can the BIOS be changed from Linux? - failed overclocking with new computer

[lior]

On Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:44:17 +0200, Gabor Szabo <szabgab at gmail.com> wrote:
> I just bought a new computer, install Ubuntu 9.10 beta (not the RC as
> it was not out yet)
> and after I try to reboot, the computer does not even reach the BIOS
> boot sequence.
> (blank screen).
> After letting it rest for some time I can turn it on, then it gets to
> the BIOS boot and displays the
> following error:
> 
> Warning!!! The previous overclocking had failed, and system will
> restore its default setting.
> Press any key to continue...
> 
> Pressing a key makes it boot but the happens again after one or two
> bootings.
> 
> Oh, an *I* have not touched the BIOS and *I* did not configure
> overclocking.
> 
> I already took the computer back once and they told me about some rare
> thing that happens
> only once every 2 years that the BIOS is flips.
> I think they just either did not configure it well or for some reason
> it gets broken after the first boot.
> Or something is broken or incompatible in the hardware.
> 
> 
> The question if Linux might change the BIOS or cause this problem?
> If not, what do you think could be the reason and the fix?
> 
> Here are the details of the computer (from the order form) just in
> case someone can see
> some parts that do not work well with Linux or with each other.
> 
> CPU: Q8200 2.33 Gh 4MB Core 2 Quad
> mother board: G41M-E43 DDR3 HDMI MSI
> screen card: Nvidia GeForce 9400Gt 512MB P.P.View
> HD: 500 Gb SATA2 16 Mb Hitachi
> Memory: CL7 DBT GEIL 2x2Gb (4Gb) DDR3 1066 Mhz
> DVD: GH22NS SATA LG DVDX22 DL
> power: 350W FAN 12 CM Power man
> 
>

I think you might be underpowered. I input the above specification in the
newegg PSU calculator and got ~390W.

http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.html

The boot sequence is one point in time where you might notice this.

Lior

> 
> Gabor
> ps, search for the warning message turned up a number of reports, (with
> windows)
> that indicate either broken mother board or incorrect BIOS configuration
> but I'd
> like to get your opinion too.
> 
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