How to flash a BIOS modified for xeon processors to a motherboard.

Ken-ji · March 20

Hi,

I recently wanted to try my luck with performing a xeon mod for an LGA775 board. I think that I succeeded with the socket modification, and the cpu modification (adding the mod adapter). The cpu did heat up, but it didn't post. So I checked that my motherboard does support quad core CPUs. I took out the bios memory, and used a universal programmer to copy the .bin file of bios. Then I changed the file extension from .bin to .rom and I used the MMTOOL to insert the microcodes into the bios file. And the problem is, how can I create a boot-able usb to update my bios? My motherboard doesn't have a usb flash port and it doesn't have any way to select a drive to flash bios in the bios. And of course I can't flash it using software on my lubuntu drive. (I still can use the OS with the previous cpu) The modified bios file in the attachment. The xeon model is e5440. please send help :<

xeon modified.rom

OhYou_ · March 20

I use this usually
https://github.com/flashrom/flashrom

Theres a good guide on how to use it on libreboot wiki

Keep in mind if you flask your internal rom with it and reboot and it doesnt boot anymore, then you will need another computer and a eeprom programmer to recover.

Ken-ji · March 27

On 3/20/2024 at 7:41 PM, OhYou_ said:

I use this usually
https://github.com/flashrom/flashrom

Theres a good guide on how to use it on libreboot wiki

Keep in mind if you flask your internal rom with it and reboot and it doesnt boot anymore, then you will need another computer and a eeprom programmer to recover.

After further testing of the PC I am afraid of testing the xeon on the poor power supply in this PC. On the current CPU it gets really hot. So I don't want to blow it up ;). Still I will mark your response as a solution. Thank you!