Acer Laptop with Phoenix BIOS: BIOS MOD Request

You could use XP Mode now without Virtualization

 

Hi I`m a total noob when it comes to modding a bios, but I can flash the bios successfully and understand the basics. My question is this: I have a Acer Aspire 6930G T6400 800Mhz FSB 9300M GS 4G DDR2. I would like to try and Overclock it Just a Tad if it is possible. I Already Flashed the graphics card to a stable overclock and use it for the past 6 Months successfully. The cpu and FSB settings are locked in the Bios, will the Modded bios for the 6930G be able to change these settings in the bios or will I be able to get a Overclock with software like stfsb after the modded bios is loaded or any other software or will this have to be modded in the Bios Flash itself. If the last option can you mod the bios for the 6930G to enable these settings? I use this laptop mainly for gaming purposes.


Thanks for your hard work and effort in this regard and others.
Ps. I use the 3238 Acer released bios on my system.

 

I'm afraid all of the possible hidden capability for 6930G already unlocked by Darkening. Try the modified BIOS see if it give you capability to overclock the CPU & FSB. If it is not possible, your only solution is using software to do overclocking.

 

Thank You for the quick Reply.

Appreciate it.

 

The CPU Freq Ratio is in there I believe, but I never added it; I don't think the FSB is though and therein lies the problem.

If it's a small cpu overclock your after look at this thread as it may give you what you require intel-dynamic-acceleration

EDIT: you could install a bigger processor in to your machine and a bus of 1066 on the CPU would give you the option of dropping some extreme timing 800 RAM in also. Just an after thought.

 

Hi Darkening.

Thank you for your response. I already have Throttlestop installed on my system and are using it, but it is not really helping me much performance wise. The trouble is that I live in South Africa and anything remotely related to Laptops are expensive. I would have loved to upgrade this Baby to use its maximum capacity as it is, but it's just to expensive for me. If it is possible can you mod that bios further to include the CPU Freq Ratio. Anything that can give me a bit of help will be appreciated

 

Hi kizwan, i recently bought an acer aspire 5740g intel I7 620M and iwant to virtualize virtual machines. since i found VT feature is disable by default in BIOS i decided to update my original BIOS version (v 1.09). i got v 1.22 from official acer webSite. it is a .zip file which has an application that updates the version of BIOS (it takes 1 or 2 minutes with a progress bar...pretty cool). at the beggining of running the app it asks you if you want to conect to download any updates (as i can remeber) and i suposed all software has to be in .zip file and i choose not to conect for download. after v 1.22 installation i could´t see any virtualization feature settings in BIOS. then i tried with the rest of availables BIOS updates in acer official webSite. same result...no VT feature settings available. after that i tried to update to v 1.22 again but conecting to download in the first question it makes to you at the beggining of updating process. since i push YES button IMMEDIATLY (normal proccess takes 1 or 2 minutes) prompt an alert message telling me "the update process finishes succesfully with an accept button. after pressing accept the computer restarts and here is the problem. computer starts , my scream is black, it tries to read disk but nothing happens, if i introduce a windows image DVD it tries to read it but nothing happens. can you give some advise??. in my case can i apply original BIOS recovery method?? how can i activate virtualization and what BIOS version let me do it???

 

Any progress on the DSDT stuff? And also if I wanted to change my background (the screen that says Acer in green, and intel to the right in blue), is that possible? I imagine it is.

 

AFAIK, 5740g already have VT enabled by default. What test/steps have you taken that make you assume VT is disabled?

Try the BIOS recovery procedure available at first page. Use the first CRISIS disk package.

 

WARNING:
I (stupidly) flashed this to my Acer Aspire 5652 and now the screen stays dark as well. Do NOT use it on the 5650 series.

That said, is anyone here capable of making a less agressive mod for this notebook series? I only need SLIC2.1 and VT but I recon any version without VGA bios mods will be fine. I'll have to wait for my USB Floppy drive to arrive though to unbrick.

EDIT: here's a link to the latest version (3.60):
http://global-download.acer.com/GDF...p3=Aspire 5650&OS=V10&LC=de&BC=Acer&SC=EMEA_8

 

In that release notes, the Intel VGA BIOS version 1585, where did that come from??? Is that straight from Intel's 945gm bios zip? Or is it from another notebook? Because if it is from intel, then expect to have a max resolution of 1024x768 but if it's from another laptop, then nothing to worry about.

 

I got no idea about the intel bios but the Acer 5652 has a 7600Go.

 

Hello, I would also like to request a BIOS mod (or at leeast help on it).

It's for a Gateway LT31xx/ Packard-Bell dot ma.

I already managed to replace the dsdt in the BIOS with a fixed one, allowing me to do cpu scaling on both linux & windows (it couldn't before).

But I have no clue about how to enable/unhide AMD-V from the menu.

Any help would be much appreciated

Here is a link to my modified BIOS for this netbook:

fixedbios.rar

 

To undervolt CPU, we need to modify SSDT table. SSDT modification for CPU undervolt require a lot of work. Time is a critical factor here. I believe it can cause other problem too when people decided to upgrade the CPU. If this happen, we will need to modify SSDT again. For most people, it is best just use CPU undervolt tool (e.g. RMclock) to undervolt CPU. SSDT mod only suitable for advanced user.

On some notebooks, FAN speed can't be controlled manually. The FAN control method on these notebooks doesn't exist in DSDT. It simply directly controlled by BIOS/CPU & the FAN speed automatically adjust according to CPU load & temperature. On some other notebooks which FAN control method exist in DSDT, it can be easily controlled from windows using 3rd party tools.

The best solution which a lot of people can do is by modifying the heatsink with custom copper shim & use better thermal paste. Works all the time.

Conclusion: I will not doing custom DSDT & SSDT because it involved a lot of works & time.

 

What is the CPU model? I thought computer with AMD processor, the virtualization already enabled by default, of course if the CPU support virtualization.

You need to understand that this is hardcore/extreme BIOS modification. We can only ensure good build (0 warning/0 error). Please learn how to recover corrupted BIOS on your computer to prevent any misfortune.

 

I know how to recover

And not, it's not enabled by default. The cpu is an Athlon Neo L110.

Someone in a board claimed that gateway sent him a modified BIOS enabling AMD-V, now I'm trying to contact him...

 

What about modifying the temp that the fan runs at? For instance, when the CPU reaches 30 degrees, the fan goes to normal, and 50 degrees, it goes to high, and etc? Or maybe a way to trick the temp sensor to be at a higher/lower value?

And also from what I could conclude about my mobo, my RAM could run at 333mhz, however memtest86+ says I run at 222mhz. Could this be fixed? (1 of my ram cards only runs at 333mhz and the other can run at 100 something, 222mhz and 333mhz, this comes from CPUZ)

 

It is a lot of works & not all computer have DSDT that can be easily modified. Not all computer have FAN that can be controlled manually. You can mistakenly turned OFF the FAN when temperature high. By not having identical computer, it is difficult to debug the modified DSDT/SSDT.

I believe this can be caused by a couple of factor (e.g. RAM configuration, speed, dual-channel, etc). For best result, all RAM module need to be the same model & type (speed, etc).

 

What would be better, 1GB at 333Mhz or 2GB at 222Mhz?

EDIT: Ignore that question because when I put one or the other of the RAM cards in my laptop, they both clock at 200 some Mhz, but they can both max to 333Mhz. Any ideas as to why I cannot get 333Mhz with either card by itself or with both?

EDIT2: I can get 333Mhz but only if I overclock with SetFSB... still wondering why though it's not native

 

I've discovered that I can only edit original BIOS images; If I modify (trivially) a previously modfied image, BIOS editor won't build it (3 errors). If I do the same with the original, it does, though.

There, here there is the original BIOS file, plus the fixed disassembled dsdt table to put in it:

bios_and_dsdt.rar



Securable says my processor has hardware virtualization.... but virtualbox complains about it lacking.

EDIT: Securable says "Yes", and not "Locked on". What's the difference?

 

I hear that Locked On is what means that VT is enabled, thats what I read on here anyway. I don't actially know though.

 

I've tried other tools and they say my processor supports AMD-V but it's disabled in the BIOS, so "Yes" may mean my processor supports it, but it's not enabled...

 

I would like to second this request.

An AHCI menu option would also be nice bonus, along with an Advanced menu which seems to have disappeared in later BIOS versions. These missing menus can be seen here: MADSHRIMPS - Hardware Reviews ,Crazy Projects, Modding Tutorials and Overclocking

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

hi,chief
i read through this post,seems nobody request the mod bios for acer aspire 6920g, the latest one is here http://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/BIOS/BIOS/BIOS_Acer_1.16_A_A.zip?acerid=634079345714515581&Step1=Notebook&Step2=Aspire&Step3=Aspire 6920G&OS=V10&LC=en&BC=Acer&SC=EMEA_27) 1.16 on 27/04/1020.

Requests:
if possible:
- unhide Intel VT menu
- unhide SATA AHCI menu(seems has already)
- unhide Speedstep menu
- unhide any "harmless" menu
- update SLIC v2.1 from slic 2.0
- if can addin the control of the fan speed

just check it out first, if this job done already, can anybody show me the link?if not help us with pls, (if needed i'll do the RW-Everything later),thanks a lot.

 

Hi guys,

I'm busy lately, so it will take sometime to modify your BIOS. I will let you know when it ready. Maybe in this week. For the time being, make sure you can recover corrupted BIOS with CRISIS disk.

 

Hi Guys.,

I own Acer 5740 Laptop, tell me is it safe in updating the Bios with Latest Version? and what precautions should i take while updating the Bios.

Thanks in advance,
Santhosh M

 

Thanks, I hope that refers to my "less agressive Acer Aspire 5652" request as well. The available bios semi-bricked my 5652 and I ordered a USB floppy drive to recover.
Thanks in advance, I'm looking forward to it.
By the way, is it possible to make it support other Wifi cards as well? I believe it checks for certain PCI device IDs and only enables those unless you put tape on one of the PCI pins.

 

Really? Because I have a broadcom wireless card and it isn't detected at all (I have 2 of the same card basically, broadcom 4318, the 1 that came with my laptop, and the other is a spare HP card ordered online. The HP one doesn't work nor is it detected at all)

So maybe it could be enabled somehow?

 

Yes, I did a quick search to remind me of the process. It is PIN 20 (google it).
There seem to be better solutions now, at least for Thinkpads:
Problem with unauthorized MiniPCI network card - ThinkWiki

I'll look those up so maybe a bios mod is not necessary for that one. But enabling VT and adding SLIC would be awesome.

 

No problem we can for sure wait a week. It's less than never

Mmm, I was looking at modifying the BIOS myselfs, and have found a lot of guides to enable intel vmx (looking for 0x3A in the disassembled BIOS), but I have no clue as to what to look for in order to find the amd-v enable bit.

I've read that it's in the 12th bit in the EFER MSR (EFER.SMVE)... but I can't understand it

 

Its still booting somewhat, only with the recover image from 9420. Its reading a lot from usb stick, then stops. I have tried to let it sit overnight, before turning it off, then let it sit another day - but still black screen.

Guys, please help me out? Its an expensive brick for now...

 

Hmm, perhaps try this:

1. Download UltraISO (the trial works great)
2. Download an ISO of a crysis recovery disk (heres mine, you may need to replace my bios though, mine works with TM2480 and others http://www.mediafire.com/?1dmkz5vzhaz)
3. Replace the bios that comes on that disc with yours
4. Get a flash drive or CD
5. Use UltraISO to either burn the disc image, or to write the disc image to a USB drive (if to USB, let it choose the boot loader automatically)
6. Unplug the HDD and the optic drive (if using flash drive) (just HDD if optical).
7. Put in the disc or flash drive
8. Boot the computer and wait

Seeing as you couldn't get it to work before though, idk if this method is much different then what you have tried. In the worse case situation, your recovery option may be disabled (if the BIOS was flashed with a modded bios with the recover option disabled, that could be bad, but you/modder/someone could open the BIOS with PBE and check out if the recovery option is on or off)

EDIT: I mean that the modder could of taken a BIOS that had the option disabled, I didn't mean the modder disabled the option

Also another possible way to flash (and I know nothing about this being 100% possible) is either replacing the BIOS chip, or to JTAG it. Replacing it would require a chip like it flashed with preferably a stock BIOS. JTAG involves hooking precise wires to the flash chip and using a computer with a parallel port and flashing it that way.

Hope my ideas are useful

 

Can you please Mod the Acer 5739G BIOS to show fan controls or temperatures. My fan is blasting with short bursts at max load.

 

If i'm not mistaken, fan speed is controlled in DSDT, and DSDT request's aren't accept. I could be wrong though.

Have you tried SpeedFan yet though?

 

Not sure what you mean by DSDT, forgive me but I'm not that knowledgeable when it comes to this stuff.
I've tried that program and it does not allow me to control the fan, it just shows the temp. of my CPU.

 

hi,chief
i read through this post,seems nobody request the mod bios for acer aspire 8920g, the latest one is here http://global-download.acer.com/GDF...9740&Step1=Notebook&Step2=Aspire&Step3=Aspire 8920G&OS=V10&LC=es&BC=Acer&SC=EMEA_11
Requests:
if possible:
- unhide Intel VT menu
- unhide SATA AHCI menu(seems has already)
- unhide Speedstep menu
- unhide any "harmless" menu
- update SLIC v2.1 from slic 2.0
- update suport geoforce 9600m GT This is the most important
1.thanks

 

Sorry for the slow reply, but my enthusiasm for the Extensa is in a very low place atm... I will look into all of your suggestions in a little while. Thank you very much.

 

Please pay attention:-
- Make sure you all know how to recover from corrupted BIOS. Modified BIOS can render your computer unusable. Only CRISIS disk can help you. Please test the CRISIS disk to find out how to recover corrupted BIOS on your computer. I will not responsible for any problem.
- For those who request SLIC2.1 please provide your RW-Everything report as explained at the first post.
- FAN control request is not supported.
- Wireless card whitelist is not supported.
- I don't have experience with video/GPU BIOS update. AFAIK, only bob12x have this skill.

 

This is modified BIOS image for Acer Aspire 5670. It based on BIOS v3239.

Aspire 5670_BIOSv3239 VT MOD_FIXED.rar

Make sure you know how to recover corrupted BIOS before proceeding. Test the CRISIS disk on your computer first OR use CRISIS disk to flash your BIOS. This way you will know either your computer can recover from corrupted BIOS or not. I will not responsible for any problem. Good luck.

 

UPDATE (17 October 2010): There is a request from human77 to re-enabled the download link to the modified BIOS image for Gateway LT31xx. Since I'm actually did promise to the person who originally made the request not so long time ago that I'm going to unlock Advanced NB Options (NB stand for north bridge), I'm going to fulfill that promise now. Last time BIOS flash with the modified BIOS image on Gateway LT31xx was successful but after changed the settings in BIOS, during POST there was an error message produced which is "Bad BIOS Checksum" or similar with it. Even with the error messages, computer can still continue booting to windows without any problem. In this new (R3) modified BIOS image for Gateway LT31xx, I have triple check the modified BIOS image & it was build successfully. Based on the comparison between old & new modified BIOS image, the new one seems to be intact & the issue with the old one should not be happening with the new one. However, as usual I will not responsible for any problem. Good luck.

This is modified BIOS image (R3) for Gateway LT31xx.
Gateway LT31xx_MOD.rar

Please make sure your notebook can recover corrupted BIOS with CRISIS disk before flashing BIOS with this modified BIOS image. I will not responsible for any problem. Good luck.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OLD BIOS Image
This is modified BIOS image for Gateway LT31xx. It is based on BIOS image posted by ssorgatem at his post #171 in this thread.

ssorgatem_Gateway LT31xx VT_AHCI MOD.rar
EDIT: Known issue with this modified BIOS image reported by ssorgatem (post #202) & Turmlos (post #205):-

@Turmlos, Advanced section is not available in BIOS image posted by ssorgatem. However, I found "Advanced NB Options" & "Advanced SB Options" in BIOS image. I'll try to unlock these two menus later.

Make sure you know how to recover corrupted BIOS before proceeding. Test the CRISIS disk on your computer first OR use CRISIS disk to flash your BIOS. This way you will know either your computer can recover from corrupted BIOS or not. I will not responsible for any problem. Good luck.

 

If you are interested in learning how to enable VT without modifying BIOS, please read post #1 here:-
Acer Laptop with Phoenix BIOS: Enable Virtualization (Test Machine: Acer Aspire 9420)

If you want to learn how to modify BIOS image to unlock hidden menu, please read post #2 in the same thread. I already put the link to original thread by rbjack in the post. I'm not very good in writing step-by-step guide but please read post #37 in the same thread. You should be able to figure out how I locate the offsets by comparing the notes in the post with Acer Aspire 5570/5570z v3508 original BIOS image.

Good luck.

 

ACPI bios: MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service
ACPI=http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YWAOF146
sorry wrong name of the file I meant 8920G
thanks

 

Tested by ZakMcRofl on Aspire 5652, flash ok but screen stays dark. Had to recover via USB floppy drive.

@lloco73 can you please add this to the first post? I wonder why there are no PM's on this forum...

Edit: I analyzed the broken 3.66 mod. There is a typo in this line:
updated VGA Bios 7600Go (v5.73.22.55.03 --> v5.73.22. 22.33) G73M
correct:
updated VGA Bios 7600Go (v5.73.22.55.03 --> v5.73.22.55.33) G73M

The new bios some differences:
- higher memory clock rate (375Mhz instead of 350Mhz)
- higher Thrtl voltage (1,1V instead of 1,0V)

Maybe those are responsible for the black screen / lockup...

Edit2: I used the PhoenixTool.exe from MDL to insert the modified bios into the otherwise untouched original bios and it was enough to cause the blank screen. Then I used Nibitor to adjust the bios settings to the original GPU bios, did not help either. So the 05.73.22.55.33 is simply not compatible with Acer Aspire 5652.

@Modders: If you could replace OPROM5.ROM (G73 Rom) in the 3.66 already posted with the original, I believe you could save a lot of time and it should make the bios work. I tried to do that but got size errors that I can't handle.

 

ok, read and understood.

I successfully recovered from the broken 3.66 Acer 5650 bios mod so I have a working CRISIS recovery floppy.

Here's my request:
Original bios:
http://global-download.acer.com/GDF...p3=Aspire 5650&OS=V10&LC=de&BC=Acer&SC=EMEA_8

If possible:
- unhide Intel VT menu (priority)
- update to Acer SLIC v2.1 from slic 2.0

Bonus (not important, maybe for others):
- unhide any menus you can find (SATA AHCI, Speedstep. any "harmless" menu)

RW-Everything-Report and original bios here:
http://www.multiupload.com/MOAB2NVNRS

@Modders: See EDIT2 in the post above, if you could replace OPROM5.ROM (G73 Rom) in the 3.66 already posted with the original, I believe you could save a lot of time and it should make the bios work. I tried to do that but got size errors that I can't handle.

 

Added to the first post

 

If you can't wait, contact the original modder to do the job for you.

 

Firstly, thank you very much for your work. I'm looking forward to testing it out. Getting the "Advanced NB Options" section working at a later time would be great, since I think SidePort memory is causing some problems with the xf86-video-ati driver when using KMS under Linux.

Unfortunately, I can't get CRISIS to work. The Fn+Esc sequence works, but the Phlash16 (1.6.5.4) included in the package doesn't seem to support the flash chip found on the LT31 (I confirmed this by trying it on a different DOS image). If I replace it with a working version (1.7.0.14), it still doesn't flash. Therefore, I'm a bit leery of flashing your BIOS onto it. Any suggestions?

EDIT: Yes, I replaced the CRISIS BIOS file.

 

ssorgatem claimed ( post #167) that he can recover corrupted BIOS on Gateway LT31xx. Maybe you could ask him how. I'm totally agree that you should worried to flash the modified BIOS. I'm myself has brick my Acer Aspire 9420 a couple of time. Once you get CRISIS disk working, you can proceed flashing BIOS with modified image.

@ ssorgatem, can you share the procedure to recover corrupted BIOS for Gateway LT31xx?

 

Hi kizwan, I can wait just fine, I just wanted to do some research of my own instead of sitting around and being a consumer only. No harm in trying to learn new things, right?
I'm looking forward to your mod.

 

Helo bios 1.15 acer aspire 8920G


http://global-download.acer.com/GDF...0243&Step1=Notebook&Step2=Aspire&Step3=Aspire 8920G&OS=V10&LC=es&BC=Acer&SC=EMEA_11[/URL]

Bios & APIC http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DRJQ8SOH