Help: updating the BIOS in a 486 PC class machine: Soyo SY-4SAW \ VOGONS

Help: updating the BIOS in a 486 PC class machine: Soyo SY-4SAW

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First post, by muon

Posted on 2023-05-19, 11:30

muon Offline

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Joined: 2017-09-16, 09:35

Hi!

Recently I found a Soyo SY-4SAW motherboard. The board has a old BIOS version (WA1 ). I've seen in this forum there are varios new versions. I tried to flashed a new one and I can't. I use the AWARD flash utility 8.29E. Is it ok? or I need some other version?

The mainboard has a jumper about BIOS ( I don't undestand very well the meaning). Anyway, I've tried the two options with negative results: No flash!!

Does anyone know How I should proceed? Thanks in advanced.

PD: I have a TL866A too. Can I burn the new one BIOS with it? What kind of chip is the BIOS, ( I need to know for choosing in the programmer software)?

Reply 1 of 3, by Chkcpu

Posted on 2023-05-23, 17:23

Chkcpu Offline

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Hi Muon,

Just peel the Award sticker from the BIOS chip to check the markings. That should tell you if it is a flash chip that can be programmed in the board.
Award flash utility v8.xx is way too new! You need v7.xx for socket 7 and v5.xx for socket 5 and 486 boards.

Yes, you can always use your TL866A to make a backup from your present BIOS and program the BIOS chip with a new one. Of course if the BIOS chip is an UV-EPROM, it has to be erased by UV-light before you can re-program it. 😉

The JP2 jumper should be in the 2-3 position for normal operation. This will prevent an accidental flash of the BIOS when a flashchip is fitted. Only for a planned BIOS flash, this jumper should be set at 1-2 and returned to 2-3 after the flash.

Jan

CPU Identification utility
The Unofficial K6-2+ / K6-III+ page

Reply 2 of 3, by GigAHerZ

Posted on 2023-05-23, 18:19

GigAHerZ Offline

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NB, when you remove the chip, the chip model may be on a silkscreen also under the socket itself. 😉

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." - And i intend to get every last bit out of it even after loading every damn driver!

Reply 3 of 3, by Starej_Mraf

Posted on 2023-06-03, 16:44

Starej_Mraf Offline

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Joined: 2023-02-03, 20:45
Location: Stary Vestec, CZ

I usually use uniflash - download it here https://www.softpedia.com/get/Others/Miscella … /UniFlash.shtml . It's for "windows", but it works from DOS 6.22 perfectly.

One of Founding Fathers of the OldComp.cz

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