s939 Single to X2 on MSI MB

[21stHermit]

I have MSI K8T Neo2-F MB which currently has single core Athlon64 3000+. In order for it to use a X2 CPU, it needs a new BIOS, see this Link.

MSI has a Live Update which puts me at BIOS v3.3, not the X2 v9.4. I have a theory that Live Update will only give you v9.4 if you have a X2 installed. That trying to install v9.4 will not work with my old 3000+. Got a chicken/egg situation here, how do I get Live Update to install the correct BIOS if I can't boot? Or can I?

I downloaded the correct BIOS v9.4, but the instructions were missing a step, went from 5 to 7, no step 6. I tried WinFlash and it said I didn't have a Award bios. Tried AMIFlash and it said I couldn't use it on my MB.

HELP!!!!

Thanks
Hermit

 

[Cybercraig]

I think Live Update gives you the most current version. I did it with a 939-Neo Platinum to get it to see an Opty. I got version 1D which works with a lot of MSI boards. If you can't get the Bios you want ping Tech Support.

 

[21stHermit]

Turns out Live Update is worthless in this case, I needed v9.4, LU only would install v3.3 (single core). Therefore I had to do a manual install from MS-DOS.

This is another one of those "its easy once you've done it" tasks.

I ended up using MSI tech support, they attached a different BIOS install instructions, which were excellent. BTW, Very impressed with MSI TS. Did this Sat and Sun, typically had a reply in an hour. The Taiwan english was always a bit off, but understandable.

All one needs is the PC running is DOS, from a floppy in my case. Then in the BIOS zip file were two parts:
1. A BIOS utlility.exe
2. The BIOS "data set"
Then this simple DOS command A:utility.exe dataset

It took about 5-min for the utility to erase, write and verify the BIOS.
DONE!!!

The included instructions were so wordy and missing a step, I was never able to grasp this simple concept.

Thanks
Hermit

 

[cptCuervo]

Glad you got it sorted out. I did the same update but I have had great success with their live update feature.

The upgrade will be well worth it. I put in an X2 to replace my 3200+ and have been very happy.