Advice needed for updating BIOS for Abit AB9 QuadGT

[Zerhyn]

I decided to upgrade my dad's computer hard drive. We built the computer about 5 years ago and it is starting to get sluggish. So I bought him an Intel 330 240 SSD.

Before attempting to install Windows 8 Pro, I am curious if I should update the BIOS. It appears there have been many updates. (He's using Vista, and I think he'll be fine with Windows 8 after I install Classic Start Menu).

Abit's driver downloads are dead. This site appears to have all of them.

http://www.lejabeach.com/ABIT/AB9QuadGT/

I think the BIOS version currently on the motherboard is one of the first two. Can I jump to the latest one? I want to update for the fixed AHCI support.

I have also never updated a BIOS through MS-DOS, which appears necessary. What is the best way to go about this?

http://blogs.technet.com/b/csstwpla...create-a-ms-dos-bootable-usb-flash-drive.aspx

Is something like this appropriate?

System:
Current OS: Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Abit AB9 QuadGT (Intel965+ICH8) BIOS v 1.10, 7/18/2007
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield, Socket 775 LGA
XFX 8800 GTS
4 GB Ram PC-5300 (333 MHz)
Thermaltake TR2-550 (550W)

Thank you in advance for any guidance.

Cheers,
Daniel

 

[denis280]

Give all system spec.

 

[Zerhyn]

Current OS: Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Abit AB9 QuadGT (Intel965+ICH8) BIOS v 1.10, 7/18/2007
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield, Socket 775 LGA
XFX 8800 GTS
4 GB Ram PC-5300 (333 MHz)
Thermaltake TR2-550 (550W)

That is pretty much all that is in the case...

 

[Zerhyn]

Right now I am thinking making a bootable USB hard drive, as instructed here...

http://www.theraptorpit.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2628-abit-bios-flashing-guide-step-by-step/

and then installing following the readme instructions in the BIOS

********************************* NOTE *********************************
1. How to upgrade BIOS:

a. Create a MS-DOS startup disk.
b. Extract all files in the operation system.
c. Copy the files to startup disk.
d. Boot into MS-DOS.
e. Run "runme.bat"

*** Please notice that we suggest you flashing the bios with switches

"/py /sn /cd /cp /cc /cks /R" or by "runme.bat".

2. For more detail, please visit:

http://www.abit.com.tw/page/en/download/guide.php

3. After BIOS updated, pull off the power cord and then clear the CMOS data
via jumper before restarting system please.

 

[Smoove910]

Is there any particular reason why you feel you need to update the BIOS? I've always used the mentality of "If it isn't broke, why fix it"...

 

[Zerhyn]

I think AHCI is not properly supported. Though, I might just try and install and see how it goes.

 

[tcsenter]

Might as well, he's going to clean install Windows. BIOS updating isn't the risk that it once was and he can always buy a replacement chip programmed with the latest BIOS for about $15 shipped if something goes wrong. It would be good to have the latest AHCI option ROM support available for SSD.

 

[Zerhyn]

I guess I just wanted to make sure I am doing it right before I attempt a flash.

I set up a USB stick with the 'HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool', made it bootable, and then put the latest BIOS (v 1.17). So, I guess my question is. Is it ok to jump from v1.10 to v1.17?

Thanks!

 

[tcsenter]

Should be fine!

 

[Zerhyn]

And it worked. I mostly needed encouragement, or someone else to blame than myself!

Have a happy holidays and thank you for the assistance.

Cheers,
Daniel

 

[tcsenter]

Abit's driver downloads are dead.

Here are the latest drivers for all your motherboard devices:

Intel Chipset INF Update Utility

Intel Rapid Storage Technology (AHCI/RAID)

JMicron JMB36X SATA Controller

Realtek GbE LAN

Realtek HD Audio

 

[steelodon]

I just got this motherboard!!! Glad I found this thread.