Friday, June 8th 2018

NVIDIA Has a DisplayPort Problem Which Only a BIOS Update Can Fix

NVIDIA "Maxwell" and "Pascal" graphics architectures introduced support for modern display connectivity to keep up with the breakneck pace at which display resolutions are scaling up. The two introduce support for DisplayPort 1.4 and 1.3, however the implementation is less than perfect. Some of the newer monitors that leverage DisplayPort 1.4 or 1.3 standards don't function as designed on "Maxwell" (GeForce GTX 900 series) and "Pascal" (GeForce 10-series) graphics cards, with users reporting a range of bugs from blank screens until the operating system loads, to frozen boot sequences.

Unfortunately, these issues cannot be fixed by driver updates, and require graphics card BIOS updates. Luckily, you won't be at the mercy of lethargic AIC partners looking to limit their warranty claims by going slow on BIOS updates, or NVFlash rocket-science. NVIDIA released a tool which can detect if your graphics card needs the update, and then updates the BIOS for you, from within Windows. The app first unloads your driver, and flashes your graphics card BIOS (a process which must not be interrupted, lest you end up with an expensive brick).

Update: We have confirmation that the tool is intended for both reference-design and custom-design graphics cards.
DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA Graphics Firmware Update Tool for DisplayPort 1.3 and 1.4 Displays
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95 Comments on NVIDIA Has a DisplayPort Problem Which Only a BIOS Update Can Fix

#1
natr0n
I would advice lurkers/non tpu members to not use this if you don't need it/have any problems or don't use display port at all.
Posted on Reply
#2
the54thvoid
Super Intoxicated Moderator
Found this description on PC Gamer.

'Nvidia's tool doesn't update your graphics card's video BIOS, so you won't see a change in tools like GPU-Z after applying it. Instead, it checks the firmware for the UEFI GOP (graphics output protocol).
It also reapplies the current video BIOS during the firmware check, so if you're using a custom or modified BIOS, you should avoid running this tool, as you could run into issues.'
Posted on Reply
#4
Jstn7477
I've had these issues for a few years with my Acer G257HU... it's a shame it took them so long to acknowledge this.
Posted on Reply
#5
dorsetknob
"YOUR RMA REQUEST IS CON-REFUSED"
Liquid Gold for Company's like
well Giga for one but take your pick

Your RMA request has been Refused because your Bios was flashed ( not flashed as Required ) without Our Approval
Thank you for your custom
Posted on Reply
#6
bug
We're unsure if the tool works only on reference-design "Founder's Edition"
Because there are so many Founder's Edition Maxwells out there :wtf:
This probably includes a BIOS flash that works on reference design cards. But hearing it straight from Nvidia would be nice. Having it clearly stated in a readme that comes with the tool would be even nicer, but that ship has sailed.
Posted on Reply
#7
londiste
I suppose now we know why DP 1.3/1.4 support has been with an asterisk on Nvidia's specs pages:
Nvidia SpecsDisplayPort 1.2 Certified, DisplayPort 1.3/1.4 Ready.
Posted on Reply
#9
MATx
I update my MSI GeForce GTX 980 GAMING and works fine.
Posted on Reply
#10
Assimilator
the54thvoidFound this description on PC Gamer.

'Nvidia's tool doesn't update your graphics card's video BIOS, so you won't see a change in tools like GPU-Z after applying it. Instead, it checks the firmware for the UEFI GOP (graphics output protocol).
It also reapplies the current video BIOS during the firmware check, so if you're using a custom or modified BIOS, you should avoid running this tool, as you could run into issues.'
How could reflashing the current BIOS cause issues?
Posted on Reply
#11
Dark_Phoenix
I ran this on my system with an Asus Strix GeForce GTX 1060 6GB and it worked without an issue and updated my bios.

No issues reported
Posted on Reply
#12
bug
AssimilatorHow could reflashing the current BIOS cause issues?
If you have a custom BIOS and reflash with a generic one, the problem would be obvious. But that doesn't seem to be the case here.
Posted on Reply
#13
The Quim Reaper
If ever a piece of software was designed to brick your system....this is it.

Will Not Touch.
Posted on Reply
#14
Exceededgoku
I've replaced hundreds of video cables trying to figure out what the problem was, this is a very welcome update.

Just updated both my 1080Ti's through the tool so now maybe I can move away from HDMI (which has worked okay until now just without HDR at 4K).
Posted on Reply
#15
Flanker
Still using HDMI. Lucky I won't need to bother. Seems to work fine for most people though
Posted on Reply
#16
newtekie1
Semi-Retired Folder
I ran it on my 1080Ti Strix and it worked perfectly. I don't even think this messes with the BIOS at all. It just updated the UEFI GOP section of the firmware, which is separate from the main BIOS. That's why it is a universal tool.
Posted on Reply
#17
Regeneration
NGOHQ.COM
The update will not work on modded BIOSes. You'll have to flash an original rom, apply the update, and remod it again.
Posted on Reply
#18
TheGuruStud
londisteI suppose now we know why DP 1.3/1.4 support has been with an asterisk on Nvidia's specs pages:
Kinda reminds me of DX12 support LOL
Posted on Reply
#20
RH92
I would advise to anyone who has standard bios to make the update regardless ! Just updated mine ( even tho i had not issues with DP ) it takes literally just a few seconds so i don't see why you shouldn't.
Posted on Reply
#21
Captain_Tom
natr0nI would advice lurkers/non tpu members to not use this if you don't need it/have any problems or don't use display port at all.
And in the future you can completely avoid problems like these if you don't buy from companies with horrific software.
Posted on Reply
#22
ExV6k
It says there are no required updates for my GTX 1060 3GB (a Gigabyte one).
Posted on Reply
#23
TheinsanegamerN
Captain_TomAnd in the future you can completely avoid problems like these if you don't buy from companies with horrific software.
That's not helpful, because that means you can never buy a GPU ever again. AMD's drivers are hardly any better then nvidias, and often fall behind. And dont even get me started on intels.
Posted on Reply
#24
ShurikN



Wasn't planning on updating anyway, just wanted to see if anything is available.
Posted on Reply
#25
Captain_Tom
TheinsanegamerNThat's not helpful, because that means you can never buy a GPU ever again. AMD's drivers are hardly any better then nvidias, and often fall behind. And dont even get me started on intels.
I was mostly just poking fun, but what you said isn't true - Nvidia does have twice as many crashes per capita as AMD has.

Don't get me wrong, my drivers from both AMD and Nvidia have been great for ME lately; but I do remember having non-stop issues with Fermi drivers...
Posted on Reply
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