How do I edit the .rom file to add support for a new CPU?

[WoundedWallet]

How do I edit the .rom file to add support for a new CPU?

I found this utility (AMIBCP313.exe) that allows me to read and edit the rom file.

But I can't identify where the CPU information is.

Anyone who has done a BIOS mod, could you steer me in the right direction?

Here is a screen shot of the utility

 

[VirtualLarry]

You'll get a better response if you ask that question in the right forum.
Check out this forum, it's specifically for bios modding, and it's been around for years.

 

[ghost recon88]

What chip are you trying to add? And to what board?

 

[WoundedWallet]

Thanks again Larry. That forum seems to be the best source so far. But their posts are far in between.

I don't like to have an unsolved project for more than a few days otherwise they become months.

If it comes to that, I might as well chunk the board (ECS P4M800PRO-M) and buy a new one. I'm just trying to be thrifty because it is for a HTPC.

I got a low voltage Celeron 450, without checking if the mobo would take it. As it is the BIOS recognizes up to Celeron 440.

I sent an email to ECS begging for help. But I'm not staying up waiting for their response.

Apparently BIOS modding became a criminal trade, thanks to MS, and there is not a lot of new info about it anymore.

 

[Nafets]

I'm guessing you already tried running the Celeron 450 on the ECS board, and it didn't work?

I don't see why it wouldn't.

If the motherboard supports the other three Celeron 4xx processors (420, 430, and 440), then the 450 should work just fine.

All four are the same exact chips, just with different multipliers; A1 stepping, 06 PCG, and 10661h CPUID String.

MB manufacturers don't always put every CPU on the list in a series that is compatible with the motherboard.

Odd...

 

[vailr]

@Nafets:
he's probably worrying about possible damage to his "low voltage" CPU, if fed too high voltage.
@WoundedWallet:
The Rebel's Haven forum specializes in bios modding, with how-to info, etc.:
http://www.rebelshavenforum.com/sis-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

 

[ghost recon88]

1.) Install 450 in motherboard

2.) Power it up

3.) Go into BIOS and set voltage lower then what "auto" puts it at

4.) ???

5.) profit

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: ghost recon88
3.) Go into BIOS and set voltage lower then what "auto" puts it at

Unlikely that the ECS P4M800PRO-M can undervolt.

WoundedWallet, Have you actually tried it yet? Motherboards set voltage depending on what the CPU tells it, so unless there is something vastly different the chip should still work.

 

[WoundedWallet]

Thank you all. I hadn't tried the 450 yet till your suggestions. So I went ahead to update to the latest BIOS that supported the 440.

Then I remembered why I had stopped using this board to begin with. The keyboard PS2 port doesn't work. And I couldn't get any USB port to power up another keyboard. I even tried an addon USB card as last measure. But nothing got any keyboard to work. So I trashed it (what I should have done two years ago).

Now I'm looking at either a P5Q-EM, a GA-EG45M-UD2H or a GA-E7AUM-DS2H. But none of their sites show official support for the Celeron 450. Is that for real?

If any of you know for sure if any of these boards support the c450, please let me know.

I'm starting to regret buying the little thing. Maybe I'll save a lot of hassle by getting rid of it and getting a c440 instead.

BTW, ECS replied to my email telling me that "Whatever is listed on the website." Not surprised by their answer. Doesn't mean it's true either. But I won't be the one proving them wrong

 

[WoundedWallet]

Just an update to thank you guys again. I ended up buying a GA-E7AUM-DS2H as at least they show support for the other Celeron 400s. The worst it could happen is to not let me use the 11x multiplier, but then I would use the 10x which will make it a C440.

Besides on the Asus website, there is no board supporting either 430, 440 or 450. Very likely a mistake on their part but the Gigabyte board seems more likely to get it right. Besides I like the 9400 chipset better and it should be worth the extra five bucks.

Thank you all again. After all the hassle, I wouldn't have bought the Gigabyte without the information about the same string and encouragement that if the 440 works, the 450 should work as well.

WW

 

[WoundedWallet]

In case this question comes up again, yes, the celeron 450 was recognized fine by the GA-E7AUM-DS2H BIOS. Even though it is not listed as supported.

Sometimes, brakes happen!