Flashing R9 280X for boot screens/PCI System Information

[owbp]

Have you tried making your ROM without a script?
I've never had problems with ATIWinFlash, although many report it as not ideal solution...

 

[Auggie]

Have you tried making your ROM without a script?
I've never had problems with ATIWinFlash, although many report it as not ideal solution...

I was thinking of just pasting over the EFI; I had done both techniques with my XFX, but ended up using the version created by Netkas script for the 7970.

Though I just don't think it's the script if it simply does a copy to explicit sections of the target ROM...

One thing I don't remember using for my XFX was which Windows: I have both Win7 and Win10 installed, and for the Club3D, I used Win10, but I think I may have used Win7 for the XFX. Something I'll try when I get home.

 

[h9826790]

Umm... Ya, that's exactly what I said I did: rolled my own using the Netkas script on its original ROM (the script simply copying over the Mac EFI to the original ROM, at least that's what I understand it does). But ATIWinFlash coughs up that error.

Didn't use anyone else's ROM, nor did I use the ROM from my XFX 7970, period. I used the original ROM on the Club3D card, which is 66K in size (same as the XFX 7970 ROM size). Clear as mud?

I see, I misunderstand that you tried to flash the 7970 ROM onto the 280X. Sorry about that.

Anyway, if the 280X ROM is just 64k (66k in macOS) in size. I doubt if you can flash a 128k (64k VBIOS + 64k Mac EFI UGA) ROM onto it. The chip on the card may only has 64k capacity.

 

[Auggie]

I see, I misunderstand that you tried to flash the 7970 ROM onto the 280X. Sorry about that.

Anyway, if the 280X ROM is just 64k (66k in macOS) in size. I doubt if you can flash a 128k (64k VBIOS + 64k Mac EFI UGA) ROM onto it. The chip on the card may only has 64k capacity.

Well, all I can say is the ROM size dumped from my XFX exactly the same size and after Mac-EFI'ing it, it worked. I have to dig further about the chip size of the Club3D, but as I stated in my original post, I came across at least three different auctions on eBay for the exact same card that had all been modified with a Mac EFI, so I can only assume my card should also be compatible.

The error by ATIWinFlash suggests a different issue though, as other users (non-Mac) who have also used ATIWinFlash have experienced this specific error and alternative flashing options were opined.

 

[h9826790]

Well, all I can say is the ROM size dumped from my XFX exactly the same size and after Mac-EFI'ing it, it worked. I have to dig further about the chip size of the Club3D, but as I stated in my original post, I came across at least three different auctions on eBay for the exact same card that had all been modified with a Mac EFI, so I can only assume my card should also be compatible.

The error by ATIWinFlash suggests a different issue though, as other users (non-Mac) who have also used ATIWinFlash have experienced this specific error and alternative flashing options were opined.

I see, for any non 128k ROM. Better avoid the script. May be you can try the "cut and paste" method first.

 

[Auggie]

I see, for any non 128k ROM. Better avoid the script. May be you can try the "cut and paste" method first.

FYI, the original ROMs dumped by ATIWinFlash is 131K, for both the 7970 and the 280X.

Not sure why DarwinDumper dumps 66K ROMs for both of those. For both the 7970 and 280X, I used the DarwinDumper ROM and the Netkas script, which the resultant files are both 131K.

I'm going to use the ATIWinFlash ROM with the script to see if that works under Win7...

 

[h9826790]

FYI, the original ROMs dumped by ATIWinFlash is 131K, for both the 7970 and the 280X.

Not sure why DarwinDumper dumps 66K ROMs for both of those. For both the 7970 and 280X, I used the DarwinDumper ROM and the Netkas script, which the resultant files are both 131K.

I'm going to use the ATIWinFlash ROM with the script to see if that works under Win7...

I suggest you only use the ATIWinFlash dumped ROM, not the DarwinDumper image file.

ATIWinFlash is really dumping the ROM from the chip. DarwinDumper may be dumping the image from whatever registered in the memory.

So, the ROM size may be 128k. ATIWinflash can dump a complete 128k ROM.

But if the ROM only has 64k VBIOS registered into the memory, then DarwinDumper can only "print" out that 64k to you, which may not be the whole ROM image.


That method work for your last card, doesn't mean it's the correct way to do it (and always work).

As general rule.

Only dump ROM by ATIFlash, ATIWinFlash, or GPU-Z.

Only use 128k ROM for Netkas script.

 

[Auggie]

SUCCESS!

Don't know if it was using the ATIWinFlash ROM dump (with Netkas script) and/or flashing under Win7 that did the trick, but ATIWinFlash was able to successful program the new ROM and I now have boot screens! All I know is that with my 7970, I used the DarwinDumper ROM and Netkas script and that worked flawlessly. My assumption is that the factor for the 280X was Win7 vs Win10, but I'll never know the truth unless I have another 280X to flash.

Even though I have the latest Metal-compatible GPU in the form of the Sapphire Pulse RX 580, I find that I really need Boot Screens always available due to my intrinsic tinkering nature that sees a lot of dual-booting, both into older versions of OS X as well as multi-flavors of Windows, which sometimes gets into trouble where I absolutely need access to the boot picker screen without the hassle of swapping GPUs when needed; hence the use of 7970's and 280X's in my 5.1's as my primary video cards.

Besides, I haven't really noticed any performance degradation in my every day use with the 7970 vs RX 580; with the 280X is just a nominal bump in performance over the 7970, I probably won't notice any difference either.

Anywho, I can now confirm with absolutely certainty that the Club 3D R9 280X is indeed Mac-EFI friendly.

 

[Pentaxer]

My reference flashed 280x -> 7970 works well on DVI port with 2560x1600 resolution.
But it does’t show The boot screen on DP / mini DP ports.

How to fix it?

 

[jonypaul]

Hi guys
First i would like to thank all of you for this post, i already learned a lot reading it the last hour, but i'm still with some doubts.
I have a Mac Pro 2010 where i will install High Sierra
I bought a second hand Asus Radeon R9 280x so i could update the old one there is there.
What is the process do flash this one?
I never flashed a graphics card before and i'm a little afraid, but i really need it for my video editing work

Thanks in advance

 

[h9826790]

Hi guys
First i would like to thank all of you for this post, i already learned a lot reading it the last hour, but i'm still with some doubts.
I have a Mac Pro 2010 where i will install High Sierra
I bought a second hand Asus Radeon R9 280x so i could update the old one there is there.
What is the process do flash this one?
I never flashed a graphics card before and i'm a little afraid, but i really need it for my video editing work

Thanks in advance

What you studied so far? Which part you don't understand?

Apart from this thread. I also wrote some procedures here about how to dump / mod / flash the ROM. (post #2 and #12)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/help-overclocking-12-core-mac-pro.1762165/#post-19447458

You may skip the overclocking part, but the remaining are all applicable.

 

[jonypaul]

First thing is if i really have to have bootcamp or i can just do it on mac itself?

And thank you in advance for helping me!
I hope i will be able to do this

 

[h9826790]

First thing is if i really have to have bootcamp or i can just do it on mac itself?

And thank you in advance for helping me!
I hope i will be able to do this

You need Windows, not bootcamp.

More precise, you need another OS that can dump and flash the GPU. In fact, you can do that in DOS. But for most users who are not familiar with DOS, may be Windows is easier.

You can dump / flash the GPU on another computer. It's up to you. But IMO, do the whole procedure on cMP is easier.

 

[jonypaul]

You need Windows, not bootcamp.

More precise, you need another OS that can dump and flash the GPU. In fact, you can do that in DOS. But for most users who are not familiar with DOS, may be Windows is easier.

You can dump / flash the GPU on another computer. It's up to you. But IMO, do the whole procedure on cMP is easier.

I have access to a windows desktop too.
So in there i will be able too right?
And about the rom to have the booth screen?
Is there any that i can download that would work?

 

[h9826790]

I have access to a windows desktop too.
So in there i will be able too right?
And about the rom to have the booth screen?
Is there any that i can download that would work?

You can install the 280X on your Windows desktop.

Dump the ROM at there.

Copy the ROM to a USB drive.

Insert the USB drive on a Mac.

Copy the fixrom script to the USB drive (root directory).

Create the Mac EFI UGA ROM as per the instruction from the above link.

Insert the USB drive back to the Windows PC.

Flash the newly created ROM onto the card.

Anyway, after you dump the ROM, MUST check if that is 128kb in size.

 

[jonypaul]

You can install the 280X on your Windows desktop.

Dump the ROM at there.

Copy the ROM to a USB drive.

Insert the USB drive on a Mac.

Copy the fixrom script to the USB drive (root directory).

Create the Mac EFI UGA ROM as per the instruction from the above link.

Insert the USB drive back to the Windows PC.

Flash the newly created ROM onto the card.

Anyway, after you dump the ROM, MUST check if that is 128kb in size.

Ok, i will have my mac and windows pc to try in 2 weeks.
I will try has you said and let you guys noticed how it will go.
Thank you very much for the help

 

[MIKX]

My reference flashed 280x -> 7970 works well on DVI port with 2560x1600 resolution.
But it does’t show The boot screen on DP / mini DP ports.

How to fix it?

Pentaxer

What brand and model is your HD 7970 ?

PS : You should make a .sig signature file to show us your system set up.

 

[Pentaxer]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gpu-compatibility-list-for-cmp.2174600/

Pentaxer

What brand and model is your HD 7970 ?

PS : You should make a .sig signature file to show us your system set up.

I have sold it, now on Vega 56.
But that question is important to improve that thread.

So now I am writing as I remember.
It was reference 280x made by AMD. The version of 7970 firm are is unknown.

Has anybody BootScreen on DP on flashed 280x/7970?

 

[MIKX]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gpu-compatibility-list-for-cmp.2174600/

I have sold it, now on Vega 56.
But that question is important to improve that thread.

So now I am writing as I remember.
It was reference 280x made by AMD. The version of 7970 firm are is unknown.

Has anybody BootScreen on DP on flashed 280x/7970?

Pentaxer
What I meant was .. was the R9 280X or the HD 7970 made by Sapphire ? Gigabyte ? MSI ? etc.

 

[mrkapqa]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gpu-compatibility-list-for-cmp.2174600/

I have sold it, now on Vega 56.
But that question is important to improve that thread.

Hello , can you use the Vega 56 decently in older OSX like Mavericks?

 

[h9826790]

Hello , can you use the Vega 56 decently in older OSX like Mavericks?

Impossible, Apple stop support / update Mavericks well before Vega exist.

 

[startergo]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gpu-compatibility-list-for-cmp.2174600/

I have sold it, now on Vega 56.
But that question is important to improve that thread.

So now I am writing as I remember.
It was reference 280x made by AMD. The version of 7970 firm are is unknown.

Has anybody BootScreen on DP on flashed 280x/7970?

I do

 

[Carlo89]

I've spent the last hour combing through post-by-post looking for one.

UPDATE: ok, found one. Appreciate you egging me on to keep looking.

The ROM I made from your work is attached in case it helps others. Thank you so much!

The card I used:

MSI RADEON R9 280X GAMING 3G (TWIN FROZR IV, OC EDITION)
part number 912-V277-067 (on box)
EAN 4 719072 314026 (sticker on card)
UPC-A 8 24142 01599 5 (sticker on card)

Information on the EBC firmware attached here:

Subsystem ID: 0x2775
Device ID: 0x6798
PC BIOS (stock as shipped): 113-MSITV277MS.350 TAHITI B0 XTL C38650 GDDR5 3GB, BIOS Version 015.041.000.000.003435, ROM Revision 113-C3865001-TU5
Mac EBC EFI: (replaced stock UEFI): ATY,Hamachi, ROM Revision 113-E2080C-101, EFI Driver Version 01.00.624

Hi, can someone help me giving me the link to download the correct modded BIOS for R9 280X Toxic to make it working on a MAC? Is it the same of MSI that i found above? Thank you!

I've spent the last hour combing through post-by-post looking for one.

UPDATE: ok, found one. Appreciate you egging me on to keep looking.

The ROM I made from your work is attached in case it helps others. Thank you so much!

The card I used:

MSI RADEON R9 280X GAMING 3G (TWIN FROZR IV, OC EDITION)
part number 912-V277-067 (on box)
EAN 4 719072 314026 (sticker on card)
UPC-A 8 24142 01599 5 (sticker on card)

Information on the EBC firmware attached here:

Subsystem ID: 0x2775
Device ID: 0x6798
PC BIOS (stock as shipped): 113-MSITV277MS.350 TAHITI B0 XTL C38650 GDDR5 3GB, BIOS Version 015.041.000.000.003435, ROM Revision 113-C3865001-TU5
Mac EBC EFI: (replaced stock UEFI): ATY,Hamachi, ROM Revision 113-E2080C-101, EFI Driver Version 01.00.624

Another question: when i'll flash the OEM Bios with the modded bios, the video card will continue to work under Windows or will work properly just with Mac?

 

[MIKX]

Hi, can someone help me giving me the link to download the correct modded BIOS for R9 280X Toxic to make it working on a MAC? Is it the same of MSI that i found above? Thank you!


Another question: when i'll flash the OEM Bios with the modded bios, the video card will continue to work under Windows or will work properly just with Mac?

You don't "DOWNLOAD" a ROM ( BIOS ) .. .you MAKE a ROM ( BIOS ) first you download ( dump ) your GPU's current ROM - SAVE it to a USB stick then go to this Netkas thread ( as most of us owners of EFI flashed GPUs have done http://forum.netkas.org/index.php/topic,5619.0.html. and read ALL 45 pages . .TWICE.

The R9 280X is basically the same ROM as the HD 7970 so you specify THAT rom in the Netkas script.

if you correctly flash YOUR ROM - not someone else's ROM. For example if you use someone else's flashed XFX R9 280 X it may not work.

Anyway, we have no idea of which brand of R9 280X you have because have not made a Macrumors " signature " - you expect us to be mind readers.

I use Windows 7 installed on a spare hard drive for flashing GPU roms and yes if you MAKE your own R9 280 X rom it will work in Windows. Windows ignores the EFI part of the ROM.

Don't complain if you kill your GPU by not reading the Netkas thread.

If you do not know what a "Macrumors " "Signature " is . . learn by looking through your Macrumors profile items.

HINT : My " signature " is at the bottom of this post.

 

[crystalidea]

Hi, guys.

Ok, I flashed MSI R9 280x with the boot root from the post #3, it works though with 2 problems:
- White screen when a 4k monitor (Dell P2715Q) connected on boot via mDP. Same problem as here
It boots fine with a 2k monitor connected via DVI. Also 4k monitor works when it's connected AFTER boot from DVI 2k
- About dialog says the GPU has 1.200.000.00000 GB RAM. See screenshot. I have both original bios #1 and #2 both 256kb...The post above says I must read 45 netkas pages... no simple solution ?

Any ideas?