A08 or A08 Unlocked

I'm really sorry if I'm missing it, but I've been looking for over an hour using Google to site search and I'm not finding the answer I'm looking for.

I just got an SSD I want to install, but upon starting to set things up in preparation I found I'm on A09. Glad I checked.

Anyway, I've read some about the A08 Unlocked BIOS. What is the advantage? What does it unlock? I can't seem to find the answer?

I do plan to upgrade my GPU next, and at some point my processor, if that's relevant.

I'll keep modifying search terms and keep trying, but if in the meantime someone has a fast answer for me, I'd greatly appreciate it. Half of the weekend is going to have to be traveling, and I'd really like to get this drive installed by Sunday afternoon...

Edit...
Nvm.
Haven't exactly found the answer, but close enough for government work. Figures, once I post.
Am still interested in specifics if anyone can point me to them, though.

Putting this face/palm moment down to the late hour and wine...

 

both give sata III speed on the middle bay ..
unlocked version gives you a menu where you can do slight overclocking and disable the either of the graphic cards and thermal option .. stuff like that ,,

 

Here's some of the things you can do with the unlocked BIOS: Tips and Tricks with Modded A08 bios

As the good dr. mentioned above, you can also do some slight overclocking and disabled the IGD (or the dedicated graphics if you so choose...can't imagine why though).

 

Because some people have issues with Optimus, especially those that like to run benches. For me, 3DMark programs weren't utilizing my 580m. A quick bios flash and a couple settings later, I was benching without issues. It's as easy to revert back as it was to install.

 

That's disabling the IGD...I mean disabling the dedicated GPU...i.e. running on integrated only.

BTW, I was the one who told you to do so GTX 580M not recognized by some programs

 

My mistake. I misread your post

Thanks for the help again.

 

Thank you all! Aznpos531 especially for the link!
Also, nice to see you again, Skyline.

Flashed to the A08 Unlocked last night, and SSD install went without a hitch. Starting the whole optimization etc now.

While I'm doing this, I have a new question - of course.

I have read conflicting reports about setting AHCI vs RAID controllers in BIOS when your boot drive is SSD. The issue being whether or not TRIM will function if your controller is set to RAID when the OS is installed. The info that states you must use AHCI is old relative to newer reports that people have installed a single SSD as the sole boot drive using the RAID contoller and have had no noticeable problems as long as they're not trying to set up an array.

I've read some recent statements that appear to support this - as long as you are not running a RAID Array and you're only booting from the one SSD, TRIM will function.

You must have guessed by now my controller is set to RAID. This is because I didn't do a clean install but installed Windows from my recovery media. I'm having no problems, have verified I'm getting 6Gb/s, and checked DisableDeleteNotify to verify TRIM is at least enabled. Everything seems fine.

So, is the later info re: TRIM working with the RAID controller as long as you're not running an Array accurate? Or should I just say hell with it and run a clean install?

(As a side note, I do know a clean install is always the best option, but I made a decision to take the lazy route for once as I have limited time this weekend and wasn't up for messing with driver installations. I know this could cost me more time later. Figured it might be worth the gamble since there seemed to be a lot of supporting evidence that the path I took would work just as well.)

Edit...
Bah, crud. Oh well, at least I haven't lost a ton of time modifying the OS.

Am starting over after all as the partition is offset, and I really don't feel like futzing around to set it correctly. I'm early enough in the process that it's just as good a solution to just install the OS fresh. Darn, really did not want to deal with drivers. Oh well, it is what it is, I guess and I knew I'd probably have issues trying what I did. A good learning experience, at least.