GTX470 SOC (GV-N470SO-13I) Bios

[Hirsul]

Hi again,

I am having trouble with my bios version (F1). I will try to explain as well as I can.

Previously I had try to contact GGTS about any new BIOS release, but, I don't know why, GGTS are so reticent to supply any BIOS for VGAs. So these are my issues:

• 1.- When the cards reach high temps (above 95, check for testing (annoying beep from OC GURU at 96 and above) the fan only spins at 92% MAX, never at full speed.
• 2.- From two days ago the maximum temps are reaching two celsius more than before
• 3.- I have seen on Chinese manual that exists an F2 bios version, but anyone at GGTS can't confirm it

So, my questions are:

• 1.- It is possible to find out any new BIOS version
• 2.- Can I change the TIM (thermal compount) to see if I can low the temps without loosing my warranty? (I was thinking on AS5 or Shin-Etsu MicroSi G751. I will prefer the one from Shin-Etsu  because don't need any "curing" time to achieve the best performance.

Just to avoid questions, I have a very well ventilated case (4 120mm thermaltake fans running at 2000 RPMs, Tuniq Tower 120 Extreme exausting hot air by the top of the case (now at 1600 RPMs). My case is a Thermaltake V3)

Thanks,

Jose.

[Dark Mantis]

1.- It is possible to find out any new BIOS version
2.- Can I change the TIM (thermal compount) to see if I can low the temps without loosing my warranty? (I was thinking on AS5 or Shin-Etsu MicroSi G751. I will prefer the one from Shin-Etsu  because don't need any "curing" time to achieve the best performance.

1) I am at present waiting for an answer to my question regarding obtaining GPU BIOSes/firmware from our Technical Support.

2) Personally I can't see a problem with using a better TIM but I am not sure what company policy would be on it.

Sorry I can't be of more help at the moment but i will update you when I hear more.

[Hirsul]

No problem. But thanks for the fast reply. I will be reading the forums more often waiting for your reply.

Thanks again,

Jose.

[Hirsul]

Hi,

Any new info about this topic?

Thanks.

[Dark Mantis]

Yes I have received a reply and it is basically saying that you would need to ask at GGTS for any GPU BIOS/firmware update as they are a seperate division from us and as such we don't have access to this software. I don't understand why it can't be made available on the site the same as the motherboard BIOS updates but that is how things are I'm afraid. Sorry.


GGTS   http://ggts.gigabyte.com.tw/Default.aspx

[Hirsul]

Hi,

Thanks Dark Mantis. That's is incredible. Well I tell you what I have done so far:

I have changed the TIM for AS5, I see a few more reviews and I have decided you use Artic Silver's product. Minimum temps drop 1ºC. Maximum temps, not sure. Let's see in the next week.

I ask GGTS for the firmware (I have no hope at this)

I will tell you how it ends.

Thanks in advance.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

I always use Arctic Silver 5 as I consider it to be one of the best products on the market at the moment. If you are seeing a 1 degree drop in minimum temps then I am sure it will make more of a difference at max temps.

You should be able to get your firmware from GGTS alright but it will just take a bit longer that is all.

[Hirsul]

Hi again,

As I expected, GGTS (for VGA at least) sucks. They have the whorse support experience I have ever suffer.

That is what they say to me:

"Dear Jose Gausachs ,

With two cards the temperature might getting higher, if possible, we would suggest you add system fan for better circulation in chassis.

Also, so far,thre's no such issue that need for BIOS update. If there any freeze issue on your system? With the 93 degree VGA fan spins at 92% should be normal as well. Since the loading might always change and GPU temperature changes all the time, if you setup fan speed at 100%, can you test system with 93 degree (or in heavy loading all the time) to make sure the fan spins with 100% ?

Regards,
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY"

I never tell him that I have two GV-N470SO-13. Only That I have two monitor connected to ONE VGA card.

I answer them to put a video on Youtube showing the VGA's  incredible reaction to high temps.

I attached  3 screen captures showing (the last one in the next post):

• 1.- Auto setting (MAX FAN spin at 92% when reaching 95% or avobe)
• 2.- Setting fans to spin at 100% manually
• 3.- When the temps reach 95ºC the fans slows down to 92%

All the thing unbelieving.

[Hirsul]

Here comes the last screen capture.

[Dark Mantis]

Have you had a response to that from them yet?
It is obvious from the pictures that there is a problem with overheating and the GPU or the power phases dropping out. That is hardly suprising if the fan cuts back at top temperatures.

By the way my Furmark never looks like that

[Hirsul]

I have not received a response yet. I hope I will have one tomorrow.

BTW, what do you mean about the furmark think? Non capisco   

[Dark Mantis]

BTW, what do you mean about the furmark think? Non capisco   

The quality of the screenshot is what I was talking about. I must admit I have never taken a screengrab of Furmark so it could be just that but the shot looks terrible.

[Hirsul]

That's because I have two 21" CRT (I prefer the fastest drawing rate of phosphorus, instead of blury LCD tech )

[Dark Mantis]

Oh that makes sense then. I can remember using those bulky old monitors too My 27" LCDs are stuck on the wall and don't take up so much desktop real estate.

[Hirsul]

Hi again (And I think that this is not going to end well):

This is what GGTS answer:

"Dear Jose Gausachs ,

After we checked, the highest speed of the fan should be 92% , therefore, it should be normal.

Regards,
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY"

This is, as can you see by the screenshots, a lie. Because I can put the fan to 100%. The bug is at the VGA firmware. Seems irracional that the firmware slows down the fan when the GPU reach 95ºC. From 100% to 92%.

I replied this answer. But I really think that at GGTS most people don't know what they are speaking about, or I had no luck to reach some IT Eng.

Mantis, I will really appreciate some help on this topic.

Regards.

Eng. Jose Gausachs, M.Sc.