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Hello Dave
I am replacing Pentium 200MMX with K6-2 500 Mhz. on an ASUS SP97v rev.1.02. So, I have to flash my BIOS for the first time in my life.
Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the flash utility 'Aflash' downloaded from ASUS.com was corrupted. What I found was similar to what ArcticWolf found as the following (except the details of m/b model and BIOS version):"FLASH MEMORY:UNKNOWN
BIOS VERSION
[ CURRENT ] ASUS P2L97 ACPI BIOS Revision 1002[ LX2I1009.awd ] ASUS P2L97 ACPI BIOS Revison 1009
---------------
BIOS MODEL[ CURRENT ] <P2L97>
[ LX2I1009.awd ] <P2L97>
---------------
Date of BIOS[ CURRENT ] 06/20/98
[ LX2I1009.awd] 10/26/99
Check sum of LX2I1009.awd is 9328
---------------
ERROR -- FLASH MEMORY UNKNOWN
At this point the computer just locks up."I should have noticed the first line saying that 'FLASH MEMORY UNKNOWN'. But out of inexperience I walked the BIOS flashing steps until I hit the lock-up problem as ArcticWolf.
After searching and reading the same problem in here, I tried downloading Aflash.exe from DriverGuide.com as you suggested ArcticWolf. I found that the size of the new file was bigger than the one I got from ASUS.com. Then I realized that the nightmare you talked about downloading file from ASUS.com is for real.
I hit the lock-up before midnight and downloaded the Aflash utility at 3.00 o'clock in the morning. But should I power down my computer? Or push the reset button?
I heard a lot about not to do that during BIOS flashing or facing disaster. What should I do?And how can I know that the new Aflash file I got from DriverGuide.com is a complete one?
Please help me out.
banphotu
I doubt any damage has been done. It sounds like it stopped before it attempted the flash.
Asus has several version of aflash.exe. I just sent the one I used on my P5A-B. It should work.
If it doesn't, make sure you have the correct .awd file. You may need to download it again.
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Thank you very much Dave
I hope you are right that I didn't ruin my m/b. Now I am at my office. Before I left my computer at home I did power it off for fear that the new CPU might cause any unexpected and even bigger damage than my m/b (could it overheat and caught fire?). Please do not laugh! I know that it's only K6-2 500Mhz. but my computer knowledge is not quite strong. I will search more about the flashing process to reduce the stress cause by my ignorance. By the way, if you could guide me to some sources or website about the matter, I will appreciate that.I will try flashing and upgrading my BIOS again this evening and will report the result back here.
I have to thank you again for your kindness. You not only give careful answer to us but also extend your help further than we could hope for. Your flash file sent to my email proves that well.
May the force be with you!
Banphotu
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As far as I know, your board will not support the K6-2/500. Since it only supports up to 75MHz FSB, even if you use the "2.0x multiplier as 6.0x" trick, the best you're gonna do is 450MHz (6 x 75). Make sure you've configured all the jumpers correctly, especially the CPU voltage. The 200MMX runs at 2.8v...the K6-2 runs at 2.2v. If you run the K6-2 for any length of time at 2.8v, you'll fry it. It looks like your only voltage choice lower than 2.8v is 2.1v...the K6-2 "should" run OK at this lower voltage setting. If you don't already have a copy of the manual, go to Asus & download it.
http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?Type=All&model=SP97-V
And be sure to read the FAQs:
http://support.asus.com/faq/faq.aspx?SLanguage=en-us&model=SP97-V
ASUS A7N8X-X
Athlon XP 1800+
8.5 x 200MHz
1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7
Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro SP1
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I used to do this with specifically with asus p5a's and p5a-b's but not this one. the p5's supported up to 550. you might have to use a power leap adapter to do it on this board. did someone you know do this or tell you to?
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Hello all
I search in the internet and found that someone upgraded their CPUs on the ASUS SP97-V. The latest I found posted here:
http://groups.google.co.th/group/alt.certification.a-plus/msg/5c722695e2e4b059?output=gplainWanted to use what I got to the best it can do and I only use computer to do office jobs and surf the internet, I tried this route. A few days ago I bought a K6-2 500Mhz. from an augtion website in Thailand, www.pramool.com, at 215 Thai baht(around 5 US$!).
Yesterday evening I went back home with a copy of Aflash downloaded from ASUS.com and another copy offered by Dave. I was so glad to see my computer was in good shape after power on. Then, following what suggested in another thread, I set to BIOS default setting, created a 'BIOS' folder in windows c:\, copy Aflash.exe and BIOS patched version 0109v_j2 to that folder. Rebooted, pushed 'F8' before entering Windows and then selected the last alternative 'Save mode with c prompt only', at c:\ I typed 'cd bios'(without quote) and hit 'enter' key. At 'c:\bios' I typed 'aflash', hit 'enter'.
This time I did not see 'FLASH MEMORY: UNKNOWN' like when I use the corrupted Aflash file. It said 'FLASH MEMMORY: XXXXXX' (sorry, I do not remember them).
After saving the current bios version, I entered the new bios path and file name when asked 'c:\bios\0109v_j2'. And I flashed bios successfully for the first time in my life! All this took only about 10 minutes.
Then I opened the hood and set jumpers as follows:
FS0 Pins 2-3 Jumpered
FS1 Pins 1-2 Jumpered
FS2 Pins 1-2 Jumpered
FS3 Pins 2-3 Jumpered (Async).
And then set multiplier to 5.5x as follows:
BF0 pins 1-2 Jumpered
BF1 Pins 1-2 Jumpered
BF2 Pins 2-3 Jumpered.
After rebooted, I saw AMD K6-2 450 Mhz. on screen!
My huge heatzinc, formerly used for Thunderbird, is too hard to remove so that I could not change BS0 jumper to 2-3 to have 6.0x multiplier. Next time I will try to remove the heatzinc and make the change to get 6.0x to reach 498Mhz.Thank you everyone for your care.
banphotu
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We're glad you got it flashed. I'm not sure about the way you've got the cpu configured. It may shorten the lifespan of either the cpu or motherboard. If it starts acting odd you may want to slow it down.
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Thank you Dave.
You have done a lot of good services. You last post is a perfect close to my current upgrading experience.
I will take care of my computing with this machine and keep learning.Thank you again.
banphotu
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The undocumented 83MHz FSB setting will probably cause the PCI bus to run at 41.5MHz, which is way outta spec. This may cause problems with your sound, modem, video, or any other PCI cards. It may also cause data corruption on your HDD & problems with your optical drives. Your RAM may also have problems running at this speed. If you experience any of these problems, drop the FSB to 75MHz & be content at a stable 450MHz.
ASUS A7N8X-X
Athlon XP 1800+
8.5 x 200MHz
1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7
Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro SP1
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Jam is correct, the high PCI bus could cause a problem. But it probably won't. I've run many motherboards at that speed with no problems. I just added a new one to the list, an Asus P2L97. It's running a Coppermine Celeron 600 at 750 (9x83) flawlessly.
Here is a link to a patched BIOS for your motherboard that supports the K6-2+ mobile CPUs, better support for the standard K6-2, and up 128 gigabyte harddrives.
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I am attempting to do a similar upgrade, (P233MMX to AMD K6-2 on a SP97-V mobo). Since this is my first attempt at something like this I could you a bit of guidance.
Firstly, when do I flash the BIOS, before or after changing the CPU?
Also, the jumper settings referred to by Banphotu have got me completly confused, is there an undocumented 83Mhz clock speed?
and for a multipler of 6 I take it I set it to a multiplier of 2, but the manual does n't clarify what jumper setting relates to what CPU type, i.e. it lists CPU A, CPU B, etc but does 't explain what these are.John G
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You need the flasher program and the bios update file. Generally you can put a blank floppy disk in a:, go to START--RUN and type in sys a: to transfer the basic boot files to the disk. Then copy the flasher program and the update files to the disk also.
Then boot up the computer with the bootdisk. At the a:\> prompt type in the name of the flasher program--aflash for example to start the procedure. Then follow the on-screen instructions.
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Thank you for that Dave. I'm assuming I do this before swapping the CPU? In regard to the jumpers, the BUS Frequency selection ( to get 66Mhz) seems straightforward i.e.
FS0 Pins 2-3 Jumpered
FS1 Pins 1-2 Jumpered
FS2 Pins 2-3 Jumpered
FS3 Pins 1-2 Jumperedits getting the multiplier to 2(6) that I can't figure out, seeing there seems to be more than one combination of jumpers to get 2 depending on the processor. Any tips?
John G
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The FSx jumpers set the FSB frequency. Think of it as the speed the board is running at. The link in #5 above uses an undocumented speed of 82.5 mhz. Undocumented means the board can achieve that speed but it wasn't tested at the speed so the info doesn't appear in the ASUS manual and they can't guarantee you won't have problems when using it.
The jumpers you show are for 66 mhz. You wouldn't use that setting unless the cpu is slower than 266 mhz.
The BFx jumpers are multipliers. They multiply whatever the FSB is up to the processor speed is. In their example, the multiplier was 6 so the cpu speed was 495 mhz (6 x 82.5).
There's also the voltage select jumpers--VID0, VID1, VID2. The recommended voltage should be printed on the top of the cpu.
What is the speed of the K6 you intend to use? It's printed on top of the cpu also.
It probably won't matter if you do the bios update before or after you install the new cpu. But the speed may not show correctly on the posting screen until you do the update.
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I was intending to get a 450mhz AMD K6-2 (don't have it yet but they seem readily available on e-bay) and a suitable heatsink and fan, mmmm... guess I should be setting it for 75mhz x 6. Thanks for that! I take it a voltage setting of 2.1v should be OK, I seem to have picked up from various posts on the net that most of these chips are 2.2v (which is'nt available). Also I'm not too keen on going over 75mhz in case it causes problems with cards etc.
John G
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I looked up the link in #5 above and it seems to all the info I need. (sorry, should have read it first).
Thanks again Dave.
John G
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You're welcome. The K6-2 450 ideally runs at a 100 mhz FSB with a 4.5 multiplier. The closer you can get to that, the better. But there is the possibility the 82.5 mhz FSB may bump the PCI bus speed too high, as Jam mentioned. Or it may be the PCI bus is fixed at the correct 33 mhz. I don't know if there's any info available on that.
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