First post, by dicky96
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Hi guys
I've got a few old motherboards lying around now that don't post or beep when powered up, even with a known good PSU.
That's with just the mobo + CPU or mobo + CPU + RAM fitted
The capacitors look good on these boards, just by a visual check though, I didn't pull them and put my Capacitance and ESR meters on them to check.
I was wondering how often this type of fault is caused in general by corrupted BIOS? Also how often does a similar sort of problem cause graphics cards to not be recognised, even though there is no short circuit or similar problem?
Also what sort of eprom programmers are the best to suited for this use? I've done some googling around and it seems the TL866A or TL866ii programmers are popular and well suported. Is anyone using either of these to reprogram BIOS chips? It seems the difference main difference between the two models is:
TLL866ii
minium Vcc 1.8V support – enhanced from 3.3V
maximum Vpp reduced to 18V – down from 21V
NAND flash support
512MB flash support – up from 128MB
These TL866 programmers just look so 'cool' the nerd in me wants one even if i may not need one 🤣!
However it would be interesting to know if I am likely to revive a reasonable amount of those 'dead' motherboards and VGA cards
I've programmed Eproms in the past but that was like nearly 30 years ago..... but I do have some idea of the process required. I'm skilled enough to be able to remove and resolder SMD chips if neccessary and have the kit to do so.
So in short:
1. Is faulty BIOS a common cause of motherboards that just won't POST/Beep? (common enough to expect a reasonable repair rate vs cost of the kit to do it)
2. Are either of the TL866 programmers a good choice... For older/vintage motherboards as well as modern ones?
3. Is it usually the BIOS chip itself that is faulty, or the contents that are corrupted?
4. Generally speaking, is it easy to find replacement blank devices to program and the firmware to write to the chip?
Hopefully someone has the experience to shed some light on this topic
Thanks
Rich