3-1-1 UPDATE PENTIUM
II BIOS API
Intel also provides MICROCODE API(Applications Programming Interface) for
Pentium
II processor-based mainboard user to updated data block in BIOS quickly and
easily. (You can find this utility either in the 3.5“ diskette or CD in the package.)
The BIOS code on the Pentium
II processor-based mainboards contains data that is
specific to each silicon stepping of the processor. Integrators must ensure that this BIOS
stepping data matches the processor stepping used. When the BIOS does not contain
stepping data that matches the processor stepping, integrators must updated the data in the
BIOS before shipping the system. Historically, Pentium
II systems have been updated by
replacing the entire BIOS with a new revision of BIOS that contains the correct stepping
data.
Intel‘s BIOS updated API allows just the stepping data within the BIOS to be updated
as needed. Mainboards that contain a BIOS with the Intel-defined BIOS updated API can
be quickly and easily updated, if required, without obtaining a complete BIOS upgrade.
Using this utility, integrators can easily verify that the correct stepping data is present in
all Pentium
II processor-based mainboards. However, if the stepping data requires
updating, the mainboard BIOS must contain the Intel-defined BIOS updated API,
otherwise a complete BIOS upgrade is required from the mainboard vendor.
Put the CD into CD-ROM drive, e.g. drive E, and then type
E:\>”ENTER”, and type \api\checkup3.
Or put the API diskette into the floppy disk drive, and then type
A:\>cd api; A:\>checkup3
The main menu should now be displayed, showing the following four options :
1) Check and load updated
2) Specify stepping data file [current : pep.pdb]
3) Help
4) Quit without loading updated
Select 1 to know the stepping filename, select 2 to load right patch code, then select 1 to
updated proper patch code. Now, the screen will show the message “please remove floppy
diskette from floppy disk drive” or “CD from CD-ROM drive”. Then cold boot
(mechanical power off) system to continue. For more information, please refer to
“CHECKUP.HLP“ file.
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