Hi all just built new system all seems to work ok now, but my Maximus vi formula bios is currently version 1102 but the latest version 1402 and a beta at 1504 ............ along time ago I was advised not to update bios if things worked but times have changed, and my board has a dedicated usb bios flashback port.
so is it safe to do ? or worth it lol thanks for any help
In my experience the only time to update your BIOS is when you have to, either through issues or CPU upgrade compatibility. If it ain't broke...
That's pretty much my opinion too. As long as everything is working properly, whats the point? And I'd definitely stay away from that Beta!
Every BIOS update I review for my system has release info that describes what it's updating or fixing. If it doesn't apply to me, I don't update. If I recall, I used the first two or three because they did fix hardware issues. 8/23/2011 was my last version update. It's also the last update that would allow me to roll back. A CPU upgrade option came through that also changed the BIOS structure so you couldn't roll back. Since I'm not upgrading this board I didn't install it. I always download the USB flash backup for the releases too. It allows me to restore to the previous if something happens.
I probably update the BIOS on the computers I tend more often than anybody, but I can always be certain the BIOS is correct and there's always a way to roll back if I need to.
However, generically speaking, I agree with the philosophy of not fixing what ain't broke.
If your update doesn't address an issue you're having, don't do it.
my opinions is the same as everyone elses. If it aint broke dont fix it. While upgrading the bios can lead to new features, etc; most of the time its not worth it if its something minor; as you run the risk of turning the motherboard into a paperweight if the update does not complete properly due to hardware issues, etc. So i wouldnt bother with it unless absolutely essential.
Anytime you update a BIOS there should be concern as something done wrong can hose your system. With that out of the way... I update my BIOS anytime a new one is released, whether I have issues at the moment or not. The only thing you need to do once the update is complete is checking to see if your settings changed; if so, reset them, if not, all should be good.
In that sense, if you're not familiar with the BIOS and your settings, than don't update; If you are familiar, than a BIOS update isn't a big deal. Just make sure you read the instructions.
Lastly... though you may not have issues now, if you upgrade your system, you could find yourself in a situation where that new BIOS becomes necessary. Example - new/expanded CPU/hard drive support.
Anyway it's funny that I ran into this post because I'm about to update mine on this board (see system specs) as it improves overclocking and adds support for additional processors.
Peace
As everyone has said is the trade-off worth the risk. I have found most bios updates come in an EXE. while this is okay but there are some many things that can go wrong in the system. See if they have a disk image of the bios. boot from the cd ( or whatever you use to burn the image) and doing it like that would minimise alot of problems that could go wrong. Also you can see if you motherboard keeps a backup of you bios that can be trigged in case of a dud.
I would have updated my bios by now if my manufacturer had that option.
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