2080TI Lightning Z going to safe mode/1350MHZ when stock cooler fans removed

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etienneleroux

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Hi,

I created an account just to post my problem here.
I just installed the new bitspower waterblock on my lightning Z.
It took me many hours to realize that the GPU goes to safe mode (stuck at 1350 MHZ) when the stock fans are not plugged in...
I tried both bioses, even the new LN2 bios... doesn't work.

To make it work, I had to remove the fans from the stock cooler and plug them in the PCB while having the waterblock on.
It's quite ridiculous...

It's a card built for LN2 overclocking... of course A LOT of people are gonna remove the stock cooler.

MSI can you please fix this quickly with a new vbios?

Thanks
 
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Hello,

this is a forum so if you want to address MSI about it and make sure they take care of your case you will need to contact MSI directly: >>How to contact MSI.<<

Anyway we will also notee our contacts about it to see if it is a general problem. PLease also add S/N and a copy of the current vbios saved to file.
 
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MSI tested the issue and could not copy this behavior with LN2 or normal vbios. Even with fans disconnected there is no 1350MHz limit. Vbios engineers also confirmed that no safe mode function is included to limit boost clock without fan signal.

Might be that temp or power limit is reached and causes the issue. What temp is the gpu at under load?

Also you could try driver version 418.81 that had been used by MSI for testing: https://www.geforce.com/drivers/results/142225

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Temps are in the low 40s... Another guy on overclock.net had the same issue as me and the problem resolved when he puts back the fans. I swear it has something to do with the fans, I tested it twice!
 
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flobelix date=1552340198 said:
MSI tested the issue and could not copy this behavior with LN2 or normal vbios. Even with fans disconnected there is no 1350MHz limit. Vbios engineers also confirmed that no safe mode function is included to limit boost clock without fan signal.

Might be that temp or power limit is reached and causes the issue. What temp is the gpu at under load?

Also you could try driver version 418.81 that had been used by MSI for testing: https://www.geforce.com/drivers/results/142225
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The limit is there for sure, me and many others have this issue.

Maybe MSI didn't test it properly. If you just unplug fans the card might work ok but then if you switch bios or flash or whatever, then safe mode kicks in.

Quote from another person:
"I have verified thru extensive testing by myself and some other engineers that during a bios flashing, The checksum engages and checks all jumpers and headers on the card for any voltage spikes,drops or dead voltage issues, aka if theres no fan plugged into the header, the checksum reports back to the flasher and by default rolls back and sets and locks card to its default profile....."

For me safe mode kicks in if:

- I switch bios from normal to ln2 or the other way around.
- Flash bios/update
- power off complete, etc take power cords off or remove card from system.


I have tested this on Intel Z370 and Z390 platform with totally different components and issue is same on both systems.



Of course it's possible we all have bad cards, that wouldn't be surprising at this point.
 
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Can confirm, its happening on my Lightning Z also.
Everytime you either :
a) Flash/change bios
b) unplug gpu or whole system
c) reinstall nvidia drivers 
d) somehow change any value directly related to gpu
 with fans unplugged card goes to safe mode (1350mhz core). Card is not usable on watercooling because of this bug, I am assuming its some protection directly written to card because flashing different bioses from other vendors doesnt help. 
Please investigate this issue with MSI as its unacceptable that you have to use fans dummies to even run your card on watercooling.
 
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Ok, issue got confirmed by MSI. They found the following workaround so far, please test it.


1. Connect FAN to the pin header


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2. Install the RTX 2080 Ti Lightning Z in the system

3. Re-install NV driver  (the version used by MSI is 419.35)

4. Power off the system

5. Take the RTX 2080 Ti Lightning Z out of the system and disconnect FAN


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6. Install the RTX 2080 Ti Lightning Z in the system

7. Power on the system and do not re-install NV driver
 

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Is that joke ? i paid 1500? for gpu which when i put on water i can never update/reinstal drivers LOL ? and thats no workaround ive been doin that everytime when ive switched bios or uplugged PC. Please let MSI know that we need some software update not that crap.
 
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etienneleroux date=1552877368 said:
Flobelix, can you confirm they are working on a new vbios to fix this issue?
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But can this be fixed with just a new bios? I have tested different bioses from other companies with this card and issue is the same.

Maybe there is something really wrong on the PCB itself?
 
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mrkingx11 date=1553268153 said:
i bet they pushed it to next week

amazing how a 1600$ gpu is useless when a waterblock is installed
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If they can fix it by simple bios update then great!

But for some reason I'm fearing there is a bigger issue on the card...
 
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Dear all,

MSI provided a modified beta vbios for testing. It will disable any RGB working though. If you want to still try it send me a personal message and I will provide a link via personal message.
 
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