[Slink]

What are the risks associated with "hot flashing" a BIOS?

Supposing I don't drop the chip on the live mobo and short something out, I am under the impression that a person can ruin his/her PLCC chip when pulling it out while the board is live/hot. True?

What other risks are associated, if any?

Thanks!
-Slink

Update: USEFUL LINKS (Not responsible for other sites not complying the OCN TOS, sorry if they aren't compliant!):
http://www.opentechsupport.net/forum...ad.php?t=20449
http://www.tokenasians.com/articles/bioshotswap.html

Update: If you have "hot-swap-flashed" a BIOS and it went well, please say so.

 

[The_Rocker]

That sounds pretty hardcore and its probably easier and safer to just ask the board manufacturer for a new pluggable CMOS chip. Thats why they are in sockets.

 

[Slink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Rocker That sounds pretty hardcore and its probably easier and safer to just ask the board manufacturer for a new pluggable CMOS chip. Thats why they are in sockets.

Well, it's definitely not an everyday procedure, and not what I would call "kosher", but it's been done (hundreds, maybe thousands of times) and I've yet to read/hear of any related "horror stories".

Anybody have anything else for me?
Thanks,
-Slink

 

[winginit]

Slink.... maybe the articles that you linked have covered all this, but there is some additional info on hot-flashing here:

http://www.rebelshavenforum.com/sis-...;f=52;t=000032

 

[Slink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by winginit Slink.... maybe the articles that you linked have covered all this, but there is some additional info on hot-flashing here: http://www.rebelshavenforum.com/sis-...;f=52;t=000032

Dude, good link. Thank you.

 

[DuckieHo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Rocker That sounds pretty hardcore and its probably easier and safer to just ask the board manufacturer for a new pluggable CMOS chip. Thats why they are in sockets.

Most board manufacturers will not ship out just a BIOS chip.

 

[Slink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckieHo Most board manufacturers will not ship out just a BIOS chip.

And it's usually hella expensive, no matter which way they do it (the mobo mfctrr).