GPU BIOS flasher is one of those features that was requested the most for msOS. While we support BIOS flashing of both Nvidia and AMD GPUs through the console, we have now decided to simplify this procedure and bring the tool to the dashboard as well. We will start with AMD cards and extend the tool to Nvidia at a later stage. The tool is supported by AMD ATIFlash for Polaris cards and AMDVbFlash for Vega and Navi cards.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This is an advanced tool that changes your GPU BIOS settings and it is meant only for experienced users. BIOS flashing might void your warranty and can damage your GPU.
Load workers
In the first step, you need to load workers to the target list. Since BIOS flasher currently works only for AMD cards, you can load only AMD workers that are currently online.
Once you load the workers, you will have to wait a few moments for GPUs to load at the bottom of the form.
BIOS flashing settings
In the BIOS flashing settings, you can:
- BIOS file: Select the BIOS file that you want to flash to your GPUs. Only .rom files are allowed to be uploaded.
- Force flash: Force flash means that the BIOS will be flashed even though there are errors in the flashing process (for example, flashing BIOS of the wrong type or flashing the same BIOS to the GPU).
- Reboot workers: In case you want the system to reboot your workers after the successful flash is finished, you can select Yes. Otherwise, you will need to reboot the worker manually.
GPUs
Under GPUs, a list of workers and GPUs will list alongside BUS ID, GPU name and model, BIOS version, and memory type. In the end, there is a status message which shows Ready while it waits for further action.
You can select all GPUs or only a few - it is up to you.
Flashing
Once your click on Flash BIOS button, the flashing process will start, and the screen will lock, so you won’t be able to make changes meanwhile it’s flashing. You can follow the process of flashing on this same screen, but if you close it, you will only be able to see the results of the flashing process in the latest activity log or 24h logs.
The system will attempt to create a backup of your BIOS .rom file to /home/minerstat/bios folder before the flashing process start.
⚠️ Don’t interrupt the BIOS flashing process: You should not interrupt the process of flashing by rebooting the rig or taking any other action. This can result in a bricked card and you won’t be able to return it to the previous state. The process of flashing shouldn’t last longer than a few seconds for each card and you are able to see the different states on your BIOS flasher screen or in the latest activity log. If you don’t, you can let us know and we can take a look at why is that.
There are different states of the flashing process that are available.
Preparing
In the preparing phase, msOS is preparing your rig for the flashing process, putting the rig in the maintenance mode, and trying to create a backup .rom BIOS file of your current BIOS.
Flashing
In the flashing process, msOS is calling the command for flashing the BIOS you have uploaded in the BIOS flashing settings.
Failed
If the status is failed, we will try to tell you why in the latest activity log. The rig won’t reboot.
Force required
If the status says force required this means that you are trying to flash a BIOS that is already installed for your GPU. In case you changed some settings and still want to apply this BIOS, a force flash setting will be required.
Success
If the BIOS was successfully flashed, you will see a green success message.
Latest activity log
The latest activity log that is available on your worker’s profile will show you each phase of the flashing process and the result for each of the cards. You will be able to see how the flashing process finished for your workers and GPUs.
BIOS download
You can find the BIOS that is currently used by GPU on the worker’s profile in the hardware table. You can click on the BIOS tag of the GPU in the AMD msOS rig and the BIOS .rom file will download.
Join minerstat
Want to take your mining monitoring and management to the next level? Join minerstat and start for free.
