 3D clocks. I currently have no knowledge on how to modify 2D clocks for this particular GPU.

If you still want an undervolted 3D setting with 0.8120v then I can make one for you.

 

Ah ok ! If possible yes, i would like to give it a try.

Thank you

 

Flashed with your modded bios for gt555m and there is no change in voltage.

 

Wow I am really surprised, I am sorry that it had no effect on your system. I will get to work on it right away and thanks for trying it out.

I will be uploading a clean A16 for you so you can return to your original settings.

 

No problems so far, I'll just wait for your next modded version.

I hope you'll figure it out soon.

Cheers!

 

I assume there's a program comparible to RBE which you're using, no?

When you extract the VBIOS from the main program, you should be presented with all the different ones for the relevant raphics cards. It's possible that you only modified the voltages for one of the variants.

 

The current known program to modify these BIOS files are currently with MVKTech, They are the ones responsible for releasing NiBiTor which makes editing GPU BIOS files a breeze. They have not released a version yet to the public that supports the GT 550m and GT 555m.

Yes I do see different files for different GPUs. Unfortunately all I have going for me now is a Hex editor program and information to which modules I can tinker witch safely.

 

Hey Nenormal, Thanks again for testing that file I have new one if you would like to try it out. A16_GF106_GT555M_0.9120v2

 

Just flashed with it and again, there is no change...

 

Okay now I am really stumped. I would like to confirm if you have the GF106 version and not the GF116.

 

Here are the screens from GPU-Z

 

Well that makes a lot of sense now there are other BIOS Versions for the GF 106 GT555m. This one is 70.06.32.00.02 the one I modded is for 70.06.32.00.03.

The file has been uploaded and is located on the first page. I am sure that this will work now.

 

Just flashed with the latest one, voltage is now 0.9120V

Good job! =]

Now, I just need a good overclocking method to test this mod.

And just to be clear, should there be any performance changes just by increasing the voltage or this only helps when overclocking?

 

That is excellent news. Finding the overclocking software is the easy party, I suggest Nvidia System Tools for a seamless setup.

You will not see a performance increase with just the voltage mod alone. You will however achieve higher core clocks and memory clocks.

Thanks for testing the files.

 

Just flashed it as well. I used A16 GF106 GT555m3 0.9120 NOTE: 70.06.32.00.03

It works very well. The screen went black after the restart, before the flashing process which scared me a little, but after 2 minutes it falshed just fine.


Can anyone share stable clocks with me? I've been using 770 core and 900 memory, which was stable for me without the higher voltages. Temps went fairly high, though.

80° with Assassins Creed 2
85-90° with GTA IV


Assassins Creed 2 does not seem to push temps any higher than 80°, even with the higher voltages, but I have to keep testing.

I tried to set the Core clock to 850 and memory to 1000. It gave me 7 fps more than the standard clock, but the differenece between 770 and 850 does not seem to be that big.

The driver crashed after a few minutes already, so I reduced memory clock 950, which resulted, again, in a crash.

When I have more time I try reducing it to 900 again. With the standard voltage, 900 was the farthest I could go with the memory clock. I could max out Core and Shader with afterburner (770/ 1540), so I guess the crashes are mainly due to this. I will, however, try to reduce core clocks again if the crashing continues.


A quick side question: Is there any way I can get dell to send a tech to repaste the cpu and gpu with better thermal paste? I do not want to loose my 3-year-tech-comes-to-my-house-support by repasting myself.

EDIT: A thing I just found out: When the Driver is in 2D mode the voltage decreases to 0.812 again.

 

Thanks for the bios Sharadeos.Instaled Moded bios today.And now testing clock with Skyrim.it runs well but for now with 800/1010/1600 crash after 5-10 min.Too bad.

 

Hi Sirius, Thanks for testing the BIOS file. With regards to the screen going black that is normal and it takes some time for laptop to flash its BIOS.

Stable overclocks usually differ from laptop to laptop. I managed to get at least 795/1035 with my system. Adjusting the memory too high will usually result in driver crashes. Adjusting the core clock can be more forgiving though.

To my knowledge you wont lose your warranty even if you open your system. There are usually no break to void warranty seals on XPS systems. It is quite cumbersome to repaste the XPS 17 however but it is worth the effort.

It is my pleasure and thanks for testing too, good luck at finding your stable clocks.

 

hmm.i playd 30 min with that clock without problems,and now another crash,and the temp dont go too high 81-82 preaty normal.Why is it cryshing???

 

Not sure if its worth me doing this as I get high clocks and low temps already.

The gains reported don't seem that high.

 

Hey man cool stuff!
Think you could make a version for the GF116 GT555m please? Thanks.

 

I cannot specifically tell what the problem is but it is usually the clocks are set too high. Overclocking is a time consuming process. Try to run OCCT or FurMark before running any game.

I just posted this here so that anyone wanting that every last bit of free performance gets it. It is quite easy to flash back if you are not satisfied with the gains.

If you can post your GPU-Z screenshot it would really help. There are also multiple GPU BIOS revisions for the GF116

 

Yes ofcourse, here's the snapshot from GPU-Z:

Thanks in advance.

 

Unfortunetly for my GPU this BIOS does not work properly.I have system hang every 10-15 minute game on skyrim and hard reset was needet.Test all clock down to 750gpu/960 mem and the result was the same.The temp was prety got 84-86 even with 800core clock,but after it keep crashing even on 750 core clock I reflash to stock A16,OC to 760 and no problem so far.Sadly it looks promising.Is this problem with the gpu itself or with drivers?? I am with latest beta.

 

Thanks for posting your GPU-Z screenshot. I will get to work on it as soon as I can.

That is unfortunate news. Have you tried playing with any other game besides Skyrim? If these issues persist with other games then I will have to pull out that version of the mod.

 

No only with Skyrim.Lets see whats other people will report.

 

whoah, nice work Sharadeos.

too bad I dont have a L702X to try your BIOS, anyway I'm glad my topic helped you a little, it make sense since those laptops are quite similar.

thank you for the credits at the first post and keep up the nice job : )

feel also free to check this topic:

(UEFI) Dell XPS 15/15z L502x/L511z modded BIOS - and HOWTO

we are testing there about how to add/unlock advanced menus there and also working on a bios recovery method

 

BIOS file has been uploaded. Again I have not tested this version, but I am confident that it will work flawlessly.

No capitankasar thank you, without your thread and the people at mvktech. I would not have even started looking if it was possible to change our cards in the first place. Yes, I have also read through that forum and I forgot to place it on my acknowledgement section.

 

Bios works great! I haven't pushed too hard yet, but on the stock A12 bios I was running 750/1500/1000, on this bios I'm comfortably running 800/1600/1000.

 

I want to be able to have clocks over 700 but I am afraid of killing my computer! I have a 550m so IDK if this will work with it. But it just seems like a lower clocked 555m, of course not exactly as I have issues with anything over 700. Kinda want to give my card a little more juice...tempted.

 

GT555 has 144 shader cores and a 192Bit(Dell) memory interface, were as the the GT550 has 96 shader cores and a 128 memory interface, that make a good bit of a difference

 

Thanks for trying it out.

The increase in voltage wont kill your card as long as the temperatures are at an acceptable level. Higher clocks wont kill your card its the amount of voltage and temperature that its given that will determine its life. The GF106 can handle more voltage even up to 1.0v because it is located in the GPU BIOS setting.

The Dell GT550M has 144 active shaders but only has 16 ROPS.

 

I see now, thanks for pointing that out.
I was going by here

NVIDIA GeForce GT 550M - Notebookcheck.net Tech

 

Hi, I got a question about PCI express 2.0, CUDA and Direct Compute.

As you can see on the screenshots the guy has CUDA & Direct compute checked.

On my side, using the same drivers and the same Graphic card, result: mine aren't checked (CUDA & Direct Compute).

Explanations? Im really confused and if it would make a diffrence if those were checked tell me please!

 

The PCI-E bus can switch from 1.1 or 2.0. I believe this a power saving feature that can be changed by modifying your power plan settings. The same can also be said with the missing checks for CUDA and Direct Compute as our NVIDIA cards can power down and switch to the Intel graphics resulting in a mixed GUI result. It might also just be a bug from the software itself. Try relocating your GPU-Z program if its placed in a different partition.

 

Registered to NBR to post in this very good thread.

Was looking for a way to overvolt the GT550M to improve stability and maybe push the clocks a little more.
Installed your modded BIOS for GF106 GT 550m BIOS Version 70.06.32.00.05 : so far so good, allowed me to OC to 800/1600/1000 from 750/1500/1000 (last stable clocks at 0.86V).
OCCT test + Skyrim test PASSED.

Thanks for the good work OP.

 

what about some undervolted versions? I noticed most happy users of my modded XPS 15 Bioses are using undervolted versions, for some reason, low voltages seems increase stability at L502X laptop , or at least is what the users reported there, I am also experiencing extra stability on OC the 525M card with 0.83v instead the stock 0.95v, lowering voltage also improved a lot the temperature.

after undervolt, repasting and removing the dust filter I never experienced any other crashes, or temperature Issues.

 

Hello Sharadoes,

I have tried to look at my settings in the gpuz and it turns out that I have similar concerns as the MKIVator. I can also see that the two options (CUDA and DirectCompute) are not checked in my GPUZ window. You are absolutely right in stating that the PCI-E Bus can switch 1.1 to 2.0 and I have check it personally. Please take a look at the two screen shots to have a closer look. However, I would point out that am using a different version of Nvidia drivers. The GPUZ program is running from my "C:". I have currently overclocked my GPU but I wish to overclock my voltage so that I can get a higher clock speeds. But, I will only proceed after any suggestions from you experts. Thank you.

Regards
Sumi

 

Hello,

I have used the appropriate file that is available on the first page of this thread for flashing my GPU BIOS. I can notice that my "maximum voltage" has gone up to 0.9120 V. However, if I look at the "current reading" if my system is not under load, then the voltage is still 0.8120 V. I think this is good. Now, I will go ahead and overclock my system to see how much I can get out of it. Please have a look at the screens for the voltage confirmation. Thank you.

Regards
Sumi

 

Hello, I registered on this website because of this post... awesome job! . i want to over-volt my 550m gpu, but i see that you have not made one for my gpu bios version "70.06.32.00.04"

Is there a way for you to make one for my version? or can i install one of the GF106 bios mod and it would still work?. my gpu is not stable on high overclock settings "760mhz", and i would love to make it stable at 760 core-clock or even higher.




Thanks in advance

 

PLs help

 

Thanks Sharadeos I gave it a go and am now running at 800 1600 1000 temp 68c after 30 mins on Skyrim. Ambient room temp 21c and using latest nvidia certified drivers.

I do however think that I have been very lucky with my GPU though as it has always seemed to run much cooler than everyone else's on here.

14,400 3D mark 06 score.

 

An undervolted version of the A16 Bios would be great ... I don't need a higher voltage, because I don't need the overclocking capability at the moment. A lower voltage would help me to reduce the battery drain and the use of the fan.

 

Hello Matt,

Can you please tell me which version of Bios Mod you have used. Also, if you can give me a list of programs you have used for the overclocking, It would be really helpful... Thank you.