Meltdown and Spectre Patched BIOS for X58 Motherboards

[Regeneration]

I just tried the x58USB3 BIOS and sadly i can't get it to work.

My board was BIOS version F2 and I wasn't able to install any newer Bios than F3 because those newer BIOSes are 2MB and the flash is formatted to 1MB only.

Found the solution by using a deprecated version of Gigabyte @bios, see here for instructions: https://www.tweaktownforum.com/foru...abyte/45693-q-flash-error-incorrect-file-size
@bios seems to ignore if the filesize or checksum does not match.

I can flash the original F5C version from Gigabyte and it works sort of. The System does not POST anymore when its hot (reset, restart, ctrl+alt+delete), but still manages to post every time when it is cold booted. Strange behaviour, but at least the original F5C BIOS sort of works.
I always enabled CMOS Clear and delete DMI pool Data when flashing any new BIOS.

But the NVME version simply does not POST. The only way to flash it was @bios again. Neither a DOS Booitstick works nor the integrated Q-flash. Is there some kind of magic involved?

If i flash it with the included FLASHSPI.EXE, the exe says " !!! BAD BIOS FILE !!" and the Qflash utility says the BIOS file is corrupted and will not allow it. I re-downloaded it 3 times and also tried a different USB Stick and made a New DOS bootstick with rufus twice.

Any ideas guys?

Use the @ bios utility from the first post.

Maybe the original BIOS was 1MB, but the chip itself is capable of 8MB, and 2MB ROMs should work fine on it.

2MB ROM files are more sensitive to modifcations.

 

[Edwired]

I just tried the x58USB3 BIOS and sadly i can't get it to work.

My board was BIOS version F2 and I wasn't able to install any newer Bios than F3 because those newer BIOSes are 2MB and the flash is formatted to 1MB only.

Found the solution by using a deprecated version of Gigabyte @bios, see here for instructions: https://www.tweaktownforum.com/foru...abyte/45693-q-flash-error-incorrect-file-size
@bios seems to ignore if the filesize or checksum does not match.

I can flash the original F5C version from Gigabyte and it works sort of. The System does not POST anymore when its hot (reset, restart, ctrl+alt+delete), but still manages to post every time when it is cold booted. Strange behaviour, but at least the original F5C BIOS sort of works.
I always enabled CMOS Clear and delete DMI pool Data when flashing any new BIOS.

But the NVME version simply does not POST. The only way to flash it was @bios again. Neither a DOS Booitstick works nor the integrated Q-flash. Is there some kind of magic involved?

If i flash it with the included FLASHSPI.EXE, the exe says " !!! BAD BIOS FILE !!" and the Qflash utility says the BIOS file is corrupted and will not allow it. I re-downloaded it 3 times and also tried a different USB Stick and made a New DOS bootstick with rufus twice.

Any ideas guys?

Seems like the file you downloaded is either corrupted already or the bios chip is failing due to bit rot only way to fix that is either replace the bios chip entirely or use a external bios flasher to try and format the bios to a blank state then reflash the bios that originally came with the board. Then again it might be a possible case where the cpu isn't mounted correctly or have sustained pins damage or misaligned in the socket therefore it semi working or failing to post. Seems like the bios is edited to a point where the board refused to flash the modified bios is telling me is a wrong version of bios file for the motherboard in question is what I thinking

 

[Kbird]

I just tried the x58USB3 BIOS and sadly i can't get it to work.

My board was BIOS version F2 and I wasn't able to install any newer Bios than F3 because those newer BIOSes are 2MB and the flash is formatted to 1MB only.

Found the solution by using a deprecated version of Gigabyte @bios, see here for instructions: https://www.tweaktownforum.com/foru...abyte/45693-q-flash-error-incorrect-file-size
@bios seems to ignore if the filesize or checksum does not match.

I can flash the original F5C version from Gigabyte and it works sort of. The System does not POST anymore when its hot (reset, restart, ctrl+alt+delete), but still manages to post every time when it is cold booted. Strange behaviour, but at least the original F5C BIOS sort of works.
I always enabled CMOS Clear and delete DMI pool Data when flashing any new BIOS.

But the NVME version simply does not POST. The only way to flash it was @bios again. Neither a DOS Booitstick works nor the integrated Q-flash. Is there some kind of magic involved?

If i flash it with the included FLASHSPI.EXE, the exe says " !!! BAD BIOS FILE !!" and the Qflash utility says the BIOS file is corrupted and will not allow it. I re-downloaded it 3 times and also tried a different USB Stick and made a New DOS bootstick with rufus twice.

Any ideas guys?

Use the @ bios utility from the first post.

Maybe the original BIOS was 1MB, but the chip itself is capable of 8MB, and 2MB ROMs should work fine on it.

2MB ROM files are more sensitive to modifcations.

I don't have that Board I have the x58UD3R V2 and had similar Issues, and as Regeneration mentioned the only fix was to use @bios in Windows to get around the change in File Size , after that I was able to upgrade to the latest Bios with no issues using Flashspi or Qflash etc.

Also make sure you have the Correct Motherboard Rev. of the Bios , for example mine is a Rev.2 of the UD3R.

KB

 

[MaksDampf]

Guys, first of all, i have to apologize. I had two threads open an i posted in the wrong thread.

I actually didn't try to update the meltdown/spectre BIOSes of this thread but the NVME ones form Ismail Hastanesi: https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/...ards-nvme-m-2-ssd-bios-mod-collection.299867/

Use the @ bios utility from the first post.

Thats is what i used. It works for BIOS Version F3n and F5C(orig) which are both 2MB. But not for Ismails 2MB NVME BIOS version, it'll always fail to start and then use the recovery BIOS to flash back version F2 (1MB).

Maybe the original BIOS was 1MB, but the chip itself is capable of 8MB, and 2MB ROMs should work fine on it.

Actually according to @bios the board has 8Mbit which sounds like just 1Mbyte?

2MB ROM files are more sensitive to modifcations.

Hm, i didn't make any mods myself.

Seems like the file you downloaded is either corrupted already or the bios chip is failing due to bit rot only way to fix that is either replace the bios chip entirely or use a external bios flasher to try and format the bios to a blank state then reflash the bios that originally came with the board.

It works fine now once the recovery has reflashed Version F2, so i don't think it is the BIOSchips. I have like reflashed 10 times already from the backup BIOS.

Then again it might be a possible case where the cpu isn't mounted correctly or have sustained pins damage or misaligned in the socket therefore it semi working or failing to post. Seems like the bios is edited to a point where the board refused to flash the modified bios is telling me is a wrong version of bios file for the motherboard in question is what I thinking

I put in the old i7-960 again (instead of x5675) and also downgraded to one stick of Ram, but it doesn't change anything. Both work rock stable in version F2.
Btw, with cold boot and hot i don't mean the actual temperature but that the power has to be switched off. It is just with version 5C (Beta BIOS) where it fails to post on a reboot. It starts reproducible if i cut the power for 3 seconds and then start it via powerbutton again.

I don't have that Board I have the x58UD3R V2 and had similar Issues, and as Regeneration mentioned the only fix was to use @bios in Windows to get around the change in File Size , after that I was able to upgrade to the latest Bios with no issues using Flashspi or Qflash etc.

Yes, i used @bios. I was already past the 2MB barrier multiple times but after each failed flashs i am back to F2 (1MB) again.

Also make sure you have the Correct Motherboard Rev. of the Bios , for example mine is a Rev.2 of the UD3R.

KB

It is the X58USB3 Rev1.0 - i can't find any board revision number for the BIOS i downloaded, i suppose there is only 1.0 then.

 

[Kbird]

Been a long time but I am not sure you can update the Backup Bios with a 2mb Bios, ( you have 2 x 16bit looking at support site) so that is something you might have to put up with, hopefully the maker of the NVME Bios can help you out, as it sounds like the bios has issues with it's checksum or something.

*** added ----- Tweaktown is another place for modded/old Bios's too , for this board they have F5f in post 10....... Post 1 for newer boards too....

GIGABYTE Latest Beta BIOS - TweakTown Forums

Warning Some of beta BIOSes are still undergoing compatibility testing. GIGABYTE is sharing these BIOSes for testing purposes only and are not meant for general release. If you are not familiar with beta BIOS testing, then please only flash the recommended release BIOSes that are posted on the...

www.tweaktownforum.com

KB

 

[Edwired]

That the thing about revision difference in the motherboard you may have to dump the bios that is on the motherboard and edit it with the modified data then reflashing it back on the board as that what I did for the Asus P6x58d-e in order to update the Marvell controller using available editor that is compatible which I think is the MMTool possibly. I had to dig around the internet with a fine comb to find the latest file for the Marvell controller to update the bios revision since it was out of date by a long shot. Not too sure what editor is used for editing gigabyte bios.

 

[MaksDampf]

There is only one Revision for this board.

The GA X58-USB3 was a lower cost second wave X58 board that was launched along the Gulftown i7 CPUs (980X, 990X).
It went on the shelf the same time as sandybridge and Z68, P67 motherboards. I guess the tech was already pretty solid by then that they never released another revision.
It is clearly based on the UD3R but they saved on the marvell SATA controller and used a cheaper 6phase VRM instead of the 24Phase one.

 

[losada12]

Hi friend could you help me with my bios my asus P6x58D-E motherboard

ID SSD M2

PCI\VEN_126F&DEV_2263&SUBSYS_2263126F&REV_03

PCI\VEN_126F&DEV_2263&SUBSYS_2263126F

PCI\VEN_126F&DEV_2263&CC_010802

PCI\VEN_126F&DEV_2263&CC_0108

 

[megvadulthangya]

Hi guys! Please someone tell me where can i ask to add CPU microcode to my motherboard?
I have an Asrock X58 Extreme 6 Board and im currently waiting for a Xeon L5640 Cpu from Aliexpress...

I dont find in the cpu support list that CPU.

Please please

 

[Regeneration]

Hi guys! Please someone tell me where can i ask to add CPU microcode to my motherboard?
I have an Asrock X58 Extreme 6 Board and im currently waiting for a Xeon L5640 Cpu from Aliexpress...

I dont find in the cpu support list that CPU.

Please please

Xeon L5640 shares same CPUID with the other Westmere series and there is no need to add microcode.

Just make sure the motherboard is flashed with the latest BIOS.

 

[megvadulthangya]

Xeon L5640 shares same CPUID with the other Westmere series and there is no need to add microcode.

Just make sure the motherboard is flashed with the latest BIOS.

Thank you for your time!

 

[Bumbapa]

Hi!

I just could not make it work, I tried the modded bios but no success.

It is about a Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD5 rev2, Intel Xeon x5675 CPU and Samsung 980 nvme.

What's wrong?

 

[Bumbapa]

Done!

 

[Bill_Bright]

Done!

Please understand that tech support forums are places to learn AND to share what we have learned so others may benefit from our learning experiences. Simply saying “Done!”, “never mind” or “I fixed it” helps no one!

How did you fix it? If you discovered it was a newbie mistake or simple user error, join the club. We’ve all been there. That’s just part of the learning experience for newbies and experienced pros alike.

What did you do to resolve your issue?

 

[Bumbapa]

Please understand that tech support forums are places to learn AND to share what we have learned so others may benefit from our learning experiences. Simply saying “Done!”, “never mind” or “I fixed it” helps no one!

How did you fix it? If you discovered it was a newbie mistake or simple user error, join the club. We’ve all been there. That’s just part of the learning experience for newbies and experienced pros alike.

What did you do to resolve your issue?

Ohhh, sorry...
I was almost giving it up, sad that couldn't make the nvme Samsung 980 work on x58a-ud5/2r// & Yes, I'm a newbie..
I did look/search/read again and again on Win-Raid and here to find a Bios file updated with my ssd's data, but this wasn't enough, another important step was the way how to flash the bios(with all of the disks deattached), not in Windows but Dos + the settings within the integrated peripherials, and..... boom! it worked!

Sorry for my english.. it is not my mother language but I try to make it clear/understandable.

Thanks for everyone who made this thing possible!!! Hat off! It's magnific!
All the best..!

Greetings from Hungary,
N.Sándor

 

[Bill_Bright]

Thanks! And your English is much better than many where English is their mother language.

 

[Bumbapa]

Thanks! And your English is much better than many where English is their mother language.

Bill, thank you!

 

[user777]

Ohhh, sorry...
I was almost giving it up, sad that couldn't make the nvme Samsung 980 work on x58a-ud5/2r// & Yes, I'm a newbie..
I did look/search/read again and again on Win-Raid and here to find a Bios file updated with my ssd's data, but this wasn't enough, another important step was the way how to flash the bios(with all of the disks deattached), not in Windows but Dos + the settings within the integrated peripherials, and..... boom! it worked!

Sorry for my english.. it is not my mother language but I try to make it clear/understandable.

Thanks for everyone who made this thing possible!!! Hat off! It's magnific!
All the best..!

Greetings from Hungary,
N.Sándor

Bill, thank you!

Ohhh, sorry...
I was almost giving it up, sad that couldn't make the nvme Samsung 980 work on x58a-ud5/2r// & Yes, I'm a newbie..
I did look/search/read again and again on Win-Raid and here to find a Bios file updated with my ssd's data, but this wasn't enough, another important step was the way how to flash the bios(with all of the disks deattached), not in Windows but Dos + the settings within the integrated peripherials, and..... boom! it worked!

Sorry for my english.. it is not my mother language but I try to make it clear/understandable.

Thanks for everyone who made this thing possible!!! Hat off! It's magnific!
All the best..!

Greetings from Hungary,
N.Sándor

hello N. Sandora, I have a request for you. I have a motherboard the same as yours. could you send me a modified bios for the 980pro 144d A80A disk. . Or maybe advise me what tools to use to modify the bios for my disk. 2 days ago I did a bios mod ff1 and pci disk entry and the computer did not want to turn on, help qflash. it will save me time going through forums and topics. I used cbrom155 and the FF1 bios from ismailTPC_Hastanesi added my disk to the list. This was the only attempt and it failed. I am sending the file i use to my ssd 144D_A80A.BIN 980pro , I would be very grateful,

 

[Bumbapa]

hello N. Sandora, I have a request for you. I have a motherboard the same as yours. could you send me a modified bios for the 980pro 144d A80A disk. . Or maybe advise me what tools to use to modify the bios for my disk. 2 days ago I did a bios mod ff1 and pci disk entry and the computer did not want to turn on, help qflash. it will save me time going through forums and topics. I used cbrom155 and the FF1 bios from ismailTPC_Hastanesi added my disk to the list. This was the only attempt and it failed. I am sending the file i use to my ssd 144D_A80A.BIN 980pro , I would be very grateful,

Hi,

I can not modify the file but I'll search for the one I used and I'll send you.
I'm at work now, I'll be back in the evening, Eu time.

 

[user777]

Hi,

I can not modify the file but I'll search for the one I used and I'll send you.
I'm at work now, I'll be back in the evening, Eu time.

I managed to upload the ff3 beta bios dump with fixes, with the OpROM for pci ssd980 pro uploaded to the motherboard. The bios sees the VMNE disk, but the computer does not want to start when I have the old SanDisk Plus SSD with Windows 10 connected to the SATA III connector on the motherboard. I switched the ssd sanddisk sata cable to another connector on the motherboard from SATA III to SATA II and it started working. When I do not do this, the system starts and stops at a black screen with a flashing white sign in the upper left corner. I managed to start the system from the nvme disk. Thank you for your help, and I will gladly accept the bios if you send it to me, I will see if there is a difference. This is i use ff3 fix spectre and meltdown dump downloaded from this post https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/...-x58-motherboards.246101/page-11#post-4316246

 

[Bumbapa]

Here is the file I've used. But unfortunately there is no 144D_A80A.BIN in the list (I have the Samsung 980, not the Pro version), so I guess you need to add it.

 

[user777]

Here is the file I've used. But unfortunately there is no 144D_A80A.BIN in the list (I have the Samsung 980, not the Pro version), so I guess you need to add it.

Thank you very much

 

[Bumbapa]

Thank you very much

My pleasure //