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Asus P8Z68-V Pro & P8Z68-V Pro / Gen3 & P8Z68-V / Gen3 Bios Mods with updated Oproms

59K views 127 replies 33 participants last post by  taoo7777 
#1 ·
Hello,

Updated 01/12/2012: New Bios version for P8Z68-V Pro and for P8Z68-V / Gen 3.

Bios 3603 change log:

1. Fix FW54P PCI card compatibility issue
2. Fix the bug that the OEM activation version OS of window7 will hang at the "blue screen" if some graphics cards be installed in system.
3. Fix USB Keyboard 3R-FKB3010UBK can't work issue
4. Fix Microsoft V1 receiver can't work issue
5. Fix S3 can't resume if CPU PLL over voltage is enabled.
6. Fix the CPU and Chassis Fan speed will over the duty cycle setting range.
7. Fix CPU ratio always keep at lowest after S4 resume and AC power lost.
8. Improve DRAM compatibility.
9. Support new CPUs.

Updated OpRoms:

* Intel LAN Rom was updated from 1.3.72 build 89 to 1.3.95 build 91.
* Intel Raid Rom was updated to support TRIM properly from 10.8.0.1303 to 11.6.0.1702.
* Intel VGA Rom was updated from 2124 to 2143.
* Jmicron Rom was updated from 1.07.23 to 1.07.28.
* Marvell Esata Rom was updated from 1.0.0.1022 to 1.0.0.1033.
* Marvell Sata Rom was updated from 1.0.0.1029 to 1.0.0.1033.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO / Gen3 bios 3603 : http://www.mediafire.com/?9hbtsc6uwshahob

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO _NON-GEN3_ bios 3603: http://www.mediafire.com/?91avv1md5awnoaa

ASUS P8Z68-V _NON-PRO_/ Gen3 bios 3603: http://www.mediafire.com/?tahlc0gac4acb7j

I posted this at tweaktown forum as well, with added instructions on how to mod asus bioses with updated oproms, the link is here: forums.tweaktown.com/asus/50034-asus-p8z68-v-pro-gen3-bios-mod-including-how-instructions.html .

Hope you enjoy this
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Please note that using a moded bios may VOID your motherboard warranty, use on your own risk.

All the best,
Astrotweak.
 
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#3 ·
i am not sure about trim in raid? since i'm not using raid (my ssd is fast enough), but i did had some troubles with trim with the original bios and lucid virtu was crushing with some applications as well, this is why i've updated the oprom of intel's vga.

i'm also using the onboard lan a lot, so i updated its oprom, and the jmicron was for fun
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i'll probobly update the marvel oprom on the next mod (when newer versions will become avilable and when i'll have time).

if it helps - i can update this bios mod with oprom 11.6.0.1630, but you will have to supply a link for it.

hope this helps
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#6 ·
Ok but why mod the BIOS which works perfectly as it is?

I mean I really don't care what LAN,RAID or VGA Rom is inserted into a BIOS as long as it get's the job done..

Just 4 the record I have P8Z68-V Pro/Gen3 motherboard and it works perfectly with a stock 3402 version ..

CHEERS..
 
#7 ·
good question, i did it for several reasons:

i'm not using trim on raid 0, so the raid oprom is mostly for performance issues (i had about 5% increase in disk performance), the intel vga oprom was for virtu related issues - i had applications crushing on virth with igpu oc to 2100 and radeon 6850 oc as well, after the mod virtu works perfectly.

i couldn't find the change log of intel's lan oprom but since i'm using it a lot then i updated it as well (probably a few bug/code fixes and performance optimization), jmicron/marvell each has its bug fixes on it's change log - i'm not using these chips often but i thought that, if i mod this bios then i might mod these two as well so other ppl who will use this mod will be able to enjoy latest firmware and best performance on these chips as well.

cheers!
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#8 ·
I have a question...Is updating the oprom in the bios to all the updated version different from updating the drivers for the same things like sata drivers and vga drivers? How is it different then those? Do they both have to be updated? Sorry for asking such a noob question...just wondering.

Also you recommended the new intel rst drivers from staion drivers...have you used them? Are they stable with the new 1702 raid rom?
 
#9 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by desiromeo View Post

I have a question...Is updating the oprom in the bios to all the updated version different from updating the drivers for the same things like sata drivers and vga drivers? How is it different then those? Do they both have to be updated? Sorry for asking such a noob question...just wondering.
Also you recommended the new intel rst drivers from staion drivers...have you used them? Are they stable with the new 1702 raid rom?
The OpRoms (Optional Read Only Memory) are the firmware of components (chips/function embedded in chips) that doesn't have a separate bios - it is the software that the hardware requires to function, Driver is software that allow your operating system to operate with the hardware.

Without Oprom the hardware wont work at all, without driver your operating system wont be able to use your hardware correctly.

It is require to update both oproms and driver, since they are two different things.

I'm using raid driver 11.6.2.1002 and it works well and solid with raid oprom 11.6.0.1702, according to microsoft this version is a must for windows8 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2764926 .
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by astrotweak View Post

The OpRoms (Optional Read Only Memory) are the firmware of components (chips/function embedded in chips) that doesn't have a separate bios - it is the software that the hardware requires to function, Driver is software that allow your operating system to operate with the hardware.
Without Oprom the hardware wont work at all, without driver your operating system wont be able to use your hardware correctly.
It is require to update both oproms and driver, since they are two different things.
I'm using raid driver 11.6.2.1002 and it works well and solid with raid oprom 11.6.0.1702, according to microsoft this version is a must for windows8 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2764926 .
Another question...so when asus updates its bios what is it updating if not the oproms? And why does it not update oproms while its at it? Thanks
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by desiromeo View Post

Another question...so when asus updates its bios what is it updating if not the oproms? And why does it not update oproms while its at it? Thanks
Yes, since a bios file is made from many parts/modules, then an updated bios = newer modules with new features, performance increase and bug fixes.

But its important to understand, that the Oproms that i've updated are only a small part of the bios.

The bios also includes many other modules like: the bios interface (when you press del on boot), hardware addresses (IRQ) management, feature management, USB support for keyboard/mouse and usb boot, power management & related (for the onboard power regulator chips) and many other things.

Asus tent to update their bioses or software only when needed, since they have so many. This is why when an official version of the updated bios is unavailable, people make their own version, like i did. This is the main scenario in other cases such as bug fixes for products that are out of the support cycle as well.

You can check this blog which will give you another view on subject - http://brainbit.wordpress.com/category/uni-xonar/
Quote:
After 2 years of waiting for a proper driver from ASUS, I decided to take the matters in my own hands and make the fixes myself.

BTW: ASUS execs if you are reading these please contact me for my payment!
Since some of the fixes in this bios mod are essential like trim on raid0, virtu crushing when igpu is overclocked and major performance increase in the jmicron/marvell sata/esata - then i believe that, we should be seeing a newer bios version from asus somewhere in the next weeks/months, there is a good chance that this version will be the same as my mod or as a mod with the newest oproms.

hope this clear some things up
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#12 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by astrotweak View Post

Yes, since a bios file is made from many parts/modules, then an updated bios = newer modules with new features, performance increase and bug fixes.
But its important to understand, that the Oproms that i've updated are only a small part of the bios.
The bios also includes many other modules like: the bios interface (when you press del on boot), hardware addresses (IRQ) management, feature management, USB support for keyboard/mouse and usb boot, power management & related (for the onboard power regulator chips) and many other things.
Asus tent to update their bioses or software only when needed, since they have so many. This is why when an official version of the updated bios is unavailable, people make their own version, like i did. This is the main scenario in other cases such as bug fixes for products that are out of the support cycle as well.
You can check this blog which will give you another view on subject - http://brainbit.wordpress.com/category/uni-xonar/
Since some of the fixes in this bios mod are essential like trim on raid0, virtu crushing when igpu is overclocked and major performance increase in the jmicron/marvell sata/esata - then i believe that, we should be seeing a newer bios version from asus somewhere in the next weeks/months, there is a good chance that this version will be the same as my mod or as a mod with the newest oproms.
hope this clear some things up
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Yes that does clear things up a lot! Thank you.

Thats funny I do have an Asus Xonar DG sound card...wonder if I could use his drivers?!

Also are you saying the new raid rom finally allows non intel ssd's to support trim in raid 0?
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by desiromeo View Post

Yes that does clear things up a lot! Thank you.
Thats funny I do have an Asus Xonar DG sound card...wonder if I could use his drivers?!
Yes, you SHOULD use this driver as it is lighter, more stable, uses less memory and has a lower latency for asio sound. With this driver you can even use a different control panel if you like, and allow dolby home v4 support using alexa's mod. It is MUCH better then the official driver from asus, and you might feel a performance increase over official driver.

Many products from the Xonar family (including D2X & DG) are based on the CMI8788 chip, such as many other sound cards from Auzentech, C-Media, Razor and other brands. Most of the features and performance increase/decrease over these "different products from different brands" is actually a driver thing, while the hardware almost identical.

Quote:
Originally Posted by desiromeo View Post

Also are you saying the new raid rom finally allows non intel ssd's to support trim in raid 0?
Works for me with an SandForce SF-2281 based SSD (patriot wildfire se).
 
#15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by astrotweak View Post

Yes, you SHOULD use this driver as it is lighter, more stable, uses less memory and has a lower latency for asio sound. With this driver you can even use a different control panel if you like, and allow dolby home v4 support using alexa's mod. It is MUCH better then the official driver from asus, and you might feel a performance increase over official driver.
Many products from the Xonar family (including D2X & DG) are based on the CMI8788 chip, such as many other sound cards from Auzentech, C-Media, Razor and other brands. Most of the features and performance increase/decrease over these "different products from different brands" is actually a driver thing, while the hardware almost identical.
Works for me with an SandForce SF-2281 based SSD (patriot wildfire se).
This is freakin awesome! I just found a new driver to enhance my music! Thanks A LOT astrotweak!

How do you recommend uninstalling the old driver and installing this one? Or can i just install over...Ive always wondered what the proper way of updating certain drivers was...any help?
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by desiromeo View Post

This is freakin awesome! I just found a new driver to enhance my music! Thanks A LOT astrotweak!
How do you recommend uninstalling the old driver and installing this one? Or can i just install over...Ive always wondered what the proper way of updating certain drivers was...any help?
You are welcome.

Uninstall the old driver, reboot, clean leftovers using driver fusion - http://treexy.com/products/driver-fusion , reboot, and install the new driver.

Enjoy
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#17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by mombasa View Post

hi, can this bios work with the original asus p8z68 v-pro (non gen 3) ... please let us know.
thanks.
Sorry, NO, your mb has different components hence different bios file. You need a proper mod for your bios / mb model.

In most asus mb there is no difference between hardware revisions but sometimes you have to even take this in account when modding your bios - its a good thing to update to the latest firmwares/oproms, but you don't want to end up with software of OTHER chips/versions/whatever on the flash roms on your mb.

Which devices do you use from the list of the 1s i've modded ? maybe I can make the mod for you, it shouldn't take more then 2mins.
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by cybersm View Post

I tried to update but the ASUS EZ Flash 2 said it was not a UEFI BIOS valid, any idea about the problem?
Have you tried to flash the bios from windows or from within the bios? your problem seems strange.

Could be few things, maybe your file got corrupted somehow ? either way try to save it on a usb or on the root partition of one of your disk and flash from within the bios, it should works, i have updated the bios like this, 100's of times with no problems, on many mbs..
 
#20 ·
I tried within the bios. But I got after all. Let me summarize to see if I did all right. I should load the mod file I downloaded here, extract the modules that I want to update like, vga, intel raid etc... and save those modules somewhere. So, I should load Azus Original bios file, select CSMCORE and Insert one by one, right? After that I saved a modded bios and them flash within the bios program.

Is all that correct?

Because the first thing I did before those understanding was trying to upgrade the bios within the bios program like an Asus original bios file, that was not the way I understand afer.
 
#21 ·
You dont have to click the CSMCORE, i.e: In MMTool (Aptio) "Load Image" (original BIOS ROM/CAP file) Then click "Replace" from the top tab, browse for the "BIN/OROM" you want to add/replace, Then tick the box "For Option ROM only" this will let you choose which device ID's OROM you want to update/replace. Then Click "Replace" then click "Save Image".
 
#22 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by cybersm View Post

I tried within the bios. But I got after all. Let me summarize to see if I did all right. I should load the mod file I downloaded here, extract the modules that I want to update like, vga, intel raid etc... and save those modules somewhere. So, I should load Azus Original bios file, select CSMCORE and Insert one by one, right? After that I saved a modded bios and them flash within the bios program.
Is all that correct?
Because the first thing I did before those understanding was trying to upgrade the bios within the bios program like an Asus original bios file, that was not the way I understand afer.
Sorry, i lost you somewhere ?

Updating a moded bios is just like updating a normal bios (no need to do anything other then run asus ez bios from within the bios, load the new bios and flash).

You shouldn't mess with the CSMCORE of the bios file unless you want to update something and know what you are doing, anyhow in the case of this mod its irrelevant because the csmcore already contains the new oproms (that's the idea behind the bios mod).

What is the size of the file that you are trying to flash to your bios chip ? have you verified that it is not corrupted.

Note that the flashing of the bios is very simple while the mod of it is done before flashing, on the bios file, using tools like MMTool.
 
#23 ·
I had a big issue installing probably one of those modules/roms. It was Intel rom. I have one Corsair_CSSD-F602.1b.

I have my system installed on him and also for backup two seagates in raid 0.

The problem was, after updating, it does not occurred with Asus original bios. A

fter a cold boot system hangs showing a blue screen of windows 8 saying that a problem occurred. The most interesting that after a reboot, not a cold boot windows loaded normally. I tested it several times with the same result.

Needless to say that all drivers were updated after and before flashing the room. I even formatted the PC to check that behavior without the raid, and after cold boot the the same problem and sometimes Corsair got vanished from system. Just rebooting he gets back and load everything normal.

Into the bios I have selected RAid for the discs and not AHCI because the Raid of seagate.

Now I am back to the Asus official bios.

Any further suggestions?
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by astrotweak View Post

Sorry, i lost you somewhere ?
Updating a moded bios is just like updating a normal bios (no need to do anything other then run asus ez bios from within the bios, load the new bios and flash).
You shouldn't mess with the CSMCORE of the bios file unless you want to update something and know what you are doing, anyhow in the case of this mod its irrelevant because the csmcore already contains the new oproms (that's the idea behind the bios mod).
What is the size of the file that you are trying to flash to your bios chip ? have you verified that it is not corrupted.
Note that the flashing of the bios is very simple while the mod of it is done before flashing, on the bios file, using tools like MMTool.
I did it first of everything. I downloaded p8z68-v-pro-gen3-asus-3402__mod5.rom and run azus ez bios within the bios for that modded rom but Asus said it was not a valid UEF rom Bios and stopped the process. I checked the size and downloaded again to recheck with no different answer.

Just in case, my mobo is this one: http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8Z68VGEN3/#specifications
 
#25 ·
His BIOS is for the PRO version you have the Non-PRO version thats why it wont let you flash it.
 
#26 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by cybersm View Post

I had a big issue installing probably one of those modules/roms. It was Intel rom. I have one Corsair_CSSD-F602.1b.
I have my system installed on him and also for backup two seagates in raid 0.
The problem was, after updating, it does not occurred with Asus original bios. A
fter a cold boot system hangs showing a blue screen of windows 8 saying that a problem occurred. The most interesting that after a reboot, not a cold boot windows loaded normally. I tested it several times with the same result.
Needless to say that all drivers were updated after and before flashing the room. I even formatted the PC to check that behavior without the raid, and after cold boot the the same problem and sometimes Corsair got vanished from system. Just rebooting he gets back and load everything normal.
Into the bios I have selected RAid for the discs and not AHCI because the Raid of seagate.
Now I am back to the Asus official bios.
Any further suggestions?
I'm still losing you, get from the start, which mb do you have, what are you trying to do?

The Corsair_CSSD-F602.1b is firmware for corsair SSD drives! not a module related to bios files in any way, it's a firmware (not an oprom!) that is made for the firmware chip on the SSD drive, you need corsair's firmware tool to update it.

I think that you are mixing few things and i wouldn't recommend playing with mmtool unless you know what are you doing. You can EASILY mess your board - bring it to a state of wrong firmware's on the chips so it wont power up, in that case you will need a chip burner to put the right firmware on the chip again, to revive the mb.

Anyhow, in order for trim to work properly with some SSDs you need to do several things that are unrelated:

1. Update the firmware of the SSD itself (in your case probably the Corsair_CSSD-F602.1b file).
2. Update the Oprom of intel raid in the bios to the new version 1702 and flash the bios with updated rom, so the software of the chip will be current.
3. Install updated drivers in windows that are suitable for your hardware settings.

Note that you CAN'T replace an oprom in the bios file with a different one from a different vendor/software/whatever, you only update to the same oprom in newer version, exactly you need to be very precise about the oprom that you are replacing because if you put a wrong piece of code there, then your whole mb wont work (as in the case you have described).

If you need help with your mod then post accurate description of what you are trying to do and system specs obviously, without these i cant help, sorry.

But i give you a thumb up for trying!
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