Driver Exploit Unlocks 64GB VRAM on CMP 170HX Mining Cards
CabinetNational3461 · reddit · 2026-07-20
A Reddit user shared a hardcore mod for deploying local LLMs on NVIDIA CMP 170HX mining cards. These cards use the same GA100 chip and HBM2e memory as the A100, but originally had their VRAM artificially locked by NVIDIA firmware.
- Unlocking Principle: Without requiring physical soldering, the open-source tool cmpunlocker patches the Linux kernel driver, exploiting a vulnerability in the secure processor to reset the VRAM configuration. The 8GB version can be unlocked up to 64GB.
- Practical Limitations: The stability of the 64GB VRAM varies by card (some memory modules might be inherently defective). PCIe bandwidth is bottlenecked at Gen2 x4. It also lacks support for FP8/FP4, making its compute speed slower than an RTX 5090.
- Market Impact: Following the publication of this unlock method, the secondary market price for these mining cards skyrocketed from around $200 to anywhere between $400 and $3,000+.
Related event: Exploit Unlocks CMP 170HX Mining Card to 64GB VRAM(2 posts)→
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