Is newer firmware always better? AKA "to flash or not flash"

[MichaelD]

Hmm, you can't create a poll in GH. That's new....anyway.

I have already DL'd the latest firmware for an expansion card I don't even own yet. I got to thinking that:

1. Possibly, the latest firmware isn't the best thing to do

or

2. If it wasn't better, why would the manufacturer put it out?

So, to flash or not to flash? That is indeed, the question.

ps
The card in question is a 3Ware Escalade 7000-2.

 

[Markfw]

Where the He$$ is the Poll ?

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Markfw900
Where the He$$ is the Poll ?

See my edit, please.

 

[jackschmittusa]

Although I am always tinkering with my gear, I usually tell other people "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". If the update doesn't offer performance, features, or a necessary bug fix that you can benifit from, why do it? You could have a bad flash, the update could introduce new bugs or require a troublesome driver. Most of the time things go well, but not always. Why bet if there is nothing to win?

 

[John]

MichaelD, not to be rude or anything, but how many more "raid" threads are you going to start? :light:

:disgust:

 

[AtomicAlien]

Originally posted by: John
MichaelD, not to be rude or anything, but how many more "raid" threads are you going to start? :light:

:disgust:

 

[RichieZ]

Its a RAID card yes? Newer = better in my experience, but then that was with the shi*tty HPT366 and later the 370A.

 

[dullard]

It always depends on what you are interested in - and what the manufacturer is after. (A) Some updates are meant to increase performance which may introduce new bugs or quality issues. (B) Others are meant to fix bugs or increase quality often at the expense of a bit of performance. (C) Still others simply make the hardware compatable with more computer systems.

If the reason for the update is (A) and you are more interested in a high quality, bug free system then don't do the update. If all you care about is speed, then definately do the update.

If the reason is (B) and if the bug doesn't bother you and all you want is performance, then sometimes it is best not to do the update. Of course if you are after a bug free and high quality part, then definitely do the update.

If the update is for reason (C), and the hardware already works on your computer, then I'd say don't bother (it won't help you and it has a small chance of updating incorrectly). But if it isn't compatable for your hardware, then you must do the update.

 

[JohnPaul]

I think we all know that the latest isn't always the greatest. Sometimes new firmware, and any updated software for that matter, can cause system incompatibilities that were not existent in previous versions. It all depends really.

John-Paul

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks, RitchieZ, Dullard and JohnPaul. Ya'gotta love this place. So much knowlege in one central location.

 

[sak]

I have always felt that new firmware always helps. but u can never to sure. sometimes it does back fire as well..but most time it works.

 

[DaFinn]

New firmware is allways released to fix a problem or incompatability or... well whatever. Normally in worst case scenario they create another incompatability. There are so many different configs out there.

Usually I have noticed that newer firmware= slower performance in most cases... Prolly to fix stability or similar probs. Well, test it and see!

:beer: