Flashing new P5KC

[MinGraphics]

I now have in my hot little hands all my computer components :) just got them today. I know that the MB has to be flashed to work with the E8400, so what I need to know now is where to start. Can someone point me in the right direction. Is this something I can do myself or should I take it somewhere to get it done...not even sure there is anywhere to take it. Or do I just pop it in and see what happens?

[chunkylover53]

If you have an older chip that you or a friend might have lying around, you can use that to get through updating the BIOS. If you can't do that then my POV, though it's easy for me to say from here, is pop the E8400 and see what happens. I realize that our more recent history is poor on that, but I'd try that before I tried to take it somewhere.

Also keep in mind that either way you should be ready with a boot disk that has the updated BIOS on it. Refer to the P5KC's manual (page 4-5) and jump to the part about using ezflash to update the BIOS. Then, on your working computer, access the ASUS website and follow the directions to create a floppy disk that you will use for the update. If you plan ahead and have the disk ready, you will be prepared if the E8400 works even for just one or two posts.

If you run into probs, don't forget to create a new post under first boot and remind us what your final parts lists looked like. I know it's here in the thread, but it will be easier for folks to get you quicker answers if you have a nice clean list out there.

AND REMEMBER, HAVE FUN! :D

[MinGraphics]

I was on my way over to there site to download the latest BIOS so I would be ready for what ever happens. Thanks for the quick response as always!:) I don't have an older chip...and my Family might get upset if I tore one out of the other 4 computers ;) Go figure.

[MinGraphics]

they have 2 updates, what one should I use this is what they say

BIOS update file for P5KC (Version 1001)
*Please make sure to flash this BIOS 1001 using the bundled AFUDOS tool in the compressed file instead of EZFlash*.
1.Support new CPUs. Please refer to our website at: http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx
2.Enhance compatibility with certain memory module.


BIOS update file for P5KC (Version 0903)
Support new CPUs. Please refer to our website at: http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx

I have both of them, each one on a floppy, just not sure as one of them to use the AFUDOS tool.

[shyster]

It would only really be a problem to tear out one of the old computers if you did not have any thermal paste to put it back together. All in total once you know what you are doing it would only take about ten minutes each way with pulling the chip out and putting it back in.

Chunky's idea sounds good though, I might have to rip out one of my old floppys when I try my rebuild tonight. This idea only sounds reasonable to me now, because I got a single POST with my last motherboard and then nothing.

I do not know for sure, but I believe with the newest Asus update you are not supposed to use ez-flash, but rather AFUDOS which comes with the newest update. Another thing to note which bites, is that if you update to the newest, that I know of being version 1001, it will say in bios that you are running the P5K bios.

I would suggest doing a search on their forums and just typing in p5kc and you should see what I mean.

[MinGraphics]

I have a friend who is going to check at work and see if they have an chip that will work. Where can I get thermal paste?

[shyster]

Here is the best stuff for the cheapest price:

http://www.amazon.com/Artic-Silver-5-Thermal-Compound/dp/B0002EQU6C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203980065&sr=8-2

And here is how to clean it:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007TOR08/sr=8-2/qid=1203980065/ref=pd_cp_e_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1203980065&sr=8-2&pf_rd_p=250314601&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0002EQU6C&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Z3KDMM68Y5QE4BDTFFG

You do not have to use the cleaner, you can also use high percentage alcohol 85-90% isopropyl. You can even use vodka apparently, but I would not recommend that for your first time. Also you should wipe down the CPU before you even mount the HSF just to make sure it is clean before hand.

You can buy them together and save on shipping around ten dollars total.

You only really need it if you are going to be pulling the chip off and then putting it back on. I cannot remember if you ordered a non stock heat sink fan or not, but this is what everybody recommends. I will be sticking it on my computer tonight to see if it works and then I can give my own recommendations.

Here are instructions on how to clean and apply the stuff, if you decide to use it:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/ins_route_step2intelas5.html