What Is a DMA Card? The Complete Guide to Direct Memory Access Boards
How DMA Cards Actually Work
A DMA card is a PCIe device that reads your computer’s memory directly, without going through the operating system or CPU. Instead of relying on software hooks or kernel drivers, a DMA card accesses the RAM over the PCIe bus. This is why it’s so powerful — even kernel-level protection mechanisms can’t see what the DMA card is doing.
The magic is in the FPGA chip on the DMA card. It is reprogrammable and can use a wide variety of firmware and emulation methods. The best FPGA chips are the 75T and 100T — the 35T can’t handle the same level of complexity in its firmwares. Your secondary computer sends commands to the DMA card over USB, and the FPGA executes them on your main computer.
This separation ensures that any software you run on the secondary computer can’t be found by protection mechanisms on the main computer. Using high-quality firmware and read-only mode in your softwares, you achieve maximum safety.
FPGA Chips: The Brains of the Card
Not all DMA cards are equal. The FPGA chip determines speed, memory access range, and what custom firmware you can run. DMA cards typically use Xilinx FPGAs from the Artix-7 series. Here’s what you need to know about the common options:
| FPGA Model | Logic Cells | Best For | Typical Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| XC7A35T | 33,280 | Entry level, basic emulated firmware | Budget |
| XC7A75T | 75,900 | Higher speed, higher complexity firmware | Standard |
| XC7A100T | 102,400 | Best speed, most storage for advanced firmware | Premium |
The bigger the FPGA, the more complex firmware you can deploy. The 75T and 100T can support much higher complexity firmware than the 35T. If you’re planning to run custom emulated firmware, opt for a 75T or 100T.
Form Factors: PCIe, M.2, and USB
DMA cards come in three main formats, and your choice depends on your PC’s available slots.
Full-Height PCIe is the standard. Your card plugs into an x1, x4, or x16 slot on the motherboard. Most setups use this because almost everyone has these PCIe slots.
M.2 form factor is the space-saver. It comes close to the performance of the full-height cards, but is suited for people with restricted space, like in a laptop. The CaptainDMA M.2 Card is a solid example.
USB / Thunderbolt systems exist but are rare and less reliable. Skip these unless you have no other option.
FAQ
Can I use a DMA card on any PC?
Your main PC needs an available PCIe or M.2 slot. Most desktops have these, but some laptops don’t. Check your motherboard manual or open the case before buying.
Do DMA cards work with modern anti-cheats?
DMA cards bypass OS-level detection, but some anti-cheats may detect the card’s presence via their kernel drivers scanning heuristics. This is where high-quality emulated firmware comes in — it will make the DMA card appear as a normal device like a network adapter.
What’s the difference between CaptainDMA and other brands?
CaptainDMA cards use proven Xilinx FPGAs with well-documented specifications. They’re reliable, widely supported in the community, and available in multiple form factors. Other brands vary in quality and support.
How much bandwidth do I actually get?
An optimal setup with a 75T can yield up to 300 MB/s. Real-world throughput depends on firmware and USB connection and typically reaches 150 to 200 MB/s. That is more than enough power even for games with tons of data and entities to read.
Do I need custom firmware or can I use stock?
Stock firmware just handles basic memory reads and writes — you should only use it for testing purposes or for games with no anti-cheat. Enthusiasts will want custom emulated firmware, which is where FPGA specification matters more. The 75T and 100T can support much higher complexity firmware. DepShop also stocks custom DMA firmware for BE/EAC/ACE bypass.
Where can I get help setting up?
Join the DepShop Discord community at deprimereshop.com/discord. There’s active discussion about DMA setups, firmware options, and more. The community is helpful and knowledgeable.
DMA Cheats by Game
Once your DMA card is running, you’ll need game-compatible cheat software. DepShop carries DMA-based cheats for popular titles — including Escape from Tarkov DMA cheats and Arc Raiders DMA cheats. DepShop also stocks custom DMA firmware for BE/EAC/ACE bypass. If you’re also planning a two-PC setup with a fuser, see the DMA Fuser Guide for hardware pairing options.