UniFlash

Tweaking hardware components, such as the motherboard of a system, is a task for experienced users and, most importantly, dedicated software that will get the job done accurately and without causing any damage or malfunction to the target components.

For those who need to flash the BIOS of their mainboard, or rewrite it, a couple of specialized applications are available. Among them, the open-source UniFlash tries to offer an alternative to more complex utilities.

While aiming to achieve the same goal as similar tools, this software solution seems to be more easy to use. However, those who are willing to try it should note that there are serious risks involved, as is the case with some of the other apps, because it may render the FLASH ROM Chip and the motherboard unusable and requiring a hot-flash.

If you decide to go ahead and try UniFlash, it's probably a good idea to take a close look at the accompanying documentation first, because it details a lot of useful things, including supported hardware, command-line parameters and more.

A particular feature of this application is the fact that it is not designed to support only a specific line of products. Instead, it is addressed to a variety of chipsets that come from multiple manufacturers, including Intel, AMD, VIA, nVidia, Micron SiS, ALi, SMSC and Winbond - Symphony Laboratories.

The conclusion that can be drawn at this point is that UniFlash may indeed be the answer to the problems some users may have with their motherboards, but since flashing the BIOS and writing a new one onto the ROM chip can be quiet risky, it's best that this tool is left in the hands of the more advanced users.