BIOS updating query

ICit2lol said:

My reason is that the machine does take a while to power up and I am wondering if this might help that process.

Possible, but only remotely.

Having said that, I wouldn't be terrified by BIOS updating---particularly if you've done it a time or two. The principal danger is a power loss in midstream.

I've done it on an Asus board, but never using a USB drive.

So you've got a very slim chance it will help and a possibly less slim chance the flash attempt will go bad.

The standard advice on BIOS updates is to avoid them unless you have some good reason to believe that newer BIOS versions address your specific issue. It sounds like you don't know that and are speculating.

ICit2lol said:

Pity hey don't come with the dual BIOS that the Gigabyte boards do though:)

Don't be so sure......I have a Gigabyte board with dual BIOS.........the second BIOS has never been available. Regardless, I'd hate to have to trust something like that even if it supposedly did work.

If you've never done it before, it's probably a good idea to do it a time or two on a system you don't really care about, just to give you the confidence to know you can do it if you have to. Some of the menu choices and descriptions within the procedure can be a bit cryptic. I'd much prefer to know what to expect and have a few flashes behind me before I really had to do it on a valuable system I didn't want to risk ruining due to indecision or not knowing the correct choices and terminology within the process.

Some systems let you flash within Windows. That used to be highly frowned on, but the most recent reports I've had say it works pretty well.

Yes, Asus sometimes has a link next to their BIOS files that takes you to a page that lists all of the improvements included in a particular BIOS. It is always assumed that the improvements in prior BIOS are included in the newer BIOS.

I agree with the others that you should not update a BIOS without reason. It is a risk-reward calculation.

But, if you were to upgrade a BIOS, it is always recommended that you reset the BIOS defaults before performing the flash. Performing a BIOS flash with overclock settings can only end badly!

I have saved the EZ-Flash 2 instructions from Asus and use it all the time as a guide.
Even though the new system uses CAP files instead of ROM files the procedure is still the same. I believe that if you follow every step and don't cut corners then a successful flash is near assured.
I also still use the EZ-Flash2 system in the BIOS - even though my new board also has the special USB port. Why mess with a good thing is my motto.

Anyway, below is the instructions from Asus:

*****
Asustech : Revised February 4, 2010.


EZ Flash 2 – the best, the safest and the most convenient way to update BIOS.

Updating BIOS is serious business!
Every precaution should therefore be taken to prevent that anything goes wrong. Above all: DO NOT USE ASUS UPDATE!!! AFUDOS is the only good alternative to EZ Flash 2.

EZ Flash 2 is a built-in function of BIOS. It is the safest way to update BIOS, because one is not dependent on the operating system, any application, internet connection, firewall settings, antivirus or anything else that can put the vital BIOS update at risk.

On a new build, BIOS can be updated to the latest version before installation of the OS, which may possibly make the installation go smoother and safer.


Note: All what's said below about loading BIOS defaults also applies to the other BIOS update methods (ASUS Update and AFUDOS)!

The PC must never be overclocked during the BIOS update! Always load and save BIOS defaults before and after a BIOS update (press <F5>). By loading and saving BIOS defaults before the update, CPU frequency, memory frequency and voltages are set to default (Auto).
Memory timings are set to SPD values which ensure that a PC with high performance memory that need a higher voltage than 1.8V for DDR2 or 1.5V for DDR3 is able to boot on the standard Memory Voltage. Save the default settings (press <F10>) before starting the update.

When these instructions are carefully followed, there will be no need for a CLRTC.

Preparation:

• Document all your preferred BIOS settings (i.e. the settings you have changed from the default setting).
• Download the BIOS file, which normally is compressed (zipped).
• Unzip the BIOS file to a FAT/FAT32 formatted USB Flash Disk with only one partition (or to a Floppy Disk or a CD-ROM). If the unzipped BIOS file is named like e.g. 'P5B-ASUS-Deluxe-1101.ROM', you can rename it to 'P5BD1101.ROM'. Otherwise a truncated name will appear as 'P5B-AS~1.ROM' due to a limitation to max 8 characters in the filename (8.3).

Update:

• Reboot.
• Press (tap) <DEL> during POST (Power-On Self Test) to enter BIOS Setup.
• Load BIOS Defaults (press <F5>).
• Insert the USB Flash Disk containing the BIOS file P5BDxxxx.ROM. (Note that the USB Flash Disk has to be inserted before boot to enter BIOS, otherwise it won't be detected).
• Save and Exit <F10>. (BIOS will now restart).
• During BIOS restart, press <DEL> to enter BIOS Setup again.
• Under Tools menu, select ASUS EZ Flash 2. It may take 20 seconds for the drives to show up. Select a drive in the left pane <Tab>. Use <Up> and <Down> arrows and <Enter> to select a drive. If you don't see the BIOS file in the right pane, check the other drives. Note that the drive letters may not be the same here as in Windows.
• Select the BIOS file (e.g. P5BD1101.ROM) and press <Enter> to start flashing. Supervise the update, which includes the following stages: Erasing - Flashing (writing) - Verification. BIOS will automatically restart when the update is ready.
• Disconnect the USB Flash Disk before/during the restart.
• Perform a C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) which resets the chipset. Power down, remove power cord from the PSU for 2 minutes and then power up.
• Enter BIOS and load BIOS Defaults <F5> again.
• Reenter your preferred BIOS settings - if you are using AHCI or RAID mode, don't forget to set 'Configure SATA as' to [AHCI / RAID]. Also remember the settings for the additional SATA Controller, Audio, and Memory Voltage. Check also that the Boot Device Priority is ok.
• Save and Exit <F10> (automatic restart).
• Press <DEL> to enter BIOS Setup and make a final check that all BIOS settings are ok. Save any changes.