AMD Radeon Pro v540 Research Thread

[LabRat 891]

Well here's what I've done so far
Setup A

• TUF B550-Plus, Ryzen 3700X
• Windows: Result is sometimes error code 43, sometimes error code 12
• Linux: Works through that workaround

Setup B

• Lenovo P520 Stadia Dev Node (listen, I'm desperate), Xeon W-2135
• Windows: Result is error code 43 only with whatever I try
• Linux: Haven't tried because I dont wanna set this up rn, but it probably works

Seeing as it works under linux albeit with an alternative card to handle the video output, it's not necessarily a hardware issue, it's a software issue then?

So far, that's consistent with the behavior of non-crossflashed MI25s.
Since, the pro 5600m was the only Navi12 with actual video-out; cross-flashing isn't much an option.

There's an internal-use-only windows driver *somewhere* for Navi12 ES/QS cards:

AMD Navi 12 spotted with 36 Compute Units - VideoCardz.com

AMD Navi 12 has made its first public appearance through the CompuBench website. AMD Navi 12 features 36 CUs? The GFX1011 GPU has been discovered by Komachi in the CompuBench benchmark database. We know that GFX1011 is Navi 12 GPU thanks to a previous leak. This codename refers to Navi12 and...

videocardz.com

But, we have no clue what the vBIOS or PCB was like on the ES Navi 12 pictured.

 

[mczkrt]

I'm positive main problem is vbios-driver interface, as shown before with different roms, drivers can be installed and card made functional (more or less). Unfortunately, writing driver code is way above my expertise. Best bet is for now is R.ID team.

 

[LabRat 891]

I'm positive main problem is vbios-driver interface, as shown before with different roms, drivers can be installed and card made functional (more or less). Unfortunately, writing driver code is way above my expertise. Best bet is for now is R.ID team.

I have hope.
There's just too many BC-160s, V520s, and V540s out there to remain 'useless'.

 

[PixelButts]

I have hope.
There's just too many BC-160s, V520s, and V540s out there to remain 'useless'.

Agreed, it's be a legitimate waste to not have them working.

I'm positive main problem is vbios-driver interface, as shown before with different roms, drivers can be installed and card made functional (more or less). Unfortunately, writing driver code is way above my expertise. Best bet is for now is R.ID team.

The main problem is getting the card into their hands to better test it, or getting the main guy to figure it out without one but he has some irl issues that take priority. On the other hand it's good to know mining works I guess but I dont like the idea of these limited supply cards being used exclusively as mining devices. Not saying you cant or shouldn't I just feel it'd be good to do non-mining things instead. I can think of multiple use cases where this single card can be used on its own in my own workspace should it actually work.

The other alternative is proxmox/virtualizing where each is passed through to a VM but even then it requires a lot of setup and I imagine the requirements for this to work would be a nightmare.

 

[LabRat 891]

Agreed, it's be a legitimate waste to not have them working.


The main problem is getting the card into their hands to better test it, or getting the main guy to figure it out without one but he has some irl issues that take priority. On the other hand it's good to know mining works I guess but I dont like the idea of these limited supply cards being used exclusively as mining devices. Not saying you cant or shouldn't I just feel it'd be good to do non-mining things instead. I can think of multiple use cases where this single card can be used on its own in my own workspace should it actually work.

The other alternative is proxmox/virtualizing where each is passed through to a VM but even then it requires a lot of setup and I imagine the requirements for this to work would be a nightmare.

What are shipping rates like to Indonesia, these days?

If Navi 12 BC-160s were $50-100, I'd gladly 'invest' in one to send off to mylipho15
(no vid-out, though. So not a 1:1 example to the V520 and V540)

edit: Wow! They're getting close.

AMD BC-160 XFX Mining Graphics Card | eBay

AMD XFX BC-160 Mining Graphics Card Up to BC-160.

www.ebay.com

Edit 2:

Well, that was unexpected. My offer for 2x @ $50 ea. didn't get auto-declined:

(note: I have a 6500XT to slot in alongside a card like this, for display-out.)

 

[PixelButts]

What are shipping rates like to Indonesia, these days?

If Navi 12 BC-160s were $50-100, I'd gladly 'invest' in one to send off to mylipho15
(no vid-out, though. So not a 1:1 example to the V520 and V540)

edit: Wow! They're getting close.

AMD BC-160 XFX Mining Graphics Card | eBay

AMD XFX BC-160 Mining Graphics Card Up to BC-160.

www.ebay.com

Edit 2:
View attachment 340627
Well, that was unexpected. My offer for 2x @ $50 ea. didn't get auto-declined:
View attachment 340623
(note: I have a 6500XT to slot in alongside a card like this, for display-out.)

The main problem is cost. The card's price for equivalent in Indonesia's currency is astronomical and is a massive spend. I do agree someopne should do it, but I dont want to be the one to do it. Shipping it to there though shouldn't be any more expensive than another country though.

Also keep in mind that these BC-160 cards also have blower fans and non blower fans. I doubt anything software wise is different but the fact they have fans would be kinda important otherwise they'd need a janky solution to cool em. I still think it's weird that theres 2 variants of shroud for it but i digress.

 

[LabRat 891]

The main problem is cost. The card's price for equivalent in Indonesia's currency is astronomical and is a massive spend. I do agree someopne should do it, but I dont want to be the one to do it. Shipping it to there though shouldn't be any more expensive than another country though.

I'm willing to make it happen, if I can cheapskate it
Least I could do for all the enjoyment I've gotten out of their drivers on Vega, etc.

Also keep in mind that these BC-160 cards also have blower fans and non blower fans. I doubt anything software wise is different but the fact they have fans would be kinda important otherwise they'd need a janky solution to cool em. I still think it's weird that theres 2 variants of shroud for it but i digress.

Was noticing that.
The offer I submitted is on a V2 card.
Guessing, it had to do w/ what XFX had in-stock for coolers, or a mid-production revision to make them better-compatibile w/ common mining setup cooling?

Edit:

Making the case for the BC-160 | Einstein@Home

einsteinathome.org

Wel good news update guys,
After lots of frustration with linux again,....
I got found out a workaround to get the cards working on windows.

Sort version, make sure the AMD pro drivers are installed with another card in the system.
Run amd pixel patcher to disable bios checksum.
Go to windows device manager, select the generic windows graphic device, install drivers manual and show non compliant devices. Somewhere in the list of AMD devices there is also a general Radeon pro graphics.
If you select that the card works and most stat readouts work and performance as it should be.

Lots of fun, i have now put together my 3960x, with the Pro VII and triple BC-160. Its a beast.
For now it again runs gravitational wave, but it does 15 min per task when running 3 tasks per gpu with 4 gpus.
So a total of 48 waves WU per hour

Atikmdag-Patcher / AMD/ATI Pixel Clock Patcher

A new user necro'd an old thread but, made me aware of a tool I hadn't been before. Im very late to this party, but thought this might help someone. I had a very similar problem multiple times when messing with/changing drivers (it drove me nuts multiple times over the years). And the solution...

www.techpowerup.com

???

 

[PixelButts]

???

My thoughts exactly. I think I'll try that since I happen to have exactly the same card mentioned in there.

Edit:
Reporting back. No change on my end after testing the above. Still stuck in the same place.

 

[mczkrt]

I have been running card with mismatched roms (ES/Prod) for some time, and observe no ill effects. Now with both roms updated, it's still looking good.

Now another idea for cooling - swap heatsinks between front and back GPU, and then stick this assembly at the back to blow air outside, past the front bracket.

Dell MC545 TC146 Fan Assembly For Dell Poweredge 1950, PMD1204PPB1-A, Fast Ship | eBay

Dell MC545 TC146 Fan Assembly. Part Numbers MC545, 0MC545, PMD1204PPB1-A, TC146. For Dell Poweredge 1950. For Model Dell Poweredge 1950. Product System Cooling Fan.

www.ebay.com

 

[PixelButts]

I have been running card with mismatched roms (ES/Prod) for some time, and observe no ill effects. Now with both roms updated, it's still looking good.

Now another idea for cooling - swap heatsinks between front and back GPU, and then stick this assembly at the back to blow air outside, past the front bracket.

Dell MC545 TC146 Fan Assembly For Dell Poweredge 1950, PMD1204PPB1-A, Fast Ship | eBay

Dell MC545 TC146 Fan Assembly. Part Numbers MC545, 0MC545, PMD1204PPB1-A, TC146. For Dell Poweredge 1950. For Model Dell Poweredge 1950. Product System Cooling Fan.

www.ebay.com

I like the idea but I'm still waiting on the fan and mount from @Catch2223 and I'm hoping they actually did mail it out. They haven't shown up since Tuesday last week
Edit: fan received and mount

 

[LabRat 891]

I have been running card with mismatched roms (ES/Prod) for some time, and observe no ill effects. Now with both roms updated, it's still looking good.

Now another idea for cooling - swap heatsinks between front and back GPU, and then stick this assembly at the back to blow air outside, past the front bracket.

Dell MC545 TC146 Fan Assembly For Dell Poweredge 1950, PMD1204PPB1-A, Fast Ship | eBay

Dell MC545 TC146 Fan Assembly. Part Numbers MC545, 0MC545, PMD1204PPB1-A, TC146. For Dell Poweredge 1950. For Model Dell Poweredge 1950. Product System Cooling Fan.

www.ebay.com

Those contra-rotating fans can make some insane static pressure. They are exceedingly loud, however.

Same goes for a 'proper' blower/centrifugal fan.

Other than custom water cooling, there isn't a better option, AFAIK.


Side note: If these cards have a functioning fan header, one could plug the RPM sense and PWM control into the card, and power the fan(s) separately. (Did this to a modded MI25 w. a 5+Amp 8cm cube contra-rotating dual-motor fan)

 

[Veseleil]

Those contra-rotating fans can make some insane static pressure.

Yup, too bad that principle is almost non-existent in a consumer 120-140mm sizes, they would certainly make a difference for a dual tower CPU coolers. Maybe Noctua cooks something for the NH-D16.
A bit offtopic, but I'm watching this thread from the very roots as I find the topic quite interesting. If you guys ever figure out the driver support, the next thing will be appropriate cooling solution that doesn't involve a jet engine levels.

 

[LabRat 891]

Yup, too bad that principle is almost non-existent in a consumer 120-140mm sizes, they would certainly make a difference for a dual tower CPU coolers. Maybe Noctua cooks something for the NH-D16.
A bit offtopic, but I'm watching this thread from the very roots as I find the topic quite interesting. If you guys ever figure out the driver support, the next thing will be appropriate cooling solution that doesn't involve a jet engine levels.

I think there's some kind of 'physical barrier'. (Like, too large of an airfoil/blade, and any benefits from contra rotation are lost?)

4U server-industrial chassis can support 120-140mm fans
yet, I cannot find any 120mm contra-rotating fans. 80mm is about the largest I can commonly find.
(Which, are pretty quiet when at low PWM duty cycle)

100% agreed though:
-Wish we had 'highly engineered' lowRPM contra-rotating 120s and 140s in the 'enthusiast space'.
(I'm thinking, some unique geometry blades, made in that new amorphous material that dampens harmonics)

In regards to the Navi12 cards w/o blowers:
You either add a ton of bulk/length to fit a thicc 120mm on a 3D printed shroud-adapter-mount
Or
You keep the card 'compact' but, *loud*

A small 3D Printed 'clip on' external fan mount would keep the bulk out of the case.
Issue comes up, though: Do you dump heat into the case, or work against common/good practice and have the external fan(s) 'suck' air out through the card. ('Sucking' might be fine if the chassis' cooling is already laid-out 'positive pressure')

 

[mczkrt]

I know we are getting off-topic but here is your wish:

San Ace General Catalog

I guess you can call this 'enthusiast' if your criteria is performance no matter the cost.

 

[LabRat 891]

I know we are getting off-topic but here is your wish:

San Ace General Catalog

I guess you can call this 'enthusiast' if your criteria is performance no matter the cost.

Need.

Related, since there are eBay-availible shroud-adapters for 120mm fans.
-and the 2 sets of dense fins in the V540 demand high static pressure.

(At least, I think the mounts by the Power input are the same as older FirePro->MI cards)

 

[PixelButts]

Since the fan and mount arrived I figure I should mention I have tried amdvbflash 5.0 with windows and it can see both gpus on board but it returns unknown for both. I was testing this with the ES card though so I'll have to swap to the production one and dump it once I figure out the issue. I definitely want both roms dumped but I'm stumped here. Any alternative dump solutions worth trying? I'll stick to linux for the time being because it's just working right now and Windows keeps wanting to fight me.

Edit: I am truly the biggest clown in this thread. Reflashed the Linux backup I made to the board, I got an error where both GPUs were moved from their IDs, so Linux couldn't touch either, so I edited grub and restored only one, and since I only had one of the GPUs in grub and the other still returned an error I thought "surely it isn't that simple?"
Well it is. Added the second GPU to grub and now both appear, so I've dumped both on the ES card

The production card is giving me a lot more trouble though. Going to try some extra stuff and report back soon

Edit 2: I've dumped both GPUs vbios for ES and Prod, and the result is they're identical (per GPU, not between the ES and Prod versions, they're definitely different), which we established isn't correct, so I guess I need to try harder?

 

[LabRat 891]

Since the fan and mount arrived I figure I should mention I have tried amdvbflash 5.0 with windows and it can see both gpus on board but it returns unknown for both. I was testing this with the ES card though so I'll have to swap to the production one and dump it once I figure out the issue. I definitely want both roms dumped but I'm stumped here. Any alternative dump solutions worth trying? I'll stick to linux for the time being because it's just working right now and Windows keeps wanting to fight me.

View attachment 341141

Edit: I am truly the biggest clown in this thread. Reflashed the Linux backup I made to the board, I got an error where both GPUs were moved from their IDs, so Linux couldn't touch either, so I edited grub and restored only one, and since I only had one of the GPUs in grub and the other still returned an error I thought "surely it isn't that simple?"
Well it is. Added the second GPU to grub and now both appear, so I've dumped both on the ES card
View attachment 341157

The production card is giving me a lot more trouble though. Going to try some extra stuff and report back soon
View attachment 341158

Edit 2: I've dumped both GPUs vbios for ES and Prod, and the result is they're identical (per GPU, not between the ES and Prod versions, they're definitely different), which we established isn't correct, so I guess I need to try harder?

What happens if you try to use an older version like 2.93?

 

[PixelButts]

What happens if you try to use an older version like 2.93?

Not sure yet will give it a try. My current thing is noticing that if I just boot into Linux, only 1 of them actually works and its whatever the first one I used is. From there forward the other one will constantly fail to initialize for some reason, yet be detected, but fail to be interfaced with and I do not know why. Some boots both work, sometimes its only one, sometimes it swaps which one is or isn't working as well and I have no explanations to this. I cant get both working at the same time with amdvbflash, but I know for a fact I got this working before.
I'm testing this with the ES card still, but the production card has this same behavior. I'd check again right now but I need to keep packing it up so I dont trip over it on my floor. I'm a little lacking on desk space/dedicated hardware at the moment.

 

[mczkrt]

Both GPUs should have identical vBIOS, yet they are treated differently by the amdvbflash. I don't have a screenshot, but even with both roms erased, one adapter is marked as slave. Test column reads ffff if the rom is empty.

 

[mczkrt]

I decided to revisit 5600M Pro rom and test it with R.ID drivers, as it is relatively easy to work with. Unfortunately, it's still locked to lowest pstate. It is however crazy efficient, ~GTX 750Ti performance at 6W, if you believe GPUz.

 

[PixelButts]

I decided to revisit 5600M Pro rom and test it with R.ID drivers, as it is relatively easy to work with. Unfortunately, it's still locked to lowest pstate. It is however crazy efficient, ~GTX 750Ti performance at 6W, if you believe GPUz.

Which vbios was used and what were the exact options used to get them to install? I tried and got no results at all.
I also see those are running at Gen 3 speeds not Gen 4.
Edit: I see you used the 5600M rom now, shoulda read slower. Mind linking the exact one you used?

 

[LabRat 891]

I decided to revisit 5600M Pro rom and test it with R.ID drivers, as it is relatively easy to work with. Unfortunately, it's still locked to lowest pstate. It is however crazy efficient, ~GTX 750Ti performance at 6W, if you believe GPUz.

Is Navi 12 "MPT Compatible"?

OverdriveNTool 0.2.9

Download OverdriveNTool 0.2.9 for free. Latest Version 0.2.9. This application is for editing some parameters in the AMD OverdriveN API supported GPUs (currently 290, 290x, 380, 380x, 390, 390x, Fury, Fury X, Nano, 4xx, 5xx series, Vega 56, Vega 64) and Overdrive8 API supported GPUs (currently...

sourceforge.net

(At least w/ Vega) You can easily 'load' the PPTs from another vBIOS in/over the vBIOS-read PPTs.

RED BIOS EDITOR and MorePowerTool for Polaris, Navi and Big Navi | igor´sLAB

New curve options have been added. Of course we would be very happy about a feedback in the forum about the use of this new function! The More PowerTool (MPT) has been also revised once again for the…

www.igorslab.de

'Wondering if you could 'load' the Production vBIOS' PPTs atop the 5600m flashed (and driver-installed) card?

 

[mczkrt]

No luck, MPT won't let me select adapter.

 

[Catch2223]

Those contra-rotating fans can make some insane static pressure. They are exceedingly loud, however.

Same goes for a 'proper' blower/centrifugal fan.

Other than custom water cooling, there isn't a better option, AFAIK.


Side note: If these cards have a functioning fan header, one could plug the RPM sense and PWM control into the card, and power the fan(s) separately. (Did this to a modded MI25 w. a 5+Amp 8cm cube contra-rotating dual-motor fan)

If anyone has an idea for another cooler design I am willing to make the model for it and do some testing. Or even if you see another design that you think could work well for this card send it to me and I will modify/recreate it for the v540. I have been trying to make the designs allow for two cards side by side but if as a group we decide that isn't a constraint we want I can make a design with a larger and quieter fan.

On another note there was an image posted earlier in this thread of the board itself where it looks like we might have a fan header available. When I tested the v540 in MMPOS there was feedback that the card was commanding X% fan speed so maybe even functional? Here is a snip with it circled. I'll try to get my scope hooked up to it and see if there is a PWM signal. I probably won't have time until next weekend though...

Keep any cooler ideas or inspiration coming! I don't think I am super useful as far as the drivers at the moment but a fan is something I am happy to mess around with. I know I keep offering the coolers as kits here but I can also list them on eBay if that is easier for someone who wants to mess around with these.

 

[PixelButts]

I promised I'd call AMD and so I did. I have inquired about the GPU, and the rep definitely had a moment saying "Wow that is an unusual one" after stating the model.
They will email me back with any additional info they can find, or I can call again, but I specifically inquired about Linux and Windows support for it and perhaps we'll get somewhere with that but I'm not holding my breath, but given that I mentioned this is a production card I'm calling about, not an engineering sample it seemed to have been taken a little more serously.

The rep made a comment that made me very confused though, and given it was a brief search it was possibly just misspoken. They said and I quote "... this is the pro version of our RX 540..." (as in five-forty) which made absolutely no sense to me given what that is, but I realized after looking through the database, it's possible he meant RX 5400 (fifty-four hundred) which I suppose would line up more accurately. given both the timeframe and placement, and gap on the known GPUs for the 5000 series.

Whether they reply back, or what they reply back with is a mystery to me, but in the event they do I will follow up on this. I know it's been almost a month but work comes first, and the timeframe to actually call them is quite tight, so I took the call on a more relaxed day while I could.