Core 2 Duo Support Requires BIOS Update

[KRP]

Courtesy of Laptop Logic (http://www.laptoplogic.com/news/detail.php?id=938)

Contrary to rumors and claims, a BIOS update will be needed for many laptops to support Core 2 Duo.

Laptop enthusiasts looking to upgrade their Yonah-based laptops to the upcoming Merom processors are not in luck.

Contrary to rumors and claims, a BIOS update will be needed for many laptops to support Core 2 Duo, also known under the code-name Merom. Many Calistoga-based machines, such as the Fujistu N series and the Apple Mac Mini, support Merom without a BIOS update.

However, this will not always be the case. Laptop Logic has discovered that the Asus S96J, also known as the Z96J, does not support Merom. When we inserted a Merom processor into our Asus S96J testbed, the laptop reported that the CPU microcode was unknown and refused to boot.


Also, here's an article by Anandtech discussing Intel's latest CPU Roadmap (it includes the pricing scheme for Merom, 2.0 Ghz costs $300):

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=2546

[KRP]

I was hoping we could just "plug and play" Core 2 Duo CPUs, which is one of the reasons why I bought my E1705 lappy. Hopefully, Dell will release a Bios update instead of making us buy all new laptops.

[Sykes]

Given that this guy is running a Merom in his M1710 already, I doubt it will be an issue for that line of motherboards.

[aibal]

Merom ES for sale at Ebay!! Somebody buy one and try it!!

[dcmtnbkr]

Does the 9400 have the same or similar mobo to the 1710? Cuz 300 isnt bad for a new processor, i would just want to make sure it would work first.

[JaxChris]

Originally Posted by KRP

Courtesy of Laptop Logic (http://www.laptoplogic.com/news/detail.php?id=938)

Contrary to rumors and claims, a BIOS update will be needed for many laptops to support Core 2 Duo.

Laptop enthusiasts looking to upgrade their Yonah-based laptops to the upcoming Merom processors are not in luck.

Contrary to rumors and claims, a BIOS update will be needed for many laptops to support Core 2 Duo, also known under the code-name Merom. Many Calistoga-based machines, such as the Fujistu N series and the Apple Mac Mini, support Merom without a BIOS update.

However, this will not always be the case. Laptop Logic has discovered that the Asus S96J, also known as the Z96J, does not support Merom. When we inserted a Merom processor into our Asus S96J testbed, the laptop reported that the CPU microcode was unknown and refused to boot.


Also, here's an article by Anandtech discussing Intel's latest CPU Roadmap (it includes the pricing scheme for Merom, 2.0 Ghz costs $300):

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=2546

And considering Intel's plug 'n play demo and comparison of Yonah vs Merom was done with a number of laptops, including a Dell 9400, I don't see it being a problem for either Dell 17" Dual Core model.

[wardo]

has anyone checked out bios version 01 from dell? it has new prccessor support! here is the link:
http://support.dell.com/support/down...&fileid=167266


Systems: Dell XPS MXG061 Series
Version: A01
Build Date: 05/09/2006

Fixes
-----

1. Fix the issue where PSA/Diag detect the panel is off when it is
actually on.

2. Fix the issue where BIOS doesn't display error message when booting
with an unsupported processor.


Enhancements
------------

1. New processor support, including INTEL T2700 processor.


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
2. Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Service Pack 2

[JaxChris]

Originally Posted by wardo

has anyone checked out bios version 01 from dell? it has new prccessor support! here is the link:
http://support.dell.com/support/down...&fileid=167266


Systems: Dell XPS MXG061 Series
Version: A01
Build Date: 05/09/2006

Fixes
-----

1. Fix the issue where PSA/Diag detect the panel is off when it is
actually on.

2. Fix the issue where BIOS doesn't display error message when booting
with an unsupported processor.


Enhancements
------------

1. New processor support, including INTEL T2700 processor.


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
2. Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Service Pack 2

This update was to prevent you from using Merom in a Yonah model. I wouldn't install this BIOS update in the m1710.

[grandmaster]

Originally Posted by JaxChris

This update was to prevent you from using Merom in a Yonah model. I wouldn't install this BIOS update in the m1710.

How do you know this? The M90 has just come out, so I find it unlikely that Dell will release a whole new model, simply with a different BIOS. Or are you inferring it from point 2?

[SolApathy]

Originally Posted by wardo

2. Fix the issue where BIOS doesn't display error message when booting
with an unsupported processor.

Now isn't that the sickest little joke...Yep they fixed that memron not displaying an error message & having the nerve to boot!

[grandmaster]

Originally Posted by SolApathy

Now isn't that the sickest little joke...Yep they fixed that memron not displaying an error message & having the nerve to boot!

Originally Posted by wardo

Enhancements
------------

1. New processor support, including INTEL T2700 processor.

On the other hand, this indicates that official support has been added for extra CPUs - not just the T2700... guess we won't know until someone tries a Merom with the A01 BIOS.

[snooz]

This thread is inacurate someone has already dropped a Merom sample in a E1705 and M1710 and it worked.

[NOSintake]

hmm...looks like i might as well just get the t2500 upgrade from dell, if i cant just drop a new CPU in

[nickspohn]

Its going to work....


Dell wont release a whole new line up of models just to have merom. They are just going to add the option of Merom to the notebooks in my opinion.

Maybe with that, we can use those Bios to get it to work

[grandmaster]

The M90, M1710 and E1705 already work with Merom! At least with the A00 BIOS.

However, the point is that Fix 2 on the fixes list suggests that whereas A00 works fine, support has been disabled on A01. But... why? Will they simply re-enable it on a future BIOS? Or release a brand new machine so people must upgrade - for no reason? Then again, the first enhancement point could suggest that official support has been added for the Merom chips.

All the same, we could really do with backups of the A00 BIOS of all three machines in case it doesn't work. Unfortunately, they're not on the Dell site any more.