Update Gateway BIOS to run GTX 750 TI SC video card - Problems

[Merllin]

System:

Gateway DX4380-EC031P (Prebuild System)
AMD A10-5700 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
FSP Power - FSP300-60THA(1)

How it started:

I am looking to install a EVGA GTX 750 TI SC video card (does not need external power) into my Gateway system. I had seen the reviews online showing it could be a good way to enhance a prebuilt system so I figured Id give it a try.

I uninstalled all the ATI drivers from my computer and removed the HD 7670 card (Note: The BIOS had no option of disabling the integrated graphics, it seems to be automatic when a card is installed in the PCI. I tested this by plugging the HDMI into the mobo port and there was no signal)

I installed the GTX 750 TI SC in my computer and booted it up.

The computer loads the POST screen and will allow me to hit Del or F12 (it will also beep once). From there, it will hang up and go to a blank screen with a blinking cursor.

Problem 1: Blank screen with blinking cursor and failure to load. Card is powered up, fan is spinning. I understand the power supply is below what is recommended but I know others have run the card with the standard OEM PSU so I don't think that is the issue.

Next, I have read that the BIOS needs to be updated on the machines for this card to work properly. It looks like numerous people have cured this issue with a new BIOS flash. The current Gateway BIOS on the system is P01.A1 (06/14/2012).

Problem 2: I went to Gateway's support page to get the recommended BIOS (http://ca.gateway.com/gw/en/CA/content/drivers-downloads) and there are multiple versions. Gateways BIOS are updated by running a BIOS_WIN.bat file with the required ROM file. One thing I noticed was that only one BIOS on the list used a .ROM file. All the others are using .CAP files.

The BIOS listing a .ROM file is the BIOS I have currently, but I reflashed it anyways to check and see and it does do the flash properly. When I try to run one of the newer versions, I get a the error "4- Error ROM file ROMID is not compatible with existing BIOS ROMID".

Also, I have created a FAT32 USB stick and tried loading the BIOS through DOS and I receive the same error.

So I have two problems.

One: the video card wont work as the system currently sits.
Two: I am unable to update the Gateway BIOS to a newer version

Is this video card compatible with this motherboard?
Has anyone flashed a Gateway BIOS successfully?
Would a underpowered PSU show these symptoms?

Wondering if anyone has any suggestions or recommendations. I don't really know a whole lot about this kind of thing and I am really only going by what I have read.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[ko888]

I am unsure how to get that far. How do I go about opening up the BIOS_WIN.bat file to edit it?

No worries about the disclaimer. I have read enough the past 3 days to understand that the mobo will be toast. If it doesn't work I will have to just end up buying one that is UEFI.

Use a text editor like Windows' own Notepad (i.e. notepad.exe).

 

[Merllin]

Ahh. Well that's embarrassing. Thanks for the guidance. It is appreciated.

There hasnt been much discussion regarding the .ROM file and the .CAP file. What is the difference in regards to loading it onto the BIOS. Are some mobos just not compatible with CAP files?

 

[ko888]

Ahh. Well that's embarrassing. Thanks for the guidance. It is appreciated.

There hasnt been much discussion regarding the .ROM file and the .CAP file. What is the difference in regards to loading it onto the BIOS. Are some mobos just not compatible with CAP files?

I couldn't find any details on what the structural differences, if any, exist between the .ROM and .CAP files for your specific motherboard's BIOS. AMI doesn't tend to reveal such information.

I think the .ROM file is a pure BIOS image file with the BIOS image beginning at 0x00.

The .CAP file has a 2kb Capsule/UBF header before start of the BIOS image data that is flashed to the BIOS.

 

[Merllin]

That's what I have read as well. It includes the header and that's about the only difference.

Well I will try the /x command when I get home and see if I end up with a new paper weight.

Always a good excuse to rebuild the computer with better parts.

I will keep you updated!

 

[Merllin]

Ok.. Part way there. I put the /x into the command and it updated the BIOS. I notice there is a lot more options in the BIOS now such as Authentication, etc...

When exit the BIOS now and go to boot the computer, I get the error:

"Reboot and Select proper Boot Device or Insert Boot Media in selected device and press any key"

My hard drive is recognized in the BIOS as "HARD DISK" for 1st Boot Device and under Advanced it shows up under the AHCI Port0.

I am guessing I have to change something in the BIOS options now?

 

[Merllin]

Ok.. I got it to boot properly by disabling Safeboot and changing Launch CSM to Always.

Loads up Windows fine now.

Now to try and get the video card working.

 

[Merllin]

And video card and drivers are installed.

Thank you for all the help received in this thread. Its funny, if Gateway would have just put the /x into their BIOS downloads, I wouldn't have had this problem.

 

[Udahara]

Im having the exact same problem with my DX4870 with windows 7 I cant find any bios updates from the gateway site available except P01.A2 and it doesn't give me anymore options like being able to disable the integrated graphics card. If you or anyone can tell me where to get the bios update you used for win 7 and what was it called. Id really appreciate the info thanks.

And video card and drivers are installed.

Thank you for all the help received in this thread. Its funny, if Gateway would have just put the /x into their BIOS downloads, I wouldn't have had this problem.

 

[Conway Riley]

I am having the same exact problem. I have updated the BIOS to PO1.A2 but the problem still exists. Nothing in the bios setup to disable safeboot. According to Belarc Advisor Boot Mode: Legacy BIOS in UEFI (Secure Boot not

supported)

 

[jgemberton]

I just purchased this card to put in my 5 year old Dell XPS 435mt running Windows 8.1 and it too, got stuck after post. Having read several forums explaining similar boot issues with this card on legacy (non-UEFI) systems, I was ready. I booted into the bios to look at any settings that may have an affect on the booting and found a 'fast-boot' setting. I disabled that, saved the settings, and re-booted. Bam.... the post took a few extra seconds as it now wasn't skipping over anything, but the system booted into windows. Hope this helps someone, because this card is awesome for the price, size, and system requirements.