Asus P4pe Bios

fwil401 · 08-07-2003, 02:08 PM

Looking for others using this motherboard from ASUS. Questions I have are about versions of BIOS that are successful and reasons to upgrade, if any to more recent versions. Anybody with any experience?

jim_k · 08-07-2003, 02:21 PM

It really depends on what BIOS you are currently running and what you are trying to do with your computer.

All BIOS revisions before 1003 have trouble with locking the PCI/AGP frequencies. If you overclock, this could be a problem for you.

Newer BIOS revisions also add support for new CPUs. CPU support information can be found at the ASUS Technical Support web site (http://www.asus.com/support/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx).

ASUS does not usually post complete information about what each new BIOS does.

For information on updating the BIOS, you should refer to the User's Manual. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Remember: If you aren't having any problems, there is probably no need to update your BIOS.

ASUS P4PE Downloads: http://www.asus.com/support/download...ModelName=P4PE

Edit: fixed link

gb66pack66 · 08-07-2003, 02:21 PM

I have a P4PE and 1005. I can't remember exactly when it occurred but there was a fix to the PCI bus frequency problem - which is incorporated in this version as well.

There was a thread about 1006 that I was following but the only info Asus gives is "additional CPU support" or something like that - there is no detail.

The folks who did update seem happy but it is unclear EXACTLY what 1006 brings to the table.

I believe 1005 also adds 800 MHz FSB capabilities.

1005 is totally stable and I have had zero problems with it.

Hope this helped

gb66pack66 · 08-07-2003, 02:24 PM

sorry if this seems redundant - Jimk beat my post by a few seconds and I didn't see it until hitting submit

fwil401 · 08-07-2003, 02:34 PM

Thanks to both for the speedy responses. I am not doing any kind of overclocking with this mother board, so I'm not too concerned about the frequency lock-in issue. Will be checking my present BIOS revision tonight (my other computer) to find out what it is, but I have downloaded both 1005 and 1006 from the ASUS support page. Reason for my research on BIOS is:
This is a new installation of the P4PE.
It works, but I get a message on Boot that I don't have a BIOS installed. But it boots normally.
Planning to do some work on it using the Aflash utility.
Reading about Aflash led me to check out updates.

Assuming I have an older BIOS, I am inclined based on your responses to install at least 1005 while I'm in the process.

May be a few days before I can get this done, probably over the weekend. Any cautions would be appreciated.

Panama Red · 08-07-2003, 02:34 PM

I have this board, too. I haven't had any problems with anything requiring bios upgrade, but I keep upgrading to the newest version none-the-less. My theory with software,firmware and bios updgrades is just do it! There must be a fix for something even if I'm not experiencing it. Might prevent a problem form occurring. Drivers is another story - I use the rule "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I've installed new drivers and crashed the system when there was no reason to change in the first place.

jim_k · 08-07-2003, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fwil401
Thanks to both for the speedy responses. I am not doing any kind of overclocking with this mother board, so I'm not too concerned about the frequency lock-in issue. Will be checking my present BIOS revision tonight (my other computer) to find out what it is, but I have downloaded both 1005 and 1006 from the ASUS support page. Reason for my research on BIOS is:
This is a new installation of the P4PE.
It works, but I get a message on Boot that I don't have a BIOS installed. But it boots normally.
Planning to do some work on it using the Aflash utility.
Reading about Aflash led me to check out updates.

Assuming I have an older BIOS, I am inclined based on your responses to install at least 1005 while I'm in the process.

May be a few days before I can get this done, probably over the weekend. Any cautions would be appreciated.

The "BIOS not installed" message is from the Promise SATA/Raid controller. You are seeing this message because you don't have any drives hooked up to it. You can safely ignore this message.

I recommend using the EZFlash utility (the one built in to the BIOS). You can access it by hitting Control+Escape at the POST.

I haven't heard of any problems with BIOS Revision 1006. I don't see any point in going with 1005 if you are upgrading in the first place. (Note: I haven't tried 1006 yet.)

This is very important: Don't unplug or disturb the computer while doing the BIOS update. If the BIOS is not written properly or completely, the computer will fail to start. The P4PE has protection against this (known as a "boot block"), but it is best not to take any chances. If the boot block also fails, you will have to order a replacement BIOS chip from ASUS, or do what is known as a "hot flash."

More information about BIOS updates can be found here: http://www.wimsbios.com/

gb66pack66 · 08-07-2003, 02:55 PM

Cautions are pretty obvious...

I prefer Aflash - an old DOS guy like me likes this stuff. Aflash has never failed. So, I recommend using a floppy, not the built-in flasher.

Next, back up old bios before flashing

Next, after flashing, hit F5, (I think it is f5, or something like that to load setup defaults), but definitely do a "load setup defaults" right after you reboot after flashing

This will clear everything and ensure there are no leftover strange values from your old bios.

After loading setup defaults, go in and set it up for your particular needs/preferences.

With luck, that should fix your "no bios" problem.

Again, 1005 on my P4PE has been perfect - probably the most stable system and board I have ever had.

FWIW, our IT guy here at work gave me XP pro, corporate version, no activation but I am leaving Win2k on just because it is soooo perfect. Having said that, it will probably lock up tonight

gb66pack66 · 08-07-2003, 03:06 PM

jeez, jimk and seem to be posting in stereo....same time twice

Aflash or bios utility - either will work but jimk is correct - more important is ensure flash isn't interrupted.

good luck and post results

fwil401 · 08-07-2003, 04:15 PM

Thanks again for the good advice. I especially appreciate the cautions. As soon as I have more info, I'll let you all know how it turns out.

c_white_wolf · 08-07-2003, 04:24 PM

If you use aflash, you can download DrDOS 7.x Disk For BIOS Flashing Basic - No Drivers and create a boot disk. Then copy the bios you want to flash to to this disk. You will have just enough room to save the old BIOS to a 1.4MB floppy.

1005 is good, haven't flashed to 1006 yet.

fwil401 · 08-08-2003, 08:46 AM

Seems all went well thus far. Discovered I was equipped with 1002 version of bios, used Aflash to load 1006, and all is working well. Still have the commentary below on boot, but no sign that there is any problem as a result. Boot begins with:
FasTrak 376 BIOS Version 1.00.0.21 Promise Technology
No drive is attached to Fastrak controller. The BIOS is not installed.

Then the unit proceeds with a screen of info about hardware configuration. Afterward, the screen indicates:
EZ-BIOS: Initializing
and continues to boot up to windows 98 screen and completion of the boot process.

Details of my system:
ASUS P4PE/R/L/1394/SATA
Intel P4 2.4 G, 533 MHz FSB
DDR Ram, 512 Mb, 333 MHz
60 Gb HD, Maxtor ATA 133 Parallel EIDE
CD and CDRW
Enermax EG365P-VE 360 Watt Power Supply
Video card with 16 Mb

I am prepared to accept the explanation offered that SATA controller has no serial drive. Seems to be causing no harm. Any comments further from you guys with experience?

gb66pack66 · 08-08-2003, 09:31 PM

Sorry, my system is SCSI and I have no experience with the P4Pe's onboard RAID and SATA.

I think you can easily turn it off in bios though.

Edit: I found it in the manual. This shows how to turn it on, so turning it off should be easy:

4. Connect the power cable to the power connector on each drive.
5. Boot the system and enter the BIOS Setup Utility.
6. Go to the Advanced menu and select PCI Configuration. Make sure that
the Onboard SATA/IDE RAID Controller field is set to Enabled, and the
Onboard ATA Device First field set to Yes.
7. Save your changes and Exit Setup.
8. Proceed to section 5.4.2 for the next procedure.

Good luck

fwil401 · 08-11-2003, 08:54 AM

Many thanks, GB. Will give this a try tonight and see what happens. Really appreciate the efforts.

**SubZero** · 08-13-2003, 05:40 AM

if it ain't broke, don't fix it especially goes for BIOS upgrades.!!!

Using a whacky bios could result in all sorts of OS problems (drivers and the like).

You could at least uninstall or revert back to a working setup (using XP+ at least)... Undoing damage done by a bad bios is much more difficult if not (sometimes) impossible.

I had the same attitude a couple of years ago... just flash it when it becomes available.... after numerous problems I now have a different filosofy..

Quote:

Originally posted by Panama Red
I have this board, too. I haven't had any problems with anything requiring bios upgrade, but I keep upgrading to the newest version none-the-less. My theory with software,firmware and bios updgrades is just do it! There must be a fix for something even if I'm not experiencing it. Might prevent a problem form occurring. Drivers is another story - I use the rule "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I've installed new drivers and crashed the system when there was no reason to change in the first place.

08-07-2003, 02:08 PM	#1
fwil401 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 9	Asus P4pe Bios Looking for others using this motherboard from ASUS. Questions I have are about versions of BIOS that are successful and reasons to upgrade, if any to more recent versions. Anybody with any experience? __________________ fwil401
(Offline)

08-07-2003, 02:21 PM	#2
jim_k kernel panic! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Posts: 717	It really depends on what BIOS you are currently running and what you are trying to do with your computer. All BIOS revisions before 1003 have trouble with locking the PCI/AGP frequencies. If you overclock, this could be a problem for you. Newer BIOS revisions also add support for new CPUs. CPU support information can be found at the ASUS Technical Support web site (http://www.asus.com/support/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx). ASUS does not usually post complete information about what each new BIOS does. For information on updating the BIOS, you should refer to the User's Manual. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! Remember: If you aren't having any problems, there is probably no need to update your BIOS. ASUS P4PE Downloads: http://www.asus.com/support/download...ModelName=P4PE Edit: fixed link Last edited by jim_k; 08-07-2003 at 02:28 PM..
(Offline)

08-07-2003, 02:21 PM	#3
gb66pack66 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA or Green Bay Posts: 184	I have a P4PE and 1005. I can't remember exactly when it occurred but there was a fix to the PCI bus frequency problem - which is incorporated in this version as well. There was a thread about 1006 that I was following but the only info Asus gives is "additional CPU support" or something like that - there is no detail. The folks who did update seem happy but it is unclear EXACTLY what 1006 brings to the table. I believe 1005 also adds 800 MHz FSB capabilities. 1005 is totally stable and I have had zero problems with it. Hope this helped __________________ Asus PC800E-Deluxe 2.4 GHz, 255 FSB = 3060 MHz, stable 2ea. Corsair XMS512 Adaptec 29160 2ea. ST173404 ATI 8500DV Volcano 7 Windows XP Pro
(Offline)

08-07-2003, 02:24 PM	#4
gb66pack66 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA or Green Bay Posts: 184	sorry if this seems redundant - Jimk beat my post by a few seconds and I didn't see it until hitting submit __________________ Asus PC800E-Deluxe 2.4 GHz, 255 FSB = 3060 MHz, stable 2ea. Corsair XMS512 Adaptec 29160 2ea. ST173404 ATI 8500DV Volcano 7 Windows XP Pro
(Offline)

08-07-2003, 02:34 PM	#5
fwil401 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 9	Thanks to both for the speedy responses. I am not doing any kind of overclocking with this mother board, so I'm not too concerned about the frequency lock-in issue. Will be checking my present BIOS revision tonight (my other computer) to find out what it is, but I have downloaded both 1005 and 1006 from the ASUS support page. Reason for my research on BIOS is: This is a new installation of the P4PE. It works, but I get a message on Boot that I don't have a BIOS installed. But it boots normally. Planning to do some work on it using the Aflash utility. Reading about Aflash led me to check out updates. Assuming I have an older BIOS, I am inclined based on your responses to install at least 1005 while I'm in the process. May be a few days before I can get this done, probably over the weekend. Any cautions would be appreciated. __________________ fwil401
(Offline)

08-07-2003, 02:34 PM	#6
Panama Red 1st Log...just a memory Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: near the left coast of Michigan Posts: 609	I have this board, too. I haven't had any problems with anything requiring bios upgrade, but I keep upgrading to the newest version none-the-less. My theory with software,firmware and bios updgrades is just do it! There must be a fix for something even if I'm not experiencing it. Might prevent a problem form occurring. Drivers is another story - I use the rule "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I've installed new drivers and crashed the system when there was no reason to change in the first place.
(Offline)

08-07-2003, 02:55 PM	#8
gb66pack66 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA or Green Bay Posts: 184	Cautions are pretty obvious... I prefer Aflash - an old DOS guy like me likes this stuff. Aflash has never failed. So, I recommend using a floppy, not the built-in flasher. Next, back up old bios before flashing Next, after flashing, hit F5, (I think it is f5, or something like that to load setup defaults), but definitely do a "load setup defaults" right after you reboot after flashing This will clear everything and ensure there are no leftover strange values from your old bios. After loading setup defaults, go in and set it up for your particular needs/preferences. With luck, that should fix your "no bios" problem. Again, 1005 on my P4PE has been perfect - probably the most stable system and board I have ever had. FWIW, our IT guy here at work gave me XP pro, corporate version, no activation but I am leaving Win2k on just because it is soooo perfect. Having said that, it will probably lock up tonight __________________ Asus PC800E-Deluxe 2.4 GHz, 255 FSB = 3060 MHz, stable 2ea. Corsair XMS512 Adaptec 29160 2ea. ST173404 ATI 8500DV Volcano 7 Windows XP Pro
(Offline)

08-07-2003, 03:06 PM	#9
gb66pack66 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA or Green Bay Posts: 184	jeez, jimk and seem to be posting in stereo....same time twice Aflash or bios utility - either will work but jimk is correct - more important is ensure flash isn't interrupted. good luck and post results __________________ Asus PC800E-Deluxe 2.4 GHz, 255 FSB = 3060 MHz, stable 2ea. Corsair XMS512 Adaptec 29160 2ea. ST173404 ATI 8500DV Volcano 7 Windows XP Pro
(Offline)

08-07-2003, 04:15 PM	#10
fwil401 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 9	Thanks again for the good advice. I especially appreciate the cautions. As soon as I have more info, I'll let you all know how it turns out. __________________ fwil401
(Offline)

08-07-2003, 04:24 PM	#11
c_white_wolf What's an eXpert? Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 1,265	If you use aflash, you can download DrDOS 7.x Disk For BIOS Flashing Basic - No Drivers and create a boot disk. Then copy the bios you want to flash to to this disk. You will have just enough room to save the old BIOS to a 1.4MB floppy. 1005 is good, haven't flashed to 1006 yet. __________________ Link to my pictures: Updated: 2006-04-10
(Offline)

08-08-2003, 08:46 AM	#12
fwil401 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 9	Results Seems all went well thus far. Discovered I was equipped with 1002 version of bios, used Aflash to load 1006, and all is working well. Still have the commentary below on boot, but no sign that there is any problem as a result. Boot begins with: FasTrak 376 BIOS Version 1.00.0.21 Promise Technology No drive is attached to Fastrak controller. The BIOS is not installed. Then the unit proceeds with a screen of info about hardware configuration. Afterward, the screen indicates: EZ-BIOS: Initializing and continues to boot up to windows 98 screen and completion of the boot process. Details of my system: ASUS P4PE/R/L/1394/SATA Intel P4 2.4 G, 533 MHz FSB DDR Ram, 512 Mb, 333 MHz 60 Gb HD, Maxtor ATA 133 Parallel EIDE CD and CDRW Enermax EG365P-VE 360 Watt Power Supply Video card with 16 Mb I am prepared to accept the explanation offered that SATA controller has no serial drive. Seems to be causing no harm. Any comments further from you guys with experience? __________________ fwil401
(Offline)

08-08-2003, 09:31 PM	#13
gb66pack66 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA or Green Bay Posts: 184	Sorry, my system is SCSI and I have no experience with the P4Pe's onboard RAID and SATA. I think you can easily turn it off in bios though. Edit: I found it in the manual. This shows how to turn it on, so turning it off should be easy: 4. Connect the power cable to the power connector on each drive. 5. Boot the system and enter the BIOS Setup Utility. 6. Go to the Advanced menu and select PCI Configuration. Make sure that the Onboard SATA/IDE RAID Controller field is set to Enabled, and the Onboard ATA Device First field set to Yes. 7. Save your changes and Exit Setup. 8. Proceed to section 5.4.2 for the next procedure. Good luck __________________ Asus PC800E-Deluxe 2.4 GHz, 255 FSB = 3060 MHz, stable 2ea. Corsair XMS512 Adaptec 29160 2ea. ST173404 ATI 8500DV Volcano 7 Windows XP Pro
(Offline)

08-11-2003, 08:54 AM	#14
fwil401 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 9	Settings-BIOS Many thanks, GB. Will give this a try tonight and see what happens. Really appreciate the efforts. __________________ fwil401
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode