[Bill B]

X98 Pro K9C3 BIOS Version 1.00, modded to be flashable:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx5ACGt4kCAVcXJJdEx3MVBDZ1U/view?usp=sharing

[Bill B]

Robert:  I got the same error – cannot run on the current platform, which I don’t understand since this appears to be the BIOS updater for the X98 Pro which is running Win 10 64-bit.  I extracted to a folder on the C drive, opened a command prompt with admin privileges, switched to the folder and entered a command line: fptw64 -d biosbackup.bin and got error 201 – cannot run on current platform.  Odd.

EDIT: fptw worked rather than fptw64.  I will modify the saved BIOS 1.0 so that is flashable and then upload it.

[Bill B]

I’ve used FPTW before to flash and back up BIOS, but I’m having trouble finding a version that will run on Win 10 64-bit.  I’d be happy to backup the original BIOS if someone could locate a workable version of FPTW.

[Bill B]

I don’t know what it is, but Teclast has managed to break at least one of the cameras with every BIOS dual boot update and Android 5 ROM.  There’s a guy working on fixing the BIOS for the 3G and Air II over on XDA, but no luck so far.  I need the front camera for Skype video calls.  So, it’s pointless going dual boot right now.  And maybe there’s no hope for the cameras considering how long they’ve been broken with at least some models of 3G and Air II.  My Win only Pro going to stay Win only for now.

[Bill B]

Theo wrote:

Am waiting for your findings Robert. It also seems that i can log into windows with pincode after been using android, i then need to use my password to log in. Also if you hook up loader in android and reboot to windows it also doesnt loasd the battery, you need to disconnect/connect cable before it starts loading. At the moment i say it wasnt worth going to dual boot. How can you go back to single windows boot?

Losing the Windows PIN happens every time I flash a different BIOS on my “old” Air II.  Easy to fix (maybe obvious, but FYI anyway).  Get into Windows with your password, go to All Settings from the right side panel, Accounts, Sign-in options, I forgot my PIN, Continue, re-enter your password, enter new PIN  (just re-enter your old PIN if you want to keep it the same as before).  BUT I re-read your post, and I gather now that you lose the Windows PIN after each boot into Android.  Eeek!

[Bill B]

Original post on Teclast forum seems to indicate there was an update today of the Android ROM by my reading of Google translation.

http://bbs.teclast.com/thread-516650-1-1.html

[Bill B]

Chris – Thanks for clarifying that the speaker volume was an issue you identified as well.  I hope Teclast can address it or that we can find a free solution, like Mirek190 has done for the Air II and 3G low volume under Android with Viper.

[Bill B]

I see another report of weak speakers.  In my case they are far weaker than in my Air II, even though they are the same speakers.  I can’t find a setting that is able to raise the output within Windows.  BUT, it’s not the speaker itself.  I boosted the volume inside KODI and the sound is great.  I installed an app called DFX Audio Enhancer and the sound boost in all apps makes the speakers sound like they should.  So, that’s workable for those affected.  I gather not everyone has observed the ridiculously low max volume of the Pro speakers.

[Bill B]

William wrote:

4 watts? This processor will use up to 8 watts at full turbo. which is why we have issues. because it shouldn’t be able to turbo 24/7. not even the Microsoft surface turbos 24/7

I couldn’t find the Cherry Trail TDP, so I estimated it (wrong). 🙁  Anyway, we need some far better cooling and maybe BIOS changes re: turbo modes. Oh, Chris, maybe use some modeling clay to see what thickness the sink should be and keep the number of junctions to a minimum.  I tried to open the case, like I have several times with my Air II using a guitar pick.  Boy, is it tight.  I don’t want to mess it up, as mine has really bad speakers, I may decide to return it.

[Bill B]

rich t wrote:

NEEDED

Rich:  The processor is running too close to its thermal limit (90C).  So far Chris’s heatsinking mods have brought the operating core temps down to 80C which will still present performance problems at some points.  We need a heatsink solution that can dissipate at least 4W.  I ordered before Chris’s review.  After a good experience with my Air II I took a leap of faith as an early adopter.

[Bill B]

My International X98 Pro (US English Windows 10 Home) from Aliexpress has terribly quiet and  tinny sounding speakers, MUCH worse than my Air II.  Can’t understand that as I think they are supposed to be the same speakers and appear to be so in Device Manager.   And the overheating is RIDICULOUS.  It instantly zooms to ~85 in a couple of cores when I start a 4K video.  Idling it is in the 50s and 60s.  My Air II idles in the 40s and hardly budges from that when playing 4K videos.  Very disappointed in the X98 Pro.  I could try to alter the heatsinks, but the speakers are still an issue and the heat even with feasible heatsinking seems crazy, like it needs a fan.

[Bill B]

Registry hack for time not correct in Windows….

Run regedit

go to HKEY_LOCAL MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation

Create new DWORD named RealTimeIsUniversal and give it a value 1.

[Author]

Posts