Member Avatar for dstephen44

I just bought a motherboard(used) for my 5150 Inspiron. It was apparently from a 1100 series unit. It will not boot with the CPU (3.86GHz IntelP4) from the 5150 nor will allow me to use the Video card from the 5150. Is there some way to flash the BIOS so that the MB will recognize and use the new parts from the 5150?
The MB is a Dell Inspiron 1100 1150 5100 5150 Motherboard 2.4GHZ @BIOS rev A29.
Is it possible to flash a 1100 MB with a 5150 BIOS update?
Thanx in advance.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jermaghs07

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For : the short, practical answer is that flashing a 5150 BIOS onto a board sold as an "1100/1150/5100/5150" is not something to try unless you can prove the replacement board is the exact same Dell part number and revision as the 5150 board. Dell OEM BIOSes are typically tied to specific board P/Ns and revisions; a mismatched image often fails the board-ID checks or configures hardware differently and can leave the board unbootable.

As suggested, contacting Dell support with the service tag or the PCB part number is the safest first step. Before you call, do this diagnostic work so you can give clear info: locate the Dell part number and revision on the PCB sticker, note any BIOS ID printed or shown at power-up, and confirm the CPU socket and RAM type match the board. If possible, test the 5150 CPU in a known-good 5150 board (or test the 1100 board with a confirmed-compatible CPU) to isolate whether the problem is BIOS support or a hardware mismatch/fault.

Try minimal-boot troubleshooting first: clear CMOS, install one known-good RAM stick, CPU and cooler, the power connectors, and use integrated video if present. Look for POST/beep codes or diagnostic lights. For discrete video cards, make sure the slot and power requirements match and test the card in another machine to rule it out.

If flashing becomes necessary, only use an official BIOS image that explicitly lists the exact Dell board part number and revision. If you cannot find a matching Dell BIOS, do not cross-flash. Advanced recovery (external EEPROM programmer / reprogramming the BIOS chip) is possible but requires the correct image and hardware skills and should be a last resort. The most reliable fix is a replacement motherboard that exactly matches the original 5150 board or getting Dell to supply the correct update.

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Member Avatar for jermaghs07

i can't believe that i am about to say this, but... you may want to contact dell support and see if they offer a Bios upgrade for the 1100. tell them you are a technician and they will send you to a little more advanced computer help.

If you are just trying to put the 5150 BIOS on the 1100 you might be able to download the Bios update for the 5150 and flash it on the 1100. i don't see why not. as long as the 1100 and the 5150 have roughly the same hardware on the board it should be ok. it is worth a shot.

Member Avatar for dstephen44

Thanx 4 the input. I guess I'll swallow my pride and give them a call. I don't want to blow the BIOS w/ the wrong update.

Member Avatar for jermaghs07

Yea that's always the best idea. when in doubt turn to some one smarter than yourself. and who better than the people that made it. plus they should have all the specs of your computer on file and should be able to tell you pretty quick.

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