How to enable additional shaders on Radeon HD 6950

[Patjuh]

I downloaded and used the complete package provided by Wizzard, used the batch file and run the bios flash.

Now I seem to not see the GPU with GPU-Z and Ati Catalyst isn't installing anymore... (10.12).

What's my problem? lol.

 

[Formula350]

hi, i have two HIS 6950, i flashed the first with the atiwinflash command on CMD method.. now i want to flash the other one, GPU2.. what is the command to flash the 2nd card ?

*sigh* Read my post RIGHT above yours

Also, the program tells you how to operate it -_-

atiflash -p 1 <filename>

Since I'm sure you would've just posted again saying you can't figure it

 

[Formula350]

I downloaded and used the complete package provided by Wizzard, used the batch file and run the bios flash.

Now I seem to not see the GPU with GPU-Z and Ati Catalyst isn't installing anymore... (10.12).

What's my problem? lol.

Silly question, but have you restarted the computer since flashing?

 

[Bearlake]

hi, i have two HIS 6950, i flashed the first with the atiwinflash command on CMD method.. now i want to flash the other one, GPU2.. what is the command to flash the 2nd card ?

flash a single card, test with furmark etc to make sure its not artifacting at higher temps/speeds

then remove card, place second card and repeat procedure..
once both cards pass furmark tests, put both in and go ahead and enjoy

 

[Mastroz]

how long do you run furmark for and what settngs??

Also, has anyone uninstalled and reinstalled drivers with bios update?

 

[bystander]

I'm curious as to why the artical hasn't been updated with those who have failed to get it to work. There are at least 2-3 people that couldn't get it to work due to it crashing after the bios flash, or artifacting.

People should be aware that not everyone is having success, even if most are.

 

[erocker]

When the person who updates the article logs on it will get updated. Sometimes people need a day off.

 

[itsdanny]

Going for another, which so far seems to be the "better" card brand?
So far I've seen one Sapphire user, get to the limits, 950/1450. And if I recall correctly, a few Gigabyte users have also gotten good results (higher than 6970 stock), one was 940/1440.

Anyone else?

 

[bystander]

With XFX I've gotten to 900 GPU core. Given how the 5870's had such issues with high memory clocks overheating the VRM's, I'm afraid to OC the memory, and my benchmarks between 1275 and 1375 have almost no effect, I see no reason to.

 

[Eluder]

Sadly, I'm one of the unlucky people as my XFX 6950 artifacts in the Windows desktop when I unlock the extra shaders. Guess as speculated, the memory timings are too tight for the RAM that happens to be on my card. Now I wonder if I should have picked up the HIS version instead since it was the same price, but the XFX warranty is too good to pass up sometimes.

 

[tommyg_kiwi]

Corruption in windows 7

Looks like I have the same problem when I flash to 6970:-> in 3D all is well, but in windows I start to see pieces corrupted. Like maximise button missing, etc.

So I think I'll wait till the timing, powertune and device ID parts are also matching the required HW/emulation mix.

 

[rui0317]

Sadly, I'm one of the unlucky people as my XFX 6950 artifacts in the Windows desktop when I unlock the extra shaders. Guess as speculated, the memory timings are too tight for the RAM that happens to be on my card. Now I wonder if I should have picked up the HIS version instead since it was the same price, but the XFX warranty is too good to pass up sometimes.

If you like to try, I can modify the original XFX6950 bios directly for unlocking the extra shaders. Just post the original BIOS of your card , or send to me , I will do the modification for you.

 

[itsdanny]

If you like to try, I can modify the original XFX6950 bios directly for unlocking the extra shaders. Just post the original BIOS of your card , or send to me , I will do the modification for you.

The only difference is that the OP, flashes it with a modded BIOS. And you are modifying it directly? But either way, each to its own, they achieve the same thing? Both have unlocked shaders, nothing else in the BIOS is changed? Hence no difference, besides the actual concept of unlocking the shaders. What's the harm doing OP's way then?

 

[ranom]

wouldnt it be easier to just take a 6970 bios and mod it so that it'll run at 800/1250 ? I'm new to Radeons so sorry if this isnt possible.

 

[rui0317]

Hi itsdanny,

Im sorry , I dont get your point. What the "OP" mean ?

The only method by now for unlocking the extra shaders is flash 6970 BIOS to 6950. Is there any other method to do the work?

 

[Frosty]

The only difference is that the OP, flashes it with a modded BIOS. And you are modifying it directly? But either way, each to its own, they achieve the same thing? Both have unlocked shaders, nothing else in the BIOS is changed? Hence no difference, besides the actual concept of unlocking the shaders. What's the harm doing OP's way then?

I think the issue is that stock 6970 BIOSes have the memory set at specific timings. Timings that the chips on the 6950s can't handle. This is most likely why the artifacting doesn't go away for most people when they just lower the memory clock.

Modifying the 6950 BIOS to unlock the shaders and increase the clocks will leave all other settings intact (including memory timings).

 

[itsdanny]

I think the issue is that stock 6970 BIOSes have the memory set at specific timings. Timings that the chips on the 6950s can't handle. This is most likely why the artifacting doesn't go away for most people when they just lower the memory clock.

Modifying the 6950 BIOS to unlock the shaders and increase the clocks will leave all other settings intact (including memory timings).

Thanks!
Hence, the only difference is that, the BIOSes that the OP has referenced to, has different memory timings whilst rui0317 here, who directly accesses and modifies it will leave everything in-tact. Or, well there could be more differences, but they are minimal and leave no degrade in performance unlike the memory timings. Otherwise, they're both different methods, and achieve the same thing, but rui0317's method will allow more stability and less chances if not none at artifacting.

Hi itsdanny,

Im sorry , I dont get your point. What the "OP" mean ?

The only method by now for unlocking the extra shaders is flash 6970 BIOS to 6950. Is there any other method to do the work?

OP means "original post" / "original poster". Basically, if you re-read my post and read Frosty's post and my reply to Frosty's post, could you confirm that is what is so "special" in regards with your method?

 

[bystander]

Perhaps you could just post your modified 6950 bios. Wouldn't your modified bios be flashable and work for others?

 

[itsdanny]

Perhaps you could just post your modified 6950 bios. Wouldn't your modified bios be flashable and work for others?

That's what I thought as well.

 

[rui0317]

Flash the 6970 BIOS to your 6950 , you will get the extra shaders, that's what you want. But at the same time, the specific memory timings which come from 6970 BIOS will cause same risk such as "artifacting", this is extra results you dont want but you have to take it.

Unlocking extra shaders by modifying the original BIOS, you dont need to take the extra risk, that's the "special" of this method.

AMD apply some software mask settings inside HD5850/6850/6950 BIOS, allowing them to use full spec core on such card. HD6970 BIOS has no such mask settings , and that's that the reason you can get the extra shaders after flashing 6970 BIOS to 6950 . Clean/Bypass such mask settings on original 6950 BIOS will get the same result.

 

[bystander]

Flash the 6970 BIOS to your 6950 , you will get the extra shaders, that's what you want. But at the same time, the specific memory timings which come from 6970 BIOS will cause same risk such as "artifacting", this is extra results you dont want but you have to take it.

Unlocking extra shaders by modifying the original BIOS, you dont need to take the extra risk, that's the "special" of this method.

AMD apply some software mask settings inside HD5850/6850/6950 BIOS, allowing them to use full spec core on such card. HD6970 BIOS has no such mask settings , and that's that the reason you can get the extra shaders after flashing 6970 BIOS to 6950 . Clean/Bypass such mask settings on original 6950 BIOS will get the same result.

But why continue to modify each bios individually, when you could take your modified 6950 bios, and post it for others to use? It would save you a ton of work.

 

[itsdanny]

Agreed. Since all the cards are basically the same, what's the harm in posting your modified 6950 bios?

 

[rui0317]

I got same original 6950 BIOS's which come from different users, and I DO SEE difference. So I request the original BIOS from your own card .

 

[itsdanny]

I got same original 6950 BIOS's which come from different users, and I DO SEE difference. So I request the original BIOS from your own card .

Just curious, even the 6950's from the SAME brand have a difference?

 

[rui0317]

Just curious, even the 6950's from the SAME brand have a difference?

http://www.techpowerup.com/vgabios/...ufacturer=&model=HD+6950&interface=&memSize=0

Download the first and the second one, compare the binary data , and see.