BIOS - CPU Upgrade OK, now I'm nervous  

I am upgrading my CPU from a dual core to a quad core. I am getting conflicting info from people. Some say upgrade BIOS some say no need to. I read some threads here and I'm getting more than a little nervous about messing with BIOS. I have an ASUS board and their web info leaves alot to be concerned about. Like no help what so ever. According to the spec on the board it will use X2, X3 and X4 processors. Should I prepare for doom and gloom or crack a beer and relax?

If your current BIOS supports (your particular) 4x core, go ahead and install the new CPU. Examine the update history of any more current BIOS versions. If none of the changes apply to your system, no need to flash.

Casca said:

If your current BIOS supports (your particular) 4x core, go ahead and install the new CPU. Examine the update history of any more current BIOS versions. If none of the changes apply to your system, no need to flash.

That's what I thought. According to the MB info I can plug in any of the three mentioned CPU's. I'll check it out a little more and go for it. Thanks!

HJA said:

I have an ASUS board and their web info leaves alot to be concerned about. Like no help what so ever.

All depends where you look,

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Just click on the "CPU Support List" and look for the CPU you are adding and then check which bios version from the "Since BIOS" column. Then if unsure whicvh bios version you have grab this,

CPUID

and under the Motherboard tab it will show which bios version you have. If your current bios is at or above the "since" one, then you're good to go. If it isn't then you will have to flash the bios; don't go looking for the one shown, just use the latest one.

If you do have to flash download the latest and under Utilities download Asus Update V7.17.02, and you can do the flash from within Windows. Much easier than mucking about with floppies, etc. It is also the only way I have ever flashed any of my Asus boards over the years and never had a problem with it.

What stormy said, check the CPU Support List. The reality is, if you don't have to flash don't flash, so if the CPU you want to use is supported with your current BIOS and your not having any problems there's no need to flash it. I have an Asus M2N68-AM SE2 and just flashed my BIOS from Windows with their update utility yesterday. I used the mylogo utility to put a nice windows 7 boot screen into the BIOS before I flashed it. The big worry is getting a power bump or power outage right in the middle of flashing your BIOS, so don't flash in the middle of a thunder storm. I'm going to be upgrading to a Phenom so at some point I was going to have to flash mine.

alphanumeric said:

What stormy said, check the CPU Support List. The reality is, if you don't have to flash don't flash, so if the CPU you want to use is supported with your current BIOS and your not having any problems there's no need to flash it. I have an Asus M2N68-AM SE2 and just flashed my BIOS from Windows with their update utility yesterday. I used the mylogo utility to put a nice windows 7 boot screen into the BIOS before I flashed it. The big worry is getting a power bump or power outage right in the middle of flashing your BIOS, so don't flash in the middle of a thunder storm. I'm going to be upgrading to a Phenom so at some point I was going to have to flash mine.

I went ahead with the install & no BIOS change. After a little set up in the boot sequence all is golden. This CPU is fast!! First thing I noticed was increase in CPU temp. Added another fan but it seems to hang around 45 to 50c. Previous was 30 to 35c.

HJA said:

I went ahead with the install & no BIOS change. After a little set up in the boot sequence all is golden. This CPU is fast!! First thing I noticed was increase in CPU temp. Added another fan but it seems to hang around 45 to 50c. Previous was 30 to 35c.

The increase is to be expected with a quad core. The Phenom II coolers are okay, but it probably wouldn't hurt to look into an aftermarket heat sink fan. Your temps will drop, and the system will be much quieter.

My Athlon II X4 620 Quad Core is running in the 30 to 35 zone. If you are using the original heatsink & fan that came with your dually thats probably why the temps went up some. I don't think they are anything to panic over but I think I would upgrade to a better heatsink and fan. I plan on buying my Phenom with the heatsink & fan included.

alphanumeric said:

My Athlon II X4 620 Quad Core is running in the 30 to 35 zone. If you are using the original heatsink & fan that came with your dually thats probably why the temps went up some. I don't think they are anything to panic over but I think I would upgrade to a better heatsink and fan. I plan on buying my Phenom with the heatsink & fan included.

I'm using the heat sink and fan that came with the new cpu. It's twice the size with heat pipes. I run my fans full all the time. I'm looking at other solutions but I'm limiting it to not having to access the back of the mobo. My desktop case has no bottom access.