Maybe it a Windows-only installer (which sometimes ends-up bricking).
But check this thread. Dell said it was Windows only, but it appears it was just in a "Windows EXE wrapper" of sorts. The user found the DOS files and got it to work.
So I found a couple of posts where people with the same problem had success when they reinstalled the original OS that came with the system. So I reinstalled win8.1 and the bios actually tried to update, but upon rebooting the computer I'm met with no video output and 2 beeps repeating. I'm pretty sure the RAM is okay and that the failed flash is causing it.
Any thoughts on what to do now if anything?
Or thoughts on a new MB that would work with the parts I have? D:
Already tried, tried jumping as well, and resetting the RAM just incase. Sad times.
I seem to be unable to find a replacement board for the X51 R2, so I think another board and case would be the way to go, do you happen to know what I would need to look for when buying one so I can use the parts in the X51?
Intel, LGA 1150, 240pin DDR3 1600MHz, so the CPU and RAM would fit, but not sure what else to look for.
what I would need to look for when buying one so I can use the parts in the X51?
Intel, LGA 1150, 240pin DDR3 1600MHz, so the CPU and RAM would fit, but not sure what else to look for.
That is mainly it. Matching that original (old) Intel Chipset should enable those features.
Yes, I suggest a normal case, with a real normal-sized power-supply (Corsairs are good).
A SSD for boot-drive is highly recommended. I would also get a liquid cooler (Asetek or clone). After you swap the MB, it's not a Dell any more so you can follow any "custom build" videos or forums on the Internet.
Just know that todays Intel i5 (and even some i3) are faster than yesterdays Intel-i7s. The newer motherboards are also faster and have the latest features.
Unless you are saving considerable money by using the old parts (including your old but still working video-card) it might be better to start over (either custom or retail pre-built).
Would I have to use the same chipset? Intel have a list of compatible motherboards for the i7-4790 and there are quite a few different chipsets listed.
I would like to keep the GTX 1060 and the i7-4790, as it would keep the costs down considerably. I'll have a look into building one, if not maybe a bare bones that I can just plug them both into.
1. Would I have to use the same chipset? Intel have a list of compatible motherboards for the i7-4790 and there are quite a few different chipsets listed.
2. I would like to keep the GTX 1060 and the i7-4790, as it would keep the costs down considerably. I'll have a look into building one,
3. if not maybe a bare bones that I can just plug them both into.
4. Thanks for all your help Tesla <3
1. No. That would just be an easy way to get that processor-socket, ram-compatibility, etc.
2. Sounds good. Any Intel-i7 is good and GTX-1060 is a nice card. It will finally be able to breath in a tower case (even if mini-tower).
3. Never really seen a nice bare-bones. They make decisions for you. If you can do the other stuff, you can install a Power-Supply and Motherboard into a metal case. But who knows, maybe you will find one.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.4K Posts
0
February 13th, 2018 12:00
Be sure flash-drive is formatted as FAT or FAT32.
Try A02 first.
Try turning-off SecureBoot Temporarily.
Nlirx
7 Posts
0
February 13th, 2018 16:00
USB is formatted to FAT32.
I am trying to update to A02. Currently the planned path is A01>A02>A03>A04>A06.
I did turn SecureBoot off and switched from UEFI to Legacy.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.4K Posts
0
February 13th, 2018 18:00
I've had good luck with Rufus made FreeDOS bootable-flash
https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware-General/Alienware-Desktop-General-Hardware-Troubleshooting/m-p/5555517
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.4K Posts
0
February 13th, 2018 18:00
Hmm.
Are you sure it's really a x51-R2 ?
Are you using this file, and does it verify that posted checksums after download?
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/DriversDetails?productCode=alienware-x51-r2&driverId=TY7WK
Nlirx
7 Posts
0
February 13th, 2018 19:00
I'm pretty sure it is a X51 R2, that's what it says on the bios main screen, and on this site when I put the service tag in.
Yes that is the file I am using. Checksum also matches.
And I used Rufus to make the USB FAT32, used freedos as well.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.4K Posts
0
February 13th, 2018 20:00
Sounds like you are doing everything properly. I am running out of ideas.
So, the FreeDOS is working because you get a command prompt.
When you get the error:
30 - error: problem opening file for reading.
Do you think that is a FreeDOS error or the firmware flashing program saying that? Are you getting the file name right?
Nlirx
7 Posts
0
February 13th, 2018 20:00
I'm using ALIENW~1 for the file name.
I'm not sure, I would guess the firmware utility.
Here is a pic
I tried it in windows before I tried USB, it runs okay, asks to reboot then when it loads back up A01 is still installed.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.4K Posts
0
February 13th, 2018 20:00
Maybe it a Windows-only installer (which sometimes ends-up bricking).
But check this thread. Dell said it was Windows only, but it appears it was just in a "Windows EXE wrapper" of sorts. The user found the DOS files and got it to work.
https://www.dell.com/community/General/XPS-13-cannot-update-BIOS/td-p/4248041/page/2
Nlirx
7 Posts
0
February 14th, 2018 18:00
So I found a couple of posts where people with the same problem had success when they reinstalled the original OS that came with the system. So I reinstalled win8.1 and the bios actually tried to update, but upon rebooting the computer I'm met with no video output and 2 beeps repeating. I'm pretty sure the RAM is okay and that the failed flash is causing it.
Any thoughts on what to do now if anything?
Or thoughts on a new MB that would work with the parts I have? D:
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.4K Posts
0
February 14th, 2018 19:00
Like I said, flashing firmware from Windows often ends-up bricking MB.
Pull CMOS battery, dissipate flea power, and see if BIOS will reset and Post.
I think if BIOS won't post ... it's bricked (dead).
Nlirx
7 Posts
0
February 14th, 2018 19:00
Already tried, tried jumping as well, and resetting the RAM just incase. Sad times.
I seem to be unable to find a replacement board for the X51 R2, so I think another board and case would be the way to go, do you happen to know what I would need to look for when buying one so I can use the parts in the X51?
Intel, LGA 1150, 240pin DDR3 1600MHz, so the CPU and RAM would fit, but not sure what else to look for.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.4K Posts
0
February 15th, 2018 15:00
That is mainly it. Matching that original (old) Intel Chipset should enable those features.
Yes, I suggest a normal case, with a real normal-sized power-supply (Corsairs are good).
A SSD for boot-drive is highly recommended. I would also get a liquid cooler (Asetek or clone). After you swap the MB, it's not a Dell any more so you can follow any "custom build" videos or forums on the Internet.
Just know that todays Intel i5 (and even some i3) are faster than yesterdays Intel-i7s. The newer motherboards are also faster and have the latest features.
Unless you are saving considerable money by using the old parts (including your old but still working video-card) it might be better to start over (either custom or retail pre-built).
Good Luck.
Nlirx
7 Posts
0
February 15th, 2018 16:00
Would I have to use the same chipset? Intel have a list of compatible motherboards for the i7-4790 and there are quite a few different chipsets listed.
I would like to keep the GTX 1060 and the i7-4790, as it would keep the costs down considerably. I'll have a look into building one, if not maybe a bare bones that I can just plug them both into.
Thanks for all your help Tesla <3
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.4K Posts
0
February 15th, 2018 20:00
1. No. That would just be an easy way to get that processor-socket, ram-compatibility, etc.
2. Sounds good. Any Intel-i7 is good and GTX-1060 is a nice card. It will finally be able to breath in a tower case (even if mini-tower).
3. Never really seen a nice bare-bones. They make decisions for you. If you can do the other stuff, you can install a Power-Supply and Motherboard into a metal case. But who knows, maybe you will find one.
4. You bet, any time.