When you first get in the BIOS, you might soon realize that you are not presented with the entire set of options that you have read about on-line. The prebuilt desktops and laptops are of many consumer devices that have stripped-down firmware interfaces. You can be shown only the bare minimum of boot sequence, system time, and secure boot options as opposed to finer details on CPU multipliers or memory timing.
This is what is known as a locked BIOS. The hardware can have high-end tweaks, but the vendor has concealed them to the end user. Probably the unlocking of BIOS is not only the matter of getting into the setup-screen, but the unlocking of the menus and the controls which are not visible.
Methods of Unlocking BIOS
BIOS unlocking features can be done through a number of ways with varying degrees of complexity and risk. On certain systems, there are advanced menus available with only a keystroke of a certain combination within the BIOS menu. These shortcuts are not commonly documented, so communities of amateurs tend to discuss them in forums that are specific to a brand or a mother board.
Other systems need a higher level of intervention, e.g. the flashing of a modified version of the BIOS firmware. This approach involves an alternative of a code that discloses concealed alternatives. Although it works, it is dangerous: a failed flash might make the motherboard unusable and unofficial firmware often makes any warranty irrelevant.
There are motherboards available, and especially those sold to gamers and overclockers, that already have an advanced mode (which can be switched on with a single toggle). The models target those who are enthusiastic and the unlocking process becomes much easier and safer.
Hedging Before Changing Things.
Unlocking BIOS is not a matter of informality. It is always prudent to take a copy of your existing Bios before trying it by using tools that are native or special purpose utilities provided by the manufacturer. This backup is a backup that is considered in case something goes wrong.
The research of your particular system model is also important. The same approach to one laptop might not be applicable to another, and the application of a misleading firmware might result in the irreparable loss. When going through this process, patience, taking time to read and relying on reliable sources is important.
More than Unlock: What Comes Next.
After unlocking the BIOS, a new universe of settings is created. You will have control over performance, stability, power management among others. But herewithwith comes responsibility with this freedom. It is not enough to know how to get to and unlock BIOS. What is really important is to know what these settings are and how to use them without damaging the health of your hardware.
Cracking BIOS has nothing to do with entering the forbidden realm but rather restoring the opportunity to use your computer as it was intended. To enthusiasts it is the start of a trip to overclocking, performance tuning and finding the features that the majority of users will never even see.
