How do you find out what BIOS a mobo is currently shipping with?

[MichaelD]

It's a well-known fact that there are currently several good mobos out (SDR and DDR) but sometimes the initial BIOS they are shipped with is flaky, so they release a new BIOS which cures all the boards ailments. Then, they ship boards made later with the newer bios already loaded. How do you ensure your getting a newer board?

I've flashed a bios before and never fried a chip yet, but why risk it if you don't have to? Thanks.

 

[Buz2b]

It's really a crap shoot to be honest. You can try to talk to a sales person or tech support from the vendor but even then you may be given the wrong info or even missleading info. On rare occasions you may even get them to flash it for you. Happened to me once. Most times you are stuck with what you get unless you flash it yourself. Your best bet is to try to get one from a vendor that has a big turnover of the product. That means they are ordering new boards more often and your chances are better that you will get a newer BIOS. Of course, if the factory has millions with the old BIOS sitting in a warehouse, you're screwed again. But that is happening less and less today as "on demand" supply lines (like Dell uses) are becoming more and more common.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks much, Buz2b. That's pretty much what I figured. I would imagine someplace like Newegg or other "big" etailer would move lots of product...still a crapshoot though. Have a good day.