MoboCop · 01-01-2000 · Category: Tech-planations

What is a BIOS String ID?

The BIOS String ID number is assigned to every motherboard made. It is not always unique but there is usually some good info hidden in the string. The most useful is the portion which identifies the manufacturer of the motherboard. In some rare cases BIOS ID strings are not valid and will not be useful in identifying a motherboard. Some of these cases involve pirated boards, OEM products, or a bad flash routine.

What can I do with a BIOS String ID

Once you have obtained the BIOS String ID you may use our MOBO ID Tools to locate the manufacturer of your board. You many also post a message in our motherboard id forum.

How do I find my BIOS String ID?

AMI & AWARD BIOS

1. Turn the system power off
2. Unplug your keyboard or hold down one of the keys on the keyboard
3. Power-on the system (you should get a keyboard error)
4. Look for the long string of numbers in the lower left hand corner of your screen
5. This is your BIOS identification string. It will look like one of these:

Phoenix BIOS

This BIOS cannot be used for ID purposes.

What Does a BIOS String ID Look Like?

AMI

• 51-0102-zz5123-00111111-101094-AMIS123-P
• This indicates a motherboard with BIOS from 1991 to Present
• The bold numbers are the portion that identify the manufacturer

AMI

• DINT-1123-04990-K8
• This indicates a motherboard with BIOS from 1986 - 1990
• The bold numbers are the portion that identify the manufacturer

AWARD

• 2A5LEF09C-00
• Characters 1-5 ID the Chipset, in this case 2A5LE is the Via 597VP3 chipset.
• Characters 6-7 ID the manufacturer, in this case F0 is FIC.
• The bold numbers are the portion that identify the manufacturer

If you do not want to manually get the number from a re-boot as described above, you may download one of the following programs which may help you find your BIOS String ID, manfacturer and part number.