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    AMD HD 7970m: Revision through software

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by CarlaGamer, Feb 19, 2016.

  1. CarlaGamer

    CarlaGamer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, is there away to check the revision of the AMD 7970m by using software? A seller states he does not know if its a 1.1 or 1.2 card and would like to know how can he check using software since the stickers are not attached. Its a clevo card brand.

    Thank you
     
    CarlaGamer, Feb 19, 2016
    #1
  2. CarlaGamer

    CarlaGamer Notebook Enthusiast

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    bump
     
    CarlaGamer, Feb 20, 2016
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  3. t456

    t456 1977-09-05, 12:56:00 UTC

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    The vbios is not definitive since it's possible to cross-flash the various versions provided the card's memory chips are supported by the vbios.

    Better option is to look at the row of capacitors in-between the large inductors:

    [​IMG]

    Supposedly there was a big problem with large batch of newer cards and these were all recalled where possible. And it looks like these weren't thrown in the bin, but 'fixed' by adding a bunch of capacitors. This solution is rather iffy, though, whomever is responsible; they could've just removed the faulty capacitors and replaced them with quality chips instead so that heatsink modifications wouldn't be necessary. Of course, this might've took an extra minute or so on each card, so the quick 'n dirty method probably saved them a dollar or thereabouts ...
     
    t456, Feb 20, 2016
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  4. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    They went back before they actually shipped and while the fix was not the prettiest looking it meant that those cards actally performed very well and reliably.
     
    Meaker@Sager, Feb 20, 2016
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  5. t456

    t456 1977-09-05, 12:56:00 UTC

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    Ok, thanks for the specifics. Still a pain to mod the heatsink, though, never mind swapping them back and forth for testing (have both types).

    Thought to order a few 470 or 1000uF replacements (to make the v1.2 low-height again), but hell, they're surprisingly expensive (as far as smd components go). Small wonder it's a conflict mineral.
     
    t456, Feb 20, 2016
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  6. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    Tantalum caps have always had a premium yes. Have you looked at known suppliers like Digikey?
     
    Meaker@Sager, Feb 21, 2016
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