7800GTX Overclocking for Idiots--BOOTDISK download Included!

Okay, first, download a bootrom file located at the bottom of the page...only one is needed, though stoopid's has an instruction file, too (see info below).

Next, here's the description I sent GatesofDeath over PM:

It's actually pretty easy...do you know how to burn an .iso file in Nero or something? That's the only thing I really can't help you with...once you have the CD burned, you just stick it in yer DVD drive and boot from it...

To do this, whack the F12 key at the first screen that pops up when the computer is started...it says 'DELL' in big letters and has a loading bar underneath...you have to time it correctly, 'cause it goes by quick....anyhow, you'll get a little menu...select CD/DVD-ROM drive boot...

When the bootdisk starts to spin:

Hit enter to select the first option when prompted, and then hit enter again to select 'OK' when it gives you the next prompt...the disk will then automatically spit you out at an 'R-drive' prompt...then you type:

dir/w

to look at the files on the drive...you need to do this in order to see which .ROM files are available for flash, since you need to type the exact .ROM filename (FYI, there are 40 BIOS files plus an ORIGINAL file with the normal clocks...they go in 5Mhz increments from core of 425 to 525 with four memory clock speeds: 1100, 1150, 1200, and 1250)...next, find the file you want to try (core speed is the first number in every filename, followed by a 'C' and then the memory clock speed in DDR...so 425C1100.ROM sets your core to 425 and your memory clock to 550 (1100 DDR))...

Anyhow, when you've found the file you want to flash, type:

nvflash 450C1200.ROM

or whatever filename that represents the speed you want to try...nvflash will pop up and ask if you really want to do it, you press 'Y' and wait...when it dumps you back to the R-prompt, it's finished (only takes about 5 seconds), and you're done! Hit ctrl-alt-delete to reboot and let it get to Windows and start testing (i.e. run 3dmark05 then play some games)...if you crash or freeze, repeat the above steps with a different filename for the flash (one lower than whatever caused your crash)...

here is the current state of my testing for those of you that want to start trying stability tests right away...please post your own stable clocks once you're reasonably certain what works...also, posting UNSTABLE clocks will also help...just indicate in which application the crash occurred:

Clocks--------------3DMARK---------------STABLE?
400C1065--------------6705---------------ORIGINAL CLOCKS SET BY DELL
425C1100--------------7058---------------?
440C1250 -------------- 7456 --------------- STABLE--No artifacts in games/Ran ATItool .25 beta 9 for 258 minutes w/no errors
440C1300 ------------- 7521 --------------- Artifacts in NFSMW2 after ~20 minutes
445C1250--------------7524---------------Artifacts in NFSMW2 after ~2hours
450C1100--------------7252---------------?
450C1200--------------7468---------------Artifacts in FEAR after ~1 hour of play...completed 50 reps of 3DMark05@1920x1200x2x8x, though
450C1150--------------7375---------------?
455C1100--------------7334---------------?
455C1200--------------7543---------------CRASH ON NFSMW2
460C1100--------------7369---------------?
465C1150--------------ARTIFACT---------NO
470C1200--------------ARTIFACT---------NO
470C1100--------------ARTIFACT---------NO
475C1150--------------ARTIFACT---------NO
475C1200--------------ARTIFACT---------NO


I'll update this as testing progresses...enjoy!

Thanks to shoman for the original guide and hosting suggestion (wow, that was easy)!

EDIT on Groundhog Day, 2007 (Feb 2): Here's some updated locations for people who still need to download or want to archive good O/C bootfiles, since the other links were outdated:

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Bootfile ISO alternate:

http://hosted.filefront.com/hammermd/

Brief explanation of download location: The self-titled 7800 files are obviously the ones you want...only one will do...I think the '7800BootROM.iso' file is the original Cornholio bootdisc modded for the 7800, while the '7800_BootFilesDifferent.iso' is another image I was experimenting with. I think they BOTH work, but I'm not completely sure, so if the connection is low for you, d/l the '7800BootROM.iso', since I think that's pretty much a sure thing.

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Thanks to stoopid for the bandwidth and quick help with file location/upload!!!

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EDIT IMPORTANT MESSAGE

March 1st, 2008
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The files in this post have been causing bad flashes, so I would not advise downloading them...just make your own bootdisk or something. Download at your own risk!!!!

Sorry for posting links to those last year (i.e. Feb 2)...I wasn't paying attention to the thread after that, and I only just got an email that someone had posted a badflash.

Anyone who as FUBAR'd their machine should search for a thread entitled, 'Blindflashing and you' or something similar.

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There is another bootdisk download thread for the 6800 somewhere in this forum already, but I don't have it bookmarked...could someone post that link in this thread? TIA.

--Been playing NFSMW2 for over an hour with no artifacts or crashes: 450/1200

Might be the sweet spot for me, since 455/1200 froze after a minute in that game.

Naw, you ain't gotta do nuthin' other than throw the card in and turn the machine back on...drivers need to be reinstalled, then, and I'd suggest starting off with Dell's driver since you can always switch out to a fancy 'modded' one later...BIOS A04 and above support the 7800GTX card, though some folks have said that A05 is built for quieter fans while the A04 BIOS is built more conservatively (runs the fans more often for better cooling)...either one should be fine, though.