Is a bios update worth it?

[Sanius]

I was just wondering. the ASUS website has some bios updates, and I was wondering if I should bother flashing a new one. would it help me in any way? like speeding up my pc, or giving me more options.

 

[Navid]

If the BIOS is not a beta release, it should come with information on what it improves. Then, you can decide if you need it or not.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: Sanius
I was just wondering. the ASUS website has some bios updates, and I was wondering if I should bother flashing a new one. would it help me in any way? like speeding up my pc, or giving me more options.

Hardly. BIOS update mostly fix errors, like compatibility and stuff like that. If your system is running fine, don't bother updating the BIOS.

 

[Jeff H]

Sanius, BIOS updates are usually "uneventful." However, when the are "eventful" you usually end up w/ a non-functioning computer. The general rule for updating a BIOS is this, does the update fix or add something that's necessary for you to continue using your computer?

For example, I just updated both the embedded controller and BIOS on my daughter's IBM ThinkPad laptop, in anticipation of upgrading to XP SP2. IBM's website suggested the updates prior to doing the SP2 upgrade. Conversely, I haven't updated the BIOS on my main system (EPoX EP-4PDA2+ i865PE) as there's nothing in the update that will affect how my machine performs.

Bottom line - if you need to do it, do it. If you simply want to putz w/ your machine, think twice. If you do an update, save your original BIOS first. Also, prepare an emergency recovery BIOS floppy. Any number of BIOS sites will provide instructions on how to do this, by adding the BIOS flasher utility nomenclature to the autoexec.bat file on the floppy.

 

[PingSpike]

Yeah, I will often flash to the latest bios when doing the initial build...but after that I follow the rule of thumb: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. BIOS updates go great usually but like was said...when they don't your in bad shape.

 

[Zepper]

I doubt that most ATFers follow the rule... I know that I wait about a month after a new BIOS is posted to be sure it doesn't break more than it fixes and then I update. I strictly use the floppy boot procedure and detune my BIOS settings prior to flashing (disable memory caches, relax memory settings, etc). I can remember only one untoward incident since Flash BIOS became common.
. And there is a fellow ATFer that can write a new chip (or your chip) and send it to you if things really gang agley...
His handle is DJMix.
.bh.

 

[howdyduty]

Generally with BIOS, if it aint broke dont fix it. If your a tweaker or your system has problems that the new BIOS is supposed to fix, then do it.

 

[Sonic587]

Originally posted by: Jeff H
Bottom line - if you need to do it, do it. If you simply want to putz w/ your machine, think twice. If you do an update, save your original BIOS first. Also, prepare an emergency recovery BIOS floppy. Any number of BIOS sites will provide instructions on how to do this, by adding the BIOS flasher utility nomenclature to the autoexec.bat file on the floppy.

:thumbsup:

 

[DanDaMan315]

well i was thinking about flashing my BIOS but i decided not to, and the files to do it are stuck on my computer (cant delete them), how do i get rid of them?

 

[Auric]

I have found that there can be worthwhile features added that are not mentioned along with the usual fixes and micro code updates (for current CPU compatability). However you would have to be familiar with the CMOS Setup already to notice and also take advantage of them. I am thinking of advanced chipset options and such, particularly with PAT being enabled for the i865PE after inital release.

 

[daniel49]

Well I initially built my last machine an abit kv8 max3 mb and upon the first startup an alarm went off telling me my cpu was running at over 180 degrees farenheit.
After resetting cpu and heatsink a couple a times with no effect. The panic subsided from the alarm and I noticed there was no smell or excessive heat to the touch.
So I checked abits website and sure enough this mb had 4 bios updates and one of them was cpu calibration among many other things.
Flashed bios and am getting reading of104-110 degrees farenheit most times now.System has been stable for months.
Just for the heck of it flashed my other 2 machines also have never had a problem with it.
dan