[SOLVED] BIOS UPDATE Dilemma!

[CRT120Hz]

Dear, All!

Hope you are all well!

I am facing a rather serious computer dilemma.

I have a Packardbell one-two L5861, and it has an intel core i3 2100.

I have brought an i7 3370 to replace it with.

Both CPU's are compatible with the LGA 1155 socket.

I have a BIOS version American Megatrends Inc. PO1-A4. Release Date: 03/08/2011.

The main problem:

Do I need a BIOS update before I install the i7 CPU?

I know that the i7 3370 was released around 2012, or thereabouts; my i3 was released in 2011. I have also heard that Ivy Bridge and Sandy Bridge architectures are backwards compatible.

So, do I even need a BIOS update?

The Dilemma:

If I need a BIOS update, the Packardbell website isn't much help either: it has a BIOS version available PO1 something ending with a B instead of an A, but I don't know if it's a later version or an earlier one. There is no utility to update the BIOS in my computer.

Acer does not recognise the product, so I cannot receive any BIOS updates from there either.

Also, CPU-Z is telling me that the motherboard manufacturer is also Packardbell- and not gigabyte or Azrock, which have dedicated BIOS updates, so this is another dead end!

I really need your help!


Will my BIOS version support the new CPU?

Whats the worst thing that can happen if its not compatible. Will most features still work?

How do I update my BIOS in this case?

Thanking you

Ray

 

[punkncat]

If this link works:

Hardware Specifications; Processor; Chipsets; Bios - Packard Bell oneTwo L5860 Service Manual [Page 15] | ManualsLib

it shows the i7 2600S as the highest spec CPU available for it. I could not find mention of anything aside from 2xxx CPU for what appears to be an all in one PC.

 

[CRT120Hz]

Thank you for the insight!

It is much appreciated.

Under BIOS specification is shows
Specification
AMI BIOS with 32 MM SPI Flash ROM
CMOS Setup Utility

Does this mean anything or give any clues as to how upgrade the BIOS?

Thanking you once again

Ray

 

[geofelt]

Since you have a 3770, and no ability to update the bios, all you can do is try it.
The 3770 has a higher power tdp(77 vs 65) so that is likely why it is not supported.
i7-2600S is a low power i7 at the same 65w as your 2100.
But, I also see that two 95w processors are supported.
That does not mean that it can't run.
It is possible that the processor could damage the motherboard so do not try if that would be a disastrous consequence.
I suspect that the 3770 might run ok if you want to try.

It might be time to consider an upgrade.

 

[CRT120Hz]

I like your deduction! Thank you so much!

I am waiting eagerly for the Arctic mx4 thermal paste!

If it doesn't work, I will just have to swap it back and assess my new options.

If only I could update the BIOS !

 

[CRT120Hz]

Just curious:

Since my socket is LGA 1155, but is made by packardbell, a BIOS update from say AZROCK or gigabyte is totally off the table, right?

 

[USAFRet]

Just curious:

Since my socket is LGA 1155, but is made by packardbell, a BIOS update from say AZROCK or gigabyte is totally off the table, right?

Completely off the table, not even in the same room.

 

[CRT120Hz]

Thanks!

Does anyone know of any websites with the complete list of BIOS updates for PackardBell?

The only BIOS update on the PackardBell website for this computer is this one:

P01.B3 2011/08/22

Any idea whether this version will suppourt the i7 3370?

 

[SkyNetRising]

Any idea whether this version will suppourt the i7 3370?

BTW - there is no such thing as i7 3370.

 

[CRT120Hz]

I didnt know that!

 

[geofelt]

I didnt know that!

I assumed a typo and you meant I7-3770.

 

[CRT120Hz]

yes, exactly that !
I began to doubt whether what I bought was authentic or not!
It says costa rica on it. I dont know what that means.