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BIOS

📌 Summary

Brief overview of the concept.

⚠️ Warnings Before You Begin

  • Incorrect flashing can permanently damage your motherboard.

  • Make sure you back up the original BIOS before flashing.

  • You may void your warranty.

  • Use exactly the correct BIOS file for your motherboard model and revision.

🧰 What You Need

  1. CH341A Mini Programmer (usually USB-based)

  2. SOIC8 Clip (if your BIOS chip is soldered onto the motherboard)

  3. CH341A Software (or alternative like AsProgrammer or flashrom)

  4. Correct BIOS file for your motherboard

  5. Optional: Multimeter (to check for correct pin contact)

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide

🔌 1. Identify and Locate Your BIOS Chip

  • Look for an 8-pin chip on your motherboard labeled with part numbers like 25Q32, 25Q64, MXIC, etc.

  • Use a flashlight and magnifier if needed.

  • Note the orientation (pin 1 is usually marked with a dot or a notch).

🔄 2. Prepare the Programmer

a. Connect the SOIC8 clip:

  • Attach it to the BIOS chip while the PC is powered off and unplugged.

  • Make sure pin 1 on the clip matches pin 1 on the chip.

b. Insert the clip connector into the CH341A device.

  • If your chip is desoldered, insert it directly into the ZIF socket (match pin 1).

c. Plug the CH341A into a USB port.

💻 3. Install Software

Windows:

  • Download CH341A Programmer (older version) or AsProgrammer (better compatibility).

  • Run as Administrator.

  • Select the correct chip model manually if it’s not auto-detected.

Linux/macOS:

  • Use flashrom.

    sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -r backup.rom  # To read
sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -w newbios.rom  # To write

🧪 4. Back Up Current BIOS

  • In the software, click Read.

  • Save the read file (e.g., backup.rom)—this is your original BIOS.

💾 5. Load and Flash New BIOS

  • Load the correct .bin file (some vendors provide .cap or .exe—you may need to extract .bin).

  • Click Erase, then Write, then Verify.

  • Wait for confirmation (may take a few minutes).

🔌 6. Reassemble and Boot

  • Unplug the CH341A.

  • Remove the clip.

  • Plug the power back into the motherboard and try booting.

  • Clear CMOS (reset BIOS) by removing the battery for 10 seconds if needed.

🛠️ Troubleshooting

ProblemSolution
Chip not detectedCheck clip contact, try re-orienting it
Write failedTry using a different version of software or check for write protection
Board not bootingDouble-check you used the correct BIOS for your board model

🔄 Alternative Tools

  • NeoProgrammer – modern replacement for CH341A software

  • AsProgrammer – better chip support

  • Flashrom – command-line tool for Linux/macOS