Acer Power M8 motherboard and CPU upgrade

The stock CPU does the same thing, it hangs at verifying DMI pool data.

I've Enabled Reset Configuration Data but it's still the same I'm afraid. I can't flash the BIOS from USB becasue no matter which drive I select as the boot device the verifying DMI pool data screen comes up
 
Done a search on other forums and it could be the BIOS chip is broke. If you google 'ecs MCP61SM-AM bios' and look in the shopping part you can buy a pre-programmed BIOS chip. The BIOS chip on the motherboard looks like its plugged in, shall I try taking it out?
 
Do you happen to have an old floppy drive you can use? I always found this was the most reliable way to update the BIOS.

Otherwise, have you tried removing the battery for a minimum of 15 minutes, with the CMOS reset jumper set to reset at the same time? If not, please do so, and after installing the battery and resetting the jumper, restart the system whilst holding the 'insert' key down and tell me what happens.

As for removing the BIOS chip, yes it look like a removable one, ideally you need the correct tool to remove it without damaging anything though. It is possible with a home made tool IIRC, I'll try to find you a link...

http://www.badflash.com/removbio.htm
 
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If you have one it would certainly do no harm trying. Just don't forget to reset the CMOS jumper and if I were you I would enter the BIOS setup immediately and enable Reset Configuration Data and possibly Load Default Settings to be on the safe side.

EDIT - This might be worth trying first rather than risking bricking another BIOS, assuming that's what is wrong - hotflash the first BIOS in the 2nd system...

http://www.overclock.net/t/102206/how-to-hotflash-your-bios-chip

http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314300

http://www.tokenasians.com/articles/bioshotswap.html

...this way you should be able to update the old BIOS chip with whatever version you like :)
 
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Put the stock PU back in. Put in the BIOS chip from the spare PC from work that wasn't even powering on and hey presto I'm working again!

Now, what steps should I take before I put in the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ ?
 
Glad to hear it, I would try a hotflash in all honesty so that you have a backup BIOS in case this happens again!

It seems difficult but if you are careful it should work just fine. I would NOT risk another botched BIOS chip without a backup!!

As for what to do next, I would remove the old CPU, install the new CPU, jumper the CMOS reset for a short time then boot up and immediately go into the BIOS setup. You may need to boot holding the Insert key, but try without for now.

Once there, Reset Configuration Data, then Save and Exit. You should be good to go at this point.

EDIT - if you do the hotswap, you could even try one of the unlocked BIOS' on the 2nd chip, worth a shot surely if you have a backup? Would give you a lot more options thats for sure.
 
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Hmmm, still researching - what exact 5200 chip did you get? Can you give me all the info off the top of it? Or maybe from the box if you got one?

EDIT - I take it the CPU is the same as in your sale thread? If so then it's a K8 Brisbane so no worries with compatability then :)
 
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Okay, from what I can work out, if you look at where the BIOS is being downloaded from on both these links (hover over the BIOS download and look at the location in the status bar)...

Your model - http://support.acer.com/product/default.aspx?modelId=923

T180 - http://support.acer.com/us/en/product/default.aspx?tab=1&modelId=386

...you will see that they both direct you to the same location and file, therefore I think it's pretty safe to assume that they both use the same BIOS file.

With that said, you should be able to use the T180 unlocked BIOS from bios-mods.com

I would still like you to have a backup first mind you in case anything goes wrong :)
 
Thanks for all your help mate, really appreciate it :)

I didn't make a backup (I know after all I've been through you think I would!). Reason being when I have the botched BIOS chip in I can't boot from anything, not even the floppy. That verifying DMI pool data screen always comes up. So I can't make a backup BIOS chip :(

I'm tempted to try that unlocked BIOS. Main reason being my RAM is running at 200Mhz according to CPU-Z where as the CPU is running at full 2.6Ghz. Do you think I need to alter the RAM settings? Theres nothing in the current BIOS that will allow me to do that. It's PC-5300 (333Mhz) so it should be running faster.
 
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Why don't you do the hotflash for the backup? It's fairly simple, boot to DOS for BIOS flash with the good chip, then remove it and insert the bad one and flash it.

If you have the BIOS removal tool then it's dead easy. If not, you can use something like dental floss underneath it to assist when removing it. Sounds daunting but it's not that bad if you are careful. And at least you'd have a backup.

You'll probably find the RAM is running that speed because the BIOS is locked on a multiplier/divider. With the right options, yes you could likely increase it a bit.
 
I might give that a try, as of yet I'm trying to figure out why the CPU fan is only spinning at 500RPM, my core temps are 55c on idle!!
 
There are two options in there and both are enabled, ones smart CPU and I forgot what the other one is. I've installed SpeedFan but that has no effect either. Maybe this Arctic Cooler Alpine 64 GT Rev.2 is faulty?

Does the motherboard have PWM?
 
Disabled that CPU Smart option in the BIOS now the fan runs at 2000RPM constantly. It's one extreme to another! I want it to speed up as the CPU gets hotter
 
The motherboard has a 3 PIN socket that'll explain why PWM doesn't work. ESF isn't supported on this motherboard. Wow these motherboards are really low spec aren't they!
 
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