Maximize Power Efficiency and Hashrate with RX 5700 XT BIOS Downgrade

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Issue with Red Devil GPUs consuming more power
3. Understanding different BIOS options
4. Steps to downgrade Red Devil BIOS to non-XT
5. testing the power consumption and hashrate
6. Analyzing the results and stability
7. Exploring undervolting and core voltage adjustment
8. Swapping GPUs for better airflow
9. Final optimization and power savings
10. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Hey guys! Have you ever come across a situation where your Red Devil GPUs are consuming more power compared to other ones in your rig? I recently faced this issue with my Sapphire GPUs drawing significantly less power. In this article, I will share my experience of troubleshooting and resolving this problem. Let's dive in!

Issue with Red Devil GPUs consuming more power

I noticed that my Red Devil GPUs were consuming a considerable amount of power compared to the rest of my GPUs, even though they had similar hash rates. I verified this using power meters and found that these GPUs were indeed drawing more power. This power consumption difference was quite significant and needed further investigation.

Understanding different BIOS options

Upon exploring the Red Devil GPUs, I discovered that they have a bioswitch that allows overclocking and silent BIOS modes. The overclock BIOS mode draws around 220 watts, while the silent BIOS mode consumes only 180 watts. This bioswitch intrigued me, and I wanted to experiment with it to see if it could help reduce the power consumption.

Steps to downgrade Red Devil BIOS to non-XT

To proceed with the BIOS downgrade, I needed to obtain the appropriate BIOS files for the Red Devil GPUs. I visited the manufacturer's website and found the necessary files for the non-XT version of the 5700 GPUs. After downloading the BIOS files, I started the process of flashing the GPUs.

Testing the power consumption and hashrate

Once the BIOS downgrade was successfully completed, I ran some tests to observe the changes in power consumption and hashrate. I used a mining software called Team Red Miner and monitored the results using my cellphone. Initially, I noticed that the power consumption remained relatively the same, but I was optimistic that further adjustments would yield better results.

Analyzing the results and stability

Continuing my exploration, I wanted to find the optimal core voltage and undervolting settings for improved power efficiency. I gradually adjusted the core voltage and monitored the stability of the GPUs. I experienced some crashes initially, which indicated that I was pushing the undervolting too far. Finding the right balance between desired power savings and stability was crucial.

Exploring undervolting and core voltage adjustment

Undeterred by the crashes, I persisted in my Quest for improved power efficiency. I experimented with different core voltage settings, trying to minimize power consumption without compromising the stability of the GPUs. Through extensive testing and trial and error, I found that a core voltage of 685 on the Sapphire GPUs and 695 on the Red Devil GPUs provided a stable configuration.

Swapping GPUs for better airflow

In addition to the power optimization, I decided to address the issue of one of the Red Devil GPUs running at higher temperatures. I realized that rearranging the GPUs within my rig could improve airflow and contribute to better cooling. By moving the problematic GPU to a position where it receives better airflow, I aimed to equalize the temperature distribution within the rig.

Final optimization and power savings

After implementing the airflow improvements, I let the rig run overnight to gauge the stability and power consumption. I was thrilled to see that the core voltage adjustments made a noticeable difference. The power consumption decreased by approximately 15-20 watts, and I also achieved a slightly higher hashrate. These optimizations not only saved power but also contributed to a more efficient mining operation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, troubleshooting the power consumption issue with Red Devil GPUs was not only a technical challenge but also an exciting opportunity to explore different BIOS and core voltage settings. By downgrading the BIOS and fine-tuning the core voltage, I was able to achieve significant power savings without compromising the stability of my mining rig. It's essential to experiment and find the optimal configuration for your specific setup. Happy mining!

Highlights

• Red Devil GPUs were consuming more power compared to other GPUs in the rig.
• Bioswitch allowed switching between overclock and silent BIOS modes.
• Downgrading the BIOS to non-XT version resulted in reduced power consumption.
• Adjusting core voltage and undervolting improved power efficiency.
• Swapping GPUs within the rig improved airflow and temperature distribution.
• The final optimizations led to significant power savings while maintaining stability.

FAQ

Q: Can I revert back to the original BIOS if needed? A: Yes, it is possible to flash the GPUs back to their original BIOS if required. However, it is crucial to ensure that the appropriate BIOS files are available and the flashing process is followed correctly.

Q: Did the core voltage adjustments affect the GPU hashrate? A: The core voltage adjustments did not have a significant impact on the GPU hashrate. In fact, in some cases, a slight increase in hashrate was observed due to improved stability.

Q: Are these optimizations applicable to all Red Devil GPUs? A: While the optimizations discussed in this article were specific to Red Devil GPUs, similar principles can be applied to other GPU models as well. However, it is essential to consider the specific hardware and software configurations when implementing such optimizations.

Resources:

• Red Devil GPU Manufacturer's Website
• Team Red Miner Software