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

[Gilboa Davara]

On Mon, 2009-10-26 at 07:28 +0200, lior wrote:
> 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

I second the above.
You need at -least- a 450w PSU for this machine.
(In your case, the CPU + GPU alone can eat more than 250w...)

- Gilboa