Flashing R9 280X for boot screens/PCI System Information

[darthgeekonius]

read the sticky at Netkas about using a simple name to get registered

I did. Now I'm beginning to think darthgeekonius is too simple I guess. I'll use one of those complicated safari-password type user names and see what happens.

Thanks

 

[darthgeekonius]

I still can't register but I think I'll live. My 7950 was DOA so I sent back. The 7870 works without issue with no bootscreen of course. My 7970 came but I'm afraid to put in. It has 2 8 pin connectors. I bought 2 6 pin to 8 pin adapters, but is it safe? Specs are in the auction I won:

http://m.ebay.com/itm/SAPPHIRE-Radeon-HD-7970-100351SR-3GB-384-Bit-GDDR5-/111806011619?txnId=0

 

[darthgeekonius]

Took plunge one 6-8 adapter did the trick. Just need to flash now. 3 monitors only works in Windows

 

[arivee]

Wait, what?! You powered the 7970 with ONE pcie mini 6pin to 8pin cable? And it ran? Did you try any benchmarks while you were at it?

 

[darthgeekonius]

Wait, what?! You powered the 7970 with ONE pcie mini 6pin to 8pin cable? And it ran? Did you try any benchmarks while you were at it?

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AJmih7XstQeWzeU&v=3&ithint=photo,jpg

This is what I did for now. I plan to add another line on the mobo and do another 6-8 pin so it's one line per 8 pin.

I haven't run any benchmarks. I'm able to boot into OS X without issue minus my 3rd monitor, but I think that's the card configuration 2 dvi and 1 hdmi 3rd probably has to be display port instead. All 3 work in Windows 10 as is.

I did look at GPU-Z and HW Monitor but I have no way of knowing if the numbers are good or bad. However, I opened Steam and ran Fallout 3 on ultra high with Age of Ultron playing 1080p on another monitor and the voltage never budged and the highest gpu utilization was 18%-24%.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...authkey=!AM-KJdAPngq1FC4&v=3&ithint=photo,png

did a screenshot of what the hw monitor is showing currently as well.

 

[h9826790]

This is what I did for now. I plan to add another line on the mobo and do another 6-8 pin so it's one line per 8 pin

Doesn't looks good to me. It will be ok in desktop environment, but will definite overload the 6pin source under stress.

You better not to stress the card until you install the 2nd 6-8>pin. Or you may get a mini 6pin male -> 6pin female to connect the remaining connector to the mobo. My understanding is that inside those cables are just wires, no circuit. So as long as you can connect the remaining 6pin to the mobo. The card will draw power from both 6pin sources.

 

[darthgeekonius]

Doesn't looks good to me. It will be ok in desktop environment, but will definite overload the 6pin source under stress.

You better not to stress the card until you install the 2nd 6-8>pin. Or you may get a mini 6pin male -> 6pin female to connect the remaining connector to the mobo. My understanding is that inside those cables are just wires, no circuit. So as long as you can connect the remaining 6pin to the mobo. The card will draw power from both 6pin sources.

That's definitely the plan

 

[arivee]

@darthgeekonius - which Mac did you use, the 2,1 or the 4,1? Judging by the picture it looks like the 4,1 - are you going to test it on the 2,1? Also, you can attach your gpu bios and I can try to roll one for you using netkas' process.

@h9826790 - what in darth's post not making it look good? I have a sapphire card and I just got my second set of wires - what testing app can I use to measure current draw?

@everyone - is it possible to under clock the card so it doesn't increase its current draw?

 

[h9826790]

what in darth's post not making it look good? I have a sapphire card and I just got my second set of wires - what testing app can I use to measure current draw?

@everyone - is it possible to under clock the card so it doesn't increase its current draw?

The 7970 can definitely draw more than 120W from the aux power cables, which means will activate the self shutdown protection if put all loading on a single 6pin source.

HWMonitor or iStat can measure the power draw on the 6pins. The most extreme test in OSX should be Furmark. If your machine can run that for 15min, most likely it can handle any operation (including heave gaming).

In Windows, there is a software call OCCT which is even more demanding, and have the error count function. So, this software can easily helps to detect the instability as well. But this test usually not required unless you are OCing the card.

You can under clock the card. On the other hand, you may also choose to under volt the card but keep the same clock, this usually works better to lower the power consumption and generate less heat.

In fact, I under volt my 7950 but OC it at the same time. So I have a better performing card which also runs cooler. But this will takes some effort to run the tests, because lower the voltage will decrease stability. And the sweet spot (minimum stable voltage) vary between cards.

For pure down clock, the stability should not be a problem. So no need to run any test. However, you still need to check if it really help. e.g. If the card only draw less power from the PCIe slot (but not the 8pin) after down clock, that will be quite meaningless.

 

[arivee]

This may seem a silly question - I have an OC edition MSI R7950 (finally flashed properly thanks to VAGDesigns) and I have my hands on an R9 280x from sapphire. Given the headaches about the power draw on the R9 280x, should I just keep the MSI and let go of the sapphire?

I dabble most of the time - a little bit of this, a little bit of that - editing video and 3D printing. I don't really game that much - but when I do, it's LoL, Starcraft and occasionally CoD - maybe SW Battlefront when it comes out. I am tempted to try Titanfall but only if BB sells it for $5 again. All this aside, from surfing and email.

Thoughts?

 

[darthgeekonius]

@darthgeekonius - which Mac did you use, the 2,1 or the 4,1? Judging by the picture it looks like the 4,1 - are you going to test it on the 2,1? Also, you can attach your gpu bios and I can try to roll one for you using netkas' process.

@h9826790 - what in darth's post not making it look good? I have a sapphire card and I just got my second set of wires - what testing app can I use to measure current draw?

@everyone - is it possible to under clock the card so it doesn't increase its current draw?

This is my 4.1 I haven't done it on my 2.1 because I'm using that as "the family mac" now. I put my old 6870 in there. I just got my mini-6pin adapters in the mail, so I'm going to put both of those on the mobo and then use 1 6-8 adapter for each one to even things out. I'll update with pics.

I'll boot in Windows and attach my GPU bios from there. I can extract from GPU-Z right?

Either way, I'm swimming in extra video cards now... GTS 450, GT 120, 7870, and a new 7950 in the mail (one I got was DOA).

 

[darthgeekonius]

Hooked everything up and so far so good?

GPU-Z says:

Link to the rom for the generous, awesome people who'd like to help me flash this card.

 

[arivee]

No guarantees and all that disclaimer jazz (i.e. I am not responsible if you nuke your card, your dog gets pregnant or the house burns down ). The card will show up as a 7950 under the 'About this Mac' overview. If you want to change it - there a few threads here that discuss how.

You have to eliminate the .txt extension WITHOUT opening it. Make sure you secure a copy of your ROM somewhere handy! Good luck!

In other news - I successfully flashed my Sapphire R9 280x - one of the DVI ports is dead (not sure if it's the D or S - it is the black colored port. I haven't the foggiest if the HDMI port is working and I need a full size DP cable to test if it works - but at least I have a boot screen

Based on readings from the HW Monitor as I was running the Heaven benchmark, PCIe Booster A report a max of 105W - and Booster B was 69W (although not at the same time) that was while running a custom benchmark using full screen 1080P, high quality and x2 anti-aliasing - all other options disabled.

Using the same parameters as above, the MSI R7950 OC was at par if not a micro bit better (one or two points in score and frame rate) than the Sapphire R9 280x Vapor X pre-flash. Post flash was a different story - the R9 280x came out on top compared against its pre-flash self and the flashed R7950 - there was a performance gain! Could this be true or did the flash somehow 'gamed' the system?

I will say too - the cooling on the R9 kept the temps between 41-43C but the MSI under the same load goes up to 70! Maybe I should look for a Vapor X R7950?

Anyway - thanks all for the help in making this possible!

 

[darthgeekonius]

No guarantees and all that disclaimer jazz (i.e. I am not responsible if you nuke your card, your dog gets pregnant or the house burns down ). The card will show up as a 7950 under the 'About this Mac' overview. If you want to change it - there a few threads here that discuss how.

You have to eliminate the .txt extension WITHOUT opening it. Make sure you secure a copy of your ROM somewhere handy! Good luck!

In other news - I successfully flashed my Sapphire R9 280x - one of the DVI ports is dead (not sure if it's the D or S - it is the black colored port. I haven't the foggiest if the HDMI port is working and I need a full size DP cable to test if it works - but at least I have a boot screen

Based on readings from the HW Monitor as I was running the Heaven benchmark, PCIe Booster A report a max of 105W - and Booster B was 69W (although not at the same time) that was while running a custom benchmark using full screen 1080P, high quality and x2 anti-aliasing - all other options disabled.

Using the same parameters as above, the MSI R7950 OC was at par if not a micro bit better (one or two points in score and frame rate) than the Sapphire R9 280x Vapor X pre-flash. Post flash was a different story - the R9 280x came out on top compared against its pre-flash self and the flashed R7950 - there was a performance gain! Could this be true or did the flash somehow 'gamed' the system?

I will say too - the cooling on the R9 kept the temps between 41-43C but the MSI under the same load goes up to 70! Maybe I should look for a Vapor X R7950?

Anyway - thanks all for the help in making this possible!

Thanks for your help. It worked!!! I'll get around to making it say 7970 at some point.

 

[darthgeekonius]

No guarantees and all that disclaimer jazz (i.e. I am not responsible if you nuke your card, your dog gets pregnant or the house burns down ). The card will show up as a 7950 under the 'About this Mac' overview. If you want to change it - there a few threads here that discuss how.

You have to eliminate the .txt extension WITHOUT opening it. Make sure you secure a copy of your ROM somewhere handy! Good luck!

In other news - I successfully flashed my Sapphire R9 280x - one of the DVI ports is dead (not sure if it's the D or S - it is the black colored port. I haven't the foggiest if the HDMI port is working and I need a full size DP cable to test if it works - but at least I have a boot screen

Based on readings from the HW Monitor as I was running the Heaven benchmark, PCIe Booster A report a max of 105W - and Booster B was 69W (although not at the same time) that was while running a custom benchmark using full screen 1080P, high quality and x2 anti-aliasing - all other options disabled.

Using the same parameters as above, the MSI R7950 OC was at par if not a micro bit better (one or two points in score and frame rate) than the Sapphire R9 280x Vapor X pre-flash. Post flash was a different story - the R9 280x came out on top compared against its pre-flash self and the flashed R7950 - there was a performance gain! Could this be true or did the flash somehow 'gamed' the system?

I will say too - the cooling on the R9 kept the temps between 41-43C but the MSI under the same load goes up to 70! Maybe I should look for a Vapor X R7950?

Anyway - thanks all for the help in making this possible!

Quick update: All is working well and I updated the wiring to 2 mini 6pin to 8pin wires. I was wondering if there is another flash profile you or someone else could help me with that will allow all ports to work in OS X. Right now I can only see my 3 monitors in Windows. In OS X only the 2 DVI ports works. I haven't tried the Display Port yet as I don't have an adapter.

 

[goodfidelity]

Hi guys!

I just bought the Gigabyte x280 card and will install maybe next week or so.

I just want to ask before i go how to plug the power cables in the best way.

I have connectors for one 6 pin mini pcie connector to 6 pin pcie connector for the GUP.
And i have another 6 pin mini pcie connector to 8 pin pcie connector for the GPU.

However, i also ordered MOLEX to 6 pin, and SATA to 6 pin. 2 pcs each.

I read somewhere that the best way to do it is to combine the two 6 pin connectors on the main board into one 8 pin connector on the GPU, and then bring two molex to the 6 pin on the GPU.

I want to know if this is overkill, or if this will make the setup last longer without burning the main board.

Thanks guys!

 

[darthgeekonius]

Hi guys!

I just bought the Gigabyte x280 card and will install maybe next week or so.

I just want to ask before i go how to plug the power cables in the best way.

I have connectors for one 6 pin mini pcie connector to 6 pin pcie connector for the GUP.
And i have another 6 pin mini pcie connector to 8 pin pcie connector for the GPU.

However, i also ordered MOLEX to 6 pin, and SATA to 6 pin. 2 pcs each.

I read somewhere that the best way to do it is to combine the two 6 pin connectors on the main board into one 8 pin connector on the GPU, and then bring two molex to the 6 pin on the GPU.

I want to know if this is overkill, or if this will make the setup last longer without burning the main board.

Thanks guys!

Not sure but I just ended up doing 2 mini 6pin to 8pin adapters and all is well. 7970 and 280x is basically the same card.

 

[Galileo07]

well, My mac pro 1.1 wont boot since this morning, not even with the original 7300 gt card. I can only get it to boot with safe mode, and all graphics goes super slow, screen is loaded in bars also.

Any one has had a similar experience?

I changed all, ram, gpu, etc...
When i start in verbose mode i have this.

 

[goodfidelity]

Did you try reinstall OS?

 

[Galileo07]

Nope! i really want that to be the last chance! cause i have a lot of software running.

I also did, repairing permission, disc, onyx and nothing!

 

[Galileo07]

Well Guys interesting news for real!

Finally i didn´t solve the problem of my Yosemite os, i was 10.10.5 all well and the other day it won't boot up.
So i saw some guys telling that the graphics work has been really optimized in El capitan because of the "Metal" thing.


Well, i´m only going to say 2 things, 5 min to have el capitan working.
Via this link:

And Brucex. Mac pro 1.1 , 2,66 quad, 280x, 32g ram Yosemite: 58 sec.
Mac Pro 1.1, 2,6 quad 280x , 32g ram, El capitan.... 16 sec.
Luxmark Sala now 2649

Working really well since las night.Figuring out how to disable sip to install protools and i´m done.
Really recommended el capitan, it just flies

 

[goodfidelity]

Hello guys!

I Need help!

I just bought the R9 280x from gigabyte, and a friendly guy on this board helped me to get a ROM for the card wich i used flashing it with WINFLASH. It shows up perfect in el capitain. But the problem is that there is still no boot screen. I am running Mac PRO 1.1, and i think i got it with the 64BIT flash ROM.

Does anyone want to help me out with making the ROM file for my card that will make it work in my 32bit 1.1 Mac PRO. That would really make my day! (I have the original ROM downloaded, all i need is to merge it with the 32bit EFI, or even better if it has both 32/64)

Thanks guys!

Attached is my .rom files. Tahiti.rom is original .rom and efiTahiti.rom is a file that some nice guy on the board made for me. Maybe someone can find whats wrong.

 

[drsinsters]

Hello guys!

I Need help!

I just bought the R9 280x from gigabyte, and a friendly guy on this board helped me to get a ROM for the card wich i used flashing it with WINFLASH. It shows up perfect in el capitain. But the problem is that there is still no boot screen. I am running Mac PRO 1.1, and i think i got it with the 64BIT flash ROM.

Does anyone want to help me out with making the ROM file for my card that will make it work in my 32bit 1.1 Mac PRO. That would really make my day! (I have the original ROM downloaded, all i need is to merge it with the 32bit EFI, or even better if it has both 32/64)

Thanks guys!

Attached is my .rom files. Tahiti.rom is original .rom and efiTahiti.rom is a file that some nice guy on the board made for me. Maybe someone can find whats wrong.

Hi There, I also have the same card but my Mac pro is 64 bit. which of the BIOS file out of (Tahiti.rom is original .rom and efiTahiti.rom ) I can use to flash my gigaybyte card?

 

[goodfidelity]

You can try with the efiTahiti.rom. I am not sure if that will work, since maybe you have another version of the card. Just backup your rom first!

I discovered this ROM works perfect. But boot screen only on DVI, not mDP.


//GF

 

[timothyreed]

I have a 2006 Mac Pro running Yosemite (thanks Pike!) and now on to "fit and finish" nits to make it work.

I got an MSI R9 280X Gaming 3GB video card, and it worked great out-of-the-box, but I wanted to get boot screens and get it recognized in the PCI section of System Information. I chose this card because it's not too expensive, and clearly others have had good compatibility experiences in Mac Pros with Mavericks and Yosemite.

So, I read the AMD EFI firmware thread on netkas for a general understanding, grabbed Rominator's 7970 EBC firmware, and used them to make my own MSI EBC Mac ROM.

Works. Dive in. The water's fine. Boot screens and all.

Next step: figuring out how to change the "AMD Radeon HD 7970" text string in System Information.

Do you know if the Powercolor R9 280x is supported with your rom? also what did you use for powering the card? I just bought one on ebay and now I'm wondering if I will be able to even run this card in my 2006 mac pro? The reason why I bought it was I seen that the R9 280x was a option for the Mac pro 1,1 on macvidcards.com but doing some searching I cant find anyone who has ran the Powercolor version of this card in a mac pro. Cant even get a strait answer on what I need to power this thing. All I have is the original power cord for my old ATI 1600X that came with the mac. Any information you have would be appreciated.

Thanks
[doublepost=1456974065][/doublepost]

Do you know if the Powercolor R9 280x is supported with your rom? also what did you use for powering the card? I just bought one on ebay and now I'm wondering if I will be able to even run this card in my 2006 mac pro? The reason why I bought it was I seen that the R9 280x was a option for the Mac pro 1,1 on macvidcards.com but doing some searching I cant find anyone who has ran the Powercolor version of this card in a mac pro. Cant even get a strait answer on what I need to power this thing. All I have is the original power cord for my old ATI 1600X that came with the mac. Any information you have would be appreciated.

Thanks

UPDATE: I found a video on youtube that showed me what needs to be connected. Looks like my orginal 6 pin will work and all I need is a mini 6 pin to 8 pin to plug in. I got one on amazon. Now I plan on shipping this to macvidcard.com to update the EFI to run with my mac pro 1,1. Is this a easy thing for someone to do? $115.00 seems a little steep for a $250 card. Any help on what I should do would be much appreciated.