https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:02:21 +0000 MyBB https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Acer-VN7-591G-860m-to-960m Mon, 14 Nov 2016 04:26:19 -0500 lulatsch0]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Acer-VN7-591G-860m-to-960m i have an Acer VN-591G with NVIDIA 860m graphics.
I had read that the 960m is the same gpu as the 860m, but with 10% more power.
I want to flash the vbios of the 960m to my 860m, or change the vbios settings of the 860m to 960m.

I unlocked my bios, changed the vbios and packed into modified .fd biosfile as described in other threads.
But i cant flash it with InsydeFlash or FPT tool.

FPT tool give me this error: Error 201: [FPT.exe] cannot be run on the current platform. Please contact your vendor. 

Thank you for your help!]]> i have an Acer VN-591G with NVIDIA 860m graphics.
I had read that the 960m is the same gpu as the 860m, but with 10% more power.
I want to flash the vbios of the 960m to my 860m, or change the vbios settings of the 860m to 960m.

I unlocked my bios, changed the vbios and packed into modified .fd biosfile as described in other threads.
But i cant flash it with InsydeFlash or FPT tool.

FPT tool give me this error: Error 201: [FPT.exe] cannot be run on the current platform. Please contact your vendor. 

Thank you for your help!]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-REQUEST-Modded-Bios-for-HP-h8-1215eo-for-GTX-770 Fri, 26 Jun 2015 13:04:56 -0400 MrTuborg]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-REQUEST-Modded-Bios-for-HP-h8-1215eo-for-GTX-770
here is come specs on it

Motherboard : http://h20565.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/publi...g=en&cc=us

here is my Bios : http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp56001-56500/sp56123.exe

motherboard : PEGATRON CORPORATION 2AB5

my computer: HP h8-1215eo

Its a AMI Bios

i hope you can help me with my problem]]>
here is come specs on it

Motherboard : http://h20565.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/publi...g=en&cc=us

here is my Bios : http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp56001-56500/sp56123.exe

motherboard : PEGATRON CORPORATION 2AB5

my computer: HP h8-1215eo

Its a AMI Bios

i hope you can help me with my problem]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-REQUEST-HP-Pavilion-3129el-primary-display-Dgpu Thu, 28 Aug 2014 18:20:26 -0400 junior600]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-REQUEST-HP-Pavilion-3129el-primary-display-Dgpu
https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-R...enu-unlock
http://dl.felipejfc.com/bios%20mods/menu...ENERAL.zip

Now, the notebook has 2 graphics cards: Intel hd (pci) and ATI Radeon HD 5650 (pci-e). The system always boots with the onboard gpu as primary. I would like to request a modded bios that sets my 5650 gpu as the primary graphics. I tried to set "Dgpu" in bios but it doesn't work... I obtain a blank screen... It works only if I connect the notebook to an external monitor


Sorry for my bad English xD I'm from Italy.]]>
https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-R...enu-unlock
http://dl.felipejfc.com/bios%20mods/menu...ENERAL.zip

Now, the notebook has 2 graphics cards: Intel hd (pci) and ATI Radeon HD 5650 (pci-e). The system always boots with the onboard gpu as primary. I would like to request a modded bios that sets my 5650 gpu as the primary graphics. I tried to set "Dgpu" in bios but it doesn't work... I obtain a blank screen... It works only if I connect the notebook to an external monitor


Sorry for my bad English xD I'm from Italy.]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Satellite-A100-906-downgraiding-GPU-frequency Sat, 24 May 2014 13:17:22 -0400 LeoMe]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Satellite-A100-906-downgraiding-GPU-frequency I have found out that S10PM600.ROM have bios of my Nvidia QUADRO NVS 300M.
My videocard is overheating and I need to mod this bios to down frequency from 450 to 200Mhz, and video memory frequency to 200Mhz.
Is there any tutuorials ?
Thanks a lot.
please help.

  S10PM600.ROM (Size: 1 MB / Downloads: 1) ]]> I have found out that S10PM600.ROM have bios of my Nvidia QUADRO NVS 300M.
My videocard is overheating and I need to mod this bios to down frequency from 450 to 200Mhz, and video memory frequency to 200Mhz.
Is there any tutuorials ?
Thanks a lot.
please help.

  S10PM600.ROM (Size: 1 MB / Downloads: 1) ]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Tochiba-Qosmio-X875-Q7390 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 04:30:28 -0500 Aleksos]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Tochiba-Qosmio-X875-Q7390 PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_02701558 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_03761558 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_05CD1028 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_15CD1028 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_190A103C "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_197A103C "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
Type Bios
Name 6.30
Manufacturer Insyde Corp.
Version TOSINV - 1
6.30
INSYDE Corp. - 10000001

SMBIOSBIOSVersion 6.30
OEM string PSPLZU-003002
Type Base board
Manufacturer TOSHIBA
Product Portable PC
Serial no. 1
Version MP
6050A2493501-MB-A02
REV 1.01
link to the BIOS file: http://support.toshiba.com/support/drive...xt=3478714
link to the file sharing: http://rghost.ru/users/Aleksandr3419/files]]> PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_02701558 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_03761558 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_05CD1028 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_15CD1028 "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_190A103C "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11B8&SUBSYS_197A103C "NVIDIA Quadro K5100M"
Type Bios
Name 6.30
Manufacturer Insyde Corp.
Version TOSINV - 1
6.30
INSYDE Corp. - 10000001

SMBIOSBIOSVersion 6.30
OEM string PSPLZU-003002
Type Base board
Manufacturer TOSHIBA
Product Portable PC
Serial no. 1
Version MP
6050A2493501-MB-A02
REV 1.01
link to the BIOS file: http://support.toshiba.com/support/drive...xt=3478714
link to the file sharing: http://rghost.ru/users/Aleksandr3419/files]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-ASUS-F8Sn-9650 Mon, 15 Jul 2013 08:01:17 -0400 MFD]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-ASUS-F8Sn-9650 The problem is set in 9650 ASUS F8Sn
get a black screen, help to modify the BIOS]]> The problem is set in 9650 ASUS F8Sn
get a black screen, help to modify the BIOS]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Acer-Aspire-5920-not-G Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:00:15 -0400 Shensohau]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Acer-Aspire-5920-not-G https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Request-PhoenixBIOS-4-0-Rel-6-0-to-accept-Nvidia-9300m-GS-256MB Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:36:22 -0400 elian]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Request-PhoenixBIOS-4-0-Rel-6-0-to-accept-Nvidia-9300m-GS-256MB
I have an old AOPEN 1559-AS laptop with PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0
System BIOS Version: R01-A3Ab (attached)

Original build was working with NVIDIA GeForce Go 6600 but it is now dead and I have Nvidia 9300m Gs 256mb G98-630-u2 Vg. 9mg06. 001 Mxm-i Video Vga Card for replacement, but unfortunately BIOS won't take it.
Can this BIOS be modified, please?

  1559r01-a3ab.zip (Size: 446.57 KB / Downloads: 24) ]]>
I have an old AOPEN 1559-AS laptop with PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0
System BIOS Version: R01-A3Ab (attached)

Original build was working with NVIDIA GeForce Go 6600 but it is now dead and I have Nvidia 9300m Gs 256mb G98-630-u2 Vg. 9mg06. 001 Mxm-i Video Vga Card for replacement, but unfortunately BIOS won't take it.
Can this BIOS be modified, please?

  1559r01-a3ab.zip (Size: 446.57 KB / Downloads: 24) ]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Moded-Bios-for-HP-Pavilion-DV5000-DV8000-Nvidia-Geforce-go-7400 Sat, 18 Aug 2012 22:41:12 -0400 SwapOne]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Moded-Bios-for-HP-Pavilion-DV5000-DV8000-Nvidia-Geforce-go-7400 Bios_SLIC21+video.wph]]> Bios_SLIC21+video.wph]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-G41M-P28-MSI-7592-Intel-GMA-2085-VBIOS-Update Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:46:33 -0400 XmikeX]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-G41M-P28-MSI-7592-Intel-GMA-2085-VBIOS-Update
STOCK MSI G41M-P28 (MS-7592) v26.8 (08-26-2011) BIOS
- updated with Intel GMA 2085 VBIOS.
- a fan option in - h/w monitor - menu has been re-enabled
- some default settings changed from subjectively inefficient MSI defaults
(please compare new defaults vs. stock rom with your favorite AMI modding tool)
- BOOT Splash gfx updated to reflect vbios update and reaffirm this BIOS mod is
a) unsupported by MSI
b) to be used at your own risk (no guarantees whatsoever)

Known to boot into DOS boot disks properly and work with WinXP-32 (IDE-PATA) + 2012 Intel GMA XP32 drivers on MSI G41M-P28 motherboard + Celeron E1200 CPU + Corsair DDR3 Vengeance Ram.

XmX

  A7592IMS-2085-IntelVBIOS.zip (Size: 784.95 KB / Downloads: 177) ]]>
STOCK MSI G41M-P28 (MS-7592) v26.8 (08-26-2011) BIOS
- updated with Intel GMA 2085 VBIOS.
- a fan option in - h/w monitor - menu has been re-enabled
- some default settings changed from subjectively inefficient MSI defaults
(please compare new defaults vs. stock rom with your favorite AMI modding tool)
- BOOT Splash gfx updated to reflect vbios update and reaffirm this BIOS mod is
a) unsupported by MSI
b) to be used at your own risk (no guarantees whatsoever)

Known to boot into DOS boot disks properly and work with WinXP-32 (IDE-PATA) + 2012 Intel GMA XP32 drivers on MSI G41M-P28 motherboard + Celeron E1200 CPU + Corsair DDR3 Vengeance Ram.

XmX

  A7592IMS-2085-IntelVBIOS.zip (Size: 784.95 KB / Downloads: 177) ]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-fixed-mode-gpu-option-on-pavilion-dv4-3100-series Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:51:02 -0500 deqiu]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-fixed-mode-gpu-option-on-pavilion-dv4-3100-series May I request some bios mod for hp pavilion dv4-3129 (3100series) to have an option to change dynamic mode gpu became fixed mode gpu (or vice versa) like dv6/7/dm4 have...since hp too lazy or unaware about it
I have googling around almost everytime but still got no result
Thanks in advance..]]> May I request some bios mod for hp pavilion dv4-3129 (3100series) to have an option to change dynamic mode gpu became fixed mode gpu (or vice versa) like dv6/7/dm4 have...since hp too lazy or unaware about it
I have googling around almost everytime but still got no result
Thanks in advance..]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-ASUS-A8JR-VGA-upgrade-ATI-X2300-Nvidia-GF-9650-M-GT-1GB-and-other-VGA-cards Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:50:35 -0400 jommoner]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-ASUS-A8JR-VGA-upgrade-ATI-X2300-Nvidia-GF-9650-M-GT-1GB-and-other-VGA-cards S post in this forum for a tutorial that would be very helpful in doing this mod!

The A8JR is a nice laptop with a very weak graphics card - one significant issue being the poor Linux support of ATI cards.

I'm putting this thread up now so it is found by the search engines prior to me applying this MOD.

I have ordered another 9650M GT, and will post here once I get it installed and working on the A8JR

Post below if you have any questions!]]> S post in this forum for a tutorial that would be very helpful in doing this mod!

The A8JR is a nice laptop with a very weak graphics card - one significant issue being the poor Linux support of ATI cards.

I'm putting this thread up now so it is found by the search engines prior to me applying this MOD.

I have ordered another 9650M GT, and will post here once I get it installed and working on the A8JR

Post below if you have any questions!]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-ASUS-A8JS-VGA-upgrade-Go7700-GF9650M-GT-1GB-and-other-VGA-cards Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:59:53 -0400 jommoner]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-ASUS-A8JS-VGA-upgrade-Go7700-GF9650M-GT-1GB-and-other-VGA-cards
This picture is referenced by some of the stages below:



This picture shows an ASUS A8JR with ATI X2300 graphics card. However, it looks identical to the GeForce 7700 found in the A8JS (except the 7700 has 4 chips on each side). The red arrows are the screws you need to remove. The extra graphics card on the right is the GeForce Go 7700 from the A8JS (note, the GPU chip can be seen in the centre - when installed, this faces DOWN, onto the heatsink). Note how the GPU is clean - very important before installation of any graphics card.

Stage 1 : System identification

This is crucial, to make sure you have the correct system, or you will end up flashing the wrong BIOS, and 'bricking' our machine.

1. Ensure you have an A8JS (mine, unhelpfully, just says 'A8J' on the bottom). If you have an A8JP A8JR A8Jn or A8J-anything else, post below, I will make a seperate thread in the 'testing forum, and help you out
2. If you are not sure it is an A8JS, check the BIOS on booting - it will gave a string that will start 'A8Js'.
3. If you are still unsure, post below, and I can help.

Stage 2 : Graphics Card Identification

The A8JS Bios includes support for GF Go7600 and GF Go 7700. I'm not sure if they ever sold them with the 7600 installed, but a BIOS mod should support both your old and new cards, for compatibility reasons (e.g. if your new card is broken, and old card is now unsupported, your laptop is useless for a while, till you can get a new card).

1. If running Windows XP, go into device manager, and find the video card, click on properties.... details.... then it will say, for example PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0397&SUBSYS..... Vendor ID 10DE is Nvidia, Device ID 0397 means : GeForce Go 7700. If the numbers are different for your A8JS, stop at this point, and post below (you WILL need a different modded BIOS, using the wrong one might make your system unusable).
2. If running Linux, go into the console, and type lspsi (L S P C I) but in lower case. A list of all PCI/PCI express stuff will come up; among them it will say either GeForce Go 7700 or GeForce Go 7600.
3. If you are stuck at this point, post below.
4. If it says Go 7600, then post below, and don't continue just yet -> I will need to make another BIOS so you can use both old and new cards.

Stage 3 : Deciding on which card to buy

Note : This tutorial currently only supports upgrading to the Asus M50 9650M GT - since that is the card I got. Other cards could be tried, but there is always a risk of poor compatibility / not working. Also note that, until you get to the 400-Fermi series of GPUs, there is nothing better than the 9650M GT in terms of performance per watt (more powerful cards start at twice the wattage). The 8000,9000,100,200,300 series nVidia cards all support DirectX10 and OpenGL3.3, again meaning the 9650M GT is a good choice, and 1GB Ram is useful too.

You need to buy a special ASUS reversed-MXM card.

The card I bought was a M50 9650M GT on ebay (beware.... some sellers sell proper MXM cards, list it as compatible with M50, C90, but actually it won't fit the M50 (or A8JS) as they both have reversed MXM). The C90 is the only Asus laptop with 'true' MXM, the rest have Asus-specific reversed-MXM.

Go to mxm-upgrade.com to see pictures of MXM cards, and look at the picture I posted above to see the ASUS reversed-MXM format. The only obvious difference is that the gold-plated connector is reversed between MXM and ASUS-reversed MXM. Make sure you see a picture of the card you are buying, and make sure it matches the cards in my picture above! (Both are ASUS reverse-MXM, except you can see the front of one, and the back of the other).

TDP (Thermal Design Power)

TDP is an important consideration when choosing a new card. Basically, this is the amount of heat generated by the card; the more power, the more heat generated. Also, I have no idea what the maximum power that the laptop can supply to the card is! So, it would be wise to keep the TDP as close to the original as possible

If you did get a card with double the power, and had problems when using it to the max, then underclocking it slightly would probably result in reduced power draw / reduced heat output, meaning it wouldn't necessarily be a total loss!

TDPs of possible upgrades are:

GeForce GT 445M -> 30-35 watts (might just be possible)
GeForce GT 425M -> 20-23 watts (definitely possible if a reverse-MXM card is made)
GeForce GT 240M -> 23 watts (I might be getting one of these soon!)
GeForce 9700M GTS -> 60 watts (probably too high, but you never know)
GeForce 9700M GT -> 45 watts (may or may not be too high)
GeForce 9650M GT -> 23 watts (this works, the only one tested so far!!)
GeForce 9600M and below -> 20 watts or less, so will be fine.

GeForce Go 7700 : I guessed 20 watts, but since the new card runs cooler, it might be closer to 30 watts!

Stage 3a : Obtaining working drivers for new card

Annoyingly, Nvidia provide unified drivers for all cards, but miss loads of cards out from the .inf files! After my upgrade, I was left with a slow framebuffer, and no drivers would install. It seemed like the card was incompatible after all.

What you need to do, is get a driver and *modified .inf file* from laptopvideo2go.com, and install them as per the instructions from the site (post below if issues occur).

If you install this BEFORE the swap, the Windows will boot right up into your
new card, with full acceleration (hopefully).

Linux (Ubuntu Lucid) boots up and works right away with the new card.

Stage 3b : Final computer setup prior to switch of VGA cards

I would advise you to set up Windows / Linux to automatically boot into the desktop with no username / password required, in case you get a black screen (then you can press ALT + F8 to see if the works, or to get a display up on an external monitor).

I would also advise you to turn the ASUS boot sound to 'On' (the noise it makes right after you turn it on). This might be helpful in troubleshooting if things go wrong.

Do install a temperature monitor in Windows or Linux or your Operating System of choice, so you can quickly check for overheating after the swap.

Stage 4 : Flashing your new, custom BIOS

Select the appropriate BIOS from the list below. If you are upgrading your A8JS from a GeForce Go 7700 to GF9650M GT (1GB), then choose 'a8js_v213_go7700_and_gf9650mgt1gb_v100.zip'.

You now have two options - you can either use the Asus WinFlash utility (from the ASUS website), or you can flash it using a DOS based flashing program - all available from the ASUS website. WinFlash is much easier, but, it does mean you are relying on windows to NOT crash during the flash!

If the flash goes wrong, but the computer is still running, DO NOT shut it down, instead keep it powered up! You can still use the PC with a bad flash, but once you shut it down, you won't be able to start it up again! Keeping it powered up would allow you to attempt to resolve the problem and avoid disaster. You would also need to go into the power management options (if in windows), and make sure it doesn't shut down after 1 hour idle, etc.

Stage 5 : Removing the old card, fitting the new card

Please use proper anti-static precautions when doing this - get hold of an antistatic wrist-strap, and also dont touch the connectors, or any bare metal circuits / components on the graphics cards. This will reduce the risk of the upgrade failing (e.g. black screen) due to destroying the new card before it is installed.

Remove the old card from the laptop - remove the lower cover, and you will see the card as in the picture above. Remove the four screws carefully, remove the old card, and keep it safe (in antistatic packaging - such as the packaging your new card comes with). It will be useful if your new card doesn't work, or if it breaks in the future, etc.

Make sure you clean all the old thermal paste from the heatsink pads. The best way to do this is to use small amounts of methylated spirits, and tissue or lint-free cloth, after removing the bulk of the thermal paste with e.g. a fingernail. Avoid using a metal implement to do this, as it scratches the soft copper heatsink, which should be avoided at all costs! (I actually scratched mine up badly using a screwdriver, but, as I used a proper amount of Arctic Silver, the cooling is still much better than the original crumbly, thick, poorly applied thermal paste that was there originally).

I used Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste for the GPU itself, and thermal pads for the memory. (GPU idling at 35 degrees C here while browsing the web, difficult to get it to go about 60 degrees even on unlimited frame rate, max details, on most games)

The best thermal pads can be had from MXM-Upgrade.com (but I just used the ones supplied for now, for the memory chips).

Stage 6 : Testing the new card

If you are unlucky, and get a black screen, but system continues to boot, you need to plug it into an external monitor. The chances of this happening are practically nil (it happened to me, but then I fixed the BIOS so it recognised the internal TFT panel).

I advise you to install a temperature monitor program before the switch; afterwards, check that the temperatures are not rising during idle, and then test with more demanding / 3D applications. If the temperature rises too high, stop the test, and check what is wrong with the cooling. As a guide, you should see lower temperatures than the GeForce Go 7700 that you are replacing.

Troubleshooting

Black Screen after BIOS update (but before switch of Graphics cards)

This does not sound good. Quite likely a 'bad flash'. Try installing the new graphics card anyway, see if that works. If you get the ASUS sound when you switch the computer on, that means there is still some life in the system, which may be helpful later. Another possibility is that you installed the wrong BIOS (e.g. the combined GF7700 + GF9650M BIOS) when you had a GF7600 card in your system. If this is the case, installing the new card should bring the system back to life.

If this doesn't work, you are looking at motherboard repair by ASUS, or fixing it yourself. There is a blind-flash mode from USB stick, but I need to look into how to get it to work properly. You could also get a TV repair shop to remove the old BIOS chip, install a PLCC socket, and then get a new BIOS chip plugged in to the socket. This would sort the problem and avoid issues with a bad flash in the future.

Black Screen after switching cards (but things were OK after the BIOS flash, before you switched cards)

This is an issue with the new VGA card or the BIOS. Did you choose the correct BIOS from the list below? If not, switch back to the old card, and try again. Please post below first though, in case you end up flashing the wrong BIOS (as this could theoretically be caused by a problem with the BIOSes below).

You might also have a broken VGA card, but it would be difficult to test this.

Overheating

Switch off the PC, check the cooling system -> is the fan spinning up? is there a thin but complete layer of thermal paste? Try cleaning it off and starting again if unsure.

Windows boots, but only in 'BASIC' mode (e.g. slow video updates, no 3D
support), and all the nvidia drivers I try say no matching card found......

This will happen if you don't use the modified .inf file from laptopvideotogo. It is easy to fix however. Download a recent set of Drivers *and* the modified .inf file from laptopvideotogo.com, then unzip the drivers, put the modified .inf file into the driver directory (it will overwrite the original .inf file), then run the setup program. If you still have problems, post below!

BIOSes for download

A8JS laptop, BIOS with Go7700 and 9650m GT (1GB) support ONLY :
- Known issues : BIOS bootup screen is smaller, in centre of panel (scaling not working in BIOS). This makes no difference in reality as Windows, Linux, all can use the hardware scaling properly, so it makes no difference in practice.
- Download : http://www.bios-mods.com/forum/attachment.php?aid=1254

Disclaimer

I take no responsibility for any problems that occur if trying the upgrade above; you do all these procedures at your own risk. However, I have written this tutorial based on my own experience, and have upgraded my laptop this way, and will do my best to help people with questions / troubleshooting. Please ask, and wait for a reply, rather than just forging ahead, if something seems wrong, or you are worried in any way.


  asus_a8js_v213_go7700_and_gf9650mgt1gb_v100.zip (Size: 462.95 KB / Downloads: 351) ]]>
This picture is referenced by some of the stages below:



This picture shows an ASUS A8JR with ATI X2300 graphics card. However, it looks identical to the GeForce 7700 found in the A8JS (except the 7700 has 4 chips on each side). The red arrows are the screws you need to remove. The extra graphics card on the right is the GeForce Go 7700 from the A8JS (note, the GPU chip can be seen in the centre - when installed, this faces DOWN, onto the heatsink). Note how the GPU is clean - very important before installation of any graphics card.

Stage 1 : System identification

This is crucial, to make sure you have the correct system, or you will end up flashing the wrong BIOS, and 'bricking' our machine.

1. Ensure you have an A8JS (mine, unhelpfully, just says 'A8J' on the bottom). If you have an A8JP A8JR A8Jn or A8J-anything else, post below, I will make a seperate thread in the 'testing forum, and help you out
2. If you are not sure it is an A8JS, check the BIOS on booting - it will gave a string that will start 'A8Js'.
3. If you are still unsure, post below, and I can help.

Stage 2 : Graphics Card Identification

The A8JS Bios includes support for GF Go7600 and GF Go 7700. I'm not sure if they ever sold them with the 7600 installed, but a BIOS mod should support both your old and new cards, for compatibility reasons (e.g. if your new card is broken, and old card is now unsupported, your laptop is useless for a while, till you can get a new card).

1. If running Windows XP, go into device manager, and find the video card, click on properties.... details.... then it will say, for example PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0397&SUBSYS..... Vendor ID 10DE is Nvidia, Device ID 0397 means : GeForce Go 7700. If the numbers are different for your A8JS, stop at this point, and post below (you WILL need a different modded BIOS, using the wrong one might make your system unusable).
2. If running Linux, go into the console, and type lspsi (L S P C I) but in lower case. A list of all PCI/PCI express stuff will come up; among them it will say either GeForce Go 7700 or GeForce Go 7600.
3. If you are stuck at this point, post below.
4. If it says Go 7600, then post below, and don't continue just yet -> I will need to make another BIOS so you can use both old and new cards.

Stage 3 : Deciding on which card to buy

Note : This tutorial currently only supports upgrading to the Asus M50 9650M GT - since that is the card I got. Other cards could be tried, but there is always a risk of poor compatibility / not working. Also note that, until you get to the 400-Fermi series of GPUs, there is nothing better than the 9650M GT in terms of performance per watt (more powerful cards start at twice the wattage). The 8000,9000,100,200,300 series nVidia cards all support DirectX10 and OpenGL3.3, again meaning the 9650M GT is a good choice, and 1GB Ram is useful too.

You need to buy a special ASUS reversed-MXM card.

The card I bought was a M50 9650M GT on ebay (beware.... some sellers sell proper MXM cards, list it as compatible with M50, C90, but actually it won't fit the M50 (or A8JS) as they both have reversed MXM). The C90 is the only Asus laptop with 'true' MXM, the rest have Asus-specific reversed-MXM.

Go to mxm-upgrade.com to see pictures of MXM cards, and look at the picture I posted above to see the ASUS reversed-MXM format. The only obvious difference is that the gold-plated connector is reversed between MXM and ASUS-reversed MXM. Make sure you see a picture of the card you are buying, and make sure it matches the cards in my picture above! (Both are ASUS reverse-MXM, except you can see the front of one, and the back of the other).

TDP (Thermal Design Power)

TDP is an important consideration when choosing a new card. Basically, this is the amount of heat generated by the card; the more power, the more heat generated. Also, I have no idea what the maximum power that the laptop can supply to the card is! So, it would be wise to keep the TDP as close to the original as possible

If you did get a card with double the power, and had problems when using it to the max, then underclocking it slightly would probably result in reduced power draw / reduced heat output, meaning it wouldn't necessarily be a total loss!

TDPs of possible upgrades are:

GeForce GT 445M -> 30-35 watts (might just be possible)
GeForce GT 425M -> 20-23 watts (definitely possible if a reverse-MXM card is made)
GeForce GT 240M -> 23 watts (I might be getting one of these soon!)
GeForce 9700M GTS -> 60 watts (probably too high, but you never know)
GeForce 9700M GT -> 45 watts (may or may not be too high)
GeForce 9650M GT -> 23 watts (this works, the only one tested so far!!)
GeForce 9600M and below -> 20 watts or less, so will be fine.

GeForce Go 7700 : I guessed 20 watts, but since the new card runs cooler, it might be closer to 30 watts!

Stage 3a : Obtaining working drivers for new card

Annoyingly, Nvidia provide unified drivers for all cards, but miss loads of cards out from the .inf files! After my upgrade, I was left with a slow framebuffer, and no drivers would install. It seemed like the card was incompatible after all.

What you need to do, is get a driver and *modified .inf file* from laptopvideo2go.com, and install them as per the instructions from the site (post below if issues occur).

If you install this BEFORE the swap, the Windows will boot right up into your
new card, with full acceleration (hopefully).

Linux (Ubuntu Lucid) boots up and works right away with the new card.

Stage 3b : Final computer setup prior to switch of VGA cards

I would advise you to set up Windows / Linux to automatically boot into the desktop with no username / password required, in case you get a black screen (then you can press ALT + F8 to see if the works, or to get a display up on an external monitor).

I would also advise you to turn the ASUS boot sound to 'On' (the noise it makes right after you turn it on). This might be helpful in troubleshooting if things go wrong.

Do install a temperature monitor in Windows or Linux or your Operating System of choice, so you can quickly check for overheating after the swap.

Stage 4 : Flashing your new, custom BIOS

Select the appropriate BIOS from the list below. If you are upgrading your A8JS from a GeForce Go 7700 to GF9650M GT (1GB), then choose 'a8js_v213_go7700_and_gf9650mgt1gb_v100.zip'.

You now have two options - you can either use the Asus WinFlash utility (from the ASUS website), or you can flash it using a DOS based flashing program - all available from the ASUS website. WinFlash is much easier, but, it does mean you are relying on windows to NOT crash during the flash!

If the flash goes wrong, but the computer is still running, DO NOT shut it down, instead keep it powered up! You can still use the PC with a bad flash, but once you shut it down, you won't be able to start it up again! Keeping it powered up would allow you to attempt to resolve the problem and avoid disaster. You would also need to go into the power management options (if in windows), and make sure it doesn't shut down after 1 hour idle, etc.

Stage 5 : Removing the old card, fitting the new card

Please use proper anti-static precautions when doing this - get hold of an antistatic wrist-strap, and also dont touch the connectors, or any bare metal circuits / components on the graphics cards. This will reduce the risk of the upgrade failing (e.g. black screen) due to destroying the new card before it is installed.

Remove the old card from the laptop - remove the lower cover, and you will see the card as in the picture above. Remove the four screws carefully, remove the old card, and keep it safe (in antistatic packaging - such as the packaging your new card comes with). It will be useful if your new card doesn't work, or if it breaks in the future, etc.

Make sure you clean all the old thermal paste from the heatsink pads. The best way to do this is to use small amounts of methylated spirits, and tissue or lint-free cloth, after removing the bulk of the thermal paste with e.g. a fingernail. Avoid using a metal implement to do this, as it scratches the soft copper heatsink, which should be avoided at all costs! (I actually scratched mine up badly using a screwdriver, but, as I used a proper amount of Arctic Silver, the cooling is still much better than the original crumbly, thick, poorly applied thermal paste that was there originally).

I used Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste for the GPU itself, and thermal pads for the memory. (GPU idling at 35 degrees C here while browsing the web, difficult to get it to go about 60 degrees even on unlimited frame rate, max details, on most games)

The best thermal pads can be had from MXM-Upgrade.com (but I just used the ones supplied for now, for the memory chips).

Stage 6 : Testing the new card

If you are unlucky, and get a black screen, but system continues to boot, you need to plug it into an external monitor. The chances of this happening are practically nil (it happened to me, but then I fixed the BIOS so it recognised the internal TFT panel).

I advise you to install a temperature monitor program before the switch; afterwards, check that the temperatures are not rising during idle, and then test with more demanding / 3D applications. If the temperature rises too high, stop the test, and check what is wrong with the cooling. As a guide, you should see lower temperatures than the GeForce Go 7700 that you are replacing.

Troubleshooting

Black Screen after BIOS update (but before switch of Graphics cards)

This does not sound good. Quite likely a 'bad flash'. Try installing the new graphics card anyway, see if that works. If you get the ASUS sound when you switch the computer on, that means there is still some life in the system, which may be helpful later. Another possibility is that you installed the wrong BIOS (e.g. the combined GF7700 + GF9650M BIOS) when you had a GF7600 card in your system. If this is the case, installing the new card should bring the system back to life.

If this doesn't work, you are looking at motherboard repair by ASUS, or fixing it yourself. There is a blind-flash mode from USB stick, but I need to look into how to get it to work properly. You could also get a TV repair shop to remove the old BIOS chip, install a PLCC socket, and then get a new BIOS chip plugged in to the socket. This would sort the problem and avoid issues with a bad flash in the future.

Black Screen after switching cards (but things were OK after the BIOS flash, before you switched cards)

This is an issue with the new VGA card or the BIOS. Did you choose the correct BIOS from the list below? If not, switch back to the old card, and try again. Please post below first though, in case you end up flashing the wrong BIOS (as this could theoretically be caused by a problem with the BIOSes below).

You might also have a broken VGA card, but it would be difficult to test this.

Overheating

Switch off the PC, check the cooling system -> is the fan spinning up? is there a thin but complete layer of thermal paste? Try cleaning it off and starting again if unsure.

Windows boots, but only in 'BASIC' mode (e.g. slow video updates, no 3D
support), and all the nvidia drivers I try say no matching card found......

This will happen if you don't use the modified .inf file from laptopvideotogo. It is easy to fix however. Download a recent set of Drivers *and* the modified .inf file from laptopvideotogo.com, then unzip the drivers, put the modified .inf file into the driver directory (it will overwrite the original .inf file), then run the setup program. If you still have problems, post below!

BIOSes for download

A8JS laptop, BIOS with Go7700 and 9650m GT (1GB) support ONLY :
- Known issues : BIOS bootup screen is smaller, in centre of panel (scaling not working in BIOS). This makes no difference in reality as Windows, Linux, all can use the hardware scaling properly, so it makes no difference in practice.
- Download : http://www.bios-mods.com/forum/attachment.php?aid=1254

Disclaimer

I take no responsibility for any problems that occur if trying the upgrade above; you do all these procedures at your own risk. However, I have written this tutorial based on my own experience, and have upgraded my laptop this way, and will do my best to help people with questions / troubleshooting. Please ask, and wait for a reply, rather than just forging ahead, if something seems wrong, or you are worried in any way.


  asus_a8js_v213_go7700_and_gf9650mgt1gb_v100.zip (Size: 462.95 KB / Downloads: 351) ]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Request-Asus-A8JS-laptop-bios-unlock-to-accept-new-VGA-card Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:46:00 -0400 jommoner]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-Request-Asus-A8JS-laptop-bios-unlock-to-accept-new-VGA-card
I have found one computer the ASUS M50, that uses the 9650 GT (also 9600M and 9500 cards). The BIOSes for all three variants are actually the same file, and are 1MB in size. My original BIOS is 512K in size.

Should I post up My computer (A8JS) bios, together with A8JR, A8JP bioses for comparison? (similiar computers with different VGA cards), as well as the M50 Bios? Or do I need to find an ASUS laptop with 512K Bios with the 9650M GT before posting the files?

Thanks for your help; will check back soon, and get a package of BIOSes read for upload!]]>
I have found one computer the ASUS M50, that uses the 9650 GT (also 9600M and 9500 cards). The BIOSes for all three variants are actually the same file, and are 1MB in size. My original BIOS is 512K in size.

Should I post up My computer (A8JS) bios, together with A8JR, A8JP bioses for comparison? (similiar computers with different VGA cards), as well as the M50 Bios? Or do I need to find an ASUS laptop with 512K Bios with the 9650M GT before posting the files?

Thanks for your help; will check back soon, and get a package of BIOSes read for upload!]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-A8js-BIOS-to-accept-new-graphics-card Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:14:15 -0500 forevertheuni]]> https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-A8js-BIOS-to-accept-new-graphics-card Can anyone help me out(or give me tips where to find the information) modifying my laptop original bios to accomodate a new graphics card? The socket is exactly the same(of the cards).
I have a asus a8js : Asus website link
In which my graphics card fried. There are no old ones in stock and if there are they cost 200-300€ for a gforce 7700. So I bought a Gforce 9600 from the asus f8n which has the same socket etc etc.
However..and obviously when I plug the card...everything is black in the screen.
Two questions:
- Is it a BIOS limitation/blockage?
- How can I modify the A8js BIOS binary to accept the new graphics card?

The Bios is a AMI bios
Thanks]]> Can anyone help me out(or give me tips where to find the information) modifying my laptop original bios to accomodate a new graphics card? The socket is exactly the same(of the cards).
I have a asus a8js : Asus website link
In which my graphics card fried. There are no old ones in stock and if there are they cost 200-300€ for a gforce 7700. So I bought a Gforce 9600 from the asus f8n which has the same socket etc etc.
However..and obviously when I plug the card...everything is black in the screen.
Two questions:
- Is it a BIOS limitation/blockage?
- How can I modify the A8js BIOS binary to accept the new graphics card?

The Bios is a AMI bios
Thanks]]>