Problem encountered with the motherboard following a BIOS update.
Problem encountered with the motherboard following a BIOS update.
Over the last couple of weeks I've been working to resolve this problem I encountered after updating my BIOS on my motherboard. My setup includes: Intel Core i7-3820 ASUS P9X79 Pro Rev. 1.02 (BIOS 1203), Patriot 4x4GB DDR3-1866 RAM (only one stick installed during the update), and an EVGA GTX 1070 Thermaltake Tough Power 850W. I intended to install an Intel Xeon E5-2650 v2 but needed a BIOS update first. My current BIOS version is 1203, and any newer version required a BIOS Converter to be installed beforehand. I searched for "P9X79 Pro" and followed the first link that led me to the support page. I downloaded the BIOS Converter and BIOS Renamer from the provided URL. After running the Renamer tool, it changed the file name from "P9X79-PRO-CAP-Converter.ROM" to "P9X79PRO.ROM". I prepared a 4GB USB flash drive formatted for FAT32 and copied just the new ROM file into it. I connected the drive via one of the rear USB ports and started the BIOS update using ASUS' EZ Flash BIOS Update Utility. The process took a long time—each percentage point took nearly five minutes, and the full update lasted about nine hours. Once everything finished, the computer rebooted and displayed "BIOS is updating. Do not shut down or reset." After rebooting fully, it repeatedly returned to that screen. Even after the drive was removed, the POST process kept looping back to the same message. I tried clearing CMOS, using ASUS' USB BIOS Flashback, and installing a new pre-set BIOS chip, but none resolved the issue. The board refused to enter BIOS when I pressed DEL or F2. I'm at a loss about what happened during the update and why it took so long. I've updated BIOS versions before without problems, so this is unusual. I'm reaching out to ASUS support via email and feel stuck, considering a return-to-stock RMA. VID_20230311_124838.mp4
Bioses usually update quickly. Did you refresh the BIOS while also powering on the PC a few times to discharge it? It seems strange that after installing a new chip you're still getting the same results. Have you removed the USB after the new chip was set up? I’d probably just reprogram it with a cheap Ch43A programmer—easy to find and use, and not too complicated. Also, I’m unsure what the return policy will be for this situation, especially regarding cost and time.
I took off the 24-pin and 8-pin power connectors and took out the battery. After 24 hours I reset the CMOS and saw that the lights on the power and reset switches stayed lit. I tried turning on the power button repeatedly to remove any leftover charge, but the power and reset buttons didn’t turn off. When I installed the new BIOS chip, I unplugged the USB port.
Ensure no power reaches the board; even connecting a HMDI to a monitor might still have residual energy. Press the power button repeatedly and maintain it for a short time—eventually the remaining power in the motherboard will be depleted, causing the LEDs to stop lighting.
The video card was not installed during this time since it needs to be removed to access the motherboard's battery. Only things connected are a few fan headers, the front panel connectors, and two front USB connectors so I'm not sure why the motherboard still has power. ASUS got back to me as far as RMA'ing the motherboard. Other than the shipping cost there is a $50CAD non-refundable service fee plus whatever the repair fee will be. I don't think I am gonna RMA the board in this case. I am gonna try and find a replacement X79 board. I am just upset that something as simple as updating the motherboard's BIOS turned into such a disaster even when following the BIOS update instructions that were provided by ASUS. On top of that ASUS Customer service told me to try a BIOS update that wasn't even the correct BIOS file; talk about incompetence. I blame this squarely on ASUS and their bs BIOS converter because it was only developed to provided better support for Windows 8; are you freakin' kidding me? Windows 8. It probably is the worst OS that M$ has ever developed and no one even used it. I will never buy or recommend another ASUS product ever again.
Confused about why a bios converter is needed? I’m not sure what changes are being made—switching from ROM to Cap and doing it by renaming files manually. It sounds like you’ve already tried fixing it, but it might be more than just a simple rename.
I’ve reached my limit with ASUS technical support—they seem unreliable and never provided the help I needed. They kept pushing different solutions without understanding my issue. Even after sharing a video of the motherboard’s behavior after powering it up, pressing DEL or F2 didn’t work. Fortunately, I discovered a used board with the latest BIOS installed at a low price. If they’d taken my old board to ASUS, they likely wouldn’t have fixed it (they already replaced the BIOS chip and it didn’t help). From past experiences, getting a refurbished part would probably cost me around $300, which I won’t pay for an outdated motherboard. Customer/Tech Support gave a polite reply, but I’m done. Thanks to aledsav1, you helped more than I could afford.
They’re unlikely to realize what they’re doing and won’t invest much time trying to understand it. They’re focused on making money and don’t care about details. For future reference, I’m not sure you’ll need it. The bios converter isn’t needed—it’s just as simple as renaming the file in Windows Explorer or adjusting properties. Great job spotting a cheaper alternative.