F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop BIOS Programmer on B350

BIOS Programmer on B350

BIOS Programmer on B350

M
MrCringles
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154
03-03-2019, 07:33 PM
#1
Hello, I own an MSI Mortar Arctic B350M that I purchased used a few years ago. The seller had a BIOS password that I haven’t managed to remove. I’ve reset the CMOS jumper, removed the battery and powered down for 24 hours, etc. I’m currently running it with an R6 1600 and want to upgrade to an R6 3600, but the BIOS isn’t current. My last option has been using a BIOS programmer, particularly the CH341A with an 1.8V adapter. My goal is to read the BIOS contents to locate or modify the password. If that’s not possible, I’m hoping to flash it through the programmer so the password can be cleared or updated, allowing a smooth upgrade to the newer board and ensuring the final BIOS version stays intact. The main challenge is figuring out how to operate the programmer with the 1.8V adapter and locating a version that supports this chip on the B350. There are many guides on using the programmer alone, but none addressing compatibility with a more recent chipset. I’ve identified the BIOS chip as: MX25U12873F (https://www.macronix.com/Lists/Datasheet...X25U12873F, 1.8V, 128MB, v1.2.pdf). According to the docs, the 1.8V adapter should work, but it’s not visible in the software. Any advice would be invaluable. Thanks!
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M
MrCringles
03-03-2019, 07:33 PM #1

Hello, I own an MSI Mortar Arctic B350M that I purchased used a few years ago. The seller had a BIOS password that I haven’t managed to remove. I’ve reset the CMOS jumper, removed the battery and powered down for 24 hours, etc. I’m currently running it with an R6 1600 and want to upgrade to an R6 3600, but the BIOS isn’t current. My last option has been using a BIOS programmer, particularly the CH341A with an 1.8V adapter. My goal is to read the BIOS contents to locate or modify the password. If that’s not possible, I’m hoping to flash it through the programmer so the password can be cleared or updated, allowing a smooth upgrade to the newer board and ensuring the final BIOS version stays intact. The main challenge is figuring out how to operate the programmer with the 1.8V adapter and locating a version that supports this chip on the B350. There are many guides on using the programmer alone, but none addressing compatibility with a more recent chipset. I’ve identified the BIOS chip as: MX25U12873F (https://www.macronix.com/Lists/Datasheet...X25U12873F, 1.8V, 128MB, v1.2.pdf). According to the docs, the 1.8V adapter should work, but it’s not visible in the software. Any advice would be invaluable. Thanks!

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V
vinic00kie
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215
03-04-2019, 07:02 PM
#2
this process involves removing the existing BIOS, installing the new one, and then flashing it. make sure you're using the correct motherboard image if needed. for socketed chips, replace and reinstall carefully. i don’t recall any tools that can read BIOS passwords, and i’m not aware of legal ways to access them.
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vinic00kie
03-04-2019, 07:02 PM #2

this process involves removing the existing BIOS, installing the new one, and then flashing it. make sure you're using the correct motherboard image if needed. for socketed chips, replace and reinstall carefully. i don’t recall any tools that can read BIOS passwords, and i’m not aware of legal ways to access them.

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C
Cecilix
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51
03-04-2019, 11:56 PM
#3
Software typically identifies the right chip when you have a connection. If it doesn’t work, double-check that you chose the correct flash size in the software and that you can read it. That’s what I usually do.
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C
Cecilix
03-04-2019, 11:56 PM #3

Software typically identifies the right chip when you have a connection. If it doesn’t work, double-check that you chose the correct flash size in the software and that you can read it. That’s what I usually do.

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Ice3Boy
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230
03-09-2019, 11:41 AM
#4
I've noticed these programmers work well when you maintain a solid connection to the finer joints, right? Levent, the correct size of the chip in the software doesn't really matter as long as you get it right. Thanks for your feedback!
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Ice3Boy
03-09-2019, 11:41 AM #4

I've noticed these programmers work well when you maintain a solid connection to the finer joints, right? Levent, the correct size of the chip in the software doesn't really matter as long as you get it right. Thanks for your feedback!

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G
GewoonJob_
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53
03-09-2019, 06:15 PM
#5
You can link the programmer to your BIOS chip directly using a SOIC-clip or an SPI-cable, or connect it to a JSPI-header on the motherboard. The parts mentioned in this post are for other uses as well.
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G
GewoonJob_
03-09-2019, 06:15 PM #5

You can link the programmer to your BIOS chip directly using a SOIC-clip or an SPI-cable, or connect it to a JSPI-header on the motherboard. The parts mentioned in this post are for other uses as well.

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