A6850F/MS-7548 Bios Question

[HaywireHaywood]

I recently purchased an A6850F desktop with a Microstar MS-7548 AM2+ motherboard.  I've been reading that AM2+ Mobos will be able to accept an AM3 processor IF a bios update is released to allow it.

Is HP going to release a bios allowing this upgrade?  At the moment, the Phenom II 940 (3GHZ) is the biggest processor that the mobo will accept.  Would be nice for future upgrades if AM3 processors were also an option.

[1badGuard]

AM3 would be the socket for the processor. The bios would not come into play unless the make it the same as the AM2. You can also bet that HP won't make it that easy. They want to make more money by selling us new computers.

"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once"
- Albert Einstein

[HaywireHaywood]

The AM2+ socket and the AM3 socket are identical, the only difference is on the CPU itself.  All HP would have to do is update the mobo bios for it to recognize and use an AM3 processor.  Microstar is already doing it with their enthusiast boards.  You're right though, it wouldn't be profitable for HP to do that.  It would be great customer service though.

Would any company reps like to comment?

Ian

[TheVisitors]

YES, provided you get the correct one. AMD AM3's came in two different builds (which also use different voltage). You want the one which uses the 125w standard for your motherboard. I have an HP Pavilion a6750f & upgraded to Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition AM3 3.4GB (125W) This is MAX you can upgrade. If you want more then this, it maybe time to buy a new HP.

[DxZen]

This appears to be a now older - outdated thread, but with the relatively new BIOS Version: 5.13 (Release date: 07-13-2009) that you'll update through Windows Vista Home Premium - 64, the HP MSI MS-7548 (780G) uATX motherboard can take and fully utilize the newer AM3 "Deneb" Phenom II X4 Quad cores (either 95W or 125W Versions) up to the Phenom II X4 965 (3.4GHz X4) AM3 Quad core processor.

BIOS update 5.13 updates both the CPU codes for newer AM3 Phenom II X4 Quad Core "Deneb" processors such as for the Phenom II X4 965 (3.4GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb [125W] & updates the AGESA (AMD-64) source codes to version 3.3.2.4. I have the Phenom II X4 965 (3.4GHz X4) AM3 installed in an HP MSI MS-7548 (Aspen-GL8E) [780G] motherboard in a HP Pavilion Elite m9500y with 8Gb (4x2Gb) PC2-6400 800MHz DDR2 RAM. The 5.13 BIOS must be completed with a Vista - 32 / 64 operating system. Like many BIOSes through HP, this 5.13 BIOS update (sp43099.exe) is linked exclusively to the Vista operating system. That is -- if you ran the sp43099.exe with a Windows 7 operating system, the 5.13 BIOS update would not complete. After that you've completed the BIOS update through Vista & you could then install a Windows 7 - 64 operating system as an upgrade over Windows Vista Home Premium - 64. BIOS could conceivably be modded to a newer AGESA source code for the HP MSI MS-7548 in order to take, recognize & utilize the Phenom II X6 AM3 (Hexacore or 6 core) processors, but you'd need to Mod the BIOS to update to AGESA 3.6.x.x or 3.7.x.x Source codes to recognize the Phenom II X6 (Hexacore) AM3 6-core processors.

It is feasible that you could mod the Aspen's 5.13 Award BIOS to update to AGESA 3.7.0.0 that has full Phenom II X6 AM3 (Hexacore) 6-core processor support with a newer Award BIOS that has AGESA 3.7.0.0, but this is very tricky, risky business....if you don't know exactly what you're doing, you'll "brick" your board & have to go through the Award BIOS recovery procedure through a bootable USB flash drive with MS DOS 7.1 to go back & reflash back to the old 5.13 BIOS for the HP MSI MS-7548 Aspen motherboard.   

Fixes/Enhancements in HP MSI MS-7548 BIOS Update 5.13:

Updates AGESA source code to 3.3.2.4.

Updates microcode to support newer AM3 processors.

Updates RAID ROM to version 3.0.1545.55.

Resolves issue with optical disk drives not being recognized when a Hitachi Hard Drive is connected to the system.

Resolves issue with the system hanging when a Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo (4GB) is connected.

Updates fan curve for processor support

[Big_Dave]

DxZen,

Do you have a VISTA installation disk?

There are ways to get around the VISTA bios update restriction but you could brick your PC.

[Donald0551]

I am in the same situation here...I was in the process of updating my Processor on my MS-7548 board. I found the Best one for AM2+ and I went to purchase it only to find out that it is has now been discontinued. I also heard that it is possible to run 120W AM3 processors on this board. The thing is I don't have vista installed on my computer to do the bios update. 

Currently I have Windows 7 Ultimate installed. If someone could please explain to me in good detail how I could go about using the update without having Vista i would be very grateful! I just don't have any other options when it comes to updating my processor without the update. 

Thank you for all answers!

[skydog56]

What about the Phenom II x 4 975 and 980? Do you think the mobo will handle these?

[DxZen]

---

Big_Dave wrote:

DxZen,

Do you have a VISTA installation disk?

There are ways to get around the VISTA bios update restriction but you could brick your PC.

---

Hi Big_Dave: Lost track of this thread. Sorry for the delay. I have an HP Windows Vista Ultimate - 32 Bit disc that will auto-activate on any HP. As long as it's an HP BIOS, the HP Windows Vista Ultimate - 32 Bit disc will do a clean, full (custom) installation on any HP that of course has an HP BIOS & it bypasses Windows Product Activation (WPA) as the HP OEM SLP Vista Ultimate key is embedded on the HP disc & automatically activates. Disc probably utilizes a known HP OEM Vista Ultimate SLP Key & also has matching HP SLIC 2.0 and HP Digital Product key License (.XrML) ==> all of this is on the disc. In any case, yes, that HP Windows Vista Ultimate - 32 Bit full install disc auto-activates on the Narra2, Narra3, Nettle2, Nettle3, Viola, Aspen, HP G33 Berkeley and HP G33 Benicia..etc. HP, I'm assuming, had to have officially released that disc -- even if it wasn't mass distributed by HP. It works like any HP recovery set essentially. You don't enter a key when using any HP recovery set. The HP Recovery Set on completion auto-activates or is pre-activated from the HP recovery set, a known HP SLP OEM Vista Ultimate key is inserted from the HP Vista Ultimate disc & will validate as Genuine through Windows Genuine Advantage. 

---

Donald0551 wrote:

I am in the same situation here...I was in the process of updating my Processor on my MS-7548 board. I found the Best one for AM2+ and I went to purchase it only to find out that it is has now been discontinued. I also heard that it is possible to run 120W AM3 processors on this board. The thing is I don't have vista installed on my computer to do the bios update. 

Currently I have Windows 7 Ultimate installed. If someone could please explain to me in good detail how I could go about using the update without having Vista i would be very grateful! I just don't have any other options when it comes to updating my processor without the update. 

Thank you for all answers!

---

Big_Dave & Donald0551 -- here's a tutorial on how to flash with Windows 7:

There's an easy work-around - the sp43099.exe file is extractable with 7-Zip extractor to find the Asp5.13 Award-Phoenix BIOS. With Windows 7 - 64 you can in fact extract the sp43099.exe file using WinRAR or 7-Zip - 32 or 64 Bit extractor through SourceForge to extricate the actual, unaltered Asp5.13 - 1,024kb - Award-Phoenix 5.13 BIOS file to flash with a fairly recent version of WinFlash - a Windows Award BIOS flash utility.

WinFlash 1.93 will do the job. WinFlash 1.93 was for use with Windows Vista - 64 -- but it will work with Window 7 - 64 bit too....when you run WinFlash 1.93 or a more recent version of WinFlash, it will kick the color scheme for Windows 7 back to a basic color scheme. Still flashing the Award BIOS through Windows, although many will say & they're right that it's more dangerous to flash inside of Windows, WinFlash 1.93 does the job in flashing & updating the BIOS.

I simply don't see a way to flash with a Windows 98 SE DOS 7.1 Bootable USB flash stick because you'll be hard-pressed to find a way, as I see it, solely because HP utilzes the Asp5.13 Award BIOS file - which has a .13 file extension. rather than a .BIN file extension If it was an Award .BIN extension, flashing with a Windows 98 SE DOS 7.1 Bootable USB flash drive would be a cinch, but it's not an Award .BIN file & you can't change the extension from .13 to .BIN.

In any case, here's the workaround tutorial for flashing with Windows 7 - 64 loaded as your OS & using a recent WinFlash version.

You don't really need to update the HP Aspen Award-Phoenix BIOS to 5.13 by using the sp43099.exe file with Windows Vista Home Premium - 32/64.

You can actually flash with Windows 7 - 32/64 by using the latest version of Winflash or even Winflash 1.93 (this will work, but will kick out color scheme for Windows 7 - 64 Bit back to basic) for the HP Award Aspen 5.13 BIOS -- you'll have to find the latest version of Winflash & download that elsewhere.

Using Winflash 1.93 or a more recent Winflash will work to update Aspen BIOS to 5.13:

First, download the sp43099.exe HP Executable BIOS update file for the Aspen through the link below at HP. Instead of running the executable file, though, with Windows 7 - 32/64, we're going to place the sp43099.exe into a folder & then right click with your mouse on the sp43099.exe -- and find 7-Zip & select "Extract Here" in the folder to extract the s43099.exe into several files. One file: Asp5.13 is the actual Phoenix-Award BIOS file that you'll need to flash & update the HP Aspen motherboard's BIOS with a current version of WinFlash.

To do this, you'll create a new folder and move the sp43099.exe to a folder that you'll name Aspen 5.13 or whatever you'd like & unzip / extract the sp43099.exe file using the free 7-Zip self-extractor or with WinRAR. Once you've extracted all of the files from the HP sp43099.exe in the Aspen 5.13 Folder, look for a file that's named: Asp5.13.

This file is a 1,024kb --- this Asp5.13 file is the straight up, unaltered Award - Aspen 5.13 BIOS file.

Don't worry that it has a .13 file extension and isn't a .BIN BIOS file as with most Award BIOSes....WinFlash will be able to flash and update the BIOS using the Asp5.13 - 1,024kb - HP Award BIOS file. 

Run WinFlash 1.93 as Administrator. Color scheme may revert to basic with Window 7 - 32 / 64.

Put checkmarks next to these 3 on the left of WinFlash: Bootblock, Hole Area & Clear CMOS.

Do not place a checkmark next to: DMI area.

You do not want to clear the HP's DMI info from the BIOS or it will take out & remove the HP "tattoo" for your motherboard's BIOS which has HP CPC_DMI data entry fields at the bottom of the main page in an HP's BIOS giving your unique system information. This includes the model #, serial # of your unit, HP product build #, Software build ID (BID) -- for use of your recovery set & all other pertinent info for your system such as the FeatureByte code (case sensitive). All of this info is on the bottom of your HP case. If you clear the DMI, your Windows Vista Home Premium  - 64 Bit recovery set will no longer work with your HP & you'll have to retattoo your motherboard's BIOS with a bootable HP CPC_DMI disc -- burned to CD-R from an official, authorized use only HP Service Pack. You'll also lose the HP Blue Splash Screen Intro at Boot-up.

http://temp.pctechsvacom.officelive.com/Documents/DMIInstucs.PDF

Locate the Aspen 5.13 folder & find the Asp5.13 - extracted BIOS file that you previously downloaded through the HP sp43099.exe & extracted into the Aspen 5.13 folder. And after you select the Asp5.13 file, click to select & open it with WinFlash.

After doing that go back up to the top-left and click on "File" of WinFlash and then click on "Update BIOS."

The BIOS will begin updating with the Asp5.13 BIOS file. Allow BIOS to update completely. Close all applications / programs while updating the BIOS. Do not power down your PC for any reason. Do not do anything for that matter while the BIOS is updating. A window will pop up prompting you to restart / reboot PC once the BIOS update has finished. Click Restart or Reboot PC.

After the HP Restarts, you may encounter a CMOS checksum error. CMOS checksum error is no big deal. This is very common. Simply go into HP Setup (BIOS) to enter the BIOS - F10 on your keyboard & then load setup defaults, save changes & then exit prompting another reboot.

Finished! BIOS update is now complete.


http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&softwareitem=pv-73188-1

http://www.7-zip.org/

---

skydog56 wrote:

What about the Phenom II x 4 975 and 980? Do you think the mobo will handle these?

---

Hi skydog56: Phenom II X4 975 introduction date was on January 4, 2011. Aspen 5.13 BIOS most likely does not have the AMD CPU microcode for the Phenom II X4 975 in the latest BIOS....so it likely won't be compatible. Yes, the Phenom II X4 975 (3.6GHz X4) is an AM3 Deneb Quad core, but it's a possibility that this CPU will give a CPU incompatibility beep code while attempting to P.O.S.T. after proper installation. Doubtful that Phenom II X4 970, Phenom II X4 975 or Phenom II X4 980 or even the new Phenom II X4 840 or Phenom II X4 840T will work on the Aspen either.

Keep in mind, the latest introduction date for the Phenom II X4 965 (3.4GHz X4) AM3 Deneb Quad core [125W] with C3 stepping was on November 4th, 2009. Phenom II X4 965 (3.4GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb CPU is the end-all-be-all of maximum upgrades -- at least for the Apen motherboard.

As indicated by another member above, if you want to move to a higher end, newer Phenom II X4 Quad core processor or Phenom II X6 (6-Core) processor, you'll need to get another newer AMD motherboard, either an HP Aloe Rev. B - with the Aloe Rev. B taking up to a Phenom II X6 1090T (3.2GHz X6) AM3 Hexacore [125W] processor. 

All in all, the Phenom II X4 965 is a nice CPU that performs exceptionally well. Price for performance is the best part. 4 cores running up to 3.4GHz per core, working in tandem through a 4000MT/s (4000MHz effective) system bus speed.

Phenom II X4 965 receives a 7.4 out of 7.9 on Windows 7 Experience Index when paired with 8Gb (4x2Gb) PC2-6400 800MHz DDR2 dual channel gaming RAM.

HP MS-7548 Aspen motherboard supports higher voltage DDR2. Mushkin Blackline 8Gb (4x2Gb) PC2-6400 800MHz Dual channel DDR2 with timings of 4-4-4-12 @ 2.1V to 2.2V receives a 7.5 out of 7.9. Same can be said for Patriot Extreme 8Gb (4x2Gb) PC2-6400 800MHz Dual channel DDR2 with timings of 4-4-4-12 @ 2.2V. So, the Aspen motherboard utilizes extended voltage protection (EVP) & allows RAM to run at tigher, faster timings at the higher voltage allowing for faster memory caclulations per second & increasing overall system speed....this is in contrast versus the JDEC default voltage for DDR2 @ 1.8V that many DDR2 modules run at with timing(s) closer to: 5-5-5-18 @ 1.8V with the C5 version of Corsair XMS2 PC2-6400 800MHz DDR2 RAM as an example.

With a solid PCI-Ex16 NVIDIA GeForce or ATI Radeon HD video card w/ at least its own GDDR3 Dedicated Graphics, lowest Windows Experience Index score through Windows 7 will be the SATA II 7200RPM hard drive w/ 32Mb cache buffer -- hard drive data transfer rate -- rated at 5.9 out of 7.9 on WEI.

***********************************************************
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Windows 7 Experience benchmarks for HP Pavilion Elite m9500y

With upgraded 700W Cooler Master Silent M Pro Power Supply:
*********************************************************************************
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Processor: Phenom II X4 965 (3.4GHz X4) AM3 Deneb Quad Core ================> 7.4 / 7.9
Memory (RAM): 8Gb (4x2Gb) Patriot Extreme PC2-6400 800MHz DDR2 ============> 7.5 / 7.9
Graphics: EVGA 8800GT w/ 640Mb GDDR3 PCI-Ex16 =========================>  6.8 / 7.9
Gaming Graphics: EVGA 8800GT w/ 640Mb GDDR3 PCI-Ex16 ===================> 6.8 / 7.9
Primary Hard disk: 1TB Western Digital Black SATA II 7200RPM Hard drive w/ 32Mb====> 5.9 / 7.9
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****************************************************************************************


Phenom II X4 965 (3.4GHz X4) AM3 Deneb Quad core w/ C3 stepping (125W) processors are confirmed as working fine in the HP MS-7548 780G Aspen motherboard with the BIOS update. I've also comfimed that Phenom II X4 955 BE (3.2GHz X4) w/ C2 or C3 stepping -- either/or -- will work as well [125W].

Stands to reason that all AM2+ / AM3 Phenom II X4 Deneb Quad CPUs up to the Phenom II X4 965 (Fastest Quad for the Aspen) -- released & sold prior to late November 2009 should conceivably work with the Aspen and the updated BIOS which inputs a number of newer AMD AM3 CPU microcodes into the BIOS and also updates the AGESA (AMD-64) source code to 3.3.2.4 with the Aspen 5.13 BIOS Flash Update.

HP MSI MS-7548 (Aspen-GL8E) ATI/AMD - 780G Chipset uATX motherboard:
Socket type: AM2+ / AM3
Maximum Thermal Design Power (TDP) of CPU: 125 watt

Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:

    Athlon X2 BE-2xxx (Brisbane) (AM2)
    Athlon 64 X2 up to 6000+ with Dual Core (Brisbane) technology (AM2)
    Athlon 64 X2 up to 6000+ with Dual Core (Winsor) technology (AM2)
    AMD Phenom Triple-Core (Toliman) up to 8xxx series (AM2+)
    AMD Phenom Quad-Core (Agena) up to 9950 (2.6GHz X4) (AM2+) [up to or = 125W only]


AMD Phenom II X4 Deneb AM2+ Quad Core Processors:

AMD Phenom II X4 920  (2.8GHz X4) AM2+ Quad core Deneb    [125W]
AMD Phenom II X4 940  (3.0GHz X4) AM2+ Quad core Deneb    [125W]

AMD Phenom II X4 Deneb AM3 Quad core processors:

AMD Phenom II X4 805  (2.5GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb        [95W]
AMD Phenom II X4 810  (2.6GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb        [95W]
AMD Phenom II X4 820  (2.8GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb        [95W]
AMD Phenom II X4 830  (2.8GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb        [95W]
AMD Phenom II X4 900e (2.4GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb       [65W]
AMD Phenom II X4 905e (2.5GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb       [65W]
AMD Phenom II X4 910e (2.6GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb       [95W]
AMD Phenom II X4 910  (2.6GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb        [65W]
AMD Phenom II X4 925  (2.8GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb        [95W & 125W Versions]
AMD Phenom II X4 945  (3.0GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb        [95W & 125W Versions]
AMD Phenom II X4 955  (3.2GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb BE  [125W]
AMD Phenom II X4 965  (3.4GHz X4) AM3 Quad core Deneb BE  [125W]



[fski]

Hi folks, I also plugged a Phenom II X4 965 into my Aspen but cpu fan speed was slow and cpu temp high. Forget the exact temp but near spec max. What was your experience?