# DMA Setup Guide

## Setup Guide

{% hint style="info" %}
Do **not** skip steps. Our products are **only** compatible with official builds of Windows 10 & 11. If you need to reinstall Windows, see [clean-windows-install](https://docs.dexa.im/learn/resources/windows-10-and-11-guides/clean-windows-install "mention")
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
We refer to the PC you will play the game on with the DMA card installed as the **GAMING PC**. The PC running DMA cheats, exploits, etc. will be referred to as the **DMA PC**.
{% endhint %}

## On **BOTH PCs**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Prepare Windows

* Sync the PC's [date and time](ms-settings:dateandtime)
* Update video card (GPU) drivers:
  * [NVIDIA drivers](https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/drivers/) or [AMD drivers](https://www.amd.com/en/support/download/drivers.html)
* Download & install:
  * Microsoft [Visual C++ Redistributables](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170#latest-microsoft-visual-c-redistributable-version)
  * Microsoft [.NET framework](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download) (latest) & [.NET framework](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet-framework/thank-you/net481-web-installer) (v4.8.1)
  * Microsoft [DirectX End-User Runtimes](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35)
  * Microsoft [WebView2](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=2124703)
  * RARLAB [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/download.html)
    {% endstep %}
    {% endstepper %}

## On the **DMA PC**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Disable Security Settings

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2FKi5OMjV2PmT5lImyICqw%2F0222%20(1).mp4?alt=media&token=c2104b5e-a74d-4ce0-892b-e698f0b1f9fd>" %}
Disable security settings, including real-time protection, tamper protection, and memory integrity.
{% endembed %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Disable Windows Defender

Using Sordum Defender Control:

* click `Disable Windows Defender`

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-643014c8ed14434f31ef14e972c78d4f40958158%2Fwindows_defender_is_turned_off.png?alt=media" alt="" width="275"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If the link below does not work, download from the [**official site here.**](https://www.sordum.org/9480/defender-control-v2-1/)
{% endhint %}

{% file src="<https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-57dfd52fb61084aa4c95103c824dd1f7c05cc113%2FDCONTROL.zip?alt=media>" %}
Sordum Defender Control
{% endfile %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Prepare Windows

Download & install:

* FTDI [chip driver](https://ftdichip.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WU_Driver_Installers.7z)
* WCH [CH341 driver](https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH341PAR_EXE.html)
* WCH [CH343 driver](https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH343SER_EXE.html)
* Kilmu [DMA Tool](https://github.com/kilmu1337/DMA-Tool/releases/)
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

## On the **GAMING PC**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Enter BIOS

* Press Start -> type `cmd` -> type `shutdown /r /fw` press `ENTER`
  * This reboots the PC into BIOS; if it does not, choose `UEFI Firmware Settings`

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c0b5c52eaf7396517ae0614ed3f935513d5d6f10%2Fuefi-firmware-settings-advanced-options-startup.jpg?alt=media" alt="" width="300"><figcaption><p>Choose the UEFI Firmware Settings option.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Disable Virtualization, IOMMU, etc.

If available, use the **search feature** in BIOS to locate the following options and **disable them:**

* **Intel CPUs:** `Intel Virtualization`, `Intel VT-X`, `VMX`, `VT-d`, `IOMMU`
* **AMD CPUs:** `SVM mode`, `AMD-V`, `IOMMU`
* **EITHER CPUs:** `NX-Bit` or `Execute Disable Bit`

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-9269e8f65e86daaa4b280dedaa2cd2ea05ca53d9%2Fintel-virtualization-technology.png?alt=media" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Example of the ASUS BIOS.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save Changes

Save changes and exit/reboot the PC. Usually, press `F10` to do this.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Disable Core Isolation

* Disable [memory integrity](windowsdefender://coreisolation/) (Windows Security -> device security -> core isolation)
* Shutdown the PC

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-38eb472471bd20a308e77106711a32e2991bfee7%2FApplicationFrameHost_7V6ehZqtno.png?alt=media" alt="" width="482"><figcaption><p>Toggle OFF memory integrity.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Install the DMA card

* Unplug the power cable from the PC
* Wait 60 seconds
* Press and/or hold the power button on the PC to ensure all power is drained from the PC and no LEDs remain lit

{% hint style="warning" %}
**This process is known as a** [**power drain or flea power drain**](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]**.** Take note; you will frequently need to do this as a first troubleshooting step if you have issues with your DMA card not connecting in the future. For more info, see [#flea-power-drain-cold-boot](https://docs.dexa.im/dma/troubleshooting#flea-power-drain-cold-boot "mention")
{% endhint %}

* Install the DMA card into any available PCI express slot on the motherboard

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2Fthky4Ycbk6zEMhXxYyTi%2Fwhat-are-pcie-slots-pc1597871547581324.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3f3964a6-8a3c-4d4c-9b7d-261c6be38616" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Ensure you have secured the card to the PC's chassis with a screw fastened into the PCI bracket
* Ensure the DMA card's kill switch (power switch) is ON

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Never** switch ON/OFF the kill switch while the PC is powered ON.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2FgKML0hJxko3mdwrggA3D%2F75T20231020.5.png.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6c78b8c2-5081-4716-8af0-a68f0d8e4a47" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect the DMA cable

* use the included USB-C data cable to connect the `DATA` port on the DMA card

{% hint style="info" %}
If the DMA card is not labeled, the `DATA` port is the port furthest from the PCB pins (top port).
{% endhint %}

* connect the other end to the DMA PC's available Thunderbolt or USB 3.2 port
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

## On **BOTH PCs**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Reboot the DMA PC

* Wait for the PC to finish rebooting into Windows
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Power ON the GAMING PC

{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## On the DMA PC

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Verify the DMA card

* Press the <kbd>Windows Key</kbd>
* Type `device manager`
* Under Universal Serial Bus controllers, a device named `FTDI FT601 USB 3.0 Bridge Device` should be installed

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2F5EAoQOeq2U6jxB93xNqo%2Fanydesk00003.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c35d2450-f921-4275-adc0-5a72c69b99f0" alt=""><figcaption><p>Sucessful DMA card installation &#x26; Windows validation.</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you see `FTDI SuperSpeed-FIFO Bridge` with a <kbd>yellow exclamation point icon</kbd> listed in device manager, the card is not validated. See [#ftdi-superspeed-fifo-bridge](https://docs.dexa.im/dma/troubleshooting#ftdi-superspeed-fifo-bridge "mention")
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## On the **GAMING PC**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Power OFF the GAMING PC

* Perform a [#flea-power-drain-cold-boot](https://docs.dexa.im/dma/troubleshooting#flea-power-drain-cold-boot "mention")
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Move the USB cable

* move the USB-C data cable to the `JTAG` port on the DMA card

{% hint style="info" %}
If the DMA card is not labeled, the `JTAG` port is the port closest to the PCB pins (bottom port).
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Power ON the GAMING PC

{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## On the DMA PC

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Flash diagnostic/test firmware

{% hint style="danger" %}
**These are general instructions for installing firmware on a DMA card.** These instructions vary per DMA card manufacturer and may be outdated or inaccurate. If this does not work for you, please refer to your card's manufacturer for specific flashing installation guidance.
{% endhint %}

* Before flashing, ensure the USB-C cable is in the `JTAG` port of the DMA card
* Locate your card's manufacturer in [ufrisk's GitHub repository](https://github.com/ufrisk/pcileech-fpga/tree/master) and download the relevant firmware `.bin` file
  * for [CaptainDMA cards](https://github.com/ufrisk/pcileech-fpga/tree/master/CaptainDMA#firmware)
* Alternatively, you can use [ekknod's free firmware](https://ekknod.xyz/) as a test/diagnostic firmware
* Use Kilmu's DMA tool to flash firmware to the DMA card

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2FyzOXkWdpfXfiIsqJQ5MH%2Fkilmu%201.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0c6c6e52-27a6-49e2-b85e-6ddfb3b1c8a4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* click `Select File`
* choose the firmware `.bin` file you downloaded for your DMA card
* from the drop-down, select your DMA card type (T-Rating):
  * for 35T cards: `XC7A35T`
  * for 75T cards: `XC7A75T`
  * for 100T cards: `XC7A100T`
* click `Flash`

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2FStUdW3SxzeEjHWOy7YAh%2F1745335858664.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=4c3773d6-402f-465b-8163-7746aa2c8f40" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
Success! Your DMA card is flashed and ready to test.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Perform a speed test

* Using Kilmu's Speed Test option within the tool or using Lone's DMA [test tool](https://github.com/lone-dma/Lone-DMA-Test/releases/download/v3.2.21/github.lonedma.dmatest-win-Setup.exe), perform a speed test on the DMA card

{% hint style="success" %}
Success! You've validated the DMA card is installed, configured, and flashed correctly.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Move the USB cable

* Move the USB-C data cable to the `DATA` port on the DMA card

{% hint style="info" %}
If the DMA card is not labeled, the `DATA` port is the port furthest from the PCB pins (top port).
{% endhint %}

* Perform a [#flea-power-drain-cold-boot](https://docs.dexa.im/dma/troubleshooting#flea-power-drain-cold-boot "mention") on BOTH PCs
  * verify once more using a DMA test tool that the DMA card is connected and passes speed/throughput tests
    {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Optional: Pull the DMA card's DNA ID

If you plan to install custom firmware, you will need to know the DMA card's DNA ID.

<figure><img src="https://3661827449-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKDcbGlPDCQPYsgmPubxI%2Fuploads%2Flf12SxwT31nyPQXa9Zrk%2Fdna%20id.png?alt=media&#x26;token=28e100f6-11cf-4dac-b43e-ac8f6175e18d" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* click `DNA ID Retrieval`
* select `CH347` from the drop-down
* click `Retrieve DNA ID`

{% hint style="info" %}
**Some firmware developers may request the full output of the DNA ID retrieval.** You can save this output in a text document for later. This DNA ID will never change.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Optional: Flash custom firmware

If you plan to install custom firmware, simply follow the flashing steps again (step 1 above), utilizing the custom-made firmware `.bin` delivered from a firmware developer. You can purchase custom firmware directly from DEXAIM:
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% embed url="<https://dexaimdma.com/products/akqmx9d>" %}
Shop our custom 1:1 fully emulated firmware for EAC, BE, ACE, VGK and more.
{% endembed %}

## Completed

{% hint style="success" %}
Congrats! You've installed, configured, flashed, and validated your DMA card! You can now utilize DMA cheats!
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://dexaimdma.com/collections>" %}
Shop our full collection of quality DMA cheats for today's biggest titles.
{% endembed %}

[^1]: A Power Drain is a troubleshooting step that removes all static and residual electricity ("flea power") from the motherboard and components. Even when a PC is shut down and unplugged, capacitors on the motherboard and power supply can retain a charge for several minutes. This residual charge can keep certain hardware controllers (like the Embedded Controller or PCIe bus logic) in a "stuck" state, preventing them from resetting properly.