BIOS for Dimension 2350 CPU Upgrade?

Question

Hello,

I currently own a Dell Dimension 2350 with an Intel Celeron Pentium 4 processor running at 2.0 Ghz with 256mb cache. I purchased an Intel "Northwood" Pentium 4 processor (2.8 Ghz, 512 mb cache, 400 Mhz FSB) and carefully swapped the CPUs, but my Dell won't boot or start with the new processor. My existing BIOS version is A00 -- do I need to update the BIOS in order to run the new CPU, or is it possible I received a defective chip? Thanks.

Acemon

Majestic · Answer

According to the discussion you had over in the Dimension - Upgrade Hardware forum, they confirmed that the processor would work in your system so give the BIOS update a try. If you haven't done so already, you can click here for a download of the latest BIOS version for your system which is A02. Just follow my directions below for using that download which will create a bootable BIOS upgrade floppy disk.

Once the file is downloaded to your hard drive just run the file. The program will then prompt you into creating a bootable BIOS upgrade floppy disk so have a "good" blank one available. Once the floppy is created just leave the floppy in the drive and reboot your system. The BIOS upgrade program will then prompt you into updating the BIOS. If the floppy fails to boot then check your system's boot order and make sure the floppy drive is before the hard drive in the boot sequence. Once the BIOS upgrade is successfully done just remove the floppy disk and reboot the system.

If you encounter problems then try another download of the file and use another blank floppy disk. If either of those two items are bad it will prevent a successful BIOS update.

The actual time it takes the new BIOS code to be written is less than 30 seconds. While the upgrade is in progress do not interrupt the upgrade or do the upgrade when weather conditions might indicate a possible power failure such as doing the upgrade during a thunderstorm. An interrupted BIOS upgrade may corrupt the currently installed BIOS and thus require a motherboard replacement.

The A02 update program has a qwirk which can cause it to abort before the actual BIOS upgrade takes place. In the event you run the BIOS upgrade and it goes to a different colored screen which displays the A:\ prompt then simply type in 2350_A02.exe and press the Enter key. The BIOS update will then restart and flash the BIOS.

Acemon · Answer

Thanks, Majestic, your BIOS update advice was good and your instructions made it a breeze. Everything works fine except for the new CPU, which still refuses to start. The old CPU runs just fine. Unless you have other options I'll call the seller and arrange for an exchange.   Acemon

Majestic · Answer

Sorry, I don't have any additional suggestions other than to contact the vendor.

Locked Topics – Desktops General

BIOS for Dimension 2350 CPU Upgrade?

Was this post helpful?