My terminology will most likely be incorrect. Bare with me.

So my Zotac mobo I've always bitched about had a BIOS failure. Sits at post at Verifying DMI ....... flashing the Bios is impossible, and Zotac doesn't provide any method around this other than an RMA which I do not qualify for, or would care to do anyways. What Zotac does is replace the BIOS chip. It is a removable DIP 8 EPROM (EEPROM??).

I can instead do:

A) Order from Ebay a pre-flashed chip and install myself ($15)
B) Order the parts to flash my own. ($50-60)

I'm leaning towards order a chip, then for future proofing ordering the parts to flash myself, since it so common with this board future proof myself.

So for option B) anyone every do this? And know of the hardware required? I came across SIVAVA that makes a universal programmer and provide software, and adapters for a relative small sum.

http://www.sivava.com/EPROM_Programmer_5.html

an arduino could do it for about 30 bucks
...an arduino clone could do it for 5-10 in parts + assembly.

a hackaday bus pirate could do it -- anything that basically talks spi and usb or serial.
For the pain in the ass it will be, I'd stick with just buying one if it breaks.

I would just replace the chip. Buy two if the price is right.

Ordered an SPI programmer. ~$24 shipped
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220760498849

The seller provides software. But I should be able to use to flashrom as well.

Have fun playing around.

I FUCKING LOVE MY ARDUINO. It just sits on my desk waiting for me to do something cool with it. Taunting me at how lazy and uncreative I am.

Haha yeah, that's a giant problem I have. Buy stuff cause I think I'll use it. Sits there for years.

Sewing Machine - used once in 3 years.
Laser printer - haven't even hooked it up once. I was excited to do electro etching, and pcb making. Bah...


Just got word my second system with a newer revision Zotac 9400-itx board is starting to experience the BIOS issue. Horray!

At least the Roller Derby stuff isn't a fad for me yet. I'm now on the Board of Directors, NSO/Official & Referee Representative (seemed like an awesome idea during a 12 hour drinking fest), and Head Referee (not by choice).

LOL I don't understand the USB SPI programmer.

Damn it.
So I got the programmer to work. I backed up the corrupt bios just in case.
Flashed the bios with a fresh bios.
Pop it in.
Nothing, nada, zilch.
Reflash it with the corrupt bios.
Works, but of course corrupt.
Realize I flashed the the wrong bios on to it.
Get new bios, flash it on.
Pop it in.
Nothing, nada, zilch.

WTF. What is the trick?!

The trick is to set the mode from Hard to Soft mode and proceed to write the chip.

Only time I've been super excited to see so many errors.