Question on my new build

[Odd Job]

The BIOS version on my new build motherboard is rev 1.01. The latest version is 1904. This latest version supports all of the newer processors.

Question: will there be any performance (or other) benefit in installing the latest bios version. I am a little apprehensive about flashing the bios although Asus do provide a utility for doing this from windows (EZFlash). Does anyone have experience of this utility and is it easy and reliable.

Also if I flash the bios will it revert back to default settings.

Thanks in advance.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

MSI has a EZ flash like feature and I've flashed my board twice with perfect results. The manual way makes me nervous so I prefer it. Just read up on it first and give it a go. Yes it will go to the default bios setting from what I remember with the MSi program.

 

[Hopalong X]

Make sure you select in Bios to "Save" the old Bios. If the new one fails to work right you just revert back to old one.

Mike

 

[pricetech]

I'm a little concerned that the numbering scheme is different between the two BIOS versions. Maybe I'm just reading wrong.

Anyway, just be sure your get the right BIOS for your board and go for it. You probably won't see a performance improvement directly, but may see something indirectly.

As far as settings go, it varies. Sometimes a flash will reset to defaults and sometimes it won't . Or, you may see some but not all settings returned to default. If you have any custom settings, make a note of them so you can restore them after the flash if needed.

 

[pparks1]

Read the release notes. If there isn't anything broke on your computer that the release notes say will be fixed, I vote for just leaving well enough alone and not screwing with the BIOS.

 

[TVeblen]

Asus EZ Flash 2 utility is safe and easy to use. I've flashed this motherboard 3 times.

BUT
You've got to follow proper procedure (see below, from Asus herself).

I use a digital camera to take photos of all my BIOS pages and their current (my preferred) settings. I print them out. Now anytime I want to check or reset my BIOS settings it is quick and easy.

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

Revised February 4, 2010.

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 JMicron 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.

In case of a new build:


When BIOS is updated to the latest version, and prior to the installation of the operating system, run Memtest86+ (v4.10 or later) for a few hours to check that the memory test doesn't report any errors.
There are precompiled, bootable downloads for Floppy Disk and CD-ROM (ISO).

 

[Odd Job]

I'm a little concerned that the numbering scheme is different between the two BIOS versions. Maybe I'm just reading wrong.

The file for the BIOS update is "Crosshair-III-Formula-ASUS-1904.ROM"

The original version according to my motherboard is Rev 1.01G. (see pic)

However, according to Asus site the original version is 0302. (see pic 2)

I'm confused now

 

[Bill2]

I'm on a slow connection....anyways, every new bios is released along with a changelog. A changelog lists the bugs the bios fixes or new features it adds. So, FIRST, locate the changelog for bios 1904, if you cant, hold your horses till one becomes available or call Acer and ask them.

Once you lay your hands on the changelog, READ it. If theres something new it offers and you think it'll benefit you, take the usual precautions, then flash your bios. EZFlash is pretty OK.

If you cant figure out the changelog, paste it here so all of us can advise you.

And why are you confused about the revision numbers? You dont need to be Einstein to go to the asus site and check the latest bios for your mobo.

 

[DirtyElf]

I updated my bios through the BIOS utility on my ASUS board, no problems what so ever...

http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=2Y4dQFaJ6gPN18cQ

it looks like that is the newest bios revision for your board.. that version you are seeing may be for some other controller on the mobo.. i know when my mobo posts the sata3 marvell controller lists its own bios revision which is different (obviously) than my mobo bios version... check the bios version IN the bios

 

[mlevy]

That 1.01 is just the PCB revision, NOT the BIOS version.

I have the same board, it's been working great for me since I installed it in Feb. this year. No BIOS flashes, my only problems came from having OCZ Platinum memory with my AMD BE processor, once swapped to OCZ BE memory all was well.

I second the vote, if the machine works fine and the BIOS update changelogs don't report fixes for issues you're having, leave well enough alone.

 

[TVeblen]

To find your current BIOS version:
Enter the BIOS
On the MAIN Tab > Go to "System Information"
Bios Information is at the top of the screen, Version: xxxx

 

[Odd Job]

I flashed the bios. It was easy peasy, and now I cant understand why I was so worried about it. Perhaps because I'd never done it before. I used a USB stick with the new bios on and eazyflash. Took about 30 seconds and I had a new bios with a few extra setup options.

One strange thing though, when I restarted windows I had to reactivate it. Is this normal with a change of bios ?

 

[TVeblen]

Yes and no.

Yes, because Windows activation looks for hardware changes, and a big enough change in the BIOS could trigger a check.

No, because I have flashed my BIOS a few times and it never happened to me .