Tutorials > How to unlock a GeForce 6800 and 6800LE

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#317368 by unknown[3164] at 2005-07-27 13:37:51 (7 years ago) - [Report]

So guys, here is a little tutorial for all those of you who own a GeForce 6800 or GeForce 6800LE Graphics Card and want to boost it up a little. This can boost up the performance of such a card to more than 80%. I tested it myself, and it really works. (I tested this with an MSI GeForce NX6800). Just try it and run a benchmark like 3D Mark afterwards, the results are kinda impressive. BTW, I can not be held responsible for any failures resulting through the use of the program posted below. If you overclock it to much and your card goes to hell, this is you very own problem. Just don`t overdo it!!

At both variants, GeForce 6800 and GeForce 6800LE, Nvidia reduced the amount of Vertex- and Pixel-Pipelines. Also the clock rate for the 3D chip and memory has been reduced. Therefore a 6800 model uses 4 Vertex- and 12 Pixel-Pipelines, even if it could use 6 Vertex- and 16 Pixel-Pipelines. Those of an LE graphics controller is halfed to use 4/8 acceleration units.

You will need this Software before doing anything. It is free, and the source is clean. Go here and download it: hxxp://download.guru3d.com/rivatuner/
Install it, and then run it.

The GeForce 6800 standard model should be running at clock rates 325/700. (Core clock frequency / Memory clock frequenzy). We will boost this up now! :-D

First, run the RivaTuner.

This should pop up:

As you see, there are 12 Pixel-Pipelines and 5 Vertex Shaders activated. Click on "Customize" under "Driver settings" or under "Target adapter" and click on "Low level system settings" in the upcoming tab. I think it depends on the driver you are using if this thingie pops up under "Driver Settings" or under "Target adapter". It`s important to click "Low level system settings", so make sure you don`t click the wrong button. After that, a new window will pop up, where a tab is located, which is called "NVStrap driver". Click that!

You should see this window now:

Under "Graphics Processor configuration", click on "Customize"
This window will appear:

Notice the "hooks" on the far left side. Make sure your window looks like the one above, place those little "hook" thingies like in the screenie. By doing this, you enable all the four Pixel-Units (4x4 Units = 16 Pixel-Pipes) and all the six Vertex-Units (unit 0 to unit 5). BTW, don`t get confused by the fact, that under "State" there is still written "disabled". This will change later on, so don`t worry. When done, click "OK".

Now this window should appear again:

Under "Graphics processor configuration", click on the blank field called "Allow enabling hardware masked units" and set a "hook". Also make sure that "Active pixel/vertex units configuration" is set to "custom (16x1, 6vp)"
Click "Apply" when done.
Now you are able to activate the units, which are deactivated by the manufacturer. In the upcoming dialogue, which says something like:"Enabling units, which have not passed hardware quality testing, may cause unpredictable results including permanent damages, continue?", you have to click "Yes" to tune your card.
You have to click "Apply" again and after being prompted to restart, do so. This is absolutely necessary. It won`t work if you don`t reboot.

After rebooting, start your RivaTuner again. The upcoming window should look like this if you did everything right:

Your chip has now, at least theoretically, all six Vertex- and sixteen Pixel-Pipelines unlocked. If you want to check it, go back to the "NVStrap driver" tab and click "Customize" again. Notice that under "State" there is everything enabled now.

Now we will go for a little overclocking. You need to change to the "Overclocking" thingie under "System tweaks". You can access it through the main RivaTuner window. Once again, this could be under "Target adapter" or "Driver settings", depending on the driver you use. (Or maybe it is the model of the card you are using, I am actually not sure about that) Just make sure you open the window called "System Tweaks" and not "Low-level system tweaks" like we did before.
You should see an overclocking window. Make sure to place a "hook" at "Enable driver-level hardware overclocking". A window should pop up, looking like this:

I recommend doing another reboot now, but if you are absolutely sure that your card is NOT overclocked at it`s current state, you may consider to click on "Detect now". But like I said, I recommend a reboot to be absolutely sure. (If you rebooted, start RivaTuner again and come back to the "Overclocking" window)
Overclocking window:

BE CAREFULL WHAT YOU DO NOW. YOU MAY DAMAGE YOUR CARD IF YOU OVERDO SOMETHING IN THIS WINDOW!!! :!:

For me, a frequency at 350/900 (Core clock / Memory clock) worked out just fine. I recommend to NOT go any further. This may be dangerous!

Actually, this was it. Play a little with the overclocking feature till you reach the results that suit you the best. But again, DON`T overdo it, especially if you are planning to set your card to use the overclocked settings as default. If you encounter any problems, or if you need help, feel free to drop me a PM or just post in this thread. I hope this works out just as fine as it did for me!

Edit: Don`t worry about the fact, that the screenies are made from a machine using an old driver. It works just fine even with the newest one.

#317406 by benknackan (Power User) at 2005-07-27 14:12:53 (7 years ago) - [Report]

Just as u stated it will perform 80 % better

what was u're before and after score on 3Dmark05 for example ?

#318208 by unknown[3164] at 2005-07-27 23:18:53 (7 years ago) - [Report]

Oh well, good question... This is some time ago and I have to admit, I can`t remember, sorry!

And I haven`t installed the 3D Mark ATM. I will check it out tomorrow. But I remember it boosted the speed up by allmost 80%. It actually were 79% if I`m not mistaken... :unsure:

Edit:BTW, the results kinda sucked... But this was because I were using an old machine. The card itself is really worth the money. :yes:

#318230 by kristoficus Donor

(The crust on a pizza) at 2005-07-27 23:30:26 (7 years ago) - [Report]

I have a 6800LE and wouldnt mind some extra va-va-voom from it...I followed one a while back, but ill try this tutorial out tomorrow and see if its any different.

#318292 by unknown[53898] at 2005-07-28 00:03:43 (7 years ago) - [Report]

80% in games........i very much doubt it. Because i have unlocked my card and 3dmark is the only major performance boost, and a slight one in games.

#318311 by unknown[4425] at 2005-07-28 00:16:45 (7 years ago) - [Report]

Curtis wrote:

80% in games........i very much doubt it. Because i have unlocked my card and 3dmark is the only major performance boost, and a slight one in games.

Thats the way it works.
I have OC the main system befor just to see how far things will go in benchmarks without crashing/lock-ups but run stock all the time.

Have never tryed the gfx card tho.

My system -was- top shelf parts....a year ago.

I have RT but never took the time to know how to use it sot this tute is much welcomed.

(use a FX5950)

#318315 by unknown[53898] at 2005-07-28 00:18:46 (7 years ago) - [Report]

I dont get what your saying....if its that overclocking/ unlocking a 6800nu/|LE will give you an 80% increas than your mistaken very much. Then that would be like saying overclocking and unlocking gets you to ULTRA speeds, which is a joke GT speeds at most.

#318341 by unknown[4425] at 2005-07-28 00:42:43 (7 years ago) - [Report]

Curtis wrote:

I was trying to say that from my own tests the -benchmarks- go way up but in real life of doing things you really don't notice.

I have OC the cpu/mb/ram befor but not the gfx card becuse altho I had the tool I never learned how to use it.

I want to give it a go just to see how farI can it push....but I am air cooled and it is now summer here (100F/38C each day).

I have an FX5950 so I think I may only be able to use the OC function and at around 10%.
Does anyone know how far this card can go?

#318382 by unknown[53898] at 2005-07-28 01:27:03 (7 years ago) - [Report]

hxxp://firingsquad.com/hardware/geforce_6800_unlocking/page8.asp
Exzpect these sorts of gains

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