Need Help with Latest BIOS for FR500/PB850 MB

I found the following BIOS updates for the PB850 Rev B MB on the internet at
this site:

http://www.packardbell.co.uk/support/node201.asp

Description: PB850 (FR500) BIOS
Item Number: REFBIOS00300200
Entry Date: 17 Jun 1999
Version: 2.00
Operating System: OS independent
Applies to: BIOS
FTP) Download:
Disk 1: FR500200.EXE 469kB
Date: 17 Jun 1999

Description: PB850 (FR500) BIOS
Item Number: REFBIOS00300100
Entry Date: 16 Sep 1998
Version: 2.06
Operating System: OS independent
Applies to: BIOS
FTP) Download:
Disk 1: disk1_1.exe 560kB
Date: 16 Sep 1998

What confuses me is that version 2.06 shows an earlier date, 16 Sep 1998,
than version 2.00, 17 Jun 1999. Moreover, my board lists the BIOS as
version 1.09 (#20631) but has a date of 11/08/99 which is later than both
above. On my board, the entire string at the bottom of the POST screen is:
11/08/1999-SiS-5598-W877-2A5IIG5CC. Does anyone know if I have the latest
BIOS version or whether the versions above are later? TIA,
Mark

 

I'm not ready to try v2.00 or v2.06 just yet. My v1.09 sees disks over 40GB
fine and works great. I was asking to learn if the other versions provided
more features to 'entice' me to flash. I like to experiment but I am also
cautious. I would, however, like to save my v1.09 BIOS for archival
purposes but have not found any version of Awdflash that will let me, I've
tried v5.20, v6.03, v7.30, and v8.10b. I've tried using switches, e.g.,

Awdflash origbios.bin /pn /sy

but to no avail. I've tried running the application, put in a bogus flash
file (to ensure it doesn't try and flash) and then 'yes' to save, doesn't
work. Anyone know why or how?

Also, it appears this MB may be the same as BCM's IN5558
http://www.bcmcom.com/tech/in5598/IN5598.htm although BCM doesn't show two
revision types (I've concluded that I have PB850 Rev B). Can anyone
comment?
Thanks,
mdp

--
Please de-spam my address if replying to me
--------------------------------------------
I have a "US Made" PB MM955 w/PB850 mb. I tried using the BIOS
2.00/2.06/2.07 version updates for the motherboard. Since the Recovery Disks
uses the BIOS string for verification of a PB system made in the US, whereas
the European PC's uses a hard drive "Tattoo" program for verification. I was
not able to use the CD's when using reinstalling OS, using those updates.
Since it appears that you are using an "Independent OS", it might not cause
you any problems, in that regard.

I am currently using the v1.09 BIOS update in my PC. I know that version
does recognize 40GB HDD's, the 1.07 version did not work for that size HDD.
I have a Seagate 40GB HDD installed. I do not know if it will work for a
larger HDD.

I remember reading, that there was a "caution notice" with the 2.o6 or 2.07
version of the BIOS, concerning a IDE controller conflict, I think. And that
they might have updated the 2.00 version, so that the 2.06 or 2.07 version
would installed properly.

Be very careful when flashing/updating your motherboard, you could render
your motherboard useless if done improperly. If offered, always use the
back-up feature for the older version of BIOS, when flashing/updating.

--
Hope this helpful!!!
Rich/rerat




I found the following BIOS updates for the PB850 Rev B MB on the internet at
this site:

http://www.packardbell.co.uk/support/node201.asp

Description: PB850 (FR500) BIOS
Item Number: REFBIOS00300200
Entry Date: 17 Jun 1999
Version: 2.00
Operating System: OS independent
Applies to: BIOS
FTP) Download:
Disk 1: FR500200.EXE 469kB
Date: 17 Jun 1999

Description: PB850 (FR500) BIOS
Item Number: REFBIOS00300100
Entry Date: 16 Sep 1998
Version: 2.06
Operating System: OS independent
Applies to: BIOS
FTP) Download:
Disk 1: disk1_1.exe 560kB
Date: 16 Sep 1998

What confuses me is that version 2.06 shows an earlier date, 16 Sep 1998,
than version 2.00, 17 Jun 1999. Moreover, my board lists the BIOS as
version 1.09 (#20631) but has a date of 11/08/99 which is later than both
above. On my board, the entire string at the bottom of the POST screen is:
11/08/1999-SiS-5598-W877-2A5IIG5CC. Does anyone know if I have the latest
BIOS version or whether the versions above are later? TIA,
Mark

 

I have the BIOS files for v.1.09 in a *.ZIP file if you need a copy of it. It is about 150KB in size. It includes the Awdflash file you need.

I don't think that there are any reasons to go beyond v.1.09.

--
Hope this helpful!!!
Rich/rerat


Drop the "nospam", for replies.



I'm not ready to try v2.00 or v2.06 just yet. My v1.09 sees disks over 40GB
fine and works great. I was asking to learn if the other versions provided
more features to 'entice' me to flash. I like to experiment but I am also
cautious. I would, however, like to save my v1.09 BIOS for archival
purposes but have not found any version of Awdflash that will let me, I've
tried v5.20, v6.03, v7.30, and v8.10b. I've tried using switches, e.g.,

Awdflash origbios.bin /pn /sy

but to no avail. I've tried running the application, put in a bogus flash
file (to ensure it doesn't try and flash) and then 'yes' to save, doesn't
work. Anyone know why or how?

Also, it appears this MB may be the same as BCM's IN5558
http://www.bcmcom.com/tech/in5598/IN5598.htm although BCM doesn't show two
revision types (I've concluded that I have PB850 Rev B). Can anyone
comment?
Thanks,
mdp

--
Please de-spam my address if replying to me
--------------------------------------------
I have a "US Made" PB MM955 w/PB850 mb. I tried using the BIOS
2.00/2.06/2.07 version updates for the motherboard. Since the Recovery Disks
uses the BIOS string for verification of a PB system made in the US, whereas
the European PC's uses a hard drive "Tattoo" program for verification. I was
not able to use the CD's when using reinstalling OS, using those updates.
Since it appears that you are using an "Independent OS", it might not cause
you any problems, in that regard.

I am currently using the v1.09 BIOS update in my PC. I know that version
does recognize 40GB HDD's, the 1.07 version did not work for that size HDD.
I have a Seagate 40GB HDD installed. I do not know if it will work for a
larger HDD.

I remember reading, that there was a "caution notice" with the 2.o6 or 2.07
version of the BIOS, concerning a IDE controller conflict, I think. And that
they might have updated the 2.00 version, so that the 2.06 or 2.07 version
would installed properly.

Be very careful when flashing/updating your motherboard, you could render
your motherboard useless if done improperly. If offered, always use the
back-up feature for the older version of BIOS, when flashing/updating.

--
Hope this helpful!!!
Rich/rerat




I found the following BIOS updates for the PB850 Rev B MB on the internet at
this site:

http://www.packardbell.co.uk/support/node201.asp

Description: PB850 (FR500) BIOS
Item Number: REFBIOS00300200
Entry Date: 17 Jun 1999
Version: 2.00
Operating System: OS independent
Applies to: BIOS
FTP) Download:
Disk 1: FR500200.EXE 469kB
Date: 17 Jun 1999

Description: PB850 (FR500) BIOS
Item Number: REFBIOS00300100
Entry Date: 16 Sep 1998
Version: 2.06
Operating System: OS independent
Applies to: BIOS
FTP) Download:
Disk 1: disk1_1.exe 560kB
Date: 16 Sep 1998

What confuses me is that version 2.06 shows an earlier date, 16 Sep 1998,
than version 2.00, 17 Jun 1999. Moreover, my board lists the BIOS as
version 1.09 (#20631) but has a date of 11/08/99 which is later than both
above. On my board, the entire string at the bottom of the POST screen is:
11/08/1999-SiS-5598-W877-2A5IIG5CC. Does anyone know if I have the latest
BIOS version or whether the versions above are later? TIA,
Mark

 

My rule of thumb is that unless there is a specific problem to be solved or
feature to be taken advantage of, do not update a motherboard BIOS. One false
move and the board can be history... Ben Myers

 

I experiment as a hobby. The cost of a board to me is simply the cost of
the hobby. Pretty cheap as far as hobbies go. I take some risks but learn
more. In the several years I've been "experimenting", I haven't been burned
yet where I couldn't recover (had to hot flash once). I've posted here and
other places before. It's easy to look me up. In situations where you're
working on the machine you or your family uses, I agree completely with Ben,
if it isn't broken, don't fix it.

--
Please de-spam my address if replying to me
--------------------------------------------

 

Hi,
I got your email offering the BIOS - thanks. I responded back but I'm not
sure you got it. I definitely would like it. Thanks.
Mark

--
Please de-spam my address if replying to me
--------------------------------------------
I have the BIOS files for v.1.09 in a *.ZIP file if you need a copy of it.
It is about 150KB in size. It includes the Awdflash file you need.

I don't think that there are any reasons to go beyond v.1.09.

--
Hope this helpful!!!
Rich/rerat


Drop the "nospam", for replies.



I'm not ready to try v2.00 or v2.06 just yet. My v1.09 sees disks over 40GB
fine and works great. I was asking to learn if the other versions provided
more features to 'entice' me to flash. I like to experiment but I am also
cautious. I would, however, like to save my v1.09 BIOS for archival
purposes but have not found any version of Awdflash that will let me, I've
tried v5.20, v6.03, v7.30, and v8.10b. I've tried using switches, e.g.,

Awdflash origbios.bin /pn /sy

but to no avail. I've tried running the application, put in a bogus flash
file (to ensure it doesn't try and flash) and then 'yes' to save, doesn't
work. Anyone know why or how?

Also, it appears this MB may be the same as BCM's IN5558
http://www.bcmcom.com/tech/in5598/IN5598.htm although BCM doesn't show two
revision types (I've concluded that I have PB850 Rev B). Can anyone
comment?
Thanks,
mdp

--
Please de-spam my address if replying to me
--------------------------------------------
I have a "US Made" PB MM955 w/PB850 mb. I tried using the BIOS
2.00/2.06/2.07 version updates for the motherboard. Since the Recovery Disks
uses the BIOS string for verification of a PB system made in the US, whereas
the European PC's uses a hard drive "Tattoo" program for verification. I was
not able to use the CD's when using reinstalling OS, using those updates.
Since it appears that you are using an "Independent OS", it might not cause
you any problems, in that regard.

I am currently using the v1.09 BIOS update in my PC. I know that version
does recognize 40GB HDD's, the 1.07 version did not work for that size HDD.
I have a Seagate 40GB HDD installed. I do not know if it will work for a
larger HDD.

I remember reading, that there was a "caution notice" with the 2.o6 or 2.07
version of the BIOS, concerning a IDE controller conflict, I think. And that
they might have updated the 2.00 version, so that the 2.06 or 2.07 version
would installed properly.

Be very careful when flashing/updating your motherboard, you could render
your motherboard useless if done improperly. If offered, always use the
back-up feature for the older version of BIOS, when flashing/updating.

--
Hope this helpful!!!
Rich/rerat




I found the following BIOS updates for the PB850 Rev B MB on the internet at
this site:

http://www.packardbell.co.uk/support/node201.asp

Description: PB850 (FR500) BIOS
Item Number: REFBIOS00300200
Entry Date: 17 Jun 1999
Version: 2.00
Operating System: OS independent
Applies to: BIOS
FTP) Download:
Disk 1: FR500200.EXE 469kB
Date: 17 Jun 1999

Description: PB850 (FR500) BIOS
Item Number: REFBIOS00300100
Entry Date: 16 Sep 1998
Version: 2.06
Operating System: OS independent
Applies to: BIOS
FTP) Download:
Disk 1: disk1_1.exe 560kB
Date: 16 Sep 1998

What confuses me is that version 2.06 shows an earlier date, 16 Sep 1998,
than version 2.00, 17 Jun 1999. Moreover, my board lists the BIOS as
version 1.09 (#20631) but has a date of 11/08/99 which is later than both
above. On my board, the entire string at the bottom of the POST screen is:
11/08/1999-SiS-5598-W877-2A5IIG5CC. Does anyone know if I have the latest
BIOS version or whether the versions above are later? TIA,
Mark

 

Is that mb the original? or is MM955 different from 955?

I bought a model 955 new and it has a different mb and bios. I think
mine came with bios 1.09 or 1.10 but i since flashed it to 1.19:

packard bell 955, pb930 mb
BIOS Date: 01/15/99
BIOS Type: Award Modular BIOS v4.51PG
BIOS ID: 01/15/1999-ALADDIN5-2A5KKG5DC-00
OEM Sign-On: FR510 BIOS REV: 1.19
Chipset: ALi M1541 rev 4

I have seen comments about a later dated bios from PB for the 930/950
boards, 10/99 i think, but haven't found an open source for it.

 

I think PBell built the original Multi-Media (MM) 955 units with some motherboards (PB850mb) that they had left over from other PB models. Because this motherboard used the older EDO Simms RAM. Units after a certain date, I believe were built with another motherboard that used SDRAM RAM chips. Which I believe was the PB930/950mb. The same motherboard the PBell/NEC used in their NEC Ready 9888 PC.

Many of the Memory Chip (Crucial, Kingston, etc...) companies would only list the 930/950mb for the MM955 PC in their chip list.

There is an article about AMD & PBell in the summer of 1998 concerning the use of 333 megahertz AMD K6-2 w/3DNow CPU. It can be found at the following URL:

"AMD-based desktop models include the Packard Bell 955 and NEC Ready 9888. Both will use the 333-MHz AMD K6-2 chip."

http://news.com.com/2100-1001-217099.html?tag=bplst

Info on my MM955, built in 10/98, purchased 11/98.

333 megahertz AMD K6-2 w/3DNow!
64 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Board: SiS-5598-W877F V1.09
Serial Number: 11/08/99 (I think is the BIOS date. Original BIOS was version 1.03 [1998])
Bus Clock: 66 megahertz
BIOS: Award Software International, Inc. 4.51 PG 11/08/99

Hope this helps.

--
Rich/rerat

(RRR News) <message rule>

Is that mb the original? or is MM955 different from 955?

I bought a model 955 new and it has a different mb and bios. I think
mine came with bios 1.09 or 1.10 but i since flashed it to 1.19:

packard bell 955, pb930 mb
BIOS Date: 01/15/99
BIOS Type: Award Modular BIOS v4.51PG
BIOS ID: 01/15/1999-ALADDIN5-2A5KKG5DC-00
OEM Sign-On: FR510 BIOS REV: 1.19
Chipset: ALi M1541 rev 4

I have seen comments about a later dated bios from PB for the 930/950
boards, 10/99 i think, but haven't found an open source for it.

 

Hello,
I'm late to the party but I'm also looking for the v1.09 BIOS for the PB850 MB.
Thanks !