EC Firmware is a chip?

hello, I would like to know if the ec firmware of my MSI GT70 is contained in the bios chip or is a separate chip?

Thanks

 

Probably seperate, which GT70 is it?

 

MSI GT70 2PC.. i have 2 chip signate 1 red and 1 blue on motherboard.. the red is bios chip, the blue is with this serial pm25ld512

 

It's a 64KB SPI chip and the big chip to the left probably an ENE chip.

BIOS and EC firmware are separate. Can fin EC firmware download under firmware on the support page.

 

Il it s the same of this? http://m.ebay.it/itm/262237373857?_mwBanner=1

Or is possible to reprogram it same as BIOS chip?
Thanks

 

Yes, you can erase and reprogram same way you would do with the BIOS chip. If buying another check it's the same size (dimensions). Usually it's also possible to use several different brands.

 

Thank You so much..Make no mistake .. If I understand correctly I can reprogram it .. If I take him instead new identical or similar i have to be programmed the same? And to make such a model I just look at the size or other?

For example If I buy one of the links that I showed you (if it have the same size) ... I mount and is ready or is mounted and must be programmed?

 

On the new GT72, it uses two BIOS chips. The BIOS chip now contains both BIOS & EC. And the secondary BIOS is used as a backup BIOS.

 

It might help to know why you wish to replace the EC SPI flash chip. Usually they don't go wrong except for bad flashing in which case they can just be re-flashed.

You will likely have to remove the old chip anyway so as long as it it not damaged it can be externally flashed with an external programmer. There are many SPI flash programmers on the market. Quite a few people seem to like this one, maybe because it is cheap, less than $3. I haven't used it myself but I believe there are some quirks with it and you will want a SOIC to DIP adapter or makeshift some arrangement to use with the supplied ZIF socket or solder your chip to the board supplied.

If the whole idea of flashing is not good for you there are some Net services that will supply a ready flashed chip with your preferred firmware but you will pay a premium for this service. Having your own programmer can come in handy for other bad flashes or projects.

If you look in the EC firmware zip file at "flashrom.def" it will at least tell you which chips the EC utility will work with.

 

Thanks dufus +2 reputation for your big help.. There is flashrom.def in zip file..I made a bad flash of ec firmware and now the notebook does not turn over ... At the beginning I thought it was in the BIOS and then reprogram it was enough ... Then I saw it was a separate chip and did not know if I could reprogram or replace...I'll see if someone can reprogram it otherwise I'll try like you said with the SPI flash .. There is some guide on the internet to find out how?

 

I've never used a tutorial for SPI programming but I'm sure there must be a few around. The method of flashing the EC via SPI programmer wont really be different from BIOS, just much smaller storage size so will be quicker to flash. Some softwares will have a detect function to read the manufacturer id, size and so on however that chip you have is not a well known so might have to use some generic settings. Try reading the chip first before programming and save what is on there just in case it has some useful info. It might seem complicated at first but once you know what to do it's pretty easy.

Here's a link to the manufacture of your EC chip, you can download the datasheet for further info on it.

http://www.chingistek.com/pflash.asp

 

as I understand it the procedure is similar to this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4P-L-BxhAk (such as links , etc. )..
obviously not the same because first of all it is in Russian and do not know what he says .. and he does on a desktop gpu .. But in general line as components to use and how to use them is similar... I found guide in my language (italian).. Thanks for all dufus.. But in the list of the supported chip in this usb programmer CH341A there isn't the pm25ld512...i found supported chip in this usb programmer
http://www.ebay.it/itm/NANO-BIOS-Programmer-for-PC-M-B-BIOS-repairing-/280388472031

http://it.aliexpress.com/store/prod...er/516404_32378206401.html?isOrig=true#extend

http://www.ebay.in/itm/Skypro-high-...5-93-EEPROM-Flash-AVR-lite-pack-/221072205726

It is right what I say?

or even if there is not in the list of other programmers their support it the same ?

 

You can use Dediprog SF100 if you don't want the hassle.

 

This is how I do it, but this doesn't always work 100%.

 

In which cases will not work?

 

Electrical design, without sufficient resistance then programmer will not be able to supply power to the chip due to leakage.

 

Can you describe symptoms of not successful cases? Doesn't pass verification or...

 

Best method is still desolder, reprogram, and resolder.
Because when you try to program it directly, certain PCB does not allow it that's why it failed to work.

 

With an SPI programmer if it's not in the list then there may be a possibility of using a different brand device if it supports the same commands, block sizes, protection... or even might be the possibility to add the device. Of course if the device is already supported by the programmer then things are much easier. If you are lucky you might be able to program in situ, some boards even provide special header pins for this method. Otherwise some good soldering skills required. If you don't have a special desoldering tool then bridging solder across each side (melting solder on all 4 pins both sides) can work well, once the chip is removed it can be cleaned up. Care should be taken not to apply excessive heat and force as the tracks and pads can easily be damaged as well as the chip itself. Low temperature solder would be a bonus as the bridges will remain molten longer but with proper care not 100% necessary.

I don't know which to suggest as there are many different types. Personally I have an EZ2010 and only because it was available at a local shop. Before that I made one with some resistors transistors and LEDs, it was very basic and ran off an LPT port, also very slow. Even the RaspberryPi can be used if you want something more than just a programmer.

Take your time deciding and try not to rush.

 

Then I found a service shop that will reprogram the chip ... As said Kevin their unsolder the chip, reprogram it and resolder ... Thanks for alla guys!
I'll let you know how it will end