Could updating my BIOS cause a stable overclock to go unstable?

[Cyber Akuma]

I have been trying to successfully overclock my new build for nearly two weeks... and finally got it working stable at long last.... but during the time it took me to do this a new update for my motherboard was released.

I know there are lots of people who feel you should never update unless there is a problem and others who feel you should use the latest patches for your software. Personally, I at the very least like to keep my OS and firmware/bios up to date.

Thing is, I would have to lose all this hard work. I just wanted to know if there is any (realistic) chance that updating my motherboard's UEFI after finally getting my overclock stable could cause stability issues with it?

 

[ShintaiDK]

Maybe. It could also make it more stable and give you the ability to overclock further.

 

[veri745]

Like ShintaiDK said, it might, but it is more likely to help with stability.

That said, if you have a stable overclock and you're happy with it, there's no reason to update your BIOS unless there's a specific new feature or fix that you need from it.

 

[Zardnok]

I have had a problem before where I updated my mobo bios and the OC became unstable, so yes, it can potentially cause a problem. I have also updated mobo bios and been able to push it one extra step.

As a rule, I try to keep things updated as best as possible.

 

[Puppies04]

Yep, what everyone else said, it could make an OC unstable or could make an unstable OC stable.

 

[Kenmitch]

Overclocked + UEFI update = New overclocking adventure a lot of the time.

Most of the time you'll get similar results as the quality of your CPU dictates your end results....Luck of the draw

Sometimes a UEFI update changes things that make your adventure easier. Ram compatability, default settings changed, etc.

What MB/CPU do you have?

These days the only fun with overclocking is the struggle to get stability at your given goal.

 

[TJCS]

I had a previous x58 system that became stable at a given clock after flashing an "earlier" bios release. You don't really have to "lose" all your hard tested OC, just to try out the new bios. Just take note of all your current settings and flash back if it doesn't work out.

I think if all is working well and the new bios update is not a compatibility update(or a fix for a system issue you are having), then just ignore it and go enjoy your new OC'ed PC.

 

[Charlie98]

I think there have been 3 BIOS updates for my board since I installed it... haven't bothered with any of them because they do not address a need or issue relevant to my situation. Even Gigabyte (my mobo) tells you to not bother unless the update applies a solution you need.

 

[Cyber Akuma]

What MB/CPU do you have?

Asus P8Z77-V Deluxe
i7 3770K

Main reason I don't want to retest is because it took me forever to get this thing stable, but the new BIOS claims it addresses stability and improves CPU support. That and when it comes to firmware and drivers, I try to keep them updated.

 

[Kenmitch]

Asus P8Z77-V Deluxe
i7 3770K

Main reason I don't want to retest is because it took me forever to get this thing stable, but the new BIOS claims it addresses stability and improves CPU support. That and when it comes to firmware and drivers, I try to keep them updated.

Does your UEFI offer the option to save screen shots on a USB thumb drive? I know my last Asus board had the option. If available I'd just take some screen shots of all the pages related to your stable overclock.

If it was me I'd just update the UEFI and take my chances

What was your issue with stability?

 

[Idontcare]

Asus P8Z77-V Deluxe
i7 3770K

Main reason I don't want to retest is because it took me forever to get this thing stable, but the new BIOS claims it addresses stability and improves CPU support. That and when it comes to firmware and drivers, I try to keep them updated.

I can confirm that with ASUS, a bios update completely wipes all your OC settings. Even if you saved them in an OC Profile, it wipes the profiles clean.

Up you do update your bios, be prepared to write everything down so you can go back into the bios and re-establish your existing settings.

And with that said - you have nothing to lose if you are willing to input your bios settings again anyways. So do it, and if you don't like the outcome with the new bios and re-flash to the old bios and then input your settings yet again.

All you lose is your time and effort, worst case.

 

[TJCS]

Asus P8Z77-V Deluxe
i7 3770K

Main reason I don't want to retest is because it took me forever to get this thing stable, but the new BIOS claims it addresses stability and improves CPU support. That and when it comes to firmware and drivers, I try to keep them updated.

I think your subconscious mind just answered your own question

If you have done the work to fine tune the settings that is most stable for your system, then applying a so-called stability update that could potentially mess that up doesn't really make sense. Some manufacturers(Asrock) even advise you not to update the BIOS if everything is running well.

You don't sound like someone who wants to play with the BIOS anymore, I think you should give it a rest.