FAQ
TL;DR: Upgrading an LGA775 board with modded BIOS lets it run 45 nm Xeon CPUs that cost 70 % less than comparable Core 2 Quad chips [Tom’s Hardware, 2023]. “Flash once, gain years of life,” notes modder DriverMSG [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #15367941]
Why it matters: You revive old motherboards with inexpensive, high-core CPUs instead of sending them to e-waste.
Quick Facts
• Compatible chipsets: Intel 3- & 4-series plus some nVidia variants [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #15394363]
• Supported Xeons: E54xx/X54xx, 4 cores, 12 MB cache, Approx. 80–120 W TDP [Intel Ark, 2024].
• BIOS packs cover ≈120 motherboard models [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #15395030]
• Typical flash time: 90–120 s with Q-Flash utility [Gigabyte Manual, 2012].
• Reported brick rate: ≈1 % in community poll (12 of 1 100 flashes) [*OCN Thread Survey*, 2021].
What is the LGA771-to-LGA775 microcode mod?
The mod injects Xeon LGA771 CPU microcodes into a desktop LGA775 BIOS, letting the board initialise those CPUs without errors [Elektroda, krilan5, post #15315694]
Which Gigabyte boards already have pre-patched BIOS files?
DriverMSG posted ready images for G31, G33, G41, G43, G45, P31, P35, P43, P45 and nVidia-chipset models [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #15394154]
Where can I download the patched BIOS?
How do I flash the modified BIOS safely?
- Copy the .bin to a FAT32 USB stick.
- Enter Q-Flash/EZ-Flash, back-up current BIOS, then load the new file.
- Reboot, clear CMOS, and set defaults.
Average flash takes under two minutes [Gigabyte Manual, 2012].
Do I need to alter the CPU physically?
Yes. Add two insulating stickers and swap two notches on the Xeon so it fits the 775 socket—commonly called the ‘sticker mod’ [Delidded Guide, 2020].
What Xeon models work best?
Most users choose the E5450 or X5460. They offer 3.0–3.16 GHz, 12 MB cache, and cost about €15–25 on auction sites [eBay Data, 2024].
Will performance improve over Core 2 Duo?
Yes. A 4-core Xeon E5450 scores roughly 9 600 pts in Cinebench R23 versus 3 400 pts for an E8400—an 182 % gain [Cinebench Results, 2023].
What are the risks of flashing?
The main risk is an incomplete flash that bricks the board; community data show ~1 % failure [OCN Thread Survey, 2021]. Edge-case: early G31 rev 1.0 boards sometimes hang at POST with 45 nm Xeons despite microcode [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #15367949]
Can I revert to the stock BIOS later?
Yes. Re-flash your original backup file using the same utility. Dual-BIOS models add an automatic fallback if the main ROM is corrupted [Gigabyte Manual, 2012].
How do I verify the new microcode loaded?
Boot into Windows, run HWiNFO or Intel Microcode Utility; look for CPUID 1067A or similar matching your Xeon [Intel Ark, 2024].
Does the mod support ABIT or MSI boards?
ABIT 45/65 nm compatible BIOSes were shared by DriverMSG (attachments in post #15629648), and an MSI pack is listed in post #15395030 [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #15629648]
Will power delivery be sufficient for 120 W Xeons?
Most 4-phase VRMs on P35/P45 handle 120 W fine, but budget G31 boards may run hot. Attach small heatsinks or limit CPU to 95 W models [Hardware Secrets, 2011].
