Identifying AMI BIOS Products (AMIBIOS, AMIBIOS8 & Aptio)

This document describes how to identify different AMI BIOS products. Identifying the BIOS properly helps customers select the correct tools for updating the platform BIOS. Since a system BIOS is customized for one particular platform, it is recommended that users get BIOS upgrade support from the original system manufacturer. AMI cannot supply the BIOS customized by the system manufacturer. Note: Some motherboard manufacturers build in special features that may require BIOS upgrade instructions that differ from this document. Please check with the original system manufacturer for details. AMIBIOS products also display a copyright message and identifier strings on the main page of user setup.

Using the Proper Flash BIOS Update Program

Once the BIOS is identified as an AMIBIOS or Aptio product, users can select the proper version of the BIOS update program, often referred to as a flash utility. AMI flash utilities can be downloaded from www.ami.com. Note: AMI Flash Update programs will produce errors if used on unsupported products. Carefully review the documentation prior to performing a BIOS upgrade.

Identifying Aptio Products

Aptio products display the AMI logo and copyright message on the main boot screen. Identifier strings and additional platform information are displayed on the main page of user setup.

Motherboards Manufactured by AMI

AMI no longer mass manufactures retail motherboards. However, AMI continues to support past products. BIOS updates can be downloaded from www.ami.com. The identifier string provided on the AMIBIOS boot screen is used to determine the model number.

BIOS from 1991 - Present

51-0102-zz5123-00111111-101094-AMIS875-P

Identifying AMIBIOS/AMIBIOS8 Products

AMIBIOS & AMIBIOS8 products display the AMI logo and copyright message on the main boot screen during BIOS POST, along with several identifier strings.

This identifier string on the boot screen indicates a motherboard with BIOS from 1991 to the present. If the next to the last set of BOLD letters are AMI, it is an AMI manufactured motherboard. The following numbers describe the motherboard series number (i.e. S875 is a Series 875 motherboard). NOTE: All TRUE AMI motherboards will have the American Megatrends logo printed in white on the motherboard.

BIOS from 1986 - 1990

DINT- 1123-04990-K8

This identifier string from the boot string indicates a motherboard with BIOS from 1986 - 1990.The BIOS identification number for this BIOS identification string, which is in BOLD and is in the first set of numbers, would be 1123. If the first BOLD number of the first set of numbers in BIOS from 1986 - 1990 is: 1, 2, 8, or a letter - it is a NON-AMI Taiwanese manufactured motherboard 3, 4, or 5 - it is a TRUE AMI motherboard 50 or 6 - it is a NON-AMI US made motherboard 9 - it is an evaluation BIOS for a Taiwanese manufacturer NOTE: If you have an identification number that corresponds to a NON-AMI motherboard you will need to contact the company that sold you the product. Visit the AMI Product Support Page for more information
Revised 2008-12-08 Copyright 2008 American Megatrends Inc. All Rights Reserved Public Document