2 hours ago
Hi everyone,
I'm working on an old Olivetti all-in-one system that appears to be based on an MSI OEM motherboard (labeled G35T-TG, Intel G35 chipset), although I'm not 100% sure about the exact board model. I can provide photos if needed.
The system originally came with an NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS (MXM, 256MB DDR2), which works perfectly with the internal display.
Goal
Upgrade the GPU to a GeForce 9600M GT (MXM-II, DDR2, 64KB VBIOS, MS-V149B).
Current situation
What I tested
1. BIOS settings
Additional note
When working on the VBIOS, Iām not sure if I may have been looking at the wrong sections.
I was not able to clearly identify LVDS-related tables or display initialization blocks, and the structure of the VBIOS makes it difficult to isolate the relevant parts.
Possible causes (not sure)
Question
Has anyone:
Summary
Thanks in advance š
I'm working on an old Olivetti all-in-one system that appears to be based on an MSI OEM motherboard (labeled G35T-TG, Intel G35 chipset), although I'm not 100% sure about the exact board model. I can provide photos if needed.
The system originally came with an NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS (MXM, 256MB DDR2), which works perfectly with the internal display.
Goal
Upgrade the GPU to a GeForce 9600M GT (MXM-II, DDR2, 64KB VBIOS, MS-V149B).
Current situation
- The 9600M GT powers on and works
- System boots normally
- Windows loads
- External display (DVI) works perfectly
- No image on internal display (LVDS)
- No BIOS/logo ā completely black screen
What I tested
1. BIOS settings
- Tried PEG / IGD / Auto options
- No change
- GPU properly seated
- Cooling and power OK
- External output confirms GPU is working
- Dumped VBIOS from both GPUs
- Compared 8400 GS vs 9600M GT using hex tools
- The VBIOS files are significantly different, not just minor variations
- Differences are spread across many regions, not isolated blocks
- Tried copying suspected LVDS/init sections
- Result: GPU failed to initialize (black screen everywhere, required recovery)
- Compared my 8400 GS VBIOS with Acer versions
- They are also very different, not matching dumps
- Suggests OEM-specific variations or different board implementations
- I already prepared a proper flashing setup
- Used NVFlash and tested recovery procedures
- I have full backups of all original VBIOS files
- Comfortable with reflashing and recovery
Additional note
When working on the VBIOS, Iām not sure if I may have been looking at the wrong sections.
I was not able to clearly identify LVDS-related tables or display initialization blocks, and the structure of the VBIOS makes it difficult to isolate the relevant parts.
Possible causes (not sure)
- Differences between G86 (8400 GS) and G96 (9600M GT) display initialization
- LVDS panel configuration or timing mismatch
- OEM-specific VBIOS or motherboard limitations
- Different LVDS wiring or output routing
Question
Has anyone:
- Successfully used a 9600M GT MXM in an AIO system like this?
- Found a compatible VBIOS that enables LVDS output on similar hardware?
- Seen similar incompatibilities when moving from G86 to G96?
Summary
- 8400 GS ā internal display works
- 9600M GT ā external only
- System boots fine
- Issue = LVDS initialization / firmware incompatibility
Thanks in advance š





