A raw, byte-for-byte image of a flash chip: the main BIOS / UEFI, the embedded-controller (EC) firmware, or both.

What is a .bin file?

The file size equals the chip capacity: 2 MB (25x16), 4 MB (25x32), 8 MB (25x64), 16 MB (25x128) or 32 MB (25x256). A dump whose size is not one of these is either compressed, split across two chips, or damaged.

Intel boards keep the descriptor, Management Engine (ME / CSME) and BIOS regions inside one image. "ME clean" in a file name means the ME region was re-initialised so the board can train again after a chipset or long battery-less storage.

Never write a dump without reading and saving the original chip first — it holds the serial number, UUID, MAC address and the Windows licence key.

How to open a .bin file

  • CH341A + NeoProgrammer / AsProgrammer
  • flashrom
  • RT809F / RT809H
  • TL866II / T48
  • UEFITool (to inspect)
  • HxD (hex editor)

Match the chip voltage: many modern laptops use 1.8 V flash, and a bare 3.3 V CH341A will damage it without an adapter.

Recommended software

Related formats