Can NOT update BIOS Asus Sabertooth Z77?

Lionhart27 · 13 Apr 2016 at 20:36

I am having problems with my Asus Strix 9800Ti card. Sometimes I get a blank screen on starting. Someone suggested updating the BIOS on the MB. I have downloaded the latest BIOS file. In the Bios, then the Asus EZ Bios Update Utility, but then it does not recognise CAP file, WHY NOT? It should be a ROM file? CAP, what sort of file is that!? NOT so EZ to update!!!

Blackbadger · 13 Apr 2016 at 21:37

The last time I updated a asus motherboard I had to rename the cap file.

For yours I think you need to rename the bios file to z77st.cap

See here http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1155/P8H77-M/DE103_Z77_H77_Series_BIOS_Renaming.pdf

pete910 · 13 Apr 2016 at 21:57

Iirc the cap files are used when you update from within the bios

TheMadDutchDude · 14 Apr 2016 at 03:10

You have to go into the BIOS and then launch the updater, it should work from there. Just have the BIOS file within the root of your USB device.

tnx · 14 Apr 2016 at 06:45

Use the BIOS flash back.

Falling off a log is harder.

Format a USB to fat32, Diskpart would be best.
Download the latest BIOS file.
Use the Asus renaming tool on the downloaded BIOS file.
Put the newly renamed file on the USB .
Sling this USB into the correct rear USB3 port.
Plug the PC in but do not power on.
Hold the BIOS flash back button.
Wait a few mins for it to do its thing.

Job done.

Well maybe not as easy as falling off a log but not too bad.
This is how I do mine.

Lionhart27 · 14 Apr 2016 at 09:55

Thanks tnx, don't know what you mean 'Diskpart'? I have already downloaded the latest Bios file from Asus. There is NO renaming tool inside the zip file, just the CAP file? Where is the BIOS flash back button? Why cant Asus make it easy to upgrade the BIOS as in the Asus EZ Bios Update Utility, that's what I have used before? I am waiting to hear from Asus Tech Support. I am sorry tnx but I just don't understand some of the things you are saying? And besides Overclockers seem to think my brand new GTX 980Ti card is faulty anyway? Not having much luck.

ZXSpectrum · 14 Apr 2016 at 11:36

They changed the BIOS from .ROM to .CAP a while back for compatibility for UEFI.

for some reason it looks like it has been missed tho as al the BIOS for Sabretooth Z77 are .CAP I am pretty sure that you can use the BUPDATER program from the BIOS Utilities section in DOS to update to a newer BIOS if your board does not support .CAP files.

Failing that, contact ASUS and ask them if they have a BIOS that converts from .ROM to .CAP

tnx · 14 Apr 2016 at 16:14

Lionhart27 said:
Thanks tnx, don't know what you mean 'Diskpart'? I have already downloaded the latest Bios file from Asus. There is NO renaming tool inside the zip file, just the CAP file? Where is the BIOS flash back button? Why cant Asus make it easy to upgrade the BIOS as in the Asus EZ Bios Update Utility, that's what I have used before? I am waiting to hear from Asus Tech Support. I am sorry tnx but I just don't understand some of the things you are saying? And besides Overclockers seem to think my brand new GTX 980Ti card is faulty anyway? Not having much luck.

Will get back with more details in a bit... :cool:

tnx · 14 Apr 2016 at 16:37

I have a link of a Youtube vid from Asus themselves which shows how to use the USB flash back

Code:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKGCwull7Qc

I have just looked on the Asus site and I think the re-namer tool is no longer available ?
I do have it saved on my PC. I just tested it on the latest BIOS 2104 file.
It changed the name from

SABERTOOTH-Z77-ASUS-2104.CAP

to

Z77ST.CAP

So maybe just simply re naming it manually will do.

As for Diskpart, if you have never heard of it let alone used it I think we will leave that.

Probably just simply formatting the USB under Windows will do. Making sure to format it to

FAT32

.

Hope this info helps. Just shout in more info is needed.

tnx · 14 Apr 2016 at 16:41

Have a look at this vid.

Code:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9t8MIlNGzc

It shows which port to use and shows the USB flash back button.

Roughly 24 mins in...

Lionhart27 · 15 Apr 2016 at 08:28

Thanks for all your advice. I have now updated the bios from 1616 to latest 2104, and all is fine. Asus tech support said to rename the file from SABERTOOTH-Z77-ASUS-2104.CAP to SABERZ77.CAP, copy file to USB flash drive. Restart into the BIOS and into the EZ Flash 2 Utility. This time it DID read the file and updated. This is how I done the previous Bios updates, and is a 'Peace of Cake'. Now, I can see if I am still having problems with the brand new GTX980Ti, with PC occasionally starting with a blank screen? I think ALL will be fine.