Solved Updating the BIOS?

[CrazyQuickDraw]

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, http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html, 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?

 

[Dude]

Read the BIOS notes for the fixes it provides. I do not recommend updating the BIOS unless it has a fix for your issue.

 

[CrazyQuickDraw]

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.

 

[Britton30]

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.

 

[Dude]

Try the chipset drivers and let us know if it helps.

 

[CrazyQuickDraw]

Try the chipset drivers and let us know if it helps.

Alrighty then, it may help with the problems I've been having here, http://www.sevenforums.com/graphic-cards/325133-ccc-no-settings-can-configured-error-won-t-open.html.

There is 5 chipset drivers to pick from, should I just pick the latest version?

 

[Dude]

Yes

 

[jimbo45]

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

 

[Mellon Head]

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.

 

[LMiller7]

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.

 

[CrazyQuickDraw]

In conclusion, I'm not updating. Just need to get my video card drivers working.

 

[Mark Phelps]

Ordinarily, I'm a strong adviser against updating the BIOS -- because (1) most folks think this is the "miracle cure" for anything that ails their PC, and (2) doing it badly "bricks" your PC.

But ... in this case, there are LOTS of improvements between your current BIOS version and the latest version; thus, if it were my PC, I would update the BIOS -- not to fix the video problem, but simply to gain the improvements and stability.

That said, make sure that BEFORE you do this, you have the following:
1) A way to save off the current working BIOS to some medium that can be used to restore it later
2) A way to restore the saved bios WITHOUT having to boot into Windows to do it.

Been a while since I used ASUS motherboards, but from what I recall, they had something called EZ-flash (or something like that) which allowed you to boot into an app that handled BIOS flashing -- without running Windows. You first saved the current BIOS to a USB stick and then loaded the new BIOS from a USB stick. Took only a few minutes to do, and since recovery was simple, it minimized the risk.

 

[Layback Bear]

Just a reminder.
Optimize Windows 7 are suggestion NOT must do's.
You can pick and choose which one of the suggestions you want to do. Some of the suggestions I use and some I don't.

Information
This is a list of suggestions that will help show you how to optimize Windows 7 by speeding up and improving it's performance.

You can pick and choose which ones you would like to do, or feel comfortable doing. If you do not notice an increase in performance or have a problem with the suggestion, then you can always go back and undo the suggestion at it's provided tutorial link.

If you have a question about one of the options, then please feel free to post a question here. We'll be happy to help.

This list of suggestions will continue to be ongoing. I will be adding and updating suggestions to this list every so often, so you may would like to check back from time to time for anything new.

If you like, please feel free to post any of your own suggestions that you find to help the performance of Windows 7.