How to Flash a 6950 BIOS
When first released in December 2010, official AMD pricing pegged the cost difference between the AMD Cayman XT (6970) and Cayman Pro (6950) at about $70. With only a 5 five to 8 percent disadvantage in overall performance, versus the 6970, many gamers opted for the lower-priced 6950. A group of hardcore video enthusiasts later learned that a simple BIOS flash could unlock features in the 6950 reserved for the 6970 and improve performance of the value-priced 6950 to match that of its more expensive sibling. The BIOS modification works for all versions of the 6950, regardless of manufacturer or OEM.
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Instructions
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Install Winflash
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1
Navigate to the TechPowerUp.com website and download ATI Winflash and the custom Sapphire HD 6970 BIOS. Save both files in the same folder on your computer.
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2
Open Windows Explorer, then the folder where you saved the Winflash installer. Double-click the file and follow the prompts to install Winflash. Reboot your computer if prompted.
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3
Shut down your computer after installing Winflash.
Prepare 6950 for Flash
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4
Disconnect your computer's power cord and other cables. Move the computer to a flat work surface.
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5
Remove the panel screws on the case with the screwdriver. Remove the panel cover from the case. Put on the antistatic wrist strap and clip the other end to the computer case.
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6
Locate the BIOS mode switch on the top of the video card. In most cases, the switch has a simple "1 -- 2" label. Ensure the switch is in the "1" position. Most 6950 makers leave the switch in the "1" position by default, which allows you to flash the BIOS. Leaving the switch in the "2" position instructs the card to use the last-known good BIOS and prevents flashing.
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Close the computer case and reconnect all the cables. Power on the PC and log in to Windows.
Performing the Flash
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Click "Start," then "All Programs." Open the "Winflash" program folder, then click "Winflash."
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Click the "Load Image" button in the Winflash program window. Browse to the folder where you saved the custom Sapphire 6970 BIOS file. Highlight the BIOS file, then click "Open."
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10
Click the "Program" button and wait a few minutes for Winflash to burn the new BIOS to the 6950 video card's ROM chip. Reboot the computer when prompted. The computer restarts with the new video BIOS installed. Use the card as you normally would to enjoy improved gaming performance.
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