L502X modded bioses download (GPU voltages and more!)

Hi,

visited me today! a Dell technician. He replaced all the parts that were swapped service center about a week ago already in DELL: motherboard, cooler, fan, heat pipe ...
Then the nightmare was finally over!
Now I can finally work with my XPS!
modded BIOS (L502X_A12_540M_BIOS_modded_83_84 Capitan Kasar flashed), 16BG RAM installed + 9 cell battery, everything is as it should be!

Nevertheless, I am interested in the development here, as well as possible and becoming available settings!

Thank you Capitan Kasar, even if I can use your modded BIOS so far (as of today) only 'passive'!

Polli

 

Good work, you have my like.

I've just flashed this one on my L502x, almost everything works as good as expected. Strangely got cpu temps around 55º to 60º in idle. Guess I'm going to try another file, one that uses custom voltages.

 

@capitankasar, is there a way to limit CPU turbo states? My system goes over x30.0 sometimes, I would like to limit it do x25.0.

 

thank you guys

@DawTaylor

try at the proccesor settings at the bios options, I think I saw something relating turbo there, however I cant test with a i3 ... xD

else, try download throtlestop app, or the intel xtu from the last part of the first post.
without modding the ME firmware you will not have access to BLCK overclocking, but you will probably able to tweak some cpu options ^^

 

I don't have any windows installed on my sytem. :/

Actually I'm running only OSx 10.8.4, is there a counterpart for mac?

 

not sure, didnt ran OSx even once in my life

so I cant be helpfull with that, try the menus I told you in BIOS, however, like I said, I was unable to test if they work or not due my incompatible turboboost proccesor

 

The menus doesn't help me, they work untill system boots up, after booting up the system changes it the way it wants... =/ I'll try an 'unvoltered' bios then.

 

Hi capitankasar! I really appreciate your hard work on this bios modding project. I have one request if it's possible. I have the same Insyde bios you have modded here (Acer 5750g) but I have a different vBios (70.08.3c.00.22) and a different gpu (nvidia GT630M, a mere rebrand of GT540M). Can you please mod for me this bios changing the voltage on the proper vBios (I would try 0,83/0,85)? Also, there is a unlocked bios version for this laptop made by Akbar. If it's not too tricky, can you provide me a modded version of both original bios and unlocked bios?

Original Bios (v. 1.21):
http://global-download.acer.com/GDF...=ASPIRE 5750G&OS=8U1&LC=it&BC=ACER&SC=EMEA_17

Unlocked Bios (v. 1.21):
https://hotfile.com/dl/186622702/ce59690/P5WE0121.zip.html

Thanks for your time, any help will be very appreciated!

 

I just noticed that there isn't a GT525M advanced and unvoltered A12 on the first post. Anyway, I just flashed the 0.85/0.85 version, now my system stays around 48º~52º.

I tried to flash the Intel ME and it says my system isn't supported. :/

 

@DawTaylor you probably can change P states in bootloader config or DSDT/SSDT file. Better ask on some OSX86 forum

 

@agaiin, I'll ask DoiX from insanelymac, I'm using his pacthed DSDT.

 

Actually, I managed to make this mod by myself. Thanks anyway!

 

@DawTaylor

lol, there are many advanced versions for the 525m , I am using the version5 0.85/0.85 and works like a charm.

if you want to use that version, search for this checksum code at the first post using ctrl+f function of the browser
8EA0EDBED7F1A1FDC571AA41D9D5EAF6

there are other advanced versions for the 525m near it.

huh? what error the intel ME update I posted at the first post gives to you?

screenshot apreciated, I asume you installed the ME drivers and you are using a L502X system


@ellric

well, glad it worked good to you

anyway I dont have too much time for modding, specially for other systems different than L502X wich I would need to make some tests and research first since the procedure would be different.

anyway glad you got it finally

 

@capitankasar,

I mean that there isn't a file with default voltages for 525m, one that only unlocks the advanced menus, at I didn't found one. I found some generic unvoltered (default voltages) files, but I'm not sure if I can use it on my system.

About Intel ME,

I couldn't get a screenshot because I flashed it under WinPE, which loads only the basic win kernel with an elevated prompt, no mspaint avaible. Basicly a variation of BartPE, but with Win7X86 as a base system.


Anyway, I wrote the whole error.

Code:

Error 8744: Unknow or unsupported plataform.
Cannot locate hardware plataform identification.
This program cannot be run on the current plataform.
Done :)

Btw, yes I'm on a L502X with GT525m system.

 

@DawTaylor

well, theorically you can even flash the 540m bioses at your L502X machine without issues, except the GPU changes will be useless since you have a 525m one.

well I noticed both cards 525m and 540m run better on 0.85v more cool and perform almost the same in terms of performance.

well, as for the Intel ME Update.

I tested it only in a valid windows 7 x64 installation (ultimate edition) in my case, it sounds you are trying to run it into a small windows with only basic functions.

if you want to enjoy the benefics of the intel ME update you will need to run the update under that system


else you can try this test package

FWUpdate.rar

it is basically like the update I did, but with extra executable and scripts for win32 win64 DOS and EFI

I didnt included a batch script for EFI, but it should work like others if you type the same command line like

FWUpdLcl.efi -f 7.1.52.1176.bin -allowsv

 

@capitankasar,

I didn't know that it wouldn't brick system if I flash a 540m file on a 525m system.

Anyway, I'll replace thermal paste on this weekend, if it doesn't solve my temp issues I'll try some other file. Actually I'm running at 0.85/0.85 and my system goes over 70º sometimes, even running 2D profile apps.

About Intel ME,

Guess I'm not going to spend my time on it, since people who use OSX and updated didn't notice any performance increase.

 

@DawTaylor

remember that the L502X have the same bios update for both 540m and 525m

the bios include both video bios.

I just relase two versions of the mod, one with the 525m bios modded, and other with the 540m bios modded.

however flashing the wrong version will have no effect at all, because your system will pick the untouched card and there will be no changes ^^

well, the intel ME update doesnt gives any performance gain as far I know, it have some fixes to the firmware over the old one, it is also required to all people who wants to flash my ME firmware mod to enable BCLK overclocking (however that only can be flashed on unlocked machines, and as far I know no one else than me unlocked its L502X >.< )

 

Capitankasar, is there any people who has tried your BIOS recovery method?

 

@xpsuser1234555

not sure if some people tested it.

I can say it worked for me and saved my several times.

however the cdrom method works only for minor bricks and only BIOS based bricks, it can not recover intel ME region bricks. thats why I also made a hardware recovery method in case the CDrom method doesnt works

 

@kasar,

Is there a way to completely turn the Nvidia card off? Since OSX doesn't support optimus it's useless for me.

 

There is, via dsdt edit which you'd flash as a custom bios. You need to tell gfx a special device code via dsm to disable it completely (even for Windows, hehe).

Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 4

 

@tw,

Does it works the same way that lx02x DSDT? Or is it a bios mod?

 

No, in a different way. Could be a bios mod, could be just a simple edit.

Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 4

 

@capitankasar I tested your BIOS recovery CD Before I started using USB to boot when broken power button.

 

Thank you so much captain Sagar for this mod.

I have a Dell XPS L502x with 540M with A12 bios. Can you point me to the perfect mod? I don't want to over clock it. Just the safest option.

Regards

And how do I check my default Intel ME version? Can you please check again if there is a newer update for our system in the Intel website?

I saw Lenovo push out Intel ME 8.1 to their old laptops.

If I use a lower voltage mod, do I get a performance reduction?

 

captain sagar?
lmao
first thing I read was captain sugar

xD



well, go for this one, this should work nice for you

http://l502x.lag.re/L502X_A12_540m_83_85_Unlocked_Menus_v5.rar

even you dont OC it, it will run on much cooler temps

you cant check your intel ME version with stock bios, you have to flash modded bios to have access to ME version.

also, as far I know the machine comes with the 7.0.4.1197. version, and dell didnt even relased a single ME update, I didnt noticed anyone else updating their Intel ME firmware on their XPS machines, so probably you will not find anything neweer than this.

about 8.xx versions, those are for ivy bridge systems, l502x is sandy bridge, we tried to add ivy bridge support to the machine by bios and intel ME mods, but we didnt had sucess.

and nope, you can safetly use the lower voltage, you get the same performance and it is recomended since you get better temps.

using lower voltages even incremented stability for OC my GPU

 

LOL.

I read it as Captain Sagar somehow. Sorry.

Thanks for the link.

How about I use 80v 83v version?

Will my hardware fail?

Can I flash the 80/83 version over 83/85?

 

@kasar,

My neighbor just crashed his Asus laptop, it has an I7-2630QM, which is working. Do you know if is possible/safe to replace my I5 with this I7?

 

@windowsappme You can use any version for your card. But if voltage is too low, it's possible that you'll need to underclock your card.

 

Only if TDP is the same.

Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 4

 

@windowsappme

0.80/0.83v might be unstable, try the one I suggested, and yeah, you can safetly flash bios over the old one and changes will take effect inmediatly

@DawTaylor

yeah, L502X can run all second gen i mobile proccesors (sandy bridge) ix-2xxx

I think it can run even xtreme mobile proccesors.

it cant run ivy bridge mobile proccesors anyway ix-3xxx

lol, you are lucky to have a proccesor upgreade ^^

I am stuck with my i3 2310 proccesor ^^

even OCing the BCLK it still slow for some apps.

what you will do with your old i5 proccesor?

 

@kasar,

That's good!

I'll try to replace my I5 with this I7, if I succeed I'll probably sell the I5.

I'm still not sure that the processor is working, I think so. I'll replace and test, if it work I'll tell you.

I'll have to buy the whole laptop, so I can use the processor and sell the other parts. How much would be a good price for the processor?

 

@DawTaylor

yeah, you should test the "upgreade" works first ^^

using the modded bios may improve chances of compatibility since it includes a cpu microcode update.

dell included 0x23 I think, I updated it to the 0x28, there is a newer update, the 0x29 but I will wait until I arrive at home to test it, I will also wait news from jkbuha, wich reported some issues with the 0x29 in windows 8 and other stuff

as for the i5 sell price, what is exactly your cpu model?

not all the i5 have the same power ^^

you can search for similar proccesors being sold as used, so you can check their price.

 

@kasar,

Mine is an I5-2450M. I searched for the I7 which is around R$450,00, about U$190,00.

Here's a comparison between both models. ARK | Compare Intel® Products

They differs basically on clock, cores/threads, and TDP. I'm not an expert about it, isn't there any kind of voltage difference?

 

@DawTaylor

well, the TDP is higher on the i7, that means more power consumition and more heat, less battery time too ^^

I think it will work anyway since I saw many l502x with that proccesor, and as far I know there are only two motherboards for the l502x, one with the 525m and other one with the 540m, well I also saw a motherboard replacement without the dedicated GPU, thats weird since I didnt saw any l502x machine without dedicated gpu ^^

well there is a 90% chance it will work.

just ensure you install the CPU properly and you apply the thermal paste and cooling system properly back.

I would get your i5, but no money found on my wallet

 

I came across a bug captain Kasar. With this custom bios, I can't install Ubuntu 13.04 properly. Do you have an suggestions?

I updated the Hard disk to an ssd. I am very unsure about the advanced settings. I have not touched it.

Do I have to change something?

 

@windowsappme

do it install properly with stock BIOS?

try install custom bios, then load default settings in bios and save them.

you may changed something or entered into the temperatures & sensors menus wich are well known to cause issues.

 

@windowsappme what errors you got? If you didn't open any advanced menu, it's probably no BIOS related. You don't need to change anything in BIOS to use SSD.

 

Yes it does. I went to advanced and did reset it to default and saved them.

@agalin
What I see is, I can install and log in but it won't shut down and after I force shut down, it boots to blank.

Never had this problem with stock.

Or is it because I use the 64bit version of Ubuntu?

Can I install Windows 8 from ubs safely with this bios with default settings?

 

@windowsappme,

Did you enable the UEFI boot? If so there's a proper way to install ubuntu under UEFI system. I never installed ubuntu under UEFI. You may read this guide. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UEFI

 

It's because you installed uefi, the firmware has a bug that prevents Linux kernel and osx kernel from halting cpu properly.

Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 4

 

@DawTaylor
You would need a 135w PSU if your current one is only 90w because TDP is higher on the i7.

Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 4

 

@timewalker
@DawTaylor

mine already came with the DA130PE1-00 (the 130w) adapter, and my machine config took an i3 and a very basic hardware configuracion, I supose he will have that one too.


anyway you can confirm by going to the BIOS and check the charger type.

mine ask 130w

what one you have?

 

@kasar,
@tw,

I just checked it, and my adapter is 130W type. Is it good? Would these 5w matter?

 

Nah, you are good. My i3 based laptop came with 65w brick so even upgrading to an i5 would require me a new 90w brick.

Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 4

 

@tw,

So I guess I'm going to try it on the weekend.

 

Captain Kasar,

I successfully install it. I had to deselect some LVM option in the Ubuntu installion wizard, it said it helped taking snap shots and stuff easy.

The problem I now have is, there is a blank screen and a blip before the Ubuntu boot animation shows up.

Is there any option that can increase the performance of Integrated Graphics?

I googled all the advanced settings but its hard to find a definite explation of the settings.

Thanks a lot.

 

@windowsappme

well, i didnt tested ubuntu on my laptop.

about increase integrated gpu performance, the bios update itself took a intel gpu update.

jkbuha tested it over the stock one and he said the benchmarks were a little more higher.

else you will have to OC the BCLK , wich also OC intel graphics, however you need to do some electronics hacks to do that in this laptop , details are on the first post.

well, you also should enable fast string proccesor option in modded bios, better performance specially for intel graphics

 

Is the WWAN/TV labeled slot a PCI-E slot? If so, is it possible to install a PCI-E SSD card on it?

Just bought that broken Asus and found a 64GB PCI-E inside, and another bunch of usable parts.

 

It's most likely an mSATA, which is not electrically compatible with regular mPCI-E, even though the slot physically is the same.

Sent from my GT-I9070 using Tapatalk 4