Problem with Asus A7N8X

[Justorq]

Hi,
I'm trying to update the bios for my mobo in WinXP. After I have downloaded the file, the program (ASUS update) would freeze... and everytime I try to open a bios file that's in my computer, the program would tell me that it is unable to read the BIOS image...
anyway ... I have the 1001.G BIOS version...
What's the latest one available that's more stable?
And how do I get the program to work ?
Thx for the help
Justin

 

[Lord Evermore]

I personally wouldn't try updating my BIOS while Windows is running, just because I don't trust Windows. The fact that Asus Update is freezing would also make me leary of using it.

You can copy the BIOS file to a floppy drive, and during the POST screen, press Alt-F2 and you load a built-in version of the Award flash utility, which will read the floppy and flash the new version. No need for a bootable floppy, just make sure you write down the file name since you have to type it in.

As for why Asus Update is unable to read the image, you are extracting the bin file from the Zip file, right?

1001G is the latest official version, and it's been plenty stable for me (it's what came with the board). The main Asus site seems to have removed links to the beta versions.

nforcershq has a thread with some advice for this board. If you're having problems, flashing to 1001E might help you, but you should definitely make sure it's not some other issue first.

You aren't overclocking at all are you?

 

[SOSTrooper]

I think you have to dl [if the awdflash.exe or amiflash.exe (whatever they're named) arent included] the flash.exe files and then boot from a Win98/DOS floppy and then run the flash.exe 1009.bin (whatever the bin file is called) in DOS prompt and it'll flash the BIOS. You dont flash the BIOS in Windows, unless they actually came out with such a useful software. But the DOS prompt is the traditional method.

 

[Macro2]

There are a lot of bios problems with this motherboard. As you know. I have a G bios and it reads the cpu temp at 56-57...8 c higher than MBM reads the internal diode. Socket reads 38 C on MBM and on probe.
I've been on sites where people have RMAed boards for this. I'm hoping to fix it with a bios update or roll back.

Somethings wrong with this picture.
There are some beta bioses. Current one on their board is 1002.003.
http://www.asus.com/support/download/item.aspx?ModelName=A7N8X Deluxe

I hear there is a 1002.004 but i don't see it. People say the 1002.001 is better but that only comes from private sites.
I've also seen people rolling all the way back to 1001.C from the beta stuff.

This is a bunch of BS for a $150 motherboard.

 

[SOSTrooper]

I have the same board, but I havent gotten any problem with it yet. However I'm only running an 1800+ (not OC'ed) and GF2GTS with Samsung PC3200 256MB. I think I probably overspent on the board. I didnt need all the extra stuff. Still its a nice board, I guess I'm one of the few lucky ones.

 

[mechBgon]

Also, remember that the A7N8X and the A7N8X-Deluxe are two different motherboards. I see that some BIOSes are built to work with either board, and some are built for just one or the other, so make the distinction when picking one to put on floppy and flash with.

 

[Justorq]

I have the deluxe...
uh ... well I haven't overclocked yet, but everytime I try to boost the FSB by one MHz or the Multiplier by .5X the computer will freeze at the POST screen and the Voice thing will tell me something, but I can't quite figure it out

Do you people know what this is about ?
Thx for the help
Justin

 

[Justorq]

Bump... I really wanna overclock .... but the BIOS is just too damn unstable!!!!!!!!!!!!!
which BIOS should I take ?
Thx
Justin

 

[chizow]

1002.001

Bump the link if you use it.

Its the most stable and OC'able BIOS I've tried by far, and I think I've tried em all

Also, there is actually a patch just to get AsusUpdate to work Pull it down from Asus' site. Don't try to update from the internet or ftp sites or open your existing image.

Just download that BIOS, extract it to a folder. Run AsusUpdate, choose flash from file location or something to that end, point to the folder where your BIOS image is. It'll then ask you to type in the ROM image you want to load and type in : 1002.001. I've flashed from Windows 4 or 5 times and found it completely stable, and much more assuring than the dark black confines of DOS :Q

Chiz

 

[Justorq]

Thx man .... I appreciate the help...
Ill use it when I go home tonight ... I'll keep you informed on what happens ...
Thx
Justin

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: Justorq
Thx man .... I appreciate the help...
Ill use it when I go home tonight ... I'll keep you informed on what happens ...
Thx
Justin

Hehe np, plus you can keep my instructions open or even PM me while you're goin thru the process

Chiz

 

[Justorq]

Thx for your help chiz, the 1002.001 BIOS actually worked out for me... the only problem is that my BIOS seems to think that the default voltage of my processor is 1.53V, which apparently is too low. wtvr, I just changed the voltage, but I thought it was worth mentionning. Also, this mobo is a awesome mobo with great capabilities and it was perfectly stable working at a very low voltage.
thx
Justin

PS : That radeon 9500PRO is really great for the price i paid ... it's a lot faster than i thought it would be and I had no issues none whatsoever installing the latest drivers.