update the BIOS and 4-in-1's?

[pepar]

I am using a Shuttle AK31 v3.1 and Windows XP. What is the recommendation on immediately - or relatively soon - updating the BIOS and 4-in-1's as they each become available? Shuttle tells me to always update to the latest BIOS, but is silent on the 4-in-1 issue. Is their advice correct, and what about the 4-in-1? Thanks in advance for the assistance!

 

[Buz2b]

As of a few days ago I would have spouted the usual, "you don't need the 4-in-'s with XP" line. However, upon loading everything (including WinXP Pro) on a new AK31 rev3.1, I found some difficulties with driver issues on a new Radeon 8500LE and the onboard sound. After loading the new 4-in-1's I was able to clear these up in no time. Coincidence? Maybe. But for now I'd say soon after loading XP you should install the 4-in-1's. As to the BIOS, I do not agree that you should update everytime a new BIOS is released. The school of thought always has been if you have an issue that a new BIOS would address OR if there is a definate performance increase, then yes, update the BIOS. However, if you cannot say at least one of those is true then there is no good reason to do so. I think most would agree, especially given the (even minimal) chance of possible screwups that could happen when doing so.

 

[Mem]

The VIA 4 in 1 install for XP always comes up,and my opinion on this is to install them since they are newer then the native ones in WinXP,I`ve never had any problems with updating my 4 in 1 drivers with WinXP and even got a small performance boost with the latest AGP driver which`s included in the 4 in 1 drivers.

The bottom line ,it`s really up to you if you install the latest VIA drivers or not.As for Bios flashing I agree with Buz2b,you should really only update them if it fixes a problem you know you`ve,any bios flashing always carrys a small risk of failure.