Nvidia vBIOS Modding Is Back After Signature Lock Broken

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New tools re-open the possibility of vBIOS cross-flashing, voltage modding, and more.

Nvidia Logo
(Image credit: Nvidia)

A decade or so ago, Nvidia introduced vBIOS signature checks, effectively shutting the door on enthusiast vBIOS modding. Today, TechPowerUp reported that two of its forum members have independently introduced new software tools which re-open modding possibilities like: flashing a BIOS from a premium to a reference card, adjusting power limits, controlling voltages and fan-curves, and more.

When Nvidia launched the Maxwell GPU architecture (GeForce 900 series), it introduced an on-die security processor, dubbed Falcon. This would be a strike against counterfeiters, as it added vBIOS signature checks and vendor / device checks. However, the move closed the granular control of Nvidia GPUs that modders had previously enjoyed via vBIOS modding techniques.

TechPowerUp claims to have "hand-inspected the binary code" of both of the new tools, OMGVflash by Veii and NVflashk by Kefi, and asserts that they "are free of any viruses or Trojans." So, without further ado, let us look a bit closer at the two tools and their features.

OMGVflash

Veii provides extensive background and instructions on using OMGVflash in the linked dedicated forum post. This tool currently works on Turing architecture (RTX20, GTX16) cards and older, and claims to provide full crossflash ability.

OMGVflash use examples (Image credit: Veii)

The modding tool developer adds that OMGVflash allows users to "Basically flash what you desire [FE / VendorCert / XOC Cert / MasterCert etc], as long as EEPROM size can take it." Usefully  (but we hope you don't need it) Veii also provides instructions on how to repair a bricked card.

NVflashk

Kefi's forum thread on NVflashk is just as extensive, with the release and documentation available on GitHub. It is explained that this is a reversed-engineered / patched version of nvflash. Moreover, it was inspired by the developer's desire to flash their Asus GeForce RTX 4090 TUF OC edition to the 1000W XOC BIOS. This previously wasn't possible as re-flashing was blocked by a 'Board ID mismatch' error message. Using NVflashk, the RTX 4090's voltage could be pumped up from 1.07v to 1.1v as desired

Potential users are warned that NVflashk is a very powerful tool. But with this power comes great danger, as it will "attempt to flash anything to anything." However, the developer doesn't believe that uncertified/modified BIOSes are flashable as things stand. Some humorous warnings, confirmations and messages have been implemented into the software.

Be Careful

Remember, modding your graphics card's vBIOS will almost certianly void any warranty, and carries an inherent risk. If you are tempted to tinker with your vBIOS, back it up first, and make sure you have a way to run recovery tools (an iGPU or spare GPU) and proceed with extreme caution.

Mark Tyson
Mark Tyson
Freelance News Writer

Mark Tyson is a Freelance News Writer at Tom's Hardware US. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

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11 Comments Comment from the forums
  • ezst036
    Nvidia has a well known and deserved reputation for stonewalling open source and modding.

    "We will allow you to have these eleven options. Why can't you see how free you are?"
    Reply
  • Order 66
    Nvidia will probably find a way to remove this again. :( I don't see any reason why Nvidia shouldn't allow this as long as they say that this will obviously void your warranty. I mean come on Nvidia let the people run their 4090s at 1000W if they want to.
    Reply
  • Vanderlindemedia
    I don't think it's beneficial for a GPU on long term, to run at sustained 500W or more.

    These proces nodes get denser on every new generation, and thus more sensitive for high currents. Too high and your frying it's internals.

    Locking out the bios prevents perhaps a mass return of damaged cards. It was also due to the mass rebranding scams that would happen for year on Ebay.
    Reply
  • Lucky_SLS
    Great! now bring back RIP Jay vs RIP GN with these mods!!!
    Reply
  • expunged
    jaydenmiller1 said:
    Nvidia will probably find a way to remove this again. :( I don't see any reason why Nvidia shouldn't allow this as long as they say that this will obviously void your warranty. I mean come on Nvidia let the people run their 4090s at 1000W if they want to.
    I think their issue would be someone flashing a card above its possible bricking it then flashing it back to factory, then trying to RMA the thing.
    Reply
  • Lucky_SLS
    I do understand that 1000W bios exists for LN2 or sub-ambient XOC runs, but Nvidia should atleast allow reasonable OC tweaks. like say upto 120% power target and voltage controls.

    All the recent products are binned to oblivion with locked settings, it taking the fun out of having a DIY and aftermarket/overclocking products.
    Reply
  • mac_angel
    I'm confused about the NVidia thing. We have been able to flash different BIOS's on NVidia cards for a while now. We couldn't mod them like before, but you can get a BIOS from another card, and/or another vender, and flash it onto your card (same model). I've been doing it since the 10 series cards, and there are a lot of forums on Overclock.net to teach you how, and there are a LOT of BIOS's to download from TechPower.
    I did it with my 1080ti, 3050, 3090, 3090 ti, and my 4090. It's one of the first things I do when I get a new card.
    Reply
  • mac_angel
    Lucky_SLS said:
    Great! now bring back RIP Jay vs RIP GN with these mods!!!
    I was kinda confused, and mentioned it on their YouTube videos. Both trying to outdo the other, but commenting about the power limit. Both were using 500+W power limits, and I didn't understand why they didn't flash to a higher one, like at least the Founder's Edition with 600W
    Reply
  • Lucky_SLS
    mac_angel said:
    I was kinda confused, and mentioned it on their YouTube videos. Both trying to outdo the other, but commenting about the power limit. Both were using 500+W power limits, and I didn't understand why they didn't flash to a higher one, like at least the Founder's Edition with 600W


    If I am not wrong, they were using shunt mods and Elmore labs voltage control chips for their XOC. Bios remains the same, gpu thinks it's Operating at 100% power target but cuz of the shunt resistor and voltage control chip, they pump in absurd amounts of power!!!

    Those were with the titan RTX iirc. Pretty much would like to see them go at it again with the 4090!
    Reply
  • mac_angel
    Lucky_SLS said:
    If I am not wrong, they were using shunt mods and Elmore labs voltage control chips for their XOC. Bios remains the same, gpu thinks it's Operating at 100% power target but cuz of the shunt resistor and voltage control chip, they pump in absurd amounts of power!!!

    Those were with the titan RTX iirc. Pretty much would like to see them go at it again with the 4090!
    for the extreme overclocking, yes. But there are a lot of different BIOS's out there with various power limits, from 450W to 666W. You're obviously limited to the 600W power limit of the 12+4 cable (plus PCIe?), but you can still flash a new BIOS, from any vendor, to any vendor, along the same series card. A lot of people have been doing that for a long time.
    The semi-review that Jays2Cents did, he was talking about his overclock being limited to the power limit of the card he was running, which was 530W I believe. Even flashing it to the Founders would give them 600W.
    Reply