File:bios DellXps730xBios A11b.zip

Summary
This is an archive of TK Mods's modified bios for Dell XPS 730X and Alienware Area-51 ALX motherboards, version A11b.

Details
This file is the raw zip file that TK Mods himself released to the public. It contains a large number of files, including the 3 original BIOS files from Dell, as well as 3 modified bios files by TK Mods himself.

TK Mods
TK Mods is a user on Facebook that has been modifying a number of Dell XPS 730X bios files. Mostly these attempts have been to fix memory support (12 GB) and newer microcode for new CPUs, such as the six-core Intel Core i7 980x and 990x CPUs.

Please direct all contact and questions directly to him as he is not directly affiliated with this website.

Sil3132 firmware update
Please note that this zip also contains a special version of the drivers required for the Silicon Sil3132 SATA controller after the firmware update of the A11b bios. If you flash the A11b bios at any time, you will be required to use these drivers going forward, even if you revert back to another bios. This is because the firmware update is contained within the A11b flashing process.

This special Sil3132 has also been downloaded directly from Dell and has a valid MD5 checksum to guarantee its authenticity if you wish to obtain it separately. It is archived separately on this wiki per.

Install
You must follow the BIOS flashing procedure outlined on the 730x bios page.

You must use extreme caution and will be taking major risks that could easy brick your motherboard beyond repair.

TK Mods' Changelog
TK Mod's original changes.txt is listed below, verbatim.
 * Official Dell Releases:
 * 730x-105.rom
 * 730x-106.rom
 * Ar51-A11.rom
 * Bios Mods:
 * 730x105a.rom - Updated Dell Certificate for Windows 7 (pre-activation)
 * 730x106a.rom - Several updates:
 * a) Windows certificate update: This means you can install and pre-activate any version of Windows 7 or Server 2008 R2, using a Dell dvd or any oem source. (tested)
 * b) cpu microcode update: latest fixes from intel including Gulftown cpu's.
 * c) opening logo: a really nice "XPS" logo on the opening screen. (tested)
 * 730x106b.rom - Updated Intel RAID option rom to v10.8.0.1303 (12/2011, tested). Use Intel RST driver v10.8.0.1003 (or higher).
 * 730xA11b.rom - Area51 Bios A11 customized for use in XPS 730x, changes:
 * a) Bios strings/DMI values set back to 730x values (so AlienFx and XPS Thermal apps work)
 * b) cpu microcode update: latest fixes from intel including Gulftown cpu's.
 * c) opening logo: a really nice "XPS" logo on the opening screen.
 * d) Updated Intel RAID option rom to v10.8.0.1303 (12/2011). Use Intel RST driver v10.8.0.1003 (or higher).
 * Notes and Known Issues:
 * -- All versions --
 * - For Gulftown cpu support (980x, 990x, etc), you must use an Area51 variant (730xA11a.rom recommended)
 * - S3/standby fails to resume after sleeping for longer 5 minutes (or so).
 * - Various XMP/memory problems (wrong voltages, incompatible memory, etc). Disable XMPS and use manual settings.
 * -- 730x106a.rom, 730x106b.rom --
 * - Though Gulftown microcode was added, it appears not to work with Gulftown cpu's (990x failed to boot).
 * -- 730xA11b.rom --
 * - The Silicon Image SATA controller (Sil3132) changes Device Id. Use drivers from this .zip.
 * - Even though BIOS reports "DELL", the integrated SLIC is for "Alienware". Use matching Alienware 2.1 cert (not Dell).
 * - The power button will flash when off and remain constant when in sleep.
 * -- 730x106a.rom, 730x106b.rom --
 * - Though Gulftown microcode was added, it appears not to work with Gulftown cpu's (990x failed to boot).
 * -- 730xA11b.rom --
 * - The Silicon Image SATA controller (Sil3132) changes Device Id. Use drivers from this .zip.
 * - Even though BIOS reports "DELL", the integrated SLIC is for "Alienware". Use matching Alienware 2.1 cert (not Dell).
 * - The power button will flash when off and remain constant when in sleep.
 * - Even though BIOS reports "DELL", the integrated SLIC is for "Alienware". Use matching Alienware 2.1 cert (not Dell).
 * - The power button will flash when off and remain constant when in sleep.

Checksum
TK Mod did not provide an MD5 checksum to guarantee its authenticity. You will be downloading and installing this at your own risk without any guarantees.