Lenovo M700/M900 BIOS mod to Coffee Lake CPUs

[Th0mas51]

By any chance, has someone tried to use more than 32 GB of RAM, after upgrading the BIOS ?

I'm currently using 2x16 GB of Crucial DDR4 3200 MT/s SODIMMS (ref CT16G4SFRA32A) and I was wondering if it was possible to use 2x32GB with the BIOS upgrade and the Xeon CPUs.

Like those:
Crucial ref CT32G4SFD832A

Crucial 32GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM | CT32G4SFD832A | crucial.com

Buy Crucial 32GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM CT32G4SFD832A.

www.crucial.com

 

[ghuddyn1265]

I will share my experience that I encountered when modifying the BIOS of my Lenovo m910q. I bought a CH341a programmer (on a black board) with a clip, however, after connecting it to the BIOS chip, the programmer was not detected in the system (both Windows and Linux, I have no idea why, with other chips there was no such problem) and in an act of desperation I pulled out my old computer with Windows XP and the EZP2010 programmer with which I programmed BIOSes for motherboards on socket 775 (in order to add support for Xeons) and it already handled it without a problem, although it detected the BIOS chip as a slightly different model, but I managed to read and program the already modified BIOS, the computer starts and works, however currently with i5-6500t because I am waiting for my Xeon E-2276m to arrive.

 

[ghuddyn1265]

I will share my experience again. The processor arrived and the good news is that I managed to start it up and everything works. The bad news is that unfortunately it was not possible to install the pads that came with the processor under the socket frame mount, so I installed the processor relying solely on the radiator pressure (this is extremely irresponsible and I do not recommend imitating it, it can result in damage to the equipment!!!). I also decided on a budget cooling upgrade consisting in replacing the radiator from Lenovo p320, however when ordering it I had no idea that the fan from the original cooling would not fit so I modified it by breaking off and welding the interfering elements so that everything would fit, of course the solution works but again I do not recommend imitating it, because it results in permanent damage to the original cooling element (in case you want to return to the original cooling) and is extremely stupid and irresponsible, it should not be done this way and it is not in accordance with the art. In any case, everything works for me and I am happy with the effect I achieved. Sorry for my bad English, but I rely on a translator, I am Polish.

 

[Th0mas51]

By any chance, has someone tried to use more than 32 GB of RAM, after upgrading the BIOS ?

I'm currently using 2x16 GB of Crucial DDR4 3200 MT/s SODIMMS (ref CT16G4SFRA32A) and I was wondering if it was possible to use 2x32GB with the BIOS upgrade and the Xeon CPUs.

Like those:
Crucial ref CT32G4SFD832A

Crucial 32GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM | CT32G4SFD832A | crucial.com

Buy Crucial 32GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM CT32G4SFD832A.

www.crucial.com

I'm answering to myself:
I was able to use one 32 GB RAM stick with another 16 GB, for a total of 48 GB.

So yeah, it looks like the m910q is supporting more than 32 GB of RAM.

 

[Th0mas51]

I have installed another mutant Intel CPU in my m910q, the QTJ1, which is 8 cores and 16 threads.

With a brand new Windows 10 install, fan went at full speed at some point during Windows Updates, and CPU temps went quite high.

It seems like the CPU temps and the fan speed/noise might become a problem, as I have the feeling it's running hotter than the original i5-6500T, and I cannot afford to have loud computers in my small apartment.

I might be wrong, but according to what I read online, the QTJ1 should match the score of the i9-10980HK, and it's not reaching that score.

I did the test with a 60W PSU, and it seems like that PSU might not powerful enough to be able to power the CPU at full capacity.

I could buy a better CPU cooler from a m910x, but I'm not even sure that would be enough to cool it properly and/or to increase the performance.

Has anyone tried to install the same QTJ1 CPU in a Lenovo Tiny M700/M900 series, and have better CPU temps, less fan noise and/or matching performances with the i9-10980HK ?

Do we know if using Coreboot might improve the problem ?

 

[Th0mas51]

Switching to a 90W PSU is allowing the QTJ1 to have a better performance, but it's not yet equivalent to the i9-10980HK.

Maybe it requires a 120w PSU, I doubt so, but i don't know.

 

[Th0mas51]

And there seems to be another problem, it is that with the QTJ1, only 1 slot of RAM is detected at a time.
If I populate both RAM slots, the m910q won't POST and will beep (3 short, 1 long, meaning RAM issue).

If I switch back to the i5-6500T, both RAM slots works at the same time.

One thing I have realized is that when I go to the BIOS with the different CPUs, the memory frequency is automatically detected but with different values.

i5-6500T: 2133 MHz
Xeon E-2176M: 2667 MHz
QTJ1: 3200 MHz

Maybe I would need to set a max memory limit of 2667 or 2133 in CoffeTime when I flash the BIOS, but for the moment I'm running with a single 32GB Memory stick, and that's enough for my needs, so I'll only populate one slot for the time being.

 

[masterdeejay]

Hi! I have a M710s. SFF B250 chipset. Is there an already modded bios for the QTJ1 or QTJ2?
i have CH341a Pro writer.
Thanks!

 

[Th0mas51]

Is there an already modded bios for the QTJ1 or QTJ2?

I'm not aware of any existing BIOS for the QTJ1, but I'm using the same settings in CoffeeTime as for the Xeon E-2178M.

The only problem I seems to have is that with the QTJ1 I cannot use both RAM slots. Maybe it is related to the RAM frequency that is automatically set to a too high frequency. I would need to try to populate only one RAM, then go in the BIOS to force lower the frequency, and then connect the other RAM, as it seems to be the required method to address this problem.

But I have made a new order for more Xeon mutant, to see which CPU works best. I already have a working E-2176M, and I made an order for a E-2186M and a E-2276M.

I have updated my previous message with all the instructions here:

https://forums.servethehome.com/index.php?threads/lenovo-m700-m900-bios-mod-to-coffee-lake-cpus.30734/post-452799

 

[masterdeejay]

Thanks!

 

[Th0mas51]

Another update about the QTJ1, is the integrated GPU compatibly with Linux.

The integrated GPU is a Intel UHD Graphics 630, and for some reason the only way I can boot on Linux is by disabling the GPU drivers by adding the parameter `nomodeset` to GRUB's `GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT`, which basically makes the computer run with a very very basic GPU.

It's fine for me since I'm planning to use that CPU for a Proxmox server, so I don't really need the GPU drivers, but I guess it might be a blocker for some people.

I tried to find compatible drivers or workaround, but the `nomodeset` approach was the only thing that I could find.

 

[flywithpeace]

Hello, I am glad this topic is alive.

My setup is the following:

• Lenovo ThinkCentre M910x Tiny
• Intel ES QTJ0 aka i9-10980HK @45W (orig. i7-6700)
• 32GB DDR4 @ 2400mhz
• Lenovo PCIEX16 riser 01AJ940
• Lenovo 170W PSU

BIOS was put together with a combination of tools found in winraid, including updating relevant microcode and drivers. Also unlocked all BIOS options. Anyways, the few things that are not working is 64GB RAM support and PCIE.

Truenas/Debian shuts down randomly when booted with 64GB of RAM. Given that the sticks are 3200mhz, I have tried both 2400mhz and 2133mhz with no luck. Didn't investigate further.

I am more interesting on getting PCIE working. Currently the only device that works is a PCIE x4 to M.2 adapter with an NVME SSD. Other devices are either not being detected (an ancient ATI GPU, tested and working on a desktop), or runs into error (a Chinese wifi card with Intel AX200). Another device I tried was a Dell PERC H810 (not detected, tested and working on a desktop).

I haven't worked more on this issue because there are not many people that have this combination of PC and CPU. I would like to know if anyone have some knowledge on this topic/issue. Thanks in advance - FLY.

 

[masterdeejay]

lenovo M710s died when i readed the bios. When i push the power button nothing happens. Forced power on not powering on the 3.3v so i think the ch341a killed it (i used the upgraded select voltage version at 3.3v setting not the 5v only cheap black one)

BTW i have success on a very cheap MSI board, but only with limited TPD because unlimited turns off the pc when turbo kicks in.

QTJ1 (early comet lake)


IGP, Dual channel, pcie lanes works.
Turbo boost only to 3900mhz when i use 95W TDP limit.

 

[fajeczek00]

Hello, I am glad this topic is alive.

My setup is the following:

• Lenovo ThinkCentre M910x Tiny
• Intel ES QTJ0 aka i9-10980HK @45W (orig. i7-6700)
• 32GB DDR4 @ 2400mhz
• Lenovo PCIEX16 riser 01AJ940
• Lenovo 170W PSU

BIOS was put together with a combination of tools found in winraid, including updating relevant microcode and drivers. Also unlocked all BIOS options. Anyways, the few things that are not working is 64GB RAM support and PCIE.

Truenas/Debian shuts down randomly when booted with 64GB of RAM. Given that the sticks are 3200mhz, I have tried both 2400mhz and 2133mhz with no luck. Didn't investigate further.

I am more interesting on getting PCIE working. Currently the only device that works is a PCIE x4 to M.2 adapter with an NVME SSD. Other devices are either not being detected (an ancient ATI GPU, tested and working on a desktop), or runs into error (a Chinese wifi card with Intel AX200). Another device I tried was a Dell PERC H810 (not detected, tested and working on a desktop).

I haven't worked more on this issue because there are not many people that have this combination of PC and CPU. I would like to know if anyone have some knowledge on this topic/issue. Thanks in advance - FLY.

I bought M910x and QTJ1 did bios mod to unlock CRB and then modded it with coffee time 0.99 all options except sync and i set ram to 2133 , it works with dual channel random mismatched ram sticks so far (4+8)
I've got chinese x8 pci-e riser i tested m.2 nvme ssd and intel x4 nic , both work , same with both m.2 slots and internal sata
Maybe your riser is an issue ?
I remember there was a need to solder a wire between sense pins for x16 cards cause chinese risers are kinda broken maybe that's affecting your GPU


As for random shutdowns i noticed same behavior across proxmox and windows , i think it has something to do with idle states , on windows it never shutdowns on performance power plan but does very quickly on power save , on my proxmox install i had powertop and powersave scheduler and it shutdowns right after script executes them so bios probably has no idea what voltage to idle on and goes too low
I will try to play with C-states and maybe find a way to increase idle voltage somehow to stabilise it , im very much against wasting amazing idle power consumption capabilities of those thinkcentres headless
by shutdowns i mean screen is becoming one color and it reboots after few seconds
on windows 11 it's light blue on linux it's just black

On windows with performance power plan i managed to undervolt and overclock the chip with XTU to gain some performance and make fans less noisy , it always show Current throttling tho , kinda scared to increase it as board was never designed for that much power intel datasheet says H-Processor Line (45W, XeonW 45W) - 8-Core GT2 — — 165 A



My unit loves to go full fan speed randomly for short time under any load low or high (to max 6500 RPM) , im not sure why but i think i might need to replace thermopads on vrm's as i tore a few when changing the cpu or it might not contact properly as cpu is higher and cooler for both is a single unit, when it happens hwinfo shows cpu temps in range of 63-73 so i don't think it's the cpu itself but in cpu section i see VR VCC Temp (SVID) at 93C so that would mean the vrm's

 

[home_company]

Hello, I am glad this topic is alive.

My setup is the following:

• Lenovo ThinkCentre M910x Tiny
• Intel ES QTJ0 aka i9-10980HK @45W (orig. i7-6700)
• 32GB DDR4 @ 2400mhz
• Lenovo PCIEX16 riser 01AJ940
• Lenovo 170W PSU

BIOS was put together with a combination of tools found in winraid, including updating relevant microcode and drivers. Also unlocked all BIOS options. Anyways, the few things that are not working is 64GB RAM support and PCIE.

Truenas/Debian shuts down randomly when booted with 64GB of RAM. Given that the sticks are 3200mhz, I have tried both 2400mhz and 2133mhz with no luck. Didn't investigate further.

I am more interesting on getting PCIE working. Currently the only device that works is a PCIE x4 to M.2 adapter with an NVME SSD. Other devices are either not being detected (an ancient ATI GPU, tested and working on a desktop), or runs into error (a Chinese wifi card with Intel AX200). Another device I tried was a Dell PERC H810 (not detected, tested and working on a desktop).

I haven't worked more on this issue because there are not many people that have this combination of PC and CPU. I would like to know if anyone have some knowledge on this topic/issue. Thanks in advance - FLY.

Try google translate the post in #130, some others get it work. Or you may google search some moded M910x bios from github like (GitHub - Road-tech/Hackintosh_LenovoM910X_8100B_RX460_OC: OpenCore Lenovo M910X with Intel Crystal Well platform & rx460). See if it helps

 

[home_company]

And there seems to be another problem, it is that with the QTJ1, only 1 slot of RAM is detected at a time.
If I populate both RAM slots, the m910q won't POST and will beep (3 short, 1 long, meaning RAM issue).

If I switch back to the i5-6500T, both RAM slots works at the same time.

One thing I have realized is that when I go to the BIOS with the different CPUs, the memory frequency is automatically detected but with different values.

i5-6500T: 2133 MHz
Xeon E-2176M: 2667 MHz
QTJ1: 3200 MHz

Maybe I would need to set a max memory limit of 2667 or 2133 in CoffeTime when I flash the BIOS, but for the moment I'm running with a single 32GB Memory stick, and that's enough for my needs, so I'll only populate one slot for the time being.

You may try modify spd of the RAM. I know that some of the chips can only run in 2400MHz. May be if you have some 2666V on hand which has lower timings can help (or 2400T with faster timing helps? I don't know)

DDR4 SODIMM what does the V lettering mean after the speed? E.g PC4-2666V

I'm normally familar with the lettering of RAM sticks but I'm a little stuck on what V means. For exampe I know 2400T is the T suffix at the end means it meets a specific JEDEC standard. A 2400T mo...

superuser.com

 

[home_company]

I bought M910x and QTJ1 did bios mod to unlock CRB and then modded it with coffee time 0.99 all options except sync and i set ram to 2133 , it works with dual channel random mismatched ram sticks so far (4+8)
I've got chinese x8 pci-e riser i tested m.2 nvme ssd and intel x4 nic , both work , same with both m.2 slots and internal sata
Maybe your riser is an issue ?
I remember there was a need to solder a wire between sense pins for x16 cards cause chinese risers are kinda broken maybe that's affecting your GPU
View attachment 42220View attachment 42221

As for random shutdowns i noticed same behavior across proxmox and windows , i think it has something to do with idle states , on windows it never shutdowns on performance power plan but does very quickly on power save , on my proxmox install i had powertop and powersave scheduler and it shutdowns right after script executes them so bios probably has no idea what voltage to idle on and goes too low
I will try to play with C-states and maybe find a way to increase idle voltage somehow to stabilise it , im very much against wasting amazing idle power consumption capabilities of those thinkcentres headless
by shutdowns i mean screen is becoming one color and it reboots after few seconds
on windows 11 it's light blue on linux it's just black

On windows with performance power plan i managed to undervolt and overclock the chip with XTU to gain some performance and make fans less noisy , it always show Current throttling tho , kinda scared to increase it as board was never designed for that much power intel datasheet says H-Processor Line (45W, XeonW 45W) - 8-Core GT2 — — 165 A

View attachment 42222

My unit loves to go full fan speed randomly for short time under any load low or high (to max 6500 RPM) , im not sure why but i think i might need to replace thermopads on vrm's as i tore a few when changing the cpu or it might not contact properly as cpu is higher and cooler for both is a single unit, when it happens hwinfo shows cpu temps in range of 63-73 so i don't think it's the cpu itself but in cpu section i see VR VCC Temp (SVID) at 93C so that would mean the vrm's

For Linux, try using intel_undervolt and add some voltage (e.g. +50 or +100) see if it can any better.

Undervolting CPU - ArchWiki

 

[fajeczek00]

For Linux, try using intel_undervolt and add some voltage (e.g. +50 or +100) see if it can any better.

Undervolting CPU - ArchWiki

Ubuntu 24.04.2:

I tried a few things , giving it +50mV or +100mV to igpu does nothing
giving +100 to all parts( gpu core cache uncore analogio ) does nothing too
idk if i want to risk more , i used

GitHub - georgewhewell/undervolt: Undervolt Intel CPUs under Linux

Undervolt Intel CPUs under Linux. Contribute to georgewhewell/undervolt development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

as other one didn't allow me for positive voltage , it seems like it's not voltage related

setting nomodeset kernel parameter makes it not crash but it's 800x600 no HW accel
setting i915.modeset=0 makes it work at full resolution , but powertop only shows pkg going to C2 not lower and im pretty sure HW acceleration is gone as cpu is used to decode yt videos and there is no way to change resolution from display's max

both options are bad

i had one exception , old Dell 1680x1200 monitor , direct DP connection, it did not crash it had short black flashes from time to time but i fixed them with i915.enable_psr=0
it works , C state goes to about 50% C2 50% C6 , not ideal but much better than anything else

idk why this one is special , as i tried other DP displays and HDMI or even DP -> HDMI adapters and all screens beside this one crash whole system without modeset=0 or nomodeset

 

[fajeczek00]

Random late night thought but QTJ1 IGPU , it shows itself in linux as
Vendor: Intel (0x8086)
Device: Mesa Intel(R) UHD Graphics 630 (CFL GT2) (0x3e9b)
the cpu is supposed to be 10980HK

on linux-hardware.org i checked a few 10980KH machines and all of them have 8086:9bc4 as igpu
I wonder if QTJ1 just has older igpu silicon , or maybe it's the new one but miss ID'd and that's why i915 driver is broken

 

[flywithpeace]

You may try modify spd of the RAM. I know that some of the chips can only run in 2400MHz. May be if you have some 2666V on hand which has lower timings can help (or 2400T with faster timing helps? I don't know)

DDR4 SODIMM what does the V lettering mean after the speed? E.g PC4-2666V

I'm normally familar with the lettering of RAM sticks but I'm a little stuck on what V means. For exampe I know 2400T is the T suffix at the end means it meets a specific JEDEC standard. A 2400T mo...

superuser.com

First I want to thank for the help and apologize for the lack of reply. I have given up on this issue; I just wanted to document this issue for future reference. I am using the RAM on a different unit so I will not bother any further. Again, I do appreciate the help.

The riser slots in the Tiny4 and Tiny5 generations are indeed not the same. They are physically identical, so it does fit, but part of the pinout doesn't match up. Luckily the power pins are the same so at least it won't fry anything, and the first 5 PCIe lanes also line up, but after that it's all shifted a little. Best case you're gonna get a x4 link out of it, worst case it might just not work.
View attachment 40564View attachment 40565

I dug further on the PCIE issue and stumbled on this thread. Apparently, 01AJ940 NOT is compatible with the M910x. 01AJ902 is the correct riser for this unit. I bought a new GPU and this riser, and I can confirm that this is the case. I got a Arc A310 working with the 01AJ902 riser. Pretty much plug and play, no tweaks needed. Next will be patching the BIOS (again) to enable ReBAR. - FLY

http://imgur.com/a/zaLIuhE