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  • About Intel Management Engine firmware

    1 - ME firmware : infos and tools

    Quick access :

    1 - ME firmware : infos and tools
    2 - Checking ME firmware
    • A - Update ME FW with MEupdate
    • B - Check ME FW with MEinfo
    • C - Check ME FW functionality with MEManuf
    • D - Check ME FW in BIOS file with FITC

    3 - Extracting ME firmware
    • A - Extracting ME firmware with FITC
    • B - Extracting ME firmware with HxD editor

    4 - Setting ME firmware
    • A - ME FW settings for Z77/Z68/P68
    • B - ME FW settings for X79
    • C - ME FW settings for Z87
    • D - Prepared ME FW files

    5 - Replacing ME firmware in BIOS file


    Do not confuse ME firmware and MEI driver, ME FW is part of the BIOS while MEI driver is installed on Windows and allows software to communicate with ME firmware in BIOS (as some overclocking and fan management software).

    Fernando and Odiebugs have done a very good topic about ME firmware.

    CodeRush also gave interesting infos in Hardforum.


    BIOS consists of 3 to 5 regions (some BIOS don’t have Gbe and/or PDR region), ME firmware is an important part :

    ME firmware contains different modules : AMT (Active Management Technology), ASF (Alert Standard Format), QST (Quiet System Technology) and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for hardware remotely management… but it also contains chipset’s settings (clocks, frequencies,...) which affect important parameters as BCLK, RAM, Turbo Boost, fans speeds…


    For further, here are some useful links (Intel chipset 6 and 7 series for P68/Z68/X79/Z77, Intel chipset 8 series for Z87) :
    - HxD editor
    - Flash Image Tool (FITC) for 6 and 7 series and FITC for 8 series (about 1.5MB)
    - MEupdate 8.1.51.1471 for 6/7series and 9.0.30.1482 for 8 series (about 4MB)
    - MEInfo for 6/7series and MEInfo for 8 series (about 0.8MB)
    - MEManuf for 6/7 series and MEManuf for 8 series (about 1.5MB)
    (Thanks to Pacman… and Google)

    For greedy, here's full packages :
    - Full Management Engine Tools 8.1.10.1286 for C600/6/7 series and Management Engine Tools 9.0.21.1462 for 8 series (with complete tools as MEinfo, MEManuf, FWupdate, Flash Image Tool and Flash Programming Tool, contains also ME and Gbe original binaries and old MEI drivers - about 120MB)
    - and Intel System Tools user guides 7 series and 8 series (about 2MB)
    Last edited by virtualfred; 01-16-2014, 04:35 AM.
    It is really useful to complete and keep your PC Specs or Signature up to date in Settings /My Profile (motherboard, CPU, BIOS version modified or not ...) - Thank you all .
    Main rig : Z77X-UD5H BIOS F16 mod11 - Core i7 3770K @4.5GHz 1.30V - Noctua NH-D14 - GSkill TridentX 2x8GB @1200MHz CAS10 - Club3D HD5750 noiseless @800/1300 - Silverstone FT02S - Seasonic X-series 650W
    2x Intel 510 128GB RAID0 - 2x Samsung F3 500GB RAID0 + Samsung F3 1TB - Dell U2713H - Logitech Illuminated & G500 - Focal XS Book - Windows 8 Pro 64bits UEFI
    2nd rig : Z77X-UD3H BIOS F20e mod - Core i5 3470 @4.0GHz - Noctua NH-D14 -
    Crucial BT 2x4GB @933MHz CAS9 - Club3D HD7750 noiseless @stock - Lian-Li PC-A05FN - Seasonic M12II 520W
    Crucial M4 128GB - 2x WD10EALX RAID1 - Dell 2408WFP - Logitech Illuminated & G5
    - Bose Companion 20 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits Legacy
    HTPC : EG45M-UD2H BIOS F5a mod - Core2Quad Q8200 @2.8GHz undervolted to 1.10V - Noctua NH-C4 passive - OCZ 4x1GB @500MHz CAS5 - AMD HD6450 passive - Antek NSK2480 - Antec Earthwatts 380W
    Intel SSD 330 60GB - 2x WD WD30EZRX 3TB RAID0 - Logitech K820 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits + XBMC12
    Gigabyte Modified BIOS & About ME firmware

  • #2
    2 - Checking ME firmware

    2 - Checking ME firmware


    A - Update ME FW with MEupdate (FWupdate)

    First, even if it is irrelevant since the challenge is to insert the ME FW directly in the BIOS, I add here how to update under Windows with FWUpdLcl for those who have difficulty with the command prompt.

    - you must have Intel Management Engine Interface drivers already installed :


    - download MEupdate above
    - extract MEupdate folder needed : Win folder for 32bits or Win64 for 64bits (on my desktop for this example)
    - open command prompt as administrator, and go in your folder with :
    Code:
    cd C:\Users\VirtualFred\Desktop\Win64
    - enter "flash" (flash.bat execute the command "FWUpdLcl64.exe -f ME_8.1.51.1471.bin") :
    Code:
    flash or FWUpdLcl64.exe -f ME_8.1.51.1471.bin


    - when finished and according to CodeRush, a complete power off is required to restart ME.
    Originally posted by CodeRush
    If you flash BIOS with different ME version then current one, you need to use poweroff command after successful flashing to ensure ME restart. ME is powered with standby power line and doesn't restarts on normal reset, so you must use that command or remove power completely and wait for 30 secs to reset ME state. If they have same versions - normal reset is enough.
    Also you can flash the same ME FW version (if you think it's corrupted) with the following command :
    Code:
    FWUpdLcl64.exe -ALLOWSV -f ME_8.1.51.1471.bin

    B - Check ME FW with MEinfo

    - download MEinfo above
    - extract Meinfo folder needed : Win folder for 32bits or Win64 for 64bits (on my desktop for this example)
    - open command prompt as administrator, and go in your folder with :
    Code:
    cd C:\Users\VirtualFred\Desktop\Win64
    - enter command "meinfowin64" (64bits) or "meinfowin" (32bits) :
    Code:
    meinfowin64


    FWupdate (FWUpdLcl) can also read ME FW version with the following command :
    Code:
    fwupdlcl64 -fwver

    C - Check ME FW functionality with MEManuf

    In another System Tools user guide, Intel explains MEManuf can validate ME FW functionality :
    Originally posted by Intel Guide
    MEManuf validates ME functionality (verifies that all its components have been assembled together correctly) on the manufacturing line. The tool accomplishes this by invoking the test program embedded in the ME firmware. The test covers the following features: SMBus Interface, BIOS and BIOS/FW connectivity, C-Link (ME-ICH and ICH-Shilo), EC, iTPM, Wireless connectivity.
    - download MEManuf above
    - extract MEManuf folder needed : Windows folder for 32bits or Windows64 for 64bits (on my desktop for this example)
    - open command prompt as administrator, and go in your folder with :
    Code:
    cd C:\Users\VirtualFred\Desktop\Windows64
    - enter command "memanufwin64" (or "memanufwin64 -verbose" for details) :
    Code:
    memanufwin64



    D - Check ME FW in BIOS file with FITC

    With FITC you can check which version of ME firmware is in a BIOS file, so no need to have the motherboard with this BIOS installed :
    - download Flash Image Tool above
    - run fitc.exe
    - just drag and drop BIOS file within FITC
    - ME firmware version is easily showed :


    Unfortunately, it doesn't works with certain brand (Asus…), BIOS is not recognized so we have to extract ME FW before being able to read version it in FITC…

    Originally posted by Pacman View Post
    ... to open Asus Cap file in FITC, you can use "fd44cpr" from FTK package.
    "fd44cpr filename.rom filename.rom" have to enter filename twice,
    then the Cap header is removed and works with FITC.
    The Cap header can also easily be removed manually in a Hexeditor, tested with Asrock also.
    It has worked with the Z87 BIOSes i've tried.
    Last edited by virtualfred; 12-29-2013, 05:23 AM.
    It is really useful to complete and keep your PC Specs or Signature up to date in Settings /My Profile (motherboard, CPU, BIOS version modified or not ...) - Thank you all .
    Main rig : Z77X-UD5H BIOS F16 mod11 - Core i7 3770K @4.5GHz 1.30V - Noctua NH-D14 - GSkill TridentX 2x8GB @1200MHz CAS10 - Club3D HD5750 noiseless @800/1300 - Silverstone FT02S - Seasonic X-series 650W
    2x Intel 510 128GB RAID0 - 2x Samsung F3 500GB RAID0 + Samsung F3 1TB - Dell U2713H - Logitech Illuminated & G500 - Focal XS Book - Windows 8 Pro 64bits UEFI
    2nd rig : Z77X-UD3H BIOS F20e mod - Core i5 3470 @4.0GHz - Noctua NH-D14 -
    Crucial BT 2x4GB @933MHz CAS9 - Club3D HD7750 noiseless @stock - Lian-Li PC-A05FN - Seasonic M12II 520W
    Crucial M4 128GB - 2x WD10EALX RAID1 - Dell 2408WFP - Logitech Illuminated & G5
    - Bose Companion 20 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits Legacy
    HTPC : EG45M-UD2H BIOS F5a mod - Core2Quad Q8200 @2.8GHz undervolted to 1.10V - Noctua NH-C4 passive - OCZ 4x1GB @500MHz CAS5 - AMD HD6450 passive - Antek NSK2480 - Antec Earthwatts 380W
    Intel SSD 330 60GB - 2x WD WD30EZRX 3TB RAID0 - Logitech K820 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits + XBMC12
    Gigabyte Modified BIOS & About ME firmware

    Comment


    • #3
      3 - Extracting ME firmware

      3 - Extracting ME firmware


      Extracting ME firmware from a BIOS file can be useful to check ME version of an unrecognized BIOS, or to extract a new ME FW to use it later in other BIOS.


      A - Extracting ME firmware with FITC


      When you drag and drop a BIOS file within FITC, it automatically create a folder with all BIOS region decomposed :


      But this BIN also contains chipset's setting that match, we'll see later we have to change settings before inserting in another BIOS…


      B - Extracting ME firmware with HxD editor

      (Thanks to Amurtigress who shows me the way)

      - open your BIOS file with HxD editor (drag and drop works)
      - Find "krid", ME region always start just before by "20 20 80 0F 40",
      - place your cursor in front of "20 20 80…", then menu "select a bloc", check "length" and enter "17D000" (which is ME region length)


      - right click and "Copy", open a new empty tab, and "paste write" (HxD advertise you the file size will change, hit OK)


      - "save as" and give an appropriate name to your extracted ME FW.

      Example :
      Asus P8Z77-V BIOS 2104 is unrecognized by FITC (locked ?)… but after extraction of ME firmware with HxD, we can read ME FW version :
      Last edited by virtualfred; 10-28-2013, 06:06 PM.
      It is really useful to complete and keep your PC Specs or Signature up to date in Settings /My Profile (motherboard, CPU, BIOS version modified or not ...) - Thank you all .
      Main rig : Z77X-UD5H BIOS F16 mod11 - Core i7 3770K @4.5GHz 1.30V - Noctua NH-D14 - GSkill TridentX 2x8GB @1200MHz CAS10 - Club3D HD5750 noiseless @800/1300 - Silverstone FT02S - Seasonic X-series 650W
      2x Intel 510 128GB RAID0 - 2x Samsung F3 500GB RAID0 + Samsung F3 1TB - Dell U2713H - Logitech Illuminated & G500 - Focal XS Book - Windows 8 Pro 64bits UEFI
      2nd rig : Z77X-UD3H BIOS F20e mod - Core i5 3470 @4.0GHz - Noctua NH-D14 -
      Crucial BT 2x4GB @933MHz CAS9 - Club3D HD7750 noiseless @stock - Lian-Li PC-A05FN - Seasonic M12II 520W
      Crucial M4 128GB - 2x WD10EALX RAID1 - Dell 2408WFP - Logitech Illuminated & G5
      - Bose Companion 20 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits Legacy
      HTPC : EG45M-UD2H BIOS F5a mod - Core2Quad Q8200 @2.8GHz undervolted to 1.10V - Noctua NH-C4 passive - OCZ 4x1GB @500MHz CAS5 - AMD HD6450 passive - Antek NSK2480 - Antec Earthwatts 380W
      Intel SSD 330 60GB - 2x WD WD30EZRX 3TB RAID0 - Logitech K820 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits + XBMC12
      Gigabyte Modified BIOS & About ME firmware

      Comment


      • #4
        4 - Setting ME firmware

        4 - Setting ME firmware



        And now the most laborious part…

        I want to emphasize that we are now entering a deep modification of BIOS, before playing with the insertion of ME FW in the BIOS you need to master BIOS flashing and usage of Dual-BIOS to be able to revert back if necessary. (BIOS flashing thread)


        ME firmware is not a read only as a ROM or microcode. When comparing many ME files with HxD editor : original ME firmware (generic production/preproduction file provides in MEupdate), ME region extracted from original BIOS file and from BIOS chip with @BIOS or Q-Flash : all files are different ! While ROM and µcode stay unchanged in BIOS, using FWUpdLcl update ME FW parts while keeping previous settings, of course I could be wrong but I suspect that data is written in the ME region during the first boot after BIOS flash.
        This means ME firmware can’t be pasted “as it is” in BIOS file, that’s why it must be prepared to match with chipset platform and manufacturer BIOS settings before being included in BIOS.
        To match the settings of the new ME FW with the target BIOS, I extract two identical FITC to open and compare the original BIOS with the ME FW build. The principle is the same for different chipset, but for example Z87 has a lot more settings.

        A - ME FW settings for Z77 (same for Z68/P68)

        So we need to work with 2 FITC opened side by side… a wide screen is useful ! (but for the forum's width I put both FITC one above the other)
        - open first FIT and drag and drop within original BIOS
        - open a second FIT and drag and drop ME FW to adjust… but in this FITC for building of new ME FW, go under Descriptor Region/Descriptor Map to set Number of flash to 0, it will be necessary to build a file that contains only the ME FW :


        - as with original BIOS, in new ME FW we set SKU to the matched platform : Intel 7 Series Chipset and Intel Z77 - Desktop (6 Series and Z68 Desktop for Z68/P68)


        - then develop ME region/Configuration to check each of the original BIOS settings and apply them to the new ME FW… but for example there is some impact between different fields : in Power Packages we have to set Power Pkg 2 Supported to "false" to be able to disable M3 Power Rails Availability in ME sub-settings :


        … then we can return to ME to set M3 Power Rails to False :


        - continue with all settings, Manageability Application can't be open because it's not for Z77 chipset… be care in ME Debug Event Service, double-click on Event Filters and check Group 1 (must be 0x00000001) and Group 76 (0x000000FE) :


        - under FCIM/BTM Specific ICC Registers, we have to copy/paste each settings, for example changing 0x00011A33 to 0X00011A34 change settings below :


        - generally, the adjustable settings are yellow ... but not always, so take the time to check them all ! Continue with all settings… it is a long job, but much shorter than Z87 !


        - and when all is done, check 2 or 3 times that everything is perfect !
        - hit the build button (or menu Build/Build image F5), you obtain your prepared ME FW named outimage.bin (size 1524kB), you can rename it with appropriate name for further usage (thereafter for my example I name it ME_8.1.51.1471_Z77.bin)



        B - ME FW settings for X79


        Same job with few differences…
        - when opening many X79's original BIOS, FITC returns error with SKU non recognized (but we will not have this error with the modified BIOS with our prepared ME FW), you have to set it as Intel C600 Series Chipset, I don't see any difference between Intel Patsburg A, B/J, D, T and X79. Example with G1assassin2 F12u SKU error :


        - the rest is identical except FCIM / BTM whose header can't be changed, we must change the sub-parameters individually :



        C - ME FW settings for Z87


        Good news with the Z87 chipset : the first settings are almost identical to the ME FW default... Now the bad news: the last settings under Integrated Clock Controller are very likely to be particularly tedious, especially in Hardware Register : it's fast but under ICC Profile 0 and ICC Profile 1 there are more than 500 lines to check !
        Be brave, I always check 2 or 3 times !


        Most settings to change are yellow but not always, so be meticulous !


        D - Prepared ME FW files


        You can save some time by using my ME FW prepared, but I still advise you to check because there may be some small differences for some BIOS :

        - ME_8.1.51.1471_Z68-P67
        - ME_8.1.51.1471_X79
        - ME_8.1.51.1471_Z77
        - ME_9.0.30.1482_Z87
        Last edited by virtualfred; 10-28-2013, 03:05 AM.
        It is really useful to complete and keep your PC Specs or Signature up to date in Settings /My Profile (motherboard, CPU, BIOS version modified or not ...) - Thank you all .
        Main rig : Z77X-UD5H BIOS F16 mod11 - Core i7 3770K @4.5GHz 1.30V - Noctua NH-D14 - GSkill TridentX 2x8GB @1200MHz CAS10 - Club3D HD5750 noiseless @800/1300 - Silverstone FT02S - Seasonic X-series 650W
        2x Intel 510 128GB RAID0 - 2x Samsung F3 500GB RAID0 + Samsung F3 1TB - Dell U2713H - Logitech Illuminated & G500 - Focal XS Book - Windows 8 Pro 64bits UEFI
        2nd rig : Z77X-UD3H BIOS F20e mod - Core i5 3470 @4.0GHz - Noctua NH-D14 -
        Crucial BT 2x4GB @933MHz CAS9 - Club3D HD7750 noiseless @stock - Lian-Li PC-A05FN - Seasonic M12II 520W
        Crucial M4 128GB - 2x WD10EALX RAID1 - Dell 2408WFP - Logitech Illuminated & G5
        - Bose Companion 20 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits Legacy
        HTPC : EG45M-UD2H BIOS F5a mod - Core2Quad Q8200 @2.8GHz undervolted to 1.10V - Noctua NH-C4 passive - OCZ 4x1GB @500MHz CAS5 - AMD HD6450 passive - Antek NSK2480 - Antec Earthwatts 380W
        Intel SSD 330 60GB - 2x WD WD30EZRX 3TB RAID0 - Logitech K820 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits + XBMC12
        Gigabyte Modified BIOS & About ME firmware

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

          5 - Replacing ME firmware in BIOS file



          And here is the end of the story : we have only to replace the original ME region of BIOS with our ME FW prepared.


          - drag and drop original BIOS and prepared ME FW within HxD editor, go to ME FW tab, select all (CTRL+A) and copy (CTRL+C) :


          - go to BIOS tab, find ME FW beginning searching for "krid", put your cursor before the first "20" :


          - select ME region (length of 17D000) :


          - and paste write new ME FW over selected ME region (ME region turns to red)… and save :


          HxD editor automatically creates a backup BIOS ending by .bak… you can check your modified BIOS in FITC :


          You checked every settings 3, 4 or 5 times ? Well done ! Now flash your BIOS !
          Last edited by virtualfred; 10-28-2013, 06:05 PM.
          It is really useful to complete and keep your PC Specs or Signature up to date in Settings /My Profile (motherboard, CPU, BIOS version modified or not ...) - Thank you all .
          Main rig : Z77X-UD5H BIOS F16 mod11 - Core i7 3770K @4.5GHz 1.30V - Noctua NH-D14 - GSkill TridentX 2x8GB @1200MHz CAS10 - Club3D HD5750 noiseless @800/1300 - Silverstone FT02S - Seasonic X-series 650W
          2x Intel 510 128GB RAID0 - 2x Samsung F3 500GB RAID0 + Samsung F3 1TB - Dell U2713H - Logitech Illuminated & G500 - Focal XS Book - Windows 8 Pro 64bits UEFI
          2nd rig : Z77X-UD3H BIOS F20e mod - Core i5 3470 @4.0GHz - Noctua NH-D14 -
          Crucial BT 2x4GB @933MHz CAS9 - Club3D HD7750 noiseless @stock - Lian-Li PC-A05FN - Seasonic M12II 520W
          Crucial M4 128GB - 2x WD10EALX RAID1 - Dell 2408WFP - Logitech Illuminated & G5
          - Bose Companion 20 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits Legacy
          HTPC : EG45M-UD2H BIOS F5a mod - Core2Quad Q8200 @2.8GHz undervolted to 1.10V - Noctua NH-C4 passive - OCZ 4x1GB @500MHz CAS5 - AMD HD6450 passive - Antek NSK2480 - Antec Earthwatts 380W
          Intel SSD 330 60GB - 2x WD WD30EZRX 3TB RAID0 - Logitech K820 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits + XBMC12
          Gigabyte Modified BIOS & About ME firmware

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

            Excellent initial post!!
            These thread will probably be stickied sooner rather than later.
            I think that you carried the reserved thread count too 2 far.
            Last edited by profJim; 10-27-2013, 02:35 PM.
            Q9650 @ 4.10GHz [9x456MHz]
            P35-DS4 [rev: 2.0] ~ Bios: F14
            4x2GB OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 1094MHz @5-5-5-15
            MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack (1GB) video card <---- SLI ---->
            Seasonic SS-660XP2 80 Plus Platinum psu (660w)
            WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data)
            Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD (boot)
            SLI @ 16/4 works when running HyperSLI
            Cooler Master 120XL Seidon push/pull AIO cpu water cooling
            Cooler Master HAF XB computer case (RC-902XB-KKN1)
            Asus VH242H 24" monitor [1920x1080]
            MSI N460GTX Hawk (1GB) video card
            Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
            win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium
            HT|Omega Claro plus+ sound card
            CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD UPS
            E6300 (R0) @ 3.504GHz [8x438MHz] ~~ P35-DS3L [rev: 1.0] ~ Bios: F9 ~~ 4x2GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500, 876MHz @4-4-4-10
            Seasonic X650 80+ gold psu (650w) ~~ Xigmatek Balder HDT 1283 cpu cooler ~~ Cooler Master CM 690 case (RC-690-KKN1-GP)
            Samsung 830 128GB SSD MZ-7PC128B/WW (boot) ~~ WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data) ~~ ZM-MFC2 fan controller
            HT|Omega Striker 7.1 sound card ~~ Asus VH242H monitor [1920x1080] ~~ Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
            win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium ~~ CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD U.P.S
            .

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

              Nice thread, fred! (Rhyme unintentional.)

              Any chance you've also got the manuals for the straps and tables?

              I may have to find the time to do a write up on the PCH Straps and MAS; technically MAS\GbE is where changes to ethernet are supposed to be made including firmware update (\GbE Region). On the plus side, I can now confirm that Gigabyte did in fact, completely screw the pooch on the F4 release BIOS. Set ME to Workstation from HED and failed to use correct SKU (chipset identifier.)
              It's not a real high end workstation till it's got four sockets, eight video cards, and takes two thirty amp circuits to run. Yes, I build those kind of systems too.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

                Originally posted by profJim View Post
                Excellent initial post!!
                These thread will probably be stickied sooner rather than later.
                I think that you carried the reserved thread count too 2 far.
                Thanks, yes I did in doubt, now deleted, but I know it is possible to insert posts later if necessary.

                Originally posted by RootWyrm View Post
                Nice thread, fred! (Rhyme unintentional.)
                Any chance you've also got the manuals for the straps and tables?
                I may have to find the time to do a write up on the PCH Straps and MAS; technically MAS\GbE is where changes to ethernet are supposed to be made including firmware update (\GbE Region). On the plus side, I can now confirm that Gigabyte did in fact, completely screw the pooch on the F4 release BIOS. Set ME to Workstation from HED and failed to use correct SKU (chipset identifier.)
                Nice rhyme . I gave links for all guides i have, i played with copy/paste with PCH Straps for LAN issue in G1.assassin2 F12t... but yet i haven't any other tool working with other region...
                It is really useful to complete and keep your PC Specs or Signature up to date in Settings /My Profile (motherboard, CPU, BIOS version modified or not ...) - Thank you all .
                Main rig : Z77X-UD5H BIOS F16 mod11 - Core i7 3770K @4.5GHz 1.30V - Noctua NH-D14 - GSkill TridentX 2x8GB @1200MHz CAS10 - Club3D HD5750 noiseless @800/1300 - Silverstone FT02S - Seasonic X-series 650W
                2x Intel 510 128GB RAID0 - 2x Samsung F3 500GB RAID0 + Samsung F3 1TB - Dell U2713H - Logitech Illuminated & G500 - Focal XS Book - Windows 8 Pro 64bits UEFI
                2nd rig : Z77X-UD3H BIOS F20e mod - Core i5 3470 @4.0GHz - Noctua NH-D14 -
                Crucial BT 2x4GB @933MHz CAS9 - Club3D HD7750 noiseless @stock - Lian-Li PC-A05FN - Seasonic M12II 520W
                Crucial M4 128GB - 2x WD10EALX RAID1 - Dell 2408WFP - Logitech Illuminated & G5
                - Bose Companion 20 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits Legacy
                HTPC : EG45M-UD2H BIOS F5a mod - Core2Quad Q8200 @2.8GHz undervolted to 1.10V - Noctua NH-C4 passive - OCZ 4x1GB @500MHz CAS5 - AMD HD6450 passive - Antek NSK2480 - Antec Earthwatts 380W
                Intel SSD 330 60GB - 2x WD WD30EZRX 3TB RAID0 - Logitech K820 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits + XBMC12
                Gigabyte Modified BIOS & About ME firmware

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

                  So: generally speaking, what ME firmware changes did Intel incorporate, comparing between the Z77 & Z87 chipsets?
                  Also: why Z87's ME firmware can't be applied to the Z77 machine's bios.
                  Lack of space, or exactly what reason? Was the bios ROM storage capacity changed with the Z87, or?
                  Last edited by vailr; 10-29-2013, 10:27 AM.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

                    About Z77 vs Z87, Google will help you better than me... I do not have the knowledge necessary to answer you specifically.
                    I'm sure put a FW ME 9 in Z77 BIOS would result in infinite boot loops, many clock settings and frequencies are different... i'm not mad enough to try it
                    ME FW 8 & 9 have the same size, Z77's BIOS are 8MB while Z87's BIOS are 16MB.
                    It is really useful to complete and keep your PC Specs or Signature up to date in Settings /My Profile (motherboard, CPU, BIOS version modified or not ...) - Thank you all .
                    Main rig : Z77X-UD5H BIOS F16 mod11 - Core i7 3770K @4.5GHz 1.30V - Noctua NH-D14 - GSkill TridentX 2x8GB @1200MHz CAS10 - Club3D HD5750 noiseless @800/1300 - Silverstone FT02S - Seasonic X-series 650W
                    2x Intel 510 128GB RAID0 - 2x Samsung F3 500GB RAID0 + Samsung F3 1TB - Dell U2713H - Logitech Illuminated & G500 - Focal XS Book - Windows 8 Pro 64bits UEFI
                    2nd rig : Z77X-UD3H BIOS F20e mod - Core i5 3470 @4.0GHz - Noctua NH-D14 -
                    Crucial BT 2x4GB @933MHz CAS9 - Club3D HD7750 noiseless @stock - Lian-Li PC-A05FN - Seasonic M12II 520W
                    Crucial M4 128GB - 2x WD10EALX RAID1 - Dell 2408WFP - Logitech Illuminated & G5
                    - Bose Companion 20 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits Legacy
                    HTPC : EG45M-UD2H BIOS F5a mod - Core2Quad Q8200 @2.8GHz undervolted to 1.10V - Noctua NH-C4 passive - OCZ 4x1GB @500MHz CAS5 - AMD HD6450 passive - Antek NSK2480 - Antec Earthwatts 380W
                    Intel SSD 330 60GB - 2x WD WD30EZRX 3TB RAID0 - Logitech K820 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits + XBMC12
                    Gigabyte Modified BIOS & About ME firmware

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

                      Originally posted by vailr View Post
                      So: generally speaking, what ME firmware changes did Intel incorporate, comparing between the Z77 & Z87 chipsets?
                      Also: why Z87's ME firmware can't be applied to the Z77 machine's bios.
                      Lack of space, or exactly what reason? Was the bios ROM storage capacity changed with the Z87, or?
                      Very little but the code base is different between Z77 and Z87. Remember that this is extremely low level code which has to be capable of running in real mode as well as protected mode. And it works with specific registers on the chipset itself. That's why you can't just throw Z77 code at Z87 or vice versa. Again, these are hooking to specific registers and pins. Same reason while even though I use a common driver for say, AMD PCnets, I have to handle 975s with different routines than 972s.

                      As far as capacity goes: that's defined by the motherboard manufacturer. Normally you're seeing 64Mbit (8MB) shared region these days because frankly, UEFI is a bloated pile of migraines. Compare this to the old 1Mbit (128KB) days and even AMI ROMBIOS8 at 32Mbit (4MB). Everyone's up to 8MB+ - most of the dual/quads which actually use IME's features are pushing 16MB of EEPROM and multiple 640K regions or zero-zero legacy / full protected mode and that's with the GUI stripped out.

                      As far as the E2100 problems, fred, if you wanna PM me I can maybe help out there. But the honest answer is: the E2100 is a pile of crap and the firmware has to be handled with MMTool - IME can't manage the E2100's load. (Hell, I don't think the E2100 is even PXE capable so may be no OROM.)
                      It's not a real high end workstation till it's got four sockets, eight video cards, and takes two thirty amp circuits to run. Yes, I build those kind of systems too.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

                        I was thrilled when I saw this thread, I've been looking for some of the documents included in this package, and the tools all grouped together are great, thanks for posting all of this!!

                        Alas, now I finally know why MEInfo always failed on my systems in the past... my OS(s) are configured to use EFI/GPT booting, and the Windows*64 bit tools won't work in that environment.

                        Still trying to figure out how to use the EFI versions of the tools... not that I have found a version of the EFI shell that I can run from my ASRock boards

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

                          Originally posted by parsec View Post
                          I was thrilled when I saw this thread, I've been looking for some of the documents included in this package, and the tools all grouped together are great, thanks for posting all of this!!
                          Alas, now I finally know why MEInfo always failed on my systems in the past... my OS(s) are configured to use EFI/GPT booting, and the Windows*64 bit tools won't work in that environment.
                          Still trying to figure out how to use the EFI versions of the tools... not that I have found a version of the EFI shell that I can run from my ASRock boards
                          MEinfo works with EFI/GPT under Windows 64, i'm using it... but ME FW can be locked by Asrock, as FITC can't load it (must be extracted before to see ME FW 9.0.2.1345).
                          Last edited by virtualfred; 10-31-2013, 03:30 AM.
                          It is really useful to complete and keep your PC Specs or Signature up to date in Settings /My Profile (motherboard, CPU, BIOS version modified or not ...) - Thank you all .
                          Main rig : Z77X-UD5H BIOS F16 mod11 - Core i7 3770K @4.5GHz 1.30V - Noctua NH-D14 - GSkill TridentX 2x8GB @1200MHz CAS10 - Club3D HD5750 noiseless @800/1300 - Silverstone FT02S - Seasonic X-series 650W
                          2x Intel 510 128GB RAID0 - 2x Samsung F3 500GB RAID0 + Samsung F3 1TB - Dell U2713H - Logitech Illuminated & G500 - Focal XS Book - Windows 8 Pro 64bits UEFI
                          2nd rig : Z77X-UD3H BIOS F20e mod - Core i5 3470 @4.0GHz - Noctua NH-D14 -
                          Crucial BT 2x4GB @933MHz CAS9 - Club3D HD7750 noiseless @stock - Lian-Li PC-A05FN - Seasonic M12II 520W
                          Crucial M4 128GB - 2x WD10EALX RAID1 - Dell 2408WFP - Logitech Illuminated & G5
                          - Bose Companion 20 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits Legacy
                          HTPC : EG45M-UD2H BIOS F5a mod - Core2Quad Q8200 @2.8GHz undervolted to 1.10V - Noctua NH-C4 passive - OCZ 4x1GB @500MHz CAS5 - AMD HD6450 passive - Antek NSK2480 - Antec Earthwatts 380W
                          Intel SSD 330 60GB - 2x WD WD30EZRX 3TB RAID0 - Logitech K820 - Windows 8 Pro 64bits + XBMC12
                          Gigabyte Modified BIOS & About ME firmware

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

                            Thanks to the OP for a very useful and informative thread.
                            This thread I will be referring people to....as there is so much misinformation about Intel ME on the net.
                            Maximus 8 Hero/6700K @ 4.8/4x4GB LPX @ 3200 15-17-17-36 CR1
                            Case Labs SM8 w/dual pedestals / Custom water w/ acrylic pipe / Light box
                            PowerColor 390Xw/EK block / Samsung 840 Pro 256GBx2 RAID 0 / 128GBx1 SSD's | 3 HDD's / DVD burner
                            Dual Aquaero 5 Pro controllers for pumps & fans / FC9 for led's only 2xD5 pwm w/Bitspower tops - MCP35x2 - 3x480 rads/1x240 rad/AP15 fans / EK supremcy
                            Seasonic Platinum 1000w custom fabbed/sleeved psu wiring by me

                            Wifes: Z77X-UD5H / 3770K w/c with Raystorm copper block & 2 Rads/ Kingston HyperX RAM / Switch 810 case/ PowerColor AX7950 w/EK block
                            HTPC: Z68 Pro3 M / 2105

                            SOLD:Z97X-UD5H /4790K/F11b mod BIOS/[email protected] 4x4GB Kingston Genesis KHX24C11X3K4 2400 RAM 11-13-13-30
                            SOLD:Z87X-UD5H /4770K

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: About Intel Management Engine firmware

                              This thread is now a sticky.
                              Q9650 @ 4.10GHz [9x456MHz]
                              P35-DS4 [rev: 2.0] ~ Bios: F14
                              4x2GB OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 1094MHz @5-5-5-15
                              MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack (1GB) video card <---- SLI ---->
                              Seasonic SS-660XP2 80 Plus Platinum psu (660w)
                              WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data)
                              Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD (boot)
                              SLI @ 16/4 works when running HyperSLI
                              Cooler Master 120XL Seidon push/pull AIO cpu water cooling
                              Cooler Master HAF XB computer case (RC-902XB-KKN1)
                              Asus VH242H 24" monitor [1920x1080]
                              MSI N460GTX Hawk (1GB) video card
                              Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                              win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium
                              HT|Omega Claro plus+ sound card
                              CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD UPS
                              E6300 (R0) @ 3.504GHz [8x438MHz] ~~ P35-DS3L [rev: 1.0] ~ Bios: F9 ~~ 4x2GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500, 876MHz @4-4-4-10
                              Seasonic X650 80+ gold psu (650w) ~~ Xigmatek Balder HDT 1283 cpu cooler ~~ Cooler Master CM 690 case (RC-690-KKN1-GP)
                              Samsung 830 128GB SSD MZ-7PC128B/WW (boot) ~~ WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data) ~~ ZM-MFC2 fan controller
                              HT|Omega Striker 7.1 sound card ~~ Asus VH242H monitor [1920x1080] ~~ Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                              win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium ~~ CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD U.P.S
                              .

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