BIOS Flashes ...How safe is the program

[Blitzen]

Hi all,
I would like to flash my AW9D-MAX to v15 from v12 so i can slap a Quad core in there.

The program in Uguru to flash this is there .... i also used it to get to v12 when i first got the board a couple of months ago.

Unfortunately, i reading 'bad flash' stories in MANY places with this board at the moment.

Would you consider it OK to you this flash utility in Uguru and just use the 'one press update button'???

If the answer is no, can i ask why?

(Im ok with clearing CMOS afterwards and resetting selection in bios...its just the flash thing that concerns me).

Thanks

[ollie27]

I have allways used it with my last 3 abit borads and have never had a problem with it (have no floppy drive though). MY FP-IN9 has been flashed 3 times with it and no bad flashes.

[ABIT Sean]

The software itself its safe but it all depends on what programs are running in the background in windows.

I wouldn't use the one click update but rather the update from file. But if you are really concerned then the best way and the safest way is flashing the bios in DOS with floppy disk or USB stick.

[Lucio]

Gotta say, that it was a piece of cake to flash the BIOS via the software that I downloaded from the Abit global site on the F-I90HD, it didn't sovle the problem I was having but didn't even need to reset the CMOS chip

[DratUK]

I have used the flash menu on both the Quad and the Max, niether has caused an issue.

Your probably aware already but you need to disable the bootblock option in the setting in FlashMenu. This caused alot of flash failures.
As Sean has said download the file extract and update from file.

Clear any background progs that are running. Back up the current bios to floppy or USB flash drive.

If all goes wrong then Sean could get a reflash done or get a new chip. I have a Max bios chip just fro that occasion.

[BUFF]

also use the latest version (1.505 iirc).
Don't flash with an overclock or any other programmes running.
Do use update from file rather than 1-click.

You can of course flash in DOS using awdflash from a floppy, USB stick, CD etc.

[Meatbix]

I use update from file (one click update doesn't work anyway with beta bioses) and never had a problem. But as Buff said, reset to stock speeds and closer all other programs before doing it.

[danroyle]

i've only ever had one go bad and that was on a piece of sh** asus board all my abit ones have gone ok

just off to flash mine now so if this is my lasyt post for a while i have had my first failure

[danroyle]

had to say something had anervous moment when the whole pc locked up at writing dmi block fortunately a quick reset and then retried and all went well am now up to bios 14 on my fp-in9 sli and finally managed to get my 6400 over 3ghz on this board

[Ph0enix]

About the BIOS flash , I recently brought a AW9D-MAX which has the BIOS version 12 and I'm getting a Q6600 pretty soon with the G0Stepping. Wondering do I need to update the BIOS before I start?

[DratUK]

About the BIOS flash , I recently brought a AW9D-MAX which has the BIOS version 12 and I'm getting a Q6600 pretty soon with the G0Stepping. Wondering do I need to update the BIOS before I start?

It would be an idea to flash anyway. The TRFc function for memory timings was not available on bios previous to 1.3. This will add some stability to the mobo and RAM timings.

If you plan to use Vista then you will need bios 1.4
Fixed the issue that the system hangs during Vista installation, when using a Kentsfield CPU.

For info on bios 1.5

http://forum.abit-usa.com/showthread.php?t=124725

Some interesting feedback on 1.5.

I would use 1.4 and see how you go.

I have only just started using my AW9D Max after a short retirement so I am still on 1.3.

Blitzen has quiet a bit of eperience with this board so he may enlighten further.

Just checked the txt files for each of the bios from 1.3 to 1.5. You will need to flash to 1.3 as that adds support for Quad B3 revision.
ftp://ftp.abitshop.com/pub/bios/aw9d/

Link for ftp Abit AW9 bios revisions

[Ph0enix]

Thanks for the reply and the link , but one problem how would I update the BIOS if the Q6600 not compatible with the v12. I don't have any other 775 CPU

Now I'm also unsure to update the BIOS with... 14 vs 15

[Blitzen]

I believe Bios 14 had serious issues...its not even on the website anyomre.
The revisions jump from 13 to 15

Anyway......i will stay with 13 until i get the Quad core as i do not have ANY issues with this board and all runs perfectly.

[DratUK]

@Blitzen 1.3 will give you Kentsfield Quad CPU support and 1.4 is still on the FTP site.
What issues did you see with 1.4?

@Phe0nix Not sure on this but reading on the Abit forums the quickest option is to probably either send it to Sean at Abit UK and get them to flash it
See here

Or ask your original supplier to flash it. I know Scan will provide the service I think for around a tenner.

Failing all that I have a 1.3 bios chip and we can do a swap as I can flash your current chip with my E6600.

@ABIT Sean will 1.3 and above support the new GO stepping or are we best to go with 1.5

from txt bios 1.5

1. EIST and C1E Enable/ Disable function now work as intended.
2. Fixed an issue where the system sometimes hangs on POST code 2A.
3. Fixed an issue where the system may not boot when installing memory on DIMM3.
4. Enhanced overclocking ability with certain CPUs.
5. Fixed the issue that the system hangs during Vista installation, when using a Kentsfield CPU.
6. Enhanced compatibility with certain memories.
7. Support E6850 and E6750.
8. Support 1333 Strap.
9. Support DDR2-400
10. BIOS compiled date: 04/18/2007

How did you know it is bios 1.2?

[Ph0enix]

The motherboard was purchase on Ebay for £80, found out the version by asking him . But he couldn't flash the BIOS for me due to dismantling his rig, now this is where I'm stuck .

I've have already checked the post about replace or reprogramming the BIOS from Sean at Abit. But the cost would be the same as buying a replacement on Ebay (But listing seems to have ended thou). Just type in replacement Abit BIOS, to find out what I mean since I can't post links just yet.

I wonder what Abit Sean thinks is the best BIOS version......

I've update My System, so you all can check out what I'll be making soon

[DratUK]

The motherboard was purchase on Ebay for £80, found out the version by asking him . But he couldn't flash the BIOS for me due to dismantling his rig, now this is where I'm stuck .

I've have already checked the post about replace or reprogramming the BIOS from Sean at Abit. But the cost would be the same as buying a replacement on Ebay (But listing seems to have ended thou). Just type in replacement Abit BIOS, to find out what I mean since I can't post links just yet.

I wonder what Abit Sean thinks is the best BIOS version......

I've update My System, so you all can check out what I'll be making soon

I appreaciate where you stand now.
For the sake of £12 for a flash at least you have it done by the professionals
Nice system btw

Lets see what Sean can do for you on Monday.