Universal programmer

[Shawn]

After about 3 weeks of research, (that is a lot of research coming from me) I ordered a programmer.

I am getting a SOFI SP8-B.
I want it to explore BIOS's and this model seems to have the best selection for the price. 7919 chips. Other models list more chips but not as many BIOS type chips.
http://www.vipprogrammer.com/news/user- ... st-90.html

http://www.sofi-tech.com/upload/product ... B_List.htm

[ADOR]

Looks like a nice setup.

[Shawn]

I ordered one of those 8 pin clips also. I will be able to read BIOS chips without desoldering.

It ended up being more than I originally thought I would be spending. Once I started looking at them I realized it's like any other tool. Spend enough to get the right tool for the job. A no name version would never have software and firmware updates. SOFI seems to have regular updates and adds new chips.

[Azrial]

A custom burnt BIOS sounds like the answer to many problems!

[Shawn]

It maybe the answer.
Toughbooks are usually more complicated than that. I am anxious to explore and learn.

[Shawn]

I found a low profile socket for the BIOS chips. I ordered a few.
From what I read, many times you must remove the chip to program it. Mainly because the motherboard sucks up the power and you can't get the voltage to the chip.