Want to update my motherboard BIOS - anything I should know?

[futurefields]

I have an ASRock Z77 Pro4 and I noticed I am running the initial 1.00 BIOS. I checked the website and they have all these updates available -

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77 Pro4/?cat=Download&os=BIOS

I was thinking of downloading the 1.70 Windows install and trying that. Is there anything I should know before I do this? Will it override any settings or mess with anything?

Thanks!

 

[tweakboy]

Download latest BIOS file. Put it on usb stick or c drive boot . Reboot and go to your proper section and upgrade BIOS. Dont have a assrok mobo to tell u,, gl

 

[Gillbot]

Do you need to update? If not, why bother.

 

[futurefields]

I'm having some slight issues getting video card to remember its OC settings in Trixx and if you look at some of the patch notes im also missing a lot of general improvements since I am running 1.00.

1.6
1. Improve monitor compatibility.
2. Support UEFI PXE boot.
3. Update CPU code.
4. Improve discrete VGA card vBIOS compatibility.
5. Auto detects PCIE link speed.


1.4
1. Update VBIOS.
2. Update RAID ROM.
3. Improve discrete VGA card vBIOS compatibility.
4. Improve Internet Flash.
5. Add "No-K OC" function.

1.1
1. Add Dehumidifier Function.
2. Update CPU code.
3. Improve USB compatibility.
4. Modify Dell Raid card issue.
5. Add "Custom Fan Speed" function.
6. Add "Internet Flash" Function.




So is there anything I should know before I update?

Thanks,

 

[Gillbot]

There is always a chance that it may not work after the update, so follow the instructions carefully. Updating via DOS is typically preferred over the windows client as well.

You should make a note of your settings. Most manufacturers recommend setting the BIOS to defaults after a flash.

We don’t recommend users to update the BIOS if their system is already running normally. ASRock® assumes no responsibility for any damages caused by improper operations of downloading or updating the BIOS. Before you download or update the BIOS, please read " (How to Update)" below carefully.

ASRock BIOS Upgrade Instruction
»How to execute ASRock instant flash?
There are 2 methods for updating the BIOS using Instant Flash.

Method 1:

Save the BIOS files on a device such as USB disk (FAT32 format), hard disk (FAT32 format) and floppy drive.
Press <F2> during POST to get into BIOS setup menu.
Select the utility under [Smart] menu to execute it.
ASRock Instant Flash will automatically detect all devices and only list those BIOS versions which are suitable for your motherboard.
Select the suitable BIOS version and flash.

Method 2:

Save the BIOS files on a device such as USB disk (FAT32 format), hard disk (FAT32 format) and floppy drive.
Press <F6> when you see this (or similar) page.
Select the suitable BIOS version and flash.

»Notice
If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS, DO NOT turn off your system since this corrupt BIOS might cause your system failed to boot up. Just repeat the process, and if the problem still persists, update the original BIOS file. If the Flash Memory Writer utility was not able to successfully update a complete BIOS file, your system may not be able to boot up. If this happens, your system will need service.

ASRock BIOS Upgrade Instruction
»BIOS Update Utility
BIOSfilename.x0.EXE: The Flash Memory Writer utility is included in the WinZip format of BIOS file. It updates the BIOS by uploading a new BIOS file to the programmable flash ROM chip on the motherboard. To determine the BIOS version of your motherboard, press <F2> to enter the BIOS setup utility during bootup, and check the BIOS version from the Main menu. Larger numbers represent a newer BIOS file. This utility works only in DOS mode. (How do I check the BIOS version?)
The Flash Memory Writer utility can not be suitable for all ASRock motherboards. Please use the Flash utility which is included in each BIOS file to update its BIOS. Also ASRock motherboard MUST use ASRock's Flash utility to update BIOS, those uncertified BIOS flashing tools will cause motherboard damage.
»Updating BIOS Procedures

Create a bootable system USB pen drive.
Download an updated ASRock BIOS file (WinZip format with .zip file extension) from the web site, unzip the BIOS file and save all files to the drive you created in step 1.
Boot from the disk you created in step 2.
At the "A:\" prompt, type BIOSfile.exe, then press <Enter>. For example: A:\P55DX_1.60.exe <Enter> then you will see a message "Please wait for BIOS loading ROM".
After 30 seconds, you will see the message "Program ended normally", then you have finished upgrading the BIOS.
After finishing upgrading the BIOS, restart your system and press <F2> to enter the BIOS setup utility during boot up.
In Exit menu, please select "Load Default Settings" and press <Enter> to continue.
Select "Exit Saving Changes" and press <Enter> to exit the BIOS setup utility.
Now, system is booting up with new BIOS.

»How do I check the BIOS version?
1.The BIOS version can be found during system boot up.
2.The BIOS version can be found in BIOS setup utility.
»Notice
If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS, DO NOT turn off your system since this corrupt BIOS might cause your system failed to boot up. Just repeat the process, and if the problem still persists, update the original BIOS file. If the Flash Memory Writer utility was not able to successfully update a complete BIOS file, your system may not be able to boot up. If this happens, your system will need service.

I would personally choose the DOS or instant flash option over the windows version.

 

[futurefields]

I wanted to use the Windows version because it seems the simplest/easiest. Is there any good reason why it shouldn't work?

 

[Gillbot]

I wanted to use the Windows version because it seems the simplest/easiest. Is there any good reason why it shouldn't work?

Windows is inherently less stable than DOS or the built in instant flash.