So last week I had a failed BIOS update in my motherboard, screen just went blank.
After that, the board was dead, no response from power button etc.
I have a cheapy CH431A tool.
I managed to get a bios folder from the manufacturer website, and I flashed that.
The board powers on now, but all 4 debug lights stay on and no boot.
During the flashing process, the contents of the bios chip fails to verify with the file, always an error on 0x00f80000
Tried multiple versions of As-programmer and CH341A programmer etc same result.
My last thought and hope is that maybe the manufacturer file is not suitable for direct flashing.
I did not make a dump of original corrupt bios
I have used the clip method.
I have tried with and without CMOS battery
After multiple fails, I de-soldered the chip and flashed directly on the CH341A, same result, failed on same block
Tried multiple usb ports
So I joined this forum, in the hope that someone can make the online file from NZXT website flashable, or instruct me to do it myself, as a think this is the last thing to try, apart from a new bios chip
Motherboard: NZXT N7 Z490
CPU: i5 10600k
Link for bios that im using: N7 Z490 P1.80
The file that am using from within the zip file is “N7Z49XT1.80”
Any assistance to get up and running again would be appreciated
If programmed outside the pcb and still errors, then its IC damage or flash app compatibility.
Try NeoProgrammer or Colibri, the image from the archive seems ready to use.
No info is provided for the IC model present in mboard so no ID for the voltage that should be used.
EDIT: The “SQ” doesn’t matter for operations, its the vendor additional package IC specs.
Thanks for having a look at the file, will try those 2 utilities, hopefully they work.
The chip is Winbond W25Q128JVSQ
None of the programmers have the one with the “SQ” at the end, so I have been using the W25Q128JV option for the IC.
Ok so, downloaded a whole repo of programmers from Git.
Tried all. No luck. Verification error on 00F80000.
Then…
I made a live usb of Linux Mint, loaded flashrom.
No luck, same error
I figured maybe i messed up the chip when initially trying the clip method.
I managed to get a “similar” chip locally with next day delivery.
W25Q128FVSQ, as opposed to the OG one which is W25Q128JVSQ
I flashed it with NEO.
It flashed and verified
Also dumped it and did md5 check
Matched the NZXT bios from website.
Sadly, when soldered back to the mobo, it does not work, board doesnt even power on.
Is there any way to get around the model number difference (maybe hexedit the bios file?) or do I just have to get the exact chip, which will take about 2 months to get to me…
