5870 vBIOS flash problems

So, anyway, I have a Mobility 5870 where I used GPU-Z to extract the vBIOS [Attachment 1]. I then used Radeon BIOS Editor 1.25 to modify the vBIOS [Attachment 2]. I then successfully flashed using ATIFlash. The gaming clocks of 800/1050 run perfectly fine when I was testing, and the other clocks seemed to be running fine, too. At least while I was on AC power.

However when I unplugged my laptop to move it around, I started to artfact all over the place. The machine actually BSODed. I rebooted while plugged in and everything was normal.

After a lot of experimentation that involved at least fifteen flashes and an forlorn USB drive, I discovered that I was unable to modify any other clock/voltage states except for the gaming clocks. I can run 800/1050 all day plugged in or while on battery, but if I change State 2 by even 50Hz, I get utter artifact hell while idling. I was thinking of trying a 1Hz change, but eh, why.

As of this moment I'm running running a vBIOS which has 800/1050 and everything else stock, and it's performing quite well. The question is, am I doing something wrong or overlooking something when modding the other States? I like to undervolt/underclock the other States so as to maximize battery life and minimize heat, but my 5870 doesn't seem to like that.

Anyone successfully modify their 5870 vBIOS' other clocks? Or is it some bug in either the vBIOS or RBE?

 

i think its a bug in vBIOS... similar problem in G73's one i think.

 

I'm just curious as to why I haven't seen a mention of this, then. If the 5870 in my MSI ia a reference card from ATI--I mean AMD--then it should be a near-universal problem. I don't think I've heard about problems from Alienware or Clevo users. And no Asus users either, but that's because they had to deal with the GSODs.

 

What about overclocking it without flashing the vbios? same deal?

 

As far as I know, it's the only one that comes with functioning powerplay.

 

My powerplay works fine. Do you think that might be the culprit?

I'm not sure if it is or not, since they work while plugged in, but not on battey.

I can overclock my gaming clocks only, and as far as I can tell I can only touch those clocks.

The big problem is the other states. I change the 100/150 idling clocks to 90/145 and I artifact like no tomorrow.

 

What I mean is MSI is the only company I've seen that has released 5870's that have powerplay enabled. So the vBIOS is atleast different from the rest in that detail.

 

I see. So your GPUs don't downclock on idle, then? That can't help heat or battery life any. Still, I'm wondering what could be so different that a 10HZ change throws everything out of whack.

 

I think this came up before, when the G73 first came out their 5870s. Mobile 5870s just don't seem to downclock at all on idle. People were hoping that would change eventually with new drivers, but I don't know that it ever did.

 

We just use use AMD Clock Tool to control the clocks. Personally, I prefer having direct control and have had my previous cards configured that way. Just a couple desktop shortcuts and you're good to go.

 

I guess I'm the opposite, haha. I liked to have it flashed so I don't have to touch it. Still, you can't edit voltages from the OS, which is what I want to do.

 

A new vbios was recently released in the asus section of the forums that does downclock on idle.

 

Were they able to successfully modify idle clocks while on battery?

 

how do u set it up? I have no idea on how to do that as i really need more battery life.. can u make some guide or something?

 

Seems to be working fine for me. Although personally i would modify the vbios with lower clocks.