How to enable additional shaders on Radeon HD 6950

[NameonPrime]

Info

Its less safer to flash using the hd 6970 BIOS since even PEOPLE WITH REFERENCE DESIGN HD 6950's have started to complain months after flashing their cards with a hd 6970 BIOS,

this is because If you flash a hd 6950 with a hd 6970 BIOS, a number of things happen,

1 the hd 6970 BIOS makes the card run on 880Mhz core and 1375Mhz memory (these are stock hd 6970 frequencies)

2 the hd 6970 BIOS also makes the core voltage run on 117mV so as feed the frequencies (this is also stock hd 6970 voltage)

All of the above is ususally fine for a hd 6950, the problem comes when that hd 6970 BIOS also changes the voltages/memory timings of the memory of the hd 6950. the memory of the hd 6950 DOES NOT SUPPORT THE MEMORY TIMINGS AND VOLTAGES OF A HD 6970 so the card gets damages immediately or over time.THEIR MEMORY IS DIFFERENT.

Thats why the safer option is to edit the BIOS of your hd 6950 to unlock the shaders,flash it with that edited BIOS, then oc to stock hd 6970 specs (frequencies shown above) this leaves the memory of the hd 6950 untouched.

there is no guarantee that you will be 100% successful in flashing your card, be it reference or non-reference, BUT this way is alot safer, thats the point, there is still always a chance that you can brick your card if it does not have a backup BIOS.

read from page 85-latest recommended, thay have all info you mught need to make an informed choice.

also on page 87 there is a guy who tells how he unbricked (revived his card after a bad flash) you could try it if it happens to you.

I have this card the Sapphire 2gb hd 6950

I'll run the card for a week on stock then try doing this and will post results.

 

[BababooeyHTJ]

Its less safer to flash using the hd 6970 BIOS since even PEOPLE WITH REFERENCE DESIGN HD 6950's have started to complain months after flashing their cards with a hd 6970 BIOS,

Who? I'm going to need to see some proof to back that statement up.

 

[NameonPrime]

Well if you think im making this up, try going through 90+ pages of this thread (like i did)
and count how many are reporting problems after flashing with a hd 6970 BIOS,

count how many posts say about the different roms and timings on the two graphics cards

im not saying every single person who has flashed a 6970 bios will fry the card, im just saying that the chances of of the card frying is much higher

i even doubt that you can even flash a 6970 bios on a non-reference, non-dual bios, or 1gb
hd 6950 without damaging or bricking the card

so the safer option is to mod your stock bios and unlock those shaders (if they can be unlocked) then flash that modded bios then oc using msi ab to hd 6970 spec.

it is still possible to brick your card with this safer option but the chances of success
not only short-term but long-term as well are higher.

 

[cadaveca]

Who? I'm going to need to see some proof to back that statement up.

Um, think for a minute....why do you even think there is a script to unlock shaders?



I'll give you the answer...While the memory on the 6950 is of the same IC-type, the quality of the actaul silicon the memory is made from is much worse, and it cannot handle 6970 speeds, nor the current to run those speeds.


Cards started failing. First one...then....two...three...Shortly after, the script arrived. Start looking at like page 12 or so...it didn't take long for reports of cards dieing.

 

[WhitePrQjser]

Hi!


I'm new here. I put together a PC for a friend with a Sapphire Radeon HD 6950:

http://www.komplett.dk/k/ki.aspx?sku=622370 <--- Don't mind the Danish language.


Now, I tried unlocking it, but it just won't work!


First, I looked for the BIOS switch. It didn't have any.

Then I needed to do it through RBE. That didn't work either.

Lastly I had to use the CMD-method. But when i type in the commands and flash it, there isn't coming any message saying "Verified". It's still just a standard 6950, when I reboot and check it with GPU-Z. It bums me since my friend really had his hopes up


I don't know if there's a guide out which explains exactly what to do, so I at least can see, what I'm doing wrong. The card works 100%, but just won't unlock.


Thanks in advance



EDIT: Added the correct link

 

[manofthem]

Hi!
I'm new here. I put together a PC for a friend with a Sapphire Radeon HD 6950:

http://www.komplett.dk/k/ki.aspx?sku=622370 <--- Don't mind the Danish language.

Now, I tried unlocking it, but it just won't work!

First, I looked for the BIOS switch. It didn't have any.

Then I needed to do it through RBE. That didn't work either.

Lastly I had to use the CMD-method. But when i type in the commands and flash it, there isn't coming any message saying "Verified". It's still just a standard 6950, when I reboot and check it with GPU-Z. It bums me since my friend really had his hopes up

I don't know if there's a guide out which explains exactly what to do, so I at least can see, what I'm doing wrong. The card works 100%, but just won't unlock.

Thanks in advance
EDIT: Added the correct link

If you're trying to unlock the shaders, did you download the mod script, place your bios in there, then run that?
Is your card in the primary pci-e slot?

 

[WhitePrQjser]

If you're trying to unlock the shaders, did you download the mod script, place your bios in there, then run that?
Is your card in the primary pci-e slot?

Script? Haven't seen there is one :S

I can place it in the primarity PCI-E slot if needed?

It's just, I'm not with my friend atm. But will be in a few days, I guess.

 

[cadaveca]

Honestly, I think AMD has written something in thier drivers that inteferes with flashing. I've had to help a couple of users on the TeamSpeak now that had major issues until they followed my specific directions...which do include having only one card in system in primary slot when flashing, and no driver for the card installed...




script is here:

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2137760&postcount=381

 

[WhitePrQjser]

Honestly, I think AMD has written something in thier drivers that inteferes with flashing. I've had to help a couple of users on the TeamSpeak now that had major issues until they followed my specific directions...which do include having only one card in system in primary slot when flashing, and no driver for the card installed...




script is here:

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2137760&postcount=381

What am I supposed to do with it?

 

[cadaveca]

What am I supposed to do with it?

1. In the first post is ATIWinFlash. Use that to save the bios.

2. Rename it to original.bin.

3. Place original.bin inside the shader mod script folder once you've unzipped the script folder.

4. Run the script. A CMD window will open, and tell you to press a key to continue. Press a key.

5. Inside the script folder the script will generate the modded bios, named "modded.bin". Use ATIWinFlash to flash the modded.bin to the card.

6. Reboot, and verify the flash using GPU-Z.

7. PROFIT!!!

 

[manofthem]

1. In the first post is ATIWinFlash. Use that to save the bios.

2. Rename it to original.bin.

3. Place original.bin inside the shader mod script folder once you've unzipped the script folder.

4. Run the script. A CMD window will open, and tell you to press a key to continue. Press a key.

5. Inside the script folder the script will generate the modded bios, named "modded.bin". Use ATIWinFlash to flash the modded.bin to the card.

6. Reboot, and verify the flash using GPU-Z.

7. PROFIT!!!

Well said, Good Sir!

 

[WhitePrQjser]

1. In the first post is ATIWinFlash. Use that to save the bios.

2. Rename it to original.bin.

3. Place original.bin inside the shader mod script folder once you've unzipped the script folder.

4. Run the script. A CMD window will open, and tell you to press a key to continue. Press a key.

5. Inside the script folder the script will generate the modded bios, named "modded.bin". Use ATIWinFlash to flash the modded.bin to the card.

6. Reboot, and verify the flash using GPU-Z.

7. PROFIT!!!

Ooooh! That sounds SO great!

Will try that veryvsoon and give feedback! Thank you so much!

 

[fullinfusion]

Why even bother changing the shader count? You have a great gpu, One that's only around 3% slower then 6970 gpu.... for the money...

Leave it alone unless you want to change it to full 6970 volts/clocks and risk a melt down *epic fail*

Even then don't leave it on that setting. Use it for pissing matches then down grade for longitivity lol... I can run Cross-fired 6950's (reference designed) HIS cards at over 1000MHz core and 1400+mhz on the memory with no voltage changes.

Gaming on either a 6950 stock or changed to unlocked 6970 status yeild the same result...

F_A_F!!! FAST AS F*CK!!!!
DILYSI!!!

Drive it like you stole it!!!!
WFO
WIDE FUC*in OPEN lol!!!

 

[mingsoup]

Why even bother changing the shader count? You have a great gpu, One that's only around 3% slower then 6970 gpu.... for the money...

Leave it alone unless you want to change it to full 6970 volts/clocks and risk a melt down *epic fail*

Even then don't leave it on that setting. Use it for pissing matches then down grade for longitivity lol... I can run Cross-fired 6950's (reference designed) HIS cards at over 1000MHz core and 1400+mhz on the memory with no voltage changes.

Gaming on either a 6950 stock or changed to unlocked 6970 status yeild the same result...

F_A_F!!! FAST AS F*CK!!!!

You can get all the way to 1000mhZ and 1400mem on 1.125V? really? holy moly.

 

[fullinfusion]

You can get all the way to 1000mhZ and 1400mem on 1.125V? really? holy moly.

Yeah for sure, 1000-1010MHz core and 1450MHz memory. Im lucky as I live in Canada, Stock in the Whorehouses move slow. I ordered a HIS 6950 2GB model. Then ordered the 2nd gpu 3 weeks later and got the twin sister to the 1st gpu going by the serial number ... Both clock out at the same freq, Crossfired or alone...

Im holding off on the Bulldozer B4 changing any hardware... If the dozer stomps then Ill open up the twins, If not I'll just go with a 2600K Intel proc and 1155 mobo and go from there...,

 

[Deleted member 67555]

Ive been running my 6950 flashed to a 6970 for a few months now without issues...regardless of being flashed or not it will not run faster than 925/1400 but I leave it at 880/1375 stock 6970 speeds...

 

[manofthem]

Why even bother changing the shader count? You have a great gpu, One that's only around 3% slower then 6970 gpu.... for the money...

Yeah it's a good card, but if you can get some extra performance for free, then why not? It does seem though like many are having difficulties unlocking lately.

 

[cadaveca]

Yeah it's a good card, but if you can get some extra performance for free, then why not? It does seem though like many are having difficulties unlocking lately.

Again, I blame driver revisions for the majority of problems that aren't user error.

 

[BababooeyHTJ]

Um, think for a minute....why do you even think there is a script to unlock shaders?



I'll give you the answer...While the memory on the 6950 is of the same IC-type, the quality of the actaul silicon the memory is made from is much worse, and it cannot handle 6970 speeds, nor the current to run those speeds.


Cards started failing. First one...then....two...three...Shortly after, the script arrived. Start looking at like page 12 or so...it didn't take long for reports of cards dieing.

Show me one? Hundreds of people have flashed a 6970 bios onto their card. I have yet to see one reputable report of a card failing due to the flash.

It's just binned memory chips, btw. The silicon is the same.

Again, I blame driver revisions for the majority of problems that aren't user error.

That has also been the actual reason for most of the so called "failed cards" btw.

 

[fullinfusion]

Yeah it's a good card, but if you can get some extra performance for free, then why not? It does seem though like many are having difficulties unlocking lately.

Yeah I hear ya but really how many are reporting gpu FAIL'S?
0!!!
Ask CAD, he'll tell ya there isn't much of a benefit over unlocked sharers vs locked.. I tested both and its not worth the stress wondering if over time its going to have an EPIC FAIL or not on the gpu....

Im going to sell these unlocked gpu's from ATI for a set of Reference 6970's.

Just for the piece of mind of not having these fail after time.

 

[cadaveca]

Show me one? Hundreds of people have flashed a 6970 bios onto their card. I have yet to see one reputable report of a card failing due to the flash.

If you are too lazy to search this thread, I'm too lazy to point it out to you.

It's just binned memory chips, btw. The silicon is the same.

Exactly. Power consumption, current requirements, and stock speed differ. Beleive me, if those memory chips could have been sold to the board assemblers for more, they would have been. Otherwise, the 6950's would have the exact same chips on them as the 6970, 100%. the chips on the 6970 cost more becuase they are in fact, of faqr better quality than the T2C chips on the 6950's.

That has also been the actual reason for most of the so called "failed cards" btw.

Now it's my turn to call for proof. There's no way for you to even quantify that, and you're just looking to bolster your position with a reason you know cannot be verified. The best info I have for card failures is right here in this thread, and I have to assume that people are being honest. If they are not, then ask them why they presented false info, not me.

And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but who are you, exactly? You seem to think quite highly of yourself and your "ideas", so I'm quite curious as to how you came into this knowledge. My Name's Dave Rennie, and I'm TPU's motherboard reviewer(as well as a reviewer on another site). I also spend alot of time on the TPU teamspeak solving people's issue and giving advice on overclocking, with which I am generally 99% correct with, as those that use the teamspeak can testify....so why are you arguing with me?

So now that I have introduced myself, who are you?? Will you publically stand behind your posts as I do?

 

[fullinfusion]

If you are too lazy to search this thread, I'm too lazy to point it out to you.

Exactly. Power consumption, current requirements, and stock speed differ. Beleive me, if those memory chips could have been sold to the board assemblers for more, they would have been. Otherwise, the 6950's would have the exact same chips on them as the 6970, 100%. the chips on the 6970 cost more becuase they are in fact, of faqr better quality than the T2C chips on the 6950's.

Now it's my turn to call for proof. There's no way for you to even quantify that, and you're just looking to bolster your position with a reason you know cannot be verified. The best info I have for card failures is right here in this thread, and I have to assume that people are being honest. If they are not, then ask them why they presented false info, not me.

And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but who are you, exactly? You seem to think quite highly of yourself and your "ideas", so I'm quite curious as to how you came into this knowledge. My Name's Dave Rennie, and I'm TPU's motherboard reviewer(as well as a reviewer on another site). I also spend alot of time on the TPU teamspeak solving people's issue and giving advice on overclocking, with which I am generally 99% correct with, as those that use the teamspeak can testify....so why are you arguing with me?

So now that I have introduced myself, who are you?? Will you publically stand behind your posts as I do?

Your last QUOTE! Who are you directing your msg too?

 

[cadaveca]

Not you?


It's an all-in-one type thing, just simply cut dude's post in bits so I could deal with each part of it seperately.

 

[fullinfusion]

Not you?


It's an all-in-one type thing, just simply cut dude's post in bits so I could deal with each part of it seperately.

Sound's good, thanks

 

[BababooeyHTJ]

If you are too lazy to search this thread, I'm too lazy to point it out to you.

Now it's my turn to call for proof. There's no way for you to even quantify that, and you're just looking to bolster your position with a reason you know cannot be verified. The best info I have for card failures is right here in this thread, and I have to assume that people are being honest. If they are not, then ask them why they presented false info, not me.

I have pointed out that these strange artifacts like in RFG, GTA4, Heaven, ATITool, Super meat boy, I could go on are confirmed driver issues. Most of these are the same issues that people in a few threads mistook for problems with their card. Maybe you should do a little research.

I'm not the one making claims based off of no evidence. All that I asked is for you to provide me one reputable post about a 6970 bios doing any harm to their card and you can not do that. I've watched this thread pretty well and it's not here.


One guys who works at some store who had a couple of returns is not proof of any sort. Hundreds of people across various forums have flashed a 6970 bios onto their card over the past four months and there is no hard evidence to support you claims. I think that says something.

And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but who are you, exactly? You seem to think quite highly of yourself and your "ideas", so I'm quite curious as to how you came into this knowledge. My Name's Dave Rennie, and I'm TPU's motherboard reviewer(as well as a reviewer on another site). I also spend alot of time on the TPU teamspeak solving people's issue and giving advice on overclocking, with which I am generally 99% correct with, as those that use the teamspeak can testify....so why are you arguing with me?

So now that I have introduced myself, who are you?? Will you publically stand behind your posts as I do?

You seem to say something along these lines any time that anyone challenges on opinion of yours. Not the first time that I've seen you pull that card. All that I asked is that you go into more detail about these cards that you claim are dieing.

Exactly. Power consumption, current requirements, and stock speed differ. Beleive me, if those memory chips could have been sold to the board assemblers for more, they would have been. Otherwise, the 6950's would have the exact same chips on them as the 6970, 100%. the chips on the 6970 cost more becuase they are in fact, of faqr better quality than the T2C chips on the 6950's.

Then they would have problems as soon as you flash to a 6970 which several people have seen. I haven't seen this cause permanent damage down the road. I would expect more reputable reports like we saw on early 4870 with degraded memory.