[Ham-Computers] RE: Award BIOS 6.00PG?

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Paul,

Award v4.5x sounds like an older Pentium(I) or K6 system...probably
somewhere in the 166MHz to 300MHz range.  It's highly doubtful that there
will be a BIOS upgrade to AWARD v6.x.  The major revision number is the
defining factor of the BIOS and most motherboard manufacturers do not bother
with re-testing a major BIOS revision on existing or older
equipment...they'll just implement it in new designs.  There are a couple of
companies that specifically sell BIOS upgrades and they may have an updated
BIOS available, but the cost is almost as high as buying a new motherboard.
Either way, you'll still need the info off the motherboard...with that
said...

Without popping open the case, it can be difficult.  On AWARD BIOS', the
specific manufacturer's ID number is often displayed on the bottom left of
the screen under the "Press <DEL>..." banner.  However, this ID may not tell
you much as it's often an "internal" number used by the manufacturer.  But,
it should be unique for each manufacturer and it may also include the model
number of the motherboard.  Use this info to "google" for the manufacturer's
website.

Some manufacturers also add their company tag or logo (and sometimes the
motherboard model) to the top of the POST screen.  This usually shows up
below the AWARD banner and above the RAM test info.  This might also help
clue you into the manufacturer and model.

If the posted ID isn't useful or helpful, you'll need to pop open the case.
Most companies silkscreen their info onto the top of the motherboard, often
in the space between the PCI slots.  Another common place is along the
"front" or "back" edge of the motherboard.  In general, where ever there is
"flat" board space with no components is where you'll generally find the
silkscreen'd info.  Another possibility is a sticker either between the PCI
slots or on actually stuck to the side of a slot.  The latter can be a bear
as you'll need to remove the motherboard to see the info.  The last possible
place is on the bottom side of the motherboard.

As for a federal requirement to ID the motherboard, that's no longer true.
As of about 10 years ago, the FCC no longer requires FCC registration (aka
FCC ID) of computer components - they just need to have a sticker or
silkscreen (and FCC notification in the documentation) that the component is
"Class A" (businees) or "Class B" (home) compliant under part 15 rules.  You
can still register it, but it's not a requirement.  This raised a big stink
in the HAM radio circle as most believed it would cause spectrum
degradation.  In reality, it does, but most people just don't know it unless
they know what they're looking (listening) for.  European Union compliancy
is even more strict requiring a printed copy of the *signed* compliancy
letter.  This is that "CE" notice you'll find accompanying many computer
parts that are also marketed in the EU.

73 & GL,

  -Aaron Hsu, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 10:31 AM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Award BIOS 6.00PG?


Greetings to the list.

I'd like to flash my BIOS from 4.54 to 6.00 but as I understand it, I first 
need to ID my motherboard.

What's the best way to go about this? I'm hard-pressed to figure it out
since 
there's absolutely no "ID" marks on it. (Make, model, etc.)

Thanks
Paul W5PDA/4
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