Distinguish between two SPI ROM chips on a MB

[Askic]

Hello guys,

my question might seem trivial to experienced technicians, but since I didn't have any previous experiences with flashing the BIOS chips (except through Windows update utility), I need your explanation.

I have found a schematics for my problematic MB and there I can see two 8 legs chips. Extracts from the schematics is atatched as .png picture.
Now when I download .bin file here on the forum, how can be sure to which chip this file needs to be written to?

Can you please explain me what is the purpose for two chips (they are not redundant or spare to one another)?
Based on the names, I'm pretty sure U2601 is the chip I need to desolder and put in the programmer, but what is U5001 is used for, since it is also marked as SPI.

Thank you very much for your explanation in advance.

[RethoricalCheese]

Re: Distinguish between two SPI ROM chips on a MB

TBT is the keyword. I'll let you figure it out

[reformatt]

Re: Distinguish between two SPI ROM chips on a MB

He's not experienced so I'll cut him some slack. TBT is for Thunderbolt. SPI is the interface used to communicate to both chips. So yes, it is U2601 that is your BIOS chip.

As with any flashing, you make a backup of your EEPROM before writing anything new to it. Also I recommend taking a photo of the chip's orientation and surrounding components if you intend taking it off. Always a good reference in case you think you lost a component etc.

[Askic]

Re: Distinguish between two SPI ROM chips on a MB

Then since I found on the drivers webpage something like this:
Thunderbolt Firmware Update
I can conclude this chip stores firmware for Thunderbolt.

So, I was wright to assume U2601 is the actual chip tp be flashed in order to revive the laptop (or at least to try it).

On the same web page, I have fond also this:
Intel Management Engine 12.0 Firmware
But what I can tell reading other threads here on the forum, this firmware is most likely also in U2601 and not in the separate chip, correct?


P.S: reformatt, you posted few sec before I am

[RethoricalCheese]

Re: Distinguish between two SPI ROM chips on a MB

Yes, Intel ME is also in BIOS chip.

But since you did not specify what is the issue and laptop model, I assume it is a Lenovo Thinkpad and will tell you that it also suffers from bad Thunderbolt firmware issues, which can make the laptop not power on.

[Askic]

Re: Distinguish between two SPI ROM chips on a MB

Hi Cheese, actual issues are described in this thread.

I doubt it is a BIOS issues but doesn't hurt to try.