GA-890GPA-UD3H with AMD Phenom II x6 1100T CPU

[Traveller]

Hi.

I've noticed that the Phenom 1100T is supported from BIOS version FGF for the GA-890GPA-UD3H motherboard (rev. 2.1).

http://uk.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3516

Would this combination work out of the box or would a BIOS update DEFINITELY be required? I asked someone who used the above combination of motherboard and CPU and they stated that their system worked fine out of the box without updating BIOS. I really wish to avoid trying to update BIOS as it is a MUCH more complicated process for my Ubuntu Linux pc. On the other hand I also read a customer comment that the pc wouldn't start at all and they had to buy a cheap CPU in order to flash the BIOS and then remove that CPU and install the 1100T, after which it worked.

I have visited the following page but my knowledge on this matter is somewhat limited.

Thanks.

[absic]

Hi there,

as a general rule a motherboard will ship with an earlier BIOS than the latest released version so CPU support for the 1100T is not going to be guaranteed.  Usually it is advisable to upgrade the BIOS, using a CPU that will work from the first release to ensure that you have no problems.

That said, the difference between some of the CPU's is so slight that they can be recognised and will also work OK even though they are not officially supported. This can makes thing more confusing for you I'm afraid as, if you have this combination it may work out of the box but it might just as easily not work.

If you are ordering the motherboard from a reputable dealer you can often ask them to update the BIOS for you before they send you the board. Most will do this but they may make a charge.

[Traveller]

Hi absic.

Thanks for your helpful reply.

Sorry I forgot to paste the link I mentioned in my post, see below.

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3516&dl=1#bios

Does the note in the description section of the FGF BIOS mean that with this combination of motherboard and CPU, full functionality cannot be obtained?

Also, what does it mean by the removed unlock CPU core function? Is that only relevant to overclocking or does it affect non-overclocking CPU use also?

Thanks.

[absic]

The core unlock feature is primarily for those who have a lower spec'd CPU such as a 555BE and wish to try and activate the locked cores that are present on them. This is not always a successful process but, if it does work you can get a quad core processor for the price of a dual core.

This doesn't effect the way the processor will run overall and the "Full Functionality" is referring to the previous BIOS features, some of which have had to be removed to allow for the new AM3+ CPU's to work on this board.

[Traveller]

Thanks absic, that makes it clearer. Where can I find the previous BIOS versions? I am asking because for the person whom I mentioned in my original post, the latest BIOS did not work at all and they had to update using an older one, FGA, which worked fine. Can I still obtain FGA? I realise that it won't support AM3+, but AM3+ isn't my priority at the moment.

[absic]

You can download the current, and earlier BIOS versions for the Rev 2.1 board here: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3516&dl=1#bios

When it comes to updating BIOS I would recommend that you use the QFlash Utility as it is more reliable than the @BIOS software. If you're not sure of how to update th eBIOS using QFlash check here: http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,2441.msg13929.html#msg13929

[Traveller]

Thanks for the advice absic. Where can I find the FGA version BIOS? Thanks.

[absic]

Not sure where you will find it now as it has been updated with the FGF BIOS.

If you really want it then the best bet would be to search the internet to see if you can find it or hope someone with it stumbles across this thread. I would say try TweakTown but they only seem to have Gigabyte BIOS for Intel Boards. 

[Traveller]

Thanks absic. I have just been informed by Gigabyte that I can also send my board in to Gigabyte UK to have it flashed but they only provided a link to the motherboard page. Where do I find info on where to send it and if I need to pay any costs, e.g postage? Thanks.

[Dark Mantis]

This is the email address of the returns department who deal with RMA repairs:

 returns@gbt-tech.co.uk

[Traveller]

Ok, Dark Mantis.

Thanks for all the help received here. I appreciate it all.

[Dark Mantis]

absic is always here to help with the AMD platform in particular and there is none better.

[Traveller]

Hi.

I have researched the topic of whether or not a customer updating their BIOS renders their warranty void, however, have come up with a mixture of both yes and no. Does a customer updating BIOS themselves on their Gigabyte motherboard void their warranty.

Thanks.

[Dark Mantis]

It doesn't seem to be taken that way at Gigabyte and often members are actually encouraged to do it to aid stability or increase performance.

[absic]

I actually asked Gigabyte this question a little while ago and was assured that the user, updating the BIOS themselves, did not void the warranty.