Location of BIOS Chip on ASUS Maximus Forumula

[Computer Guru]

Hi,

The idiots that wrote the ASUS Update utility failed to mention that it doesn't actually run on x64 versions of Windows (and, yes, I'm also an idiot for flashing the BIOS on a mobo from anything other than a DOS or BIOS interface) and as a result I managed to clear the BIOS chip on my shiny, brand-new ASUS Maximus Formula.

At any rate, I cannot RMA because I had a friend buy me the board from the USA and ship it to me overseas, it'll cost more than it's worth to ship it back to the USA and then pay for shipping back to me.

I'd like to reprogram the BIOS chip, the needed hardware interfaces are available at my university (I'm a computer engineering major) and I'm pretty confident I could get it all to work - however, I haven't a clue which chip it is on the board.

Can anyone show/tell me where the BIOS chip for the ASUS Maximus Formula is located?
(I realize it is soldered on, that shouldn't be a problem)


Better yet - I see that the ASUS Maximus has an SPI header on the board - can it be used to reprogram the BIOS chip without removing it?

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I'm using a X38-DQ6 now - thank God Gigabyte has the presence of mind to add a backup BIOS chip on a *extreme* made-for-overclocking board.....


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Many thanks!

 

[NoelS]

Computer Guru,

First, welcome to the forum!

Next, I assume you didn't get a copy of the manual with your mobo... It should show the BIOS chip location. Go to ASUS web site and download a copy of the manual, should be available to anyone.

I can't give you advice on the ASUS Maximus Formula specifically, but I think ASUS Tech Support can help you there, their tele is 1-812-282-2787, touch3 (US number) In your case, you may need to replace the BIOS chip (if indeed there is one on that board - some new boards don't have them). But they are inexpensive and ASUS will send you one if you need it and they will tell you where it is on the board.

Good luck,

Noel

 

[NoelS]

Computer Guru,

Here's a better answer for you. I just downloaded a copy of the manual and the BIOS chip is at the bottom of the board just inboard of the first PCI slot, sort of between the ends of the PCI slot and the bottom PCI-E slot. I also talked to ASUS Tech Support and they don't know if it's removable or not. If it looks like it is to you, you can call them and they will send you a replacement chip.

Also Tech Support said that there may be overseas ASUS facilities that you could use for RMA, so if you want to RMA, call their RMA department and ask them about options. The board is in warranty for 3 years, I believe, so you should be good there also.

Good luck again,

Noel

 

[Computer Guru]

Wow, thank you for your very considerate and helpful replies!

I think it's the tiny IC directly above the SPI header (makes sense to be close) right about where you pointed it out. It's about 0.5cmX0.7cm or so, and has 2x4 pins....

(I'm ashamed to say I actually do have the manual, but I somehow missed that chip!)

It should be removable (with care), it's a surface-mount IC like this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O2UEGLJeAI

There are no authorized ASUS retailers or repair centers in my country, if it's a matter of sending it out to ASUS I'd probably have to send it to Germany or something... I just don't want to have to deal with the import tax all over again (they don't understand the concept of used parts or already paid )

I'll be calling them now, thanks for the number and all your help.

 

[NoelS]

You're welcome! That's the chip... Hope you get it worked out. Noel