Framework mainboad + Coolermaster BIOS Update - less risky solution

Creators & Developers Mainboard
1

As with everything, do this at your own risk.

If only thing stopping us updating the BIOS on the Mainboard+Coolermaster combo is the lack of a battery just get a battery.

My 11th Gen intel mainboard was stuck on BIOS version 3.17 and 3.20 is available. I am not super savvy when it comes to computery things so most of the solves on this issue were just too risky for me to attempt. I knew I would mess it up somehow.

What I did:

  • Downloaded the BIOS and Driver bundle from Framework
  • Bought a 55wh battery for Laptop 13 from Framework for about $60 total (CHECK COMPATIBILITY - I got the smaller battery because the 61wh battery needed BIOS 3.19 or above on an 11th gen board). I also had the computer hooked up to a UPS.
  • Backed up eeeeverything on my computer
  • Shut down the computer
  • Take the mainbaord out of the case
  • Put it on an anti-static matt.
  • Attach the battery carefully using a plastic shim (I got red blinking lights on the MoBo)
  • Plug in the AC power and an HDMI/USB-C monitor.
  • Use a plastic shim to press the power button on the top right of the mobo.
  • The computer turned on, recognised the battery and I was able to update the BIOS without issue (mostly).

Why I think this is a good solution:

  • While this is not without risk I think it is far easier to mitigate the risk. Use an anti-static matt, keep an eye on the fan, destatic yourself before handling the motherboard.
  • I understand there is extra expense by getting the battery but I would rather spend $60 once and not brick the computer. Then if you ever want to upgrade to a Laptop 13, you already have the battery.

Look out for:

  • When I did this, my fan didn’t power up so I got an external fan and pointed it right at the mobo.
  • Be patient. Just let it do its thing. Don’t touch anything until it has fully restarted and you can confirm that the BIOS has updated in the System information

What I would do differently next time:

  • I didn’t love taking the mobo out of the case. I think I might modify the case to have better access to the connector or find some way to extend the connector so that I only have to take the top of the case rather than lift the whole thing out.

Was this actually a good/smart solution?

I don’t know, lol. For me this made the most sense. My caveman brain said “if no battery is problem then yes bettery is solve problem!” I am very glad it worked but if you are reading this and have any suggestions on how to improve or make this process safer, please get in the comments and let me know!

I hope this helps anyone else who is in my situation!

Happy updating!!

2 Likes