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

[btarunr]

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

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[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.

 

[the54thvoid]

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.'

 

[kloky]

https://nvidia.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000024200

In the lik above are mentioned more cards, not only the founders edition cards.

 

[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.

 

[dorsetknob]

Liquid Gold for Company's like

Spoiler:

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

 

[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
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.

 

[londiste]

I suppose now we know why DP 1.3/1.4 support has been with an asterisk on Nvidia's specs pages:

DisplayPort 1.2 Certified, DisplayPort 1.3/1.4 Ready.

 

[bug]

I suppose now we know why DP 1.3/1.4 support has been with an asterisk on Nvidia's specs pages:

The problem was, while the DP1.3/1.4 specs were finalized, the certification process wasn't.
For this reason, AMD also lists the RX480 as "DisplayPort 1.3/1.4 Ready":https://www.amd.com/en-us/products/graphics/radeon-rx-series/radeon-rx-480

 

[MATx]

I update my MSI GeForce GTX 980 GAMING and works fine.

 

[Assimilator]

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.'

How could reflashing the current BIOS cause issues?

 

[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

 

[bug]

How 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.

 

[The Quim Reaper]

If ever a piece of software was designed to brick your system....this is it.

Will Not Touch.

 

[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).

 

[Flanker]

Still using HDMI. Lucky I won't need to bother. Seems to work fine for most people though

 

[newtekie1]

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.

 

[Regeneration]

The update will not work on modded BIOSes. You'll have to flash an original rom, apply the update, and remod it again.

 

[TheGuruStud]

I 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

 

[Cybrnook2002]

My 1080ti kingpin's, no issue (so far).

 

[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.

 

[Captain_Tom]

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.

And in the future you can completely avoid problems like these if you don't buy from companies with horrific software.

 

[ExV6k]

It says there are no required updates for my GTX 1060 3GB (a Gigabyte one).

 

[TheinsanegamerN]

And 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.

 

[ShurikN]

Wasn't planning on updating anyway, just wanted to see if anything is available.