Updating BIOS for 32-bit color?

**Dim Sum Times** · April 18th, 2003, 02:40 AM

I am trying to update a BIOS (1st time) for video card (8MB SDRAM). I want it to run 32-bit color (currently set to only 16-bit). As I have not done any BIOS setting in the past, I wonder what the basics are. . . I do realize the specifc settings will differ depending on mobo and chip, but once the BIOS come up after booting, then what am I looking for?
Thanks in advance for any tips. David

**MRCOMPUTER** · April 18th, 2003, 02:44 AM

Welcome to the Board!

I hope you are not confused between the bios chip on your mainboard vs the bios chip on your vid card.
What kind of video card do you have?
Agp or pci?...

**Dim Sum Times** · April 18th, 2003, 12:08 PM

Hello Mr C.
The card is AGP, and it seems as though I either need to change the BIOS for the existing card OR get another card (PCI) with more memory. Judging from the caution with which people discuss BIOS, I gather anything in lieu of altering BIOS is preferable. Am I right?

**Dim Sum Times** · April 18th, 2003, 02:06 PM

Background: I am developing an app that requires 800x600 res full screen at 32-bit color (running XP). When rendering at 16-bit color, it works fine. (Also it works okay at higher resolution screen (1158x768) However, once the settings go to 32-bit the frame gets reduced with a wide band of un-used screen.
The manufacturer in Taiwan said the machine's 8MB video card memory should support this color depth at this res, but the BIOS may not be correctly set (hence the original question). The other guy I am developing with in UK says he thinks we simple need more VRAM. . .ie. get another chip for PCI.
As you guessed, I am no expert, but it seems like I might not be diagnosing the problem correctly. IS this a BIOS question at all? Or is this a chip memory issue? (or both?) Thx for any reply.

**MRCOMPUTER** · April 18th, 2003, 02:22 PM

I wonder if we are dealing with onboard agp video.
If you have an agp "Card", you can replace it with a better one.
Which mainboard do you have?...

**Dim Sum Times** · April 18th, 2003, 03:50 PM

Good question. I think it is NASA-6109. Perhaps I mistakenly said card when I meant AGP chip. . .sorry. PS we are surprised that it shipped with only 8MB VRAM.

**MRCOMPUTER** · April 18th, 2003, 04:27 PM

Would be helpful if you could post a link to this system.
We need to identify the mainboard for upgrade possibilities.

There are some boards, with onboard video, that are not worth the trouble involved to add a pci video card.

Its probably worth it, in the long run, to replace the mainboard and add a decent agp video card...