Grains BIOS Repair
Desktop Mainboard BIOS Chip Replacement
Desktop BIOS Chip repair and replacement service for Desktop Pcs. BIOS chip replacement is often necessary after a failed or bad flash, and is a cheaper alternative to replacing the mainboard which can can turn out to be an expensive exercise.
We have a lot of mainboard BIOS Chips Available from the Programmed BIOS Chip section of the web site, with more being added on a daily basis.
In most cases useable BIOS or ROM/BIN files are available for download from the mainboard makers. The downloaded file can be used to prepare a new EEPROM for the Mainboard.
Most Modern Desktops Pcs have removable SPI Serial Flash PDIP or PLCC EEPROM which can be changed very easily. Older Desktops would use Mainly PLCC types.
It is important to know that your mainboard bios is faulty before using the service.
Desktop BIOS Chip Repair
Modern Mainboard's are now using SPI Serial flash EEPROM in preference to the older EEPROM types, some of which are soldered to the mainboard. The PLCC type EEPROM is still being used by some Makers and these are also sometimes soldered in place on the mainboard...
If you have a PLCC chip which is socketed then the BIOS chip can be removed using a PLCC extractor.
If you have a clamshell socket like the one in the image on the right, then its an easy matter to replace the the part with a newly programmed EEPROM. This is normally enough to restore normal operation after a bad or failed upgrade attempt.
Although uncommon, the BIOS chips and CMOS chips can develop errors and may just need to be replaced, with a new programmed part. If unsure send your EEPROM in is the best policy.
Some Modern Mainboard's have Clam shell ZIFF sockets for SPI Serial flash EEPROM fitted and others will have an SPI Header.
SPI Header Programming
We offer an SPI header programming service for Mainboard's that have the SPI Programming header onboard.
If the chip is soldered in place then the process is not quite as easy as replacing a socketed EEPROM. if you know that the EEPROM is Soldered In place on the mainboard then before performing any radical surgery on your desktop mainboard check to see if it has an SPI Programming header This header can be used to re program the part..
Desktop Mainboard's not having an SPI Header or Socketed EEPROM can be sent to us for soldered BIOS repair.
Desktop Soldered BIOS Chip Repair
Where appropriate we attempt to re program the EEPROM in place on the mainboard first. If we cannot program the part in this fashion then we would remove the EEPROM for programming using a hot air station and refit in the same manner.
You are very welcome to send the board to us for a repair attempt. Cost of the repair service is 24.99 plus return shipping at cost.
DIY PLCC Soldered BIOS Repair
If you are handy with a soldering iron and want to attempt to remove and replace a soldered PLCC BIOS chip yourself, then check out this page DIY soldered BIOS Repair it may save you a few headaches.
Password Issues
If you need to remove a password then try this page Passwords and Security. we do not specialise in password removal and other than the limited information we have, we can offer no more advice
CMOS Battery
Some machines will not boot at all if these button cell batteries are at a low voltage. CMOS Battery Voltage should be between 3.0 volts and 3.3 volts, if it drops below 2.8 then the battery will soon need to be replaced.
Problem Motherboards
In the unlikely event that a new BIOS doesn't resolve your problem's, then your motherboard or other hardware may be faulty. If the file used to program the chip is the correct one and you still have a problem with a board then the board and or other vital hardware has to be suspect. It pays to remove any unnecessary hardware when trying to recover from a no boot situation.
It is important that you know your board has had a bad flash before you use this service, and that you know the model and revision number of your motherboard and BIOS chip part number. I will need this information to properly program a chip for you.
If you just suspect the BIOS to be the reason for no graphic's or no boot, then using this service is merely speculation and the outcome may not be favourable as the problem could lie elsewhere.