DMA, DMA Cards, and DMA Cheats: Understanding Direct Memory Access in Gaming
26.06.2025What is DMA?
DMA (Direct Memory Access) is a technology that allows computer devices to transfer data directly to and from the system’s RAM without involving the central processing unit (CPU). This significantly speeds up data transfer and frees the CPU to handle other tasks.
For example, a DMA controller receives a command from the CPU and then independently transfers a block of data from one memory address to another without CPU intervention, optimizing overall system performance.
What is a DMA Card?
A DMA card is a hardware device typically connected to a computer via a PCIe slot that enables direct access to the computer’s memory, bypassing the CPU. In gaming, these cards are often used to read and modify game data directly, enabling cheats that are difficult for anti-cheat systems to detect.
DMA cards allow a second computer (often called a “radar PC”) to read the memory of the gaming PC, providing fast and secure cheat operation. To avoid detection by anti-cheat software, these cards often use custom firmware (CFW) that emulates other devices, reducing the chance of being identified.
DMA Card firmware what is it and why is it needed?
DMA card firmware is the process of updating or modifying the embedded software (firmware) of the card, which allows fixing bugs, adding new features, and improving compatibility with the system. Firmware is important for masking the DMA device from anti-cheat systems and ensuring the correct operation of the card in games or other applications.
Key points about DMA card firmware:
What is DMA card firmware?
It is the software that controls the operation of the card. Custom firmware allows disguising the device as another one to avoid detection by anti-cheat systems and to expand the card’s functionality.
Why is firmware needed?
Anti-cheat systems can detect DMA devices if they are not masked. Firmware helps hide the device, making it invisible to protection software and ensuring safe use of DMA.
What is needed for flashing firmware?
- A compatible computer with the required slots (PCIe, M.2, etc.)
- Windows 10 or 11 operating system
- Original or custom firmware
- Special flashing software
- Inserting the card into the flashing slot
Flashing process:
Usually involves preparing the card, connecting it to the PC, running specialized software, loading the required firmware file, and writing it to the card’s memory. It is important to follow instructions carefully to avoid errors and hardware damage.
Firmware specifics:
Some DMA card models (e.g., Lurker, Immortal, Lynx) do not support custom firmware, so it is recommended to choose cards that can be reflashed. It is also advised to avoid low-quality or "black market" models that poorly support firmware.
Risks:
Incorrect flashing can damage the card or even the motherboard, so experience or following trusted guides and using reliable firmware is crucial.
What is a DMA Cheat?
A DMA cheat is a hardware cheat that uses a DMA card to gain direct memory access. Unlike software cheats that run on the gaming PC and can be detected by anti-cheat systems, DMA cheats operate externally, reading game memory directly without leaving traces on the system.
Advantages of DMA cheats:
• No need to install drivers or software on the gaming PC.
• Operates at the hardware level, making it nearly invisible to most anti-cheat systems.
• Enables a wide range of cheat functions like aimbots, ESP, and more by accessing game memory directly.
However, advanced anti-cheat systems such as FACEIT and Vanguard may attempt to detect the presence of a DMA card inside the PC, so high-quality firmware and proper configuration are essential.
Conclusion
DMA is a technology that accelerates data exchange between devices and memory without involving the CPU. A DMA card is a specialized device that leverages this technology to read and modify a computer’s memory. A DMA cheat is a hardware cheat that uses a DMA card to stealthily and effectively manipulate game data, bypassing most anti-cheat protections.
For a deeper understanding, it’s recommended to explore diagrams of DMA controllers and real-world examples of hardware implementations to visualize how this technology works.
