Updating the BIOS?

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  1. CrazyQuickDraw
    Posts : 14
    Windows 7 x64 Home Premium
       New #1

    Updating the BIOS?


    I'm really not sure if I should update my BIOS or not. I'm trying to optimize my Windows 7 x64 and get it updated. I've been following this tutorial, Optimize Windows 7, but I'm unsure weather or not to update my BIOS.

    I have an ASUS M5A97 R2.0 motherboard, and I haven't had any problems with it. However, I noticed I'm running version 1006 from 10/17/2012. The latest is 2301 from 3/27/2014 and it improves system stability (not to mention the countless updates and fixes between versions 1006 and 2301).

    Plus, there's some chipset drivers for AMD and I've been having problems getting my CCC started.

    So... should I update or not?
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  3. Dude
    Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       New #2

    Read the BIOS notes for the fixes it provides. I do not recommend updating the BIOS unless it has a fix for your issue.
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  4. CrazyQuickDraw
    Posts : 14
    Windows 7 x64 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Here's a list of the changes,

    Beta Version 1006
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 1006
    1.Improve system stability.
    2.Support new CPUs

    Version 1201
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 1201
    Improve system stability.

    Version 1302
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 1302
    Improve system stability.

    Version 1503
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 1503
    Fixed F8 function is abnormal under fastboot - I noticed this, the F8 function is very hard for me to get.

    Version 1602
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 1602
    Fixed can't boot to WinPE 4.0 X64.

    Version     1708
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 1708
    Fix HDD(1TB up) read error under win XP of IDE mode.

    Version 1903
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 1903
    Fixed Power On By RTC function failed.

    Version 2006
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 2006
    Improve system stability.

    Version     2101
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 2101
    1.Improve system stability.
    2.Revise help string in BIOS.
    3.Support new CPUs.

    Version 2103
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 2103
    Support new CPUs.

    Version     2201
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 2201
    Improve system stability.

    Version 2301
    M5A97 R2.0 BIOS 2301
    Improve system stability.
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  6. Britton30
    Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       New #4

    I'd update chipset drivers but not the BIOS unless you have some of the issues mentioned.
    If the F8 function refers to Advanced Boot Options, it is tricky to get to, I rapidly tap it during boot up, it has to be pressed between the time the POST screen goes black and the w7 animations, which is very quick.
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  7. Dude
    Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       New #5

    Try the chipset drivers and let us know if it helps.
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  8. CrazyQuickDraw
    Posts : 14
    Windows 7 x64 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       New #6

    Dude said:
    Try the chipset drivers and let us know if it helps.
    Alrighty then, it may help with the problems I've been having here, https://www.sevenforums.com/graphic-c...on-t-open.html.

    There is 5 chipset drivers to pick from, should I just pick the latest version?
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  10. Dude
    Posts : 5,915
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       New #7

    Yes
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  11. jimbo45
    Posts : 5,941
    Linux CENTOS 7 / various Windows OS'es and servers
       New #8

    Hi there
    Updating Software is one thing - but updating BIOS's is another matter-- if it gets hosed up then you've "Bricked" your system and all it will be good for is a doorstop (or at least until you get a new mobo).

    "If it ain't broke don't fix it". !!!

    I don't think I've ever had to update a BIOS -- I've updated some HDD firmware in the past but not the BIOS.

    Cheers
    jimbo
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  12. Mellon Head
    Posts : 3,487
    Win 7 Pro x64/Win 10 Pro x64 dual boot
       New #9

    I'll add my voice to the "not updating BIOS unless you absolutely have to" crowd.

    As already mentioned, it really isn't a good idea unless you have to update to support a new CPU, or to fix a serious problem.

    I had to do my motherboard's BIOS to support my CPU, I had no choice, but it was the most nerve-wracking two minutes I've felt in a long time. I don't recommend it.

    But yes, do the chipset drivers.
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  13. LMiller7
    Posts : 2,497
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       New #10

    The problem with updating the BIOS is that you need a functioning BIOS in order to do it. Without that you don't have the ability to boot, no way to access the media containing the BIOS update or software. If the BIOS update should fail, and that can happen even if you do everything right, you are in a very serious situation. BIOS chips can only be updated a small and unknowable number of times. Sometimes they fail the first update. In many cases the only recovery is physical replacement of the BIOS chip and that usually requires the services of a trained technician. Newer systems often have better recovery facilities but never assume this.

    I have seen many stories of failed BIOS updates. Many do not have a happy ending.

    If it isn't broken, don't fix it.
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