Rebuilding a computer - should I update mobo BIOS?

[AnitaPeterson]

Hi there, folks!

I have a simple question here... I am rebuilding one of my machines, replacing the SSD with a larger one and removing the soundcard (willing to give onboard audio a try). Since I'm going to reinstall Win 7, I figured I might as well try to upgrade the motherboard drivers.

My motherboard is relatively new - the ASUS P8Z68-V LE - but I see that the website lists several drivers and utilities newer than what came on the accompanying driver and utilities CD, including a newer BIOS.

I downloaded everything on a USB stick. I don't think I'll need some of the ASUS utilities, or Lucid Virtu, but the drivers should definitely be useful.

But I'm wondering... Should I upgrade the BIOS? I wonder about "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Besides which, the site doesn't really explain how to do this; it just lists two separate categories - BIOS and BIOS Utilities (see here: http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P8Z68V_LE/HelpDesk_Download/ )

Along the same lines, I'm wondering if I should I install the new drivers directly, or run the "official" CD first, then upgrade each driver individually?

What do you think?

 

[vailr]

It's normally the best idea to update the motherboard bios to the latest version, barring any unknown glitch reports from users. Google search for your specific model number for possible problems/complaints.
The official support site drivers are often outdated; check for newer driver versions: http://www.station-drivers.com

 

[owensdj]

You should definitely install the new drivers directly without messing with the older ones on the Asus CD.

As far as the BIOS upgrade, that's a bit of a judgement call. I would lean toward upgrading it now that you're rebuilding the system. If it was a system you were currently running I would have said no.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Should I do the BIOS update BEFORE installing the drivers, or after?

 

[sheh]

Before, not that it matters much, as normally people would BIOS update on an already in use system.

I'd always use the latest BIOS. Worst case you can downgrade, not that I ever needed to.

 

[Compman55]

Yes, do it now.

Install fresh drivers from website. Not always asus either. I had to look at an HP proliant server to get my Xeon P4600 graphics drivers. They had the latest.

 

[Ketchup]

I didn't see you mention what BIOS you have.

Looks like most of that later ones or for stability and compatibility. If you haven't any issues with those, you might want to leave well enough alone.

I have never updated the BIOS on a newer Asus though. If it is simple enough, I might update it just 'because it's there.'

As far as timing, it doesn't really matter, but I would do so before the updates, just so that if you needed to run into some kind of issue, would be simpler to take care of now over later.

 

[Charlie98]

I am still running the original F8 BIOS on my Gigabyte Z68 board... no problems and nothing has come along in BIOS updates to make me worry about it. I'll be fresh reloading my W7 install soon as well... I'll probably update to the most recent BIOS... or maybe not. Meh...

 

[Compman55]

With dual bios, you should have nothing to worry about.

Also you can use a battery backup in case of power disruption.

 

[bononos]

Should I do the BIOS update BEFORE installing the drivers, or after?

It makes more sense to install the bios before installing the os/drivers.
And updating the bios if you're going to be reinstalling from scratch would be a good idea, if you're ever going to upgrade the cpu if you haven't already. Some of the older z68 mbs would hang if an ivybridge was installed with the older bios.