@jefire411
I backed off from the latest BIOS because I read that the latest Bios versions would prevent flashing versions without the updated ME version. For my GA-Z270XP-SLI, there was no problem using QFLASH to do that. It seems that, at least on some Gigabyte motherboards, the locks to stop that are not set.
Unfortunately, so far, I have not been able to get my board working with the I7-8700K i picked up. I am actively trying to educate myself to try to understand why, and what I need to do to get it working.
@dsanke - thanks, I will try to test like that and see if I can tell or not. Maybe I will find a way to download that boardview file I linked above too so I can see where the board mod would be if possible, Iād much rather do it that way
@cdoublejj - No, microcode mod is fine to do, no different or hard than any other brand/BIOS/series. Flashing BIOS with Qflash you simply have to do this mod, or not.
If you want to flash with DOS/EFIFlash/FlashEFI, then you need to browse that thread to find the version that matches the version included in your stock BIOS package ( See Also for V8.00 EFIFlash, if you need that version)
@SeattleBob - With Gigabyte, and proper use of FPT, you can flash any BIOS/ME version you want, because the FD is always unlocked 
And yes, sometimes the Qflash lock is not set and you can flash mod BIOS without making this change too.
sktocc signal is not labeled on the board. search for the superio chip (nuvoton f.e) and get a datasheet for it. you will find sktocc in the pinout, trace it from chip to next resistor, there you can add a little wire and connect to ground.
@oldirdey - Thanks for tip. I found 1x SOIC8 Nuvoton chips on rear of board, similar to vBIOS size, but this is Linear Fan driver
3941S-A - https://www.nuvoton.com/resource-files/DA00-NCT3941SA1.pdf
Need that boardview file I think. I have schematic from Roasefix link above, and it shows there few times but need boardview file from that link to find anything
* Edit - I found this review, and in last image it says SuperIO chip is ITE one. Iāll look up itās datasheet and see if I can find anything there
https://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/7487/gā¦iew/index4.html
This IT8628E is IT8620E, custom for Gigabyte 
I found conflicting pinouts, and this chip does not have public datasheet
http://www.datasheetcafe.com/it8620e-datasheet-ite/
vs - https://datasheet4u.com/datasheet-parts/ā¦php?id=1213412
I guess it does not matter, neither show SKTOCC anyway 
* Edit - @dsanke @oldirdey - Situation sorted out, SKTOCC mod not needed on CPU for Z170N-Gaming 5 + SRF6N (i3-9100F) 
After 2 failed tries, I went through the CoffeeLakeModTool process again, starting from the latest f9d bios including the xSyncAllCoreRatio thing. I then used UEFItool and Hdx editor to correct the MAC address. Loaded the result with the CH341A, reset the CMOS, and started it with the old processor. Everything worked, so I replaced the C3930 with the I7-8700K, reset the CMOS, and powered it up. It works!!! GA-Z270XP-SLI works with the I7-8700K!
Just looking at voltages in BIOS - Vcore=1.452, Vccsa=1.272, DRAM=1.38, 3.3V=3.324, 5V=5.19, 12V=12.096, CPU VAXG=0.0 These seem high to me for no OC.
OCCT shows CPU VCORE =.72
More testing tomorrow, after I figure out these voltages and swap in the new Mugen 5 cooler.
My modded bios on my GA-Z270XP-SLI for the I7-8700K definitely has some strange voltage issue for VCORE. By default, it sets VCORE to 1.3 V, but even with just HWinfo running, it bounces back and forth between .72 V while sitting idle with spikes to 1.454 or so volts occasionally. That voltage seem totally out of line with a not overclocked 8700K. Does this make any sense. I seem to remember finding some discussion about similar problems earlier, but havenāt found anything that makes sense of this to me now. The Choices I get in the BIOS for voltage settings are hard to make sense of in relation to this problem.
I would appreciate any suggestions or references.
edit 11-28-19
It turns out that it starts with the 1.44V Vcore, but after starting the stress test with OCCT, the Vcore at 4.7 GHz drops to around 1.3 V. It does go up rapidly at slightly higher speeds. Running at 4GHz, the Vcore is less than 1.1V under load test. I did also replace a weak cooler with the Mugen 5. Overall, I am very happy with the result on the GA-Z270XP-SLI.
I had found the QQBY ES CPUs has anyone modded a bios for an ES on z170? if so what did you do to different from a mod for a 9900k using an asrock motherboard (Z170 OC f)?
@PontiacGTX - I think I answered you in PM or another thread? Use CoffeeTime and option #1 - then mod CPU as required for your brand per the pinout image.
Iāve used coffeeTime to mod the latest(3801) on my Asus Maximus 8 Hero Alpha.
Iāve successfully flashed and blocked and connected according to the pinout but I canāt get it to start up.
Iām trying to get a i5 9400f to work
I think I need to downgrade my Management Engine to the 11.7 version as itās currently 11.8.
Would anyone be able to advise me on where I can find a guide for easily downgrading?
PS. I did see one for the Hero version of my board but someone helped him though PM and he didnāt post the method.
https://www.asus.com/za/Motherboards/ROGā¦/HelpDesk_BIOS/
1.44 for 8700k is way too high.
Your vcore spike like that is because of LLC, check your LLC setting, put it at mid-level first then try to manage it according to your liking.
I use z270 taichi, LLC level 2, in bios 1.345 for 4.8, in win 1.344 vcore, that is what you want to stop bsod/ or acidently overshot your cpu.
How did you flash you modded bios?
For the 1st time try to use SPI tool for the best result.
After flash unlocked FD bios by SPI, after that you can flash in OS as many time as you want.
Okay I realise that I should use one of those generic SPI programmers for this.
I tried using grub and reflashing an older bios with the correct management engine version but it doesnt stick. It stays at v11.8.
Are there any other flags that I should perhaps edit in grub or do I need to definitely use the SPI programmer?
Will I be able to flash my motherboard bios with the generic Ch341a programmer?
Also could someone help me with getting the bios right for this to work?
@Razzles Your motherboard has "ASUS USB BIOS FlashbackTM" which you can use to revert to an older BIOS with earlier ME firmware.
On your motherboard itās the USB port above the HDMI port and there is a BIOS Flashback button above it.
From the manual;
@chinobino
That was what I first attempted. Somehow my ME was on version 11.8 and yet the latest bios from Asus contains 11.6.
I then used the SPI programmer to extract and backup my bios. Used the coffeetime mod on the backup bios and reflashed it.
Everything is working fine-ish now. The XMP profile for my Vengeance LPX 3000mhz C15 seems to freak out a little so I just manually set a few things.
Iāll be testing the i5 9400f now during an intense gaming session.
@Razzles I see - well you canāt beat a SPI programmer 
Glad to hear you got it working with the 9400F - it should kick butt compared to any dual/quadcore, have fun!
[Edit] Did you use USBflashback with the original BIOS or a modified BIOS?
just bought 9100f for my b250m andā¦ U0 stepping :C
i really dont found a guide step by step on how to isolate/shorten the pins of the processor, is risky ? or should i return the processor for B0 stepping ?
@ricolhaw - you need to be more specific, what is your full motherboard model, or at least what brand would help a lot
Here is in-depth guide for edit of CPU pads, see 3.2 - https://translate.google.com/translate?sā¦8%26start%3D100
A larger image of that pinmod is found in the CoffeeTime folder >> CoffeeTime_0.85a\data\info >> pinwork_map.png
thanks for the fast reply, my mobo is the b250m-a PRIME ASUS
yes i know that pins i need to modify but the thing is, i dont know how to do itā¦