Updating Bios
- Thread starter DarkTears
- Start date
You need to flash the bios like when new processors come out like say the motherboard supports 65nm you can a new bios update and flash it so the motherboard can support 45nm.
That's right. In some cases, motherboards will ship with a BIOS that does not support the latest technology, although, at this point, any socket 775 mobo that claims 45nm support should have a BIOS that will support that chip. This wasn't the case when Penryn, Wolfdale, and Yorkfield first hit the streets though. Many boards shipped with BIOS support for 65nm only, and required a flash for 45nm chips.
Sometimes an updated BIOS will improve overclocking, resolve PCI issues, primarily SLI and Crossfire setups, and some fix memory compatibility problems. If your system is running fine, you probably don't need to update, although I believe it's always best to run the latest revision.
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Oh ok, i guess i dont have to worry about most of that then, considering I went with 1366 mobo. Also my computer seems to be fine, so I dont think i need to update it. Heck, I dont even know if there is a new one to get.
Aastii
VIP Member
I had to update my mobo last week because of dual video card and all slots filled. I went from1 video card and only 2 slots filled on an asus p5ne sli and it wouldnt support sli or all 8 slots without the new bios, because mine was a year and a half out of date 
also, as has been said, some bios updates are for CPU or sometimes even sata updates
also, as has been said, some bios updates are for CPU or sometimes even sata updates
lawson_jl
New Member
My general rule of thumb for updating BIOS is that if you don't have any issues then don't bother updating it. A BIOS can add new features, fix problems and support for new hardware which has already been stated. This is the only reason to upgrade your BIOS unless your like me and just want to so you can say your system is upto date.
I'll give you a perfect recent example. A few days ago I did a build with a cheap ASUS micro ATX board and an Intel E8400. As soon as the bios booted, it gave an overheating error on the processor. The processor wasn't overheating, the "imagination" of the BIOS was overheating. A quick BIOS update and all was well. The board was made some time before the introduction of the E8400. Not a big deal and easy enough to fix.
The fussy part about updating these boards is the need to have some old technology laying around. It needs a floppy disk drive and DOS, something a lot of people wouldn't have laying around.
The fussy part about updating these boards is the need to have some old technology laying around. It needs a floppy disk drive and DOS, something a lot of people wouldn't have laying around.
Yeah, that's still the best way, although many modern boards allow you to use a USB flash drive, and even update within Windows. Flashing within Windows is a bit tricky, though, and I don't trust it. I've had a few failed attempts with my X38 board - it almost bricked my mobo (fortunately it has a dual BIOS and was able to recover from it
).Yeah, that's still the best way, although many modern boards allow you to use a USB flash drive, and even update within Windows. Flashing within Windows is a bit tricky, though, and I don't trust it. I've had a few failed attempts with my X38 board - it almost bricked my mobo (fortunately it has a dual BIOS and was able to recover from it
In the case of this board, there is no option. You have to flash this one using the ASUS FUDOS method and that requires a diskette and DOS. But you're right. It's the best anyway if you can do it. It isn't hard to make a BIOS inoperable by fouling up the flash process.
I keep a floppy on one of the computers so that I can download and burn the diskette. I keep another one loose on the bench that I can cable up and use to boot the system. The speed with which the manufacturers are releasing CPU's makes BIOS flashing not that uncommon. People who do a lot of builds should have the stuff to do it right.