Hello all. I'm in the process of building a home server to run a bunch of VMs, and picked up a bargain bin QL1L on eBay. Unfortunately, I was rather careless in my selection of motherboard and bought an ASUS Z11PA-U12, which does not support the QL1L (at least it didn't when I was last working on this several months ago). But can you blame me? So much expandability, so much memory...

Anyway, it would seem that I can solve my problem by modifying the BIOS to add the microcode from one of the Supermicro boards that does support the QL1L. Unfortunately, I don't have another CPU I can use to boot the system for a BIOS update, so I'll have to use an external programmer. The BIOS chip on my motherboard is a Winbond W25Q80DV (marked 25Q80DVSIG on the IC, corresponding to the SOIC-8 208mil package), so I got a CH341A based programmer, which claims to support the Winbond 25 series chips, and alligator clamp to match the chip's package size. I also picked up a replacement chip, just in case I cooked this one and need to solder a new one on.

I've still got some questions, though. First, the Z11PA-U12 has two BIOS chips, but I can't find any evidence that it supports switching between the two chips. The manual makes no mention of it, and I can't find any jumpers or switches that look like they toggle the chips. One chip is marked 25Q80DVSIG 1741, the other is marked 25Q80DVSIG 1742. So what's going on here? Is this some kind of automatic recovery feature in case you brick one chip? Is the BIOS split across the chips for some reason? Maybe these aren't being used for the BIOS at all?

Second, I'm really out of my depth when it comes to making the modifications to the BIOS. I bricked a Z77 board a few years ago trying to add nVME support, and this motherboard cost three times as much, so I'd prefer not to do that again. Any assistance that could be provided would be very much appreciated.

Finally...it is safe to flash the BIOS chip without desoldering it, right? Seems like it should be since voltages will only be at logic level, but it seems worthwhile to double check.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Motherboard Manual: https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/So...s_UM_V4_WEB.pdf
Motherboard BIOS links: https://www.asus.com/us/Commercial-Serve.../HelpDesk_BIOS/
W25Q80DV datasheet: https://www.winbond.com/resource-files/w...vf_02112015.pdf
Programmer: https://www.amazon.com/Gikfun-Programmer...M/dp/B01I1EU9LG

My apologies, it seems I should have done a little more digging before posting this. Just finished reading the thread about trying to accomplish the same thing on the WS-C621E, and it looks like I'm SOL. I see a Supermicro board in my future, though I'm going to miss those 12 DIMM slots.

I'm well outside my return window (I made the purchases ~6 months ago), so this board is destined for eBay. If anyone wants it, PM me and I'll let it go for 75% of retail. Purchased new from Newegg, socket is in perfect condition (will provide pictures to any potential buyers). The CPU cover was removed only once, the CPU immediately installed and never removed. I still have the retail box, should still have the manual and all the bits and bobs that come with it. I've also got an EKWB Annihilator Square waterblock to go with it, if that's your speed.

If dumping the BIOS or doing any testing on the board would be helpful with solving the issue with ES chips, then I'll be happy to do so.

Hi there!
Just bought a pair of QL1L. Why were you SOL? Do you have any advice on which board I should buy? Seems like there is very little info everywhere.
With regards,
Michaelowski