Ultimate GTX 980 Ti Matrix Platinum Air/LN2 Overclocking Guide by Xtreme Addict
Following his very popular Radeon R9 Fury Strix unlock guide in which Xtreme Addict showed us how to enable all the shaders as well as overclock to 1GHz HBM, the Polish overclocker is back with another extensive overclocking guide.
In the "Ultimate ASUS Matrix Platinum GTX 980 TI AC/LN2 Tips"-thread, Xtreme Addict covers the features of the graphics card. He also details the difference between Hynix and Samsung memory pointing out Nvidia's renewed policy made it possible to find Samsung ICs on more retail cards
"[...] good news for everyone, because of change of NVIDIA policy now retail cards are based on Samsung memories! So far only EVGA KPE cards and KFA2 HOF GOC Edition were retail models based on Samsungs and were more expensive than other Hynix cards, because normally NVIDIA (and AMD too) sells GPUs in bundle with specified memories - so far 980 TI was only paired with Hynix and vendors had to buy separately Samsung memories (and "throw away Hynix ICS which came with GPUs :P ) which was raising a cost of production per ~ 100 USD."
Further in the article you get an indication of the clock ranges. On air cooling Xtreme Addict reached 1550/2200 MHz, resulting in a 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme score of almost 9,500 points. On liquid nitrogen his Hynix-based graphics card reached 2055/2100 MHz and the Samsung-based graphics card 2070/2200 MHz. Good enough for 13,000 points in 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme.
For more information or questions, check out the thread on the Extreme Overclocking sub-forum.
Introduction
After few months from the launch day of reference GTX 980 TI graphic cards Asus refreshed their top high-end line and finally introduced Republic of Gamers (ROG) top model. After very strong gaming - Strix series (as you might remember I had some great fun with 4-Way Asus GTX 980 TI Strix cards breaking few World Records) I was expecting a really mature construction and I have to admit I am not disappointed!
Testing platforms:
i7 6700K ES/i7 5960X
Asus Maximus VIII Extreme/Rampage V Extreme
2x4 GB G.skill TridentZ 3733/4x4 GB HyperX 3200C16
HyperX 240 SSD
Kingpin Fat TEK 6.66 & EK-SF3D Critical Point EVO
Couple of Seasonic P1200 Platinum PSUs
Gallery:
By now I tested 3 pieces of Matrix Platinum GTX 980 TI. 2x cards are old samples based on Hynix and one is from new batch using Samsung ICS. If your serial number on the card starts with "FA" it means Hynix (produced in October), "FB" (produced in November). In terms of ASIC quality - first Hynix card is 80,1%, second 78,2% and Samsung retail RANDOM card is 79,1%. Seems like Asus picked up really nice batch of GPUs for their top model.
HOTWIRE and MEMORY HEATER pads. We have to short them in order to enable LN2 mode and MEMORY HEATER function.
Stock cooler, backplate + mosfet heatsink.
On this photo we can see VGPU controller, connection points for GPU voltage controller
It's necessary in order to connect device like elmor's EVC 
Of course we can't forget about special iROG chip which offers many useful features for AIR/WC and LN2 users.
From the left we have MOLEX which powers Memory Heater, ON/OFF switch of Memory Heater and "Safe button" which I will describe later.
HOTWIRE soldering points.
PLL (AUX) voltage section.
IOR mosfets. The most popular on high-end hardware. Same parts we can find on KPE 980 TI or HOF GOC cards
Note that Asus only decided to put double 8 pin PCIE power plug
This is my retail card from polish distribution - good news for everyone, because of change of NVIDIA policy now retail cards are based on Samsung memories! So far only EVGA KPE cards and KFA2 HOF GOC Edition were retail models based on Samsungs and were more expensive than other Hynix cards, because normally NVIDIA (and AMD too) sells GPUs in bundle with specified memories - so far 980 TI was only paired with Hynix and vendors had to buy separately Samsung memories (and "throw away Hynix ICS which came with GPUs
) which was raising a cost of production per ~ 100 USD.
AC/WC tips
Step 1. Short (connect) LN2 mode. This operation will not kill your card and you can use it 24/7. It just unlocks all fancy options in GPUTweakIT. If you don't do it, you will be voltage and Power limited according to NVIDIA specifications. In case you can't or don't want to solder, you can use silver or graphite based glues for PCB traces fix/connection (or car rear window heating traces) - in such case after it dries, just tape it or use hot glue. After the operation change BIOS switch into LN2 position. Note that it voids your warranty and you perform all actions on your own responsibility
If you have Hynix card I recommend to flash it with the newest (fixed efficiency) LN2 BIOS.
Updated LN2 BIOSes
m980ti_ln2t3s.rom = Samsung
m980ti_ln2t3h.rom = Hynix
Step 2. Have fun and find your best stable settings. Don't rush, you have as plenty time as you want. Finally you find your golden settings we can prepare "custom BIOS" using GPUTWEAKIT software
Don't forget about scrolling down the window of GPUTWEAKIT in order to change Power Limit to 200%. Operation is as easy as it can be:
1. Set your desired clocks, voltages, power limit options. Note that with LN2 mode enabled you will have always 100% loadline calibration and voltage is really steady.
2. After you apply your settings - burn icon will appear in left area of GPUTWEAKIT software. Click it.
3. GPUTWEAKIT will open new windows with settings to flash, you can check if all is fine and click burn button. After few seconds click okay after you see "Success" pop up window and let GPUTWEAKIT restart your computer. From now on you have your custom BIOS, you don't need any GPU OC program in idle or autostart, you can even uninstall them all if you they are delaying From now on you don't have to worry about programs not applying clocks on the start, or crashing rig etcetera.
Stock card:
24/7 OC settings with Stock cooler:
3DMarks were passing with 1550/2200 core easy, but the Witcher is a bit more demanding than Firestrike Extreme
Important fact: when you push high memories, you will need to add more voltage to GPU (provide extra juice to IMC inside GPU) or lower GPU clocks. With good water cooling loop and extra voltage I am pretty sure 1600 MHz GPU should be easy for gaming 
In fact you are not creating your own BIOS - all settings are stored and applied after power on by iROG chip on the card, but it works just as custom BIOS and is definately safer. Note that by reflashing BIOS (even with different version) your settings will not be deleted. In order to reflash to stock go to next chapter of my guide
If something goes wrong...
Don't worry, Asus created safe button function for crisis. Note that on the card you have 4 BIOSes. 2x BIOS chips which you can select by BIOS switch (Stock/Standard and LN2) and 2x backup BIOSes which you can't flash by your own - those are backups.
So if something goes wrong:
Step 1. BEFORE power on motherboard, press Safe button and keep it, meanwhile power on motherboard. When Safe Button is activated - the green led will be on.
Step 2. Go into OS and start GPUTWEAKIT software. Instead of normal window, when Safe Button is on, GPUTWEAKIT will start recovery mode. Just press okay, wait 1 minute (it takes much longer than "burning" settings, cause in recovery mode, GPUTWEAKIT clears iROG chip from settings and additionally refresh BIOS to stock version from backup chip. Let it restart your computer and your card is fully default
LN2 TIPS
Hardmods - HOTWIRE, Memory Heater, Power limit & Thermal throttling
EXTRA HARDMODS - NOT NECESSARY
1. CBB - TBA
2. HOTWIRE - TBA
How to clock a card on LN2
1. DON'T USE VASELINE ON THE CARD, instead it's better to plastic spray/dip or put eraser. 2 out of 3 cards had strange issues when where isolated with vaseline. One card had problems with booting - shutting down after boot. Second card from the moment I put vaseline on it had PLL voltage issues - dropping down after boot or floating 0.2V-0.4V-0.1V-0.7V-1.05V-0.2V and so on. Stock is around 1.06V. After proper cleaning with aceton, nitro detergents both cards came back to life and work perfectly on stock or LN2 with eraser on them. Seems like some controllers are sensitive and vaseline shorts something.
2. Start the card with Memory Heater on from the very beginning. You can keep it ON all the time, cause it starts to work when memories reach below 10*C or shutdowns when are warmer.
3. Use GPUTWEAKIT BURN option for memory voltage (like in AC/WC part) to put higher memory voltage from the start. If you don't do it - don't expect high memory clocks on cold with high core. For Hynix best value is +200-300 MV (1.8-1.9V in GPUTWEAKIT). For Samsung I would start +350MV or higher, depending from your sample. My card for 2200 MHz memory with high GPU (over 2000 MHz) needs +500MV (2.1V). It's very important cause when your card is cold (-80*C or more), you will not be able to set any memory voltage, cause you will have artefacts in OS. You have to use or GPUTWEAKIT burn option or trimpots. After you burn custom - higher VMEM, you will be able to add extra juice in OS in limited range - for instance when I burn on my Samsung +350MV I am able to set +500MV but +550MV will lock my OS. Burning +550MV works.
4. You can use trimpots, ROG Panel, HOTWIRE or the newest GPUTWEAKIT to control all voltages. Software works perfectly. Don't forget about using NVPMANAGEMENT program or "3D Always" mode in GPUTWEAKIT.
5. When you cool down the card and perform first runs, I recommend to set +50-100MV PLL voltage. It helps to keep stability of IMC.
6. Sweet spot for VGPU for now is +500MV (1.71V load). More triggers OCP, but I hope soon it will be fixed
7. Each of my cards has ColdBootBug (CBB) around -120*C. If your card has really big CBB problem, you can perform extra CBB mod, which will raise the limit for about 20-25*C.
Hynix vs Samsung
Samsung card seems to be a bit better, especially in terms of memory clocking on LN2. Though current BIOSes have exactly same efficiency. I did tests on LN2:
Hynix:
Samsung:
Results:
I tested both Hynix and Samsung card on LN2. Hynix seems to drop easier memory clocks with high core (running 2100 MHz GPU with 2000/2050 MHz memory wasn't a big issue for Hynix card). Samsung card is capable of running around 2100 MHz GPU with high memories 2150-2200 MHz. I was crashing after few seconds 2120//2200 on my retail Samsung card because of too low VGPU. Best GTX 980 TI scale with 1.75-1.85V load. I hope soon the issue will be fixed. Also there might appear a newer Samsung BIOS with even better efficiency (though current is good). Next time I will put my Samsung card with LN2ed 5960X to go full out
I don't have all screenshots now cause I was busy with testing mods, BIOSes and fixes but I upload those which I saved:
Hynix card 2055/2100 MHz FSE:
Samsung card 2070/2200 FSE:
Second Hynix card did around 2030/2150 FSE.
Conclusion:
ROG Matrix Platinum is a strong player in GTX 980 TI category. I got 3 cards, and each of them goes easily over 2000 MHz GPU, 2x cards are hitting 2100 MHz GPU which is a really high result. I think my Samsung card has potencial of hitting 2150-2200 GPU range with a bit higher VGPU (waiting for OCP fix). Definately, it's a big upgrade comparing to Strix card (which was also great) and now Matrix can be matched with EVGA KPE and Galax HOF GOC card. Moreover, iROG chip provides unique features which are useful for daily users and also LN2 power users and OCing software is stable and mature. I hope that after this guide more ocers will start to push their Matrix cards to the limits
I would like to thank Asus for supporting OC community and Asus R&D department for the help with pushing card to the limits.
Looks like a very strong card!
strong card ....go for better score
Good, I have stuff for my GPU now thanks
Any idea why my load VGPU volts are so high?
1.231v under load @ stock?
10/10 Good read.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
Great work as usual
Superb guide again! Have been waiting for this
Strange that it has OCP issues though...
5/7 Perfect guide
more like 25/35
TY for sharing this guide
Nice read
Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
nice guide XA thanks for share!
cold throttling was killing me when benching this card on ln2, its good to know there is a solution to avoid this!
Really helpful guide, thankyou for posting it
Thx guys
Soon update with more info
What ASIC?
73.8%, around 1520|2150-2200 is fairly easy on air, depends on benchmark though.
I will be testing on DICE soon, will see where I get with that.
Haven't tried your BIOS from original post yet, I will try and see if it helps any.
Lower ASIC cards tend to have a bit higher stock VID. Also did you try to use 100% loadline calibration?
Yeah my settings are:
1407 core (1520 actual)
1.213v in GPUTweak
8600 mem
1.63v mem in GPUtweak
fan speed 100%
pex_vdd 1.06v
power target 200%
loadline calibration 100%
vrm clock 1000 KHz
It passes firestrike no problem with your BIOS, before I could only do like 1513 mhz on core, it would fail 1520.
On stock BIOS without Ln2 switch enable, it was 1.231-1.233v stock under load voltage on GPU, on Ln2 bios + Ln2 switch enable, under load 1.241v-1.242v under load on GPU.
Ahh it's actually helping, maybe I did something different than before, but with Ln2 BIOS card seems to scale a tiny bit more. I will try and put my universal waterblock on maybe tomorrow or Friday, and see what it does on water.
1526|2200 this time, no problem. Mem may not need that many volts, just did a quick test.
Good
Yeah for me LN2 BIOS on air is the best one in terms of clocks/efficiency. But TBH I don't know how you have that high VGPU. All my cards have around 1.20V load. Maybe your voltmeter has some issue or it's ASIC - VID related. BTW, you are running PCIE X8 instead of X16 
Idk I tried two different volt meter, same reading from both.
Yeah the card is in 8x because my 480 with my universal block is in the 16x slot right now. I'd move the 480 but i cant plug it in anywhere else because the tubes aren't long enough lol.
I have a tek 9 fat that should be arriving Monday or so next week, I will try to test it on DICE as soon as I can!
Very good guide Miha!
You never fail at impressing me with your guides, this is solid work
Thanks for help XA, just watercooled the card and it's doing pretty good. Can't wait to test on DICE. Guide & BIOS helped a lot, appreciate it a lot.
Here is what I just did on my crappy 24/7 OS
Good job man!
How do I check if my 980 ti is using Samsung Ics?
GPU-Z Memory Type field will tell you, for example GDDR5 (Hynix). Might be incorrect if you flashed non default bios however.
Good info - OCP is fixed now
Sweet! I hope you can push them further with the fix, would be cool to see how far you can get.
Will you be adding the fix to the original post? I doubt I'll ever need like 1.8 VGPU, especially since I'll most likely be sticking to dry ice. But it would be nice to know in case I ever use Ln2.
Any info on quality of chips between plat and 20th gold? Anniversary high bin?
New LN2 bioses, improves memory overclocking. Also works for Strix 980Ti with Digi+ ASP1212 VRM controller, does NOT work with cards using SHE VRM controller. Ask if unsure.
m980ti_ln2t3s.rom = Samsung
m980ti_ln2t3h.rom = Hynix
https://copy.com/mUeu8OHRe9K72Dla
OCP fix will not be made public since it's only needed at max freq on LN2 with 1.8V+. In any other situation it's not a problem and only increases the risk of your card being damaged.
But if we ask nicely in pm we can have it?
(If I decide to get one...)
Those bioses are amazing!
Gained performance and mem clock a lot. On hynix cards I did 2070 with stock voltage before! Now it's 2180 and with 1.65v it was 2110 before, now it's 2210+
Always tested in sli...might be that single card gains more...tests on cold to come!
Flashed it on my Samsung card, got weird "cannot load bios" error from GPU Tweak 2 on startup, power target max %110?
Is it still supposed to be 200% like the other Ln2 bios?
Can't test more as I have to go to work, but I can test more tonight when I get home.
Yes, I get 200% power limit. Do you have LN2 mode enabled? Which version of GPUTweakII?
The newest one from asus site if I remember right.
1.3.0.6? I'm not sure I'm at work right now so I can't check which version.
I'm fairly sure I shut the pc off, flipped to ln2 mode then flashed the bios, restarted pc and I wasn't getting display output for some reason.
Then I flipped to normal mode, and display was working. Then I restarted in ln2 mode and had display, but power limit was 110%.
Maybe the flash didn't work or something, or maybe I didn't flip the switch far enough to ln2 mode.
I'll look when I'm home in 4.5 hours.
Latest is 1.1.6.9: http://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/MATRIX-GTX980TI-P-6GD5-GAMING/HelpDesk_Download/
Also did you short LN2 mode pads? Without this the BIOS switch has no function.
Aww yes 1.1.6.9 is the one I'm on, I couldn't remember the numbers.
Yeah, the old bios was working for me giving 200%.
I shorted ln2 pads with a pencil, it's possible maybe the pencil rubbed off. I will check when I get home, I have a soldering iron now so I can do it properly.
Need to watch some how to guides on soldering first maybe, I've only done it once lol. Don't want to mess anything up!
You can check if LN2 mode is enabled with this software https://copy.com/CGLgUGdHMNFMiqIY
Yeah it's enabled.
Here's a picture of the error I keep getting from GPUTweak:
Tried to reflash BIOS:
Tried using safe mode:
Great stuff, i will test it on my Strix.
New bios is better than previous in terms of efficiency and clocks. I used it on H2O.
Same bios for Strix v1 with SHE VRM controller and Hynix memory https://copy.com/DfKL6xQ1RaIR8RfC
Jon never stop it!!!!!!!!!!!
Tested the bios last night on 980ti Poseidon works great on air 1575/2200 was easy, 1600 looks possible on water and will try tonight. Much better than the old bios í ½í¸€
Yep yep yep, new BIOS definitely works!!!!
Haven't tested lower volts yet, but 9000 effective @ 1.775v from DMM working fine!
Nice write up and guide! Any thoughts on testing with Matrix OC Tool? Any functionality or monitoring improvements to be had with the tool over software?
Guys please give BIOS for ln2 for 24/7 operation and sorry for my angliski memory I have from Samsung
Hi David, you can flash this bios without LN2 Mode enabled. But remember they are unofficial BIOSes with no warranty.
I activated ln2 mod thinking that will get at least 1500mhz but alas
in the end I got 1480/3400 voltage 1.234 upset me platinum video card matrix
This is my Matrix,....runs realy good on Water ( Watertemps ~ 8°c )
1600-1630 Mhz / 2250 Mhz on all Benchmarks
vGPU ~ 1,23 / VRAM : 1,880v. ( Samsung )
http://hwbot.org/submission/3103050_
http://hwbot.org/submission/3098819_
http://hwbot.org/submission/3095969_
http://hwbot.org/submission/3088642_
What's the gpu temperature? Memory I also was able to overclock to 3600. But the chip works stable at 1470
What model you have water cooling ?
Mode with old Enzotech - Sapphire SCW-1
With 22°c Watertemps have i around ~ 32°c load GPU Temp .
Mosfets are cooling at air on bench.
Fixed my Ln2 bios.
Card doing realllly well on memory, I'm gonna spend today testing how low I can get on volts for 9000 mhz effective (2250 mhz)
Slight bump in volts, 1550 core, mem 9108 mhz effective
Have ordered one now
What CB temps did you have on the ones you tried?
All four Galax cards I've tried had CB issues when switching from loading screens to game tests in FS at around -90 C. And CBB at-50...
@Rauf
use VGA - DSUB adapter, you will have better CB/CBB
regarding Matrix, all cards have similar CBB - around -125*C after restart, after shutdown (power off), around -110*C
Thanks for info. Adapter didn't make a difference on Galax...
Joined the club.
For those that have run on cold, did you find lower asic better or no difference?
You found a Samsung card?
yep.
Lucky you!
Thought all were sammy now Dan?
Anyway, only lucky if core clocks like a mofo!
Hahaha...I've had a lot of matrix now...all hynix...maybe next week I'll get my first Samsung
But today I'll play my hynix with the new bios
Haha, do you not get them hot off the shelf?
Since you've had a lot, asic make any difference on cold?
Well, mine is 74% which from the looks of things is pretty low for a Plat. Hoping it sings on cold!
I'd say you need to look at asic but also how they clock on air, and then hope it scales on cold. I've had four galax ln2 and two did 1900mhz core on ln2, they had asic 66 and 73 and clocked to around 1500 mhz on stock cooler. One did 1800-something with asic 65 and clocked to 1470 on stock. The best did 2000mhz with asic 74 and 1500mhz on stock.
So it's hard to tell...asic can tell you a little bit but i think air oc tells more.
As for asus platinum I got two. One asic 79,x that does 1550 on stock. And one asic 66 that did 1500mhz. Of course i kept the asic 79
Looking forward to test it on ln2!
By the way both had samsung mems.
Be interesting to see what happens on cold. Basic jist of it I've got from the net, low asic+decent air clock=win win.
Mine seems mediocre on air. 1410 was a no go on 11 at stock, +50 no problem but stopped there as os needs redone. Tempted to order up a couple more for curiosity. Have to say i'm very impressed with the build quality. Solid card!
You taking that card to sheff?
Not setup for FS but checked on calico, 1505+/2290+, stock core (1.212)/1.8vMem. Bit over 50deg. (stock cooler)
Yes
Who's ready for Montreal?
Haha, nice!
Rest of mine come today, hopefully on pot tomorrow!
Good collection Mike
I have 2x Sammys and 2x Hynix for 4-Way 
Other 3 turned up today, sods law one is hynix. Other two 67/79 asic (sound familiar Rauf?
). Keen to put both on pot and see if it makes any or sod all difference! 
Did the mods today. The cold throttling is a very small resistor and hard to desolder (for me at least). I suggest just use a good pair of tweezers to pull it off.
Anyway, what should the power consumption in GPU-Z read after shorting the power limit resistors? Mine reads about 20% idle at 1500MHz in "3D always mode". Around 62% at load. Seems high to me. I've had problems before getting the solder to stick on the power limit resistors. They are slippery
Just wondering if I need to resolder...
Thought hardmod for pwr wasn't needed? Or you using something other than gput?
Regarding mod - this one is pretty easy. Just buy a soldering station with a hot air (even a cheap one for 50-60 euro) and it will be very easy
pulling off components might destroy soldering points and take even a trace with a soldering point. Believe me you don't want this. Just put some soldering grease on the resistor, warm it up with hot air and touch with soldering iron for few seconds and move soldering iron with a resistor and it will just be perfectly unsoldered. You are pushing great in terms of OCing so to be complete try to learn a bit more about soldering - practice on some dead hw. Friendly advice 
Regarding GPU-Z - I am not 100% sure right now, but from what I remember it will always shows power consumption at 20% in my case.
Same here...always 20%
Thanks for the replies, I will redo all three power mods tomorrow. Will try with wire instead of solder blob. Maybe it sticks better.
If your solder isn't sticking, try cleaning up the area first. Use a bit of flux, and heat up the pad, not the solder itself. Once the iron is on the pad for a few seconds, touch the solder to the pad. It should flow pretty easily, even without flux.
You don't need the power limit mod because of the power limit, rather it's a problem of very high current going through those two resistors. At full speeds it's easily 30A through each and 4.5W of power that needs to be dissipated if you don't short them. Also there's additional input voltage droop which is less than ideal.
Little bit of ambient pre testing before cold.
3x sammy cards, 67/74/79 asic. All tested with GT2 Vant. Stock vGPU.
Core: Mem:
67 - 1520mhz (42 deg) 2265mhz@1.78v (didn't like higher vmem. Heavy artifact on start & system lock)
74 - 1500mhz (52 deg) 2290+mhz@1.8v
79 - 1510mhz (47deg) 2310+mhz@1.8v
Being a 3d on cold noob, i'm guessing the first is the one to run with....?
They are close enough on air that I would say try them all
It's a guessing game as to which scales the best.
Are you coming to sheffield? Someone said you couldn't make it?
Yeah, won't be there.
Found a 980TI Strix at a gamer and ofc snagged it for the name of overclocking after he told he had 84.9% ASIC
Quick test on water can do 1560/2160 stock vgpu/stock vram with ln2 bios.It is v2 with ASP controller and Samsung Ram,pretty much a Matrix without Gpu Tweak voltage control
Go for highest memory clock.
Anyone here know if I'll be needing to do the cold throttling mod for just DICE? I should be benching it on cold once I get a 6700k.
1550|2250 seems to be real easy on it on water @ around 30c load, 73.8% asic.
Hoping on DICE I can get it up towards 1700-1750.
I dont think you will have any problems on dice, i tested dice on a strix sthat can do 1500-1510 on water and reached about 1670-1680 so your estimations should be reached with a fat pot ofc
Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
Cheers Jon.
Redid the powermods today. Got some flux to and learned about that
It helps alot. Also used 1,5 mm2 solid copper wire instead of just solderblob. 1,5 mm2 is probably overkill but now it's properly done at least.
After proper mods, 6% power at load on air:
Tried my card on LN2 last weekend at the MLG bench meet. Used Unigine Heaven Xtreme as I was benching for the Pro OC cup. Had a lot of trouble, card wouldn't do any more than 1850 core. No matter volts or temps.
Tried it again yesterday, this time testing possible clocks with Fire strike GT1. Did 2100 core pretty easily. Then back to Heaven again and...max 1850! Any ideas what's causing this? Or just unlucky and that's the way this card behaves in Heaven? From the top scores it seems Heaven and Fire Strike should be able to do about the same clocks.
How does it crash as you go over 1850?
How many PSU's?
That's the question.
Been using AX1500 for gpu only, or 8 pack psu for whole system (z170).
Crash occur with screen lock or black screen. Task manager works to access error message from Unigine. After closing error message and disable and reenable gpu in device manager everything works again.
You try a different driver or OS?
Yeah, tried both win7 and 8. Latest driver in 7 and older driver in 8.
Guess it's time to toss the card. I'll help you recycle it :celebration:
Just thought I'd post an issue with that BIOS Elmor posted on here with better memory OC.
If you try to do GPUPI or any GPU compute benchmarks / folding, the card goes into P8 state for some reason, and downclocks to 405 mhz.
I just flashed the stock BIOS back on, and now it's working fine. Figured I should let everyone know incase they have problems like I did.
What's the best version of GPUTweak to use for this?
The version I've got is buggy. If I adjust fan speed I lose the display, vgpu is limited to 1.2 and zero vmem control
Yes, LN2 mode pads are shorted and is enabled
Latest from asus official site works well. Also the version mentioned here in this thread.
Got it working with the latest from the website
Thanks for the great guide!
I received this card last week and it's been an incredible experience so far.
I did the LN2 enable mod with simple pencil lines to make the connection.
On air I was able to get between 1550mhz and 1590mhz depending on benchmark with 2150mhz on the memory (Hynix)
I added a EK thermosphere waterblock and get around 1600 to 1620 MHz at stock volts and see no change up to 1.35V.
1.35V+ tho the card started scaling up to 1.52V with up to 1690mhz in firestrike on ambient water of 21 degree C. ASIC is 84%.
Here are a few subs and pics.
Would definitely recommend this GPU to anyone.
http://hwbot.org/submission/3154283_
http://hwbot.org/submission/3153554_
http://hwbot.org/submission/3153577_
http://hwbot.org/submission/3153935_
Wish mine scaled like that, I tried pumpin her with 1.4v, but it wouldn't do past 1550 still.
It does 1550|2275 in FSE no problem 1.231v core, ~1.7v mem, but doesn't seem to go any higher.
On water btw ^
You got a real nice card there Marc.
I tried mine today.
Card can do :
1510 FSE stock cooler (LN2 bios)
1520 FSE with AIO (LN2 bios)
1750 FSE 1.55v
1850 FSE 1.65v
1900 FSE @1.7v (load) -100°C
Lowering T° to -110 and thing get worst.
Mem is Hynix.
I get 8800 stable with 1.75v few minute, then 8600 for hours, and then in 20seconde I loose 300MHz and had to bench 8250 or less.
Might want to try some sort of memory heater. GTX 480 hair dryer still available?
It has memory heater built in...
Seems you are unlucky. 8pack tried several hynix cards at the sheffield event and all did 2000+ pretty easily. My samsung can bench -130 no problem.
Question, if I update to new ln2 bios and do recovery, will it revert to original ln2 bios or updated bios?
I'm in agreement with Wizerty. 1800/2100 is fine up to -90*c but colder than that, I get issues. Hell, it will do -150*c but doesn't help.
Also hynix? Mine scales to at least -130. Didn't try lower as I wasn't pushing for fire strike and I didn't think it would be likely to go much colder anyway.
another dead Matrix for me
I simply flipped the bios switch while in windows, I heard a crack like a LN2 pot makes, and bye bye GPU. Stock cooler, stock clocks, stock volts
Samsung. Maybe I just need to push pex a bit more to even out.
I did that once as I was shutting my PC down, fans ramped up super fast and it BSOD'd as it was shutting down.
I think there is something that adds massive volts when you flip the switch while the card is on.
says:
Nice guide XA,so if buying one of these cards now is there still chance it be Hynix memory's?
Not really
says:
Ok Thanks,if I buy one hopefully has Samsung memory's
I just grabbed a strix with sammy mem. Do you guys think the matrix samsung ln2 bios would work ok, has anyone tried. I know I can just short the shunts but obviously an ln2 bios is easier.
There was only one posted for strix and I'm assuming it was when the card had hynix mem.
Cold slow resistor on Strix v2
thanks so much for all your help.
I search a hardmode of Asus 980ti Strix V2 with Samsung Chips.
vGpu / vMem / vPLL .
Hey Guys, I'm also having this issue when running GPUPI or ASUS Realbench that the card and volts downclock to 405 MHz and volts at 1050mv but goes back to normal when the bench is done.
I'm using the latest LN2 bios for Hynix memory posted by Elmor here and have the bios switch to the LN2 position. I enabled the LN2 mode using the pencil method and the GPU is under water cooling. I didn't have problems with any other 3D benches other than these two so maybe something to do with openCL stuff?
@elmor Since this doesn't happen on the stock bios would there be a easy fix for the LN2 Hynix bios?
Can you try first using NVPM or GPUTweakII to force always 3D and see if the clocks stick then?
I've done all of those things, none of them work. It's something wrong with the BIOS, when I switched back to the stock one, it worked fine.
@elmor thanks for the Quick reply
I tested both NVPM V1.1 and "Always 3D" in GPUtweakitII and they both seem to throttle memory and core clocks down to 810MHz and 405 MHz, respectively.
Attach are 2 screenshots of each methods.
Once I close GPUPI and or ASUS Realbench openCL the clocks go back to boost.
Always 3D
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ypxhxam1v3si7z8/Screenshot%202016-04-07%2009.12.54.png?dl=0
NVPM
https://www.dropbox.com/s/awf7mmhlv7m3wv3/NVPM.png?dl=0
Yeah, I've found original ln2 bios and Gpu tweakII to provide most consistent results. Dickering around with settings and reboots for an hour or two before getting a half-decent result is not my idea of fun times benching.
The only issue i have with the 980 ti matrix original LN2 mode is the efficiency is not there due to massive throttling when pushing voltage. No throttle however when voltage are at stock. Maybe it has to do with Hynix memory I'm not sure
Are u on water?
Yes that is on cool water
Let the voltage at stock ... I never saw any improvements clock wise on maxwell with adding voltages
Mine starts scaling past 1.35v and up. Stocks volts in water limits the card to 1600mhz and from 1.35v to 1.55v goes from 1600 to 1700mhz on mine. Asic 85%
This is with Elmor's new LN2 bios. It works well in all benches except GPUPi and ASUS realbench as it downclocks to 405mhz. That's why i was trying the stock bios under LN2 bios switch to see if it it would fix it.
The issue with the stock bios for me under LN2 bios tab is that stock viltage runs fine up to 1600mhz but then to get my scaling up to 1700mhz i need to increase the volts past 1.35v but it throttles significantly. The higher the volts the lower the clocks due to throttle.
Ok...never went that high...but I think it's temp what makes the card throttling
The throttle happens even with a mediocre load using the GPU stress test in gpu-z for the stock bios. If a fix for the Elmor's bios can be found to remove the 405mhz downclock in gpupi and asus realbench then it' the perfect bios for my situation as it doesnt downclock regardless of frequency and voltage in all other benches.
Time to have some DICE fun
I think I'm gonna put a tad more LET on those vrm underneathe the SLI finger.
ya that's what I did but I wiped off the tops just to make sure they dont overheat at the beginning, they look like the memory vrm which can get pretty hot
Everything went well, can't believe I hit 1800 on DICE, i wasn't expecting much past 1700..
http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338_
Card worked amazingly the entire time, I only blue screened once, and only had one driver crash.
BSOD was from CPU pot heating up to much, wasn't paying attention. Lol
very nice!
FINALLY!!!!
I love 3d so much! And now I got a nice score finally....after a felt decade...
Thanks man
I think the card definitely had more left in it, I still could of pushed more volts and a bit more clocks, maybe next time 
Probably a 2K card on LN2 :celebration:
Now if only I had ln2
I was actually really surprised how easy it was to clock, I started at like 1.33v 1650, then bumped it up slightly for 1700 and it passed first try. Repeated the process a few times and only one crash during that whole session. Then it got really difficult to keep the pot fed with DICE past 1750 mhz and 1.5v. The very first try at 1800 it worked, didn't push anymore after because I barely had any DICE left.
P2 state (CUDA/OpenCL) downclocking is solved with t4 BIOSes below:
* Matrix 980 Ti (Hynix memory) m980ti_ln2t4h.rom
* Matrix 980 Ti, Strix 980Ti V2 with Digi+ VRM (Samsung memory) m980ti_ln2t4s.rom
* Strix 980Ti V1 with SHE VRM (Hynix memory) s980ti1_ln2t4h.rom
I've only tested the Matrix 980 Ti (Hynix memory) BIOS but the others should work as well. Please test and let me know. * Strix 980 Ti V1 tested and works *
Memory overclocking is not working and doesn't seem fixable by BIOS. It also doesn't seem to affect the score a lot at least in GPUPI. However I found a workaround using Thermspy and its "Test CLK" feature. Any change to the P-states will remove your setting so I used GPUTweakII to force Always 3D Clock. Then you have to apply the memory clock in Thermspy while in boost state. In GPUPI you can achieve this by pressing Calculate, apply settings + OK. Before starting the benchmark while at the Start dialog box the card enters P2 boost state. During this time you can apply the memory clock using Thermspy and it will stick until the benchmark is finished. Values above 4096 gives an error but still applies.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for fixing this, I've been wanting to do GPUPI & folding at home, but I couldn't on the revision 3 BIOS.
Could the memory clock also be edited via NVInspector? I know you can change P-state clocks there, maybe that will be another solution?
You're welcome. I tried Inspector but didn't work for me.
Thanks Elmor,
Any chance you could link ThermSpy v3.0.1 premium?
http://occlub.ru/forum/showthread.php?t=571&p=60356&viewfull=1#post60356
Thanks elmor, the new bios + ThermSpy Software works great!
Finally a nice run
Great shot Man!!!
The new bios for Strix V1 with hynix works great under WC:
have you pushed your card hard yet. I was benching v2 last night with newest matrix bios and I'm hitting ocp it seems like at only like 1.5v. The card seems amazing because with Catzilla it's less power draw then firestrike so I can do a bit higher voltage and get thru the first test at close to 2000mhz 1.6v but it spikes eventually and I get a black screen and its like only the gpu shuts down, I cant restart I have to shutdown and then boot up again.
I tried to confirm it by just setting voltage and leaving all clocks at default and it still black screened, so it's obviously not unstable settings
Does this sound like ocp. This is my last day to exchange the card and it looks really nice but if I cant use above 1.5v it's kinda useless for me. I thought I was doing something wrong like vrm's overheating. Went thru 30 liters the past 2 night without a single score.
That card is an old one, its V1 card with new bios for V1, i used under COLD but few months ago, and yes i have lot of issue with OCP, i can't push the volt over 1.5x or 1.6. don't remove exactly what V cause was like 6 months ago. About V2 revision, i has one but died.
Hope u can fix your issue.
BR
Nacho
ya a lot of trouble with ocp also. Core and mem is amazing but firestrike cant do more then like 1.5v and catzilla I can do a bit more because less power draw but it usually spikes at one point and crash, black screen. man so frustrated, I think it's such a good gpu but Microcenter closes in 2hrs and today is last day to switch, but it's a little useless for me when firestrike cant do 1.5v. I guess I should try and switch for open box matrix.
Thanks for the reply, so disapointing. I'm trying to read the datasheet but a ocp mod is still above my head, arghh
Sorry to hear that, and good luck man!
thanks u too
Paging @elmor!
I have the same issue guys about tripping ocp past 1.5v on cold water with my matrix/Hynix at 1700mhz ish. I often get a blank screen when benching and the only way to get it back it to do a PC shutdown and restart. It seems even if I get the blank screen that the PC still runs and cpu/gpu continues to finish the bench but simply no display.
I did try a 980 Ti Gold with Samsung memory and It had no blank screens nor downclocking to 400mhz so maybe the ocp limit was removed on those cards? I was pushing past 1.6v on cold water no problem and loaded temps was around +25C.
ya for me strix v2 its right about what you said. In firestrike if I set 1.5v and 1700mhz, the bench will start but as soon as it loads it goes black and mobo and cpu still running. I can do 1800 no problem at 1.45v but anything set higher in the tool I get black screen.
It's such a shame because I was even running parts of Catzilla at 2000mhz 1.6v, -130c but as soon as it gets to a high load part of bench it crashes.
I am a little glad it's the card because I couldnt figure out what was happening. Even if the answer is bad, it's better then not knowing.
Matrix should not have this problem, especially at something low as 1.5V and 1700MHz. It does sound high for water however, how are your temperatures? Can you check the voltages of the card when this happens? VGPU should drop to ~0.4V if this is the case. It could also be GPU temp or VRM temp that goes too high and triggers a thermal shutdown.
Your problem sounds like OCP yes, if you check the voltages of your card it would help. One Strix v2 died after I sent a full unlock solution so unfortunately I think it's not worth pursuing. For extreme benching the Matrix is what you want. (preferably with Samsung memory, I know it sucks there's no way to know until after buying)
Could you not just short the power sensing shunts to get a higher power limit?
No, this is different. The thermal limit is only read by the GPU for throttling reasons. In this case it's the VRM controller detecting too high output current and shuts down. It doesn't rely on the power limit resistors.
Michal, these ln2 bios works fine on 980ti strix??? Thanks for share.
Thanks Elmor, i have to do a hard vmod too for unlock voltage?
Thank you very much!
Which version of Strix?
SHE Hynix version.
http://forum.kingpincooling.com/showthread.php?t=3770
Elmor, excuse me, i realize all the mod and i'm using the she right bios but i have a problem with llc. The vdropp is aroun -6v and my gpu always crash. Any solution?
Thank you bro!
Sorry, could you clearify? Vdroop of -6V sounds a bit extreme haha. During which benchmark? What clocks/voltages are set? From where do you measure the voltage? What do you use as ground reference?
Elmor, i send you PM. Thank you!
Hi guys. Does anyone have a voltmod/better bios for a votlage locked strix v2.00, bios .81 ?
I would like to push the card under water a bit more. Thanks!
Problems with GPU Tweak when I install all I get is sliders no writing before them at all, I have tried different drivers and some different tweak versions, I even tried a different OS install.
Any idea's?
You're on win7 right? If I remember correctly you just shut it down and restart it. This issue is only for win7, not win8 or 10.
Not explained it too well, the sliders work and do adjust but there are so many not having any names on any of them is daunting, you can put so much voltage through if you get the wrong slider maybe BOOM.
Had problems with this as the info was for a friend I thought he was on Windows 10 but he's gone back to 7, didn't have his PC in front of me so was a bit confused I used Asustweak on one of my cards a 970 it worked fine so I didn't get it.
But you were right, he's just let me know. :-)
I had this issue, but it run ok if I start it, close it and start it again. The second time the names are there.
Hi guys! Is there any way to unlock voltage past 1.21 on 980ti strix v2 (samsung, digivrm)? i've tried m980ti_ln2t4s bios and voltage still locked. Maybe some hard mod? Thanks!
You need to short the ln2 pads for higher voltage, check the first post by XA.
There isn't any ln2 pads on my card
Here's pics:
https://imgur.com/a/NjYR0
https://imgur.com/a/ozI40
https://imgur.com/a/rF0lZ
elmor, can you please help me? or my card is unable to unlock? Thx in advance!
Sorry, my bad. Only Matrix can be unlocked. You can try this for up to 1.35V on the GPU s980ti_tool_v01b
Ok i'll try, but how to use it? I've tried setting higher voltage and it says OK, but when i run GPU-Z render, the voltage is still 1.21. Maybe i need specific BIOS or reboot? Thanks.
Be careful. GPU-Z is only reading the VID and not the real voltage. You can trust the reading from this software or preferably use a DMM.
This software shows 1.396 no matter what setting i'm using (i.e. 1.225). Maybe i need stock BIOS? How do i know if it works? And where should i hook the multimeter?
Please redownload the file, fixed the reading bug. You can measure the voltages here:
Huge thanks! Will test when i'll come home from work. This software must work only on stock bios, or matrix bios, or bios doesn't matter? Do i need to use safe mode or disable driver in device manager, or reboot after setting? How to use it properly? Thx.
P.S. Sorry for stupid answer, but where to hook up ground?
Tried using the software yesterday, and something definitely happens! Tried setting higher voltage, but card starts to downclock under load with Pwr perfcap reason. I'm using modded stock bios with custom boost table and 350W power limit (higher seems to not work anyway because maybe of hw lock). Also tried flashing Matrix LN2 Bios t4s, and Pwr is gone, but the card started crashing under heavy loads, no matter what voltage i set. My default oc is 1470@1.212 , i've tried 1510 @ 1.25 and it still crashes. I'll try to measure actual voltage this weekend.
@Rauf @elmor
I had this as well, maximum I could set was +413 core clocks. Any fix? do I just need a different gpu-tweak?
For higher clocks in Heaven on Z170, try increasing VCCIO (up to 1.45-1.5V). If you're talking about the slider range, you need to check "Overclocking range enhancement" in the settings.
I think slider is the issue. Is that a setting in gpu tweak?
says:
please help me, i have short ln2 but can't unlock gpu voltage .
Late to the party, but happy to have picked up this card to experiment with. Has an ASIC value of 83.1%.
Thank you to Xtreme Addict, Elmor, and many others for this wealth of knowledge that you have passed on.
I'm having errors attempting to flash to the ln2 bios you recommend (version 3 or 4) using nvflash latest version. LN2 pad is soldered/shorted.
Can you pass on any thoughts or tips to what I may be doing wrong? Windows 10 64
Hello, please is there somebody who can send (sleva12345@seznam.cz) me new bios for my ASUS GTX 980 Ti Martix (Samsung mem.)
I have a LN2 pad soldered/shorted, but i don't have a new (best) BIOS.
Thanks so much.
I am looking for the LN2 Samsung bios and all the links are dead. Anyone still have it lying around?
New link to both bioses here m980ti_ln2t3
Amazing, thanks you so much!!
Btw, mega links for m/s980ti_ln2t4 are working here.
Hi everyone is it normal for Asus GTX 980 Ti Poseidon 71.5% ASIC can't do more than 1380mhz daily (whatever vgpu) and for benching maxed at 1420-1430 and sometimes it crashed. Thanks. Any way to set load line calibration on this card?
Finally pick up one off local market.
Thanks for the biosses.
Now off to have some fun!
Hello,
This is along shot but oh well.
I got a problem. Using windows 10 latest nvidia drivers. Got 980Ti matrix platinum. The problem is as follows, i shorted LN2 on the back of the card, switched on LN2 bios on the card itself. Now when i open any OC software, GPUTweakII V2.2.7.0 (newest) i get the whole package, from voltage unlocked to pexvdd to load line etc. Now, no matter what voltage i apply, in GPU-z or HWinfo the voltage is constant of 1.212V regardless. Now it might something to do with software or whatever but not really. Cause i can set 1.3V...1.5V in gputweakII and gputweak monitor will show me using 1.5v right, while othe programs will show 1.212v. The thing is Even if i put 1.5V in gputweak i CANNOT go abote 1.495Ghz or even less. Now if i use a gigabyte, strix modded bios, i cant lets say change memory voltage, load line, pexvdd, vrm clock in gputweak. But i can up the voltage and it shows in gpuz and hwinfo. I can go up to 1534Mhz anything above that games start crashin n stuff. Now why cant i use original ln2 matrix bios to change voltage??? Makes no sense.
Has anyone saved this bioses ?
I see only the link for T3 still working.
Hi, try this:
m980ti_ln2t4.zip
s980ti1_ln2t4h.zip
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