Bios update

BIOS’s are tailored to specific motherboards. You need determine the make and model of the motherboard and go to the motherboard manufacture’s site. See our Article on identifying motherboards at http://duxcw.com/digest/Fromshop/mb/det.htm. If you have a name brand computer go to the computer manufacturer’s site. Larry

2. RE: Bios update
pmarko Dec-27-00 08:16 AM
In response to message 1

I forgot that part:
BIOS is:
09/17/96-i430VX-2A59GT19C-00
AWARD MODULAR BIOS v4.51PG
I`ve looked everywhere.
My mainboard has a problem with SDRAM so I think the problem is in BIOS (there is nothing about SDRAM).
When I put SDRAM in slot (32Mb) it recognizes only 8Mb.

3. RE: Bios update
lbyard Dec-27-00 04:42 PM
In response to message 2

The motherboard is a Soltek SL-52B2 or SL-52 D/E with the Intel VX chipset. It is quit old. I do not see a BIOS update for it on Soltek’s web site (http://www.soltek.com.tw/English/eng_main.htm). The problem you are having is not one that a BIOS upgrade will usually fix. It could be bad memory or a configuration problem. The motherboard book is available in .pdf format for download on Soltek’s site. Larry

4. RE: Bios update
pmarko Dec-28-00 07:44 AM
In response to message 3

The motherboard is (as I found) Fentech KBT5A-2.
KBT5A-2 is written on motherboard.
SDRAM that I have works very well. My motherboard
has only few jumpers but I think that they are not for setting u memory (I THINK).
What is the web site of KBT5A-2?
I tried through ALTAVISTA but didn`t find.

5. RE: Bios update
lbyard Dec-28-00 09:43 PM
In response to message 4

Ooops, I read the wrong line on Wim’s BIOS page (http://www.ping.be/bios/index.html?http://www.ping.be/bios/numbers.shtml)… Sorry, but I cannot find Fentech’s web site (don’t believe they have one) or the jumper settings. You might want to hunt for a similar board on PCChip’s web site (http://www.pcchips.com/). They are the only other manufacturer that I have seen first hand that used the VX Pro chipset. I would hunt for you except their web site is terribly slow. If you pump 2A59GT19C-00 into Google (http://www.google.com/) you will find some info, but I didn’t see anything that was useful. Larry

8. RE: Bios update
pmarko Dec-30-00 10:59 AM
In response to message 5

I`ve solved the problem.
This is the article from Intels site:
Abstract: This document describes why 430VX does not support x4 SDRAM configuration.

Problem: There have been questions regarding 430VX chipsets working with 4M x4 SDRAMs.

Solution: The SDRAMs, due to their synchronous nature, put extra pressure on meeting timing specifications. Specifically at 66MHz (15ns clock period), the clock skew and Hclk signal integrity become major issues. Consequently, it is purely a loading/timing reason why we cannot support x4 SDRAMs. We do support x8 or x16 SDRAMs because now loading is halved.
Future chipsets are heading for higher speeds and will be even harder to meet the timings. In summary, 430VX can drive 8 loads per row. This sets our lower limit at x8.

* Legal Information and Privacy Policy © 2000 Intel Corporation
I changed my memory (which had only 4 chips) for SDRAM with 16 chips and it works well.
Thanks for your time...

9. RE: Bios update
lbyard Dec-30-00 04:50 PM
In response to message 8

Thanks for letting us know what the problem was. One is never too old to learn something new in this business. Larry

6. RE: Bios update
jlm1053 Dec-29-00 04:04 AM
In response to message 0

I just ran into the same memory problem with the same award bios on a shuttle hot557 motherboard. I installed a 64 meg and it only recognized 16 megs. I also thought it was the bios. any luck getting it to work? what did you try?

7. RE: Bios update
lbyard Dec-29-00 05:37 PM
In response to message 6

BIOS updates for that board are at http://www.spacewalker.com/english/faq_e/biosdown.htm#hd006. Larry