just rename .AWD or anythig else to .BIN

Babasha wrote on Yesterday, 13:47:

just rename .AWD or anythig else to .BIN

Hi Tomek TRV,

I agree with @Babasha. The .AWD BIOS files are the same binary BIOS files like the .BIN files. The name doesn’t matter.
I've looked into the 0306 latest final release (06/25/1996) BIOS, and it has Am5x86-133 support indeed.

Cheers, Jan

Thank You very much. I will test it.

It looks like these newer BIOS files which can recognize 5x86 are for newer versions of this motherboard. My ancient version A4 don't have BIOS which could recognize this CPU and also support onboard IDE controller. I think (I didn't try it yet) that I can turn off onboard controller and use newer BIOS but I am wondering what other problems can I find. There is some information on TheRetroweb that newer versions are not for this chipset. What should I do??? Probably I will go back to my 486-VIP-IO2 because this fight with Asus cost me too much.

Tomek TRV wrote on Yesterday, 19:34:

It looks like these newer BIOS files which can recognize 5x86 are for newer versions of this motherboard. My ancient version A4 don't have BIOS which could recognize this CPU and also support onboard IDE controller. I think (I didn't try it yet) that I can turn off onboard controller and use newer BIOS but I am wondering what other problems can I find. There is some information on TheRetroweb that newer versions are not for this chipset. What should I do??? Probably I will go back to my 486-VIP-IO2 because this fight with Asus cost me too much.

Oh no, you are right. Your present #401A0- 0101 BIOS is the only version that supports the older chipset A4 revision. I didn’t notice that before.

Let me look into the -0101 and -020x BIOS versions to see what can be done.
In the mean time, can you test the Am5x86 when set to x3 multiplier mode and check if it runs and is reported as a DX4 CPU, both with 33 and 40MHz FSB?
If so, I may be able to patch the -0101 BIOS for x4 multiplier support.

I will report back when I have more.

Jan

Today it is too late to test it because I just disassembled everything and mounted 486-VIP-IO2 but I will try tomorrow. I checked a lot settings and I am almost sure that it is working as DX4 120MHz but for sure there was a problem with cache configuration - it is only working in WT mode and still it have a problem with IDE: when I connect anything to second channel it stops to recognize any HDD on primary channel. I know that You are a specialist in the field of BIOS modifications Jan and I really admire what You do.

So I tested it and there is no problem to work as 100 and 120MHz but only in WT mode - cache L1.
It is recognizing my CF card and don't want to recognize HDD. I tested few known good HDD and on the beginning one of them was working but when I connected CD ROM as master on secondary channel motherboard stoped to recognize anything. Now I have my CF card as a master on primary channel and CD ROM as a master on secondary channel and it seems to work ok but why real HDD don't want to work? Strange.