BIOS GPU naming conventions - which bios version to choose?

[Overman]

Attempting to update the GV-N240D3-1GI bios but the naming conventions have got me confused e.g. date format, version number.
Which is the most up to date bios for this graphics card F5 or F10.

Thanks!

[Dark Mantis]

F10. The numbers go up in alphanumerical order from F1

[Overman]

Dark Mantis,

This paragraph caused some of the confusion as well as the gigabyte naming conventions, can not remember which site I copied the text from.

GIGABYTE's graphics cards have different BIOS versions for one model. For example, VGA BIOS version F1 to F9 will be one series and BIOS version F10 to F19 will be the other series. So in theory, if your VGA card's current BIOS version is F3, and you see version F4/F10 available on the website, your VGA card will need to be updated to F4 and not F10.

[Dark Mantis]

Well I must admit that's a new one on me! It doesn't folow the usual Gigabyte standard. I am sure someone will have something to say on the subject.

[Overman]

Found the web page - http://www.gigabyte.com/WebPage/40/index.htm

[Dark Mantis]

Interesting read. Don't really understand why the change in convention.

[runn3R]

Hi

The convention hasn't changed, it's just different for VGA's than for MB's.

It's because some VGA models can have different memory used onboard. Like for example this GV-N240D3-1GI can be based on Samsung or Hynix, see descriptions of bioses:
http://www.giga-byte.co.uk/Support/VGA/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=3252

[Dark Mantis]

Thanks for the explanation runn3R, at least that makes sense now.

[Overman]

How can the  memory chips, Hynex or Samsung on the graphics card be identified?

[runn3R]

Just need to have a look at these chips to identify them. Sometimes it's not easy as it depends if the heatsink covers completely the memory.

But you don't need to know what memory is in your card, you just check what is your current bios version and apply the rule as follows:

if your VGA card's current BIOS version is for example F4, and you see F5 and F10 version available on the website, your VGA card will need to be updated to F5 and not F10.

To check the current BIOS version you can use @BIOS VGA utility, which is available from bundled driver CD or our website: http://www.giga-byte.co.uk/Support/VGA/Utility_List.aspx

[Overman]

runn3R,
Dark Mantis,

Ok got it, thanks very much for the info and help.

[Dark Mantis]

But you don't need to know what memory is in your card, you just check what is your current bios version and apply the rule as follows:

if your VGA card's current BIOS version is for example F4, and you see F5 and F10 version available on the website, your VGA card will need to be updated to F5 and not F10.

 runn3R, just to play "devils's advocate" what would happen if your bios was F9?

[absic]

But you don't need to know what memory is in your card, you just check what is your current bios version and apply the rule as follows:

if your VGA card's current BIOS version is for example F4, and you see F5 and F10 version available on the website, your VGA card will need to be updated to F5 and not F10.

 runn3R, just to play "devils's advocate" what would happen if your bios was F9?

Stupid Boy; it would need to be updated to F10. Reason; starting and ending point for each revision is: F1 - F5 & F6 - F10. But just to confuse the issue they post both updates at the same time. Once you get to F5 or F10 I guess there will be no more BIOS updates and you will have to buy a new Graphics Card.

[Dark Mantis]

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                     WOT! NO F11

[Overman]

Attempted to update with bios ver. F5 got error (see image) - then bios F10 but got message that this version was not a match for the card.