How scary is a bios update?
How scary is a bios update?
When purchasing new motherboards, checking for a recent BIOS update is important. It might not always be the newest version available. If your system recognizes your CPU and everything works well, adjust the BIOS settings and proceed with installing the operating system. Keep in mind that future updates will introduce improvements, fix issues, and protect against security threats like rootkits. However, once a certain period passes, the board may reach its end-of-life status from a support perspective. My ASUS x99 Deluxe II motherboard was made in 2016. I have the most recent BIOS released in 2019, and no further updates will be issued for it. It’s considered outdated now—stay updated with newer BIOS releases. Unless you don’t need the update, it’s usually safer to wait. Updating can prevent hardware damage if things go wrong. If newer BIOS versions offer better protection against malware attacks such as Meltdown or Spectre, then updating is advisable. Wishing you a smooth experience with your new board. BlackDragon
This only makes sense if you can obtain the components, and who covers my effort. You're being unrealistic now. Check my previous message. What's the reason? An UPS is essential, so during a BIOS update it's wise to use it too. Find a local computer store that stocks a mainboard for an HP Z800, or even a Dell Precision 5810 or R320, and so on—plus PSUs if a surge damages them. Are you prepared to pay for the broken parts and my time? You should consider not using an UPS when updating BIOS. Most boards available today are aimed at gaming rigs and lack the PCI slots I need. Plus, none of the ones you might buy support the CPUs and RAM I have. I'd end up replacing everything—maybe 5000 for parts and another 10,000 for my labor—because saving 400 on an UPS is your advice. I'll send you the invoice. What about your data? You haven't thought this through at all. Do you think it's a good idea to skip using your UPS during BIOS updates?
Consider using your existing UPS if available. If you lack one, swapping the motherboard tends to be more economical than purchasing a UPS during an outage. I haven’t owned or used a UPS on my PCs for over three decades and never experienced power fluctuations due to it. It really hinges on how consistent your local power supply is.
It's not necessary. You were fortunate so far and are embracing the challenge. This is your decision and shouldn't be encouraged.
I’d say the claim that a UPS is essential isn’t true in general. While I’ve never experienced a computer part failing due to power surges in my area, power quality can vary widely. I’d agree with the idea that it depends on your location. Having one is definitely beneficial and serves as solid backup. However, I wouldn’t call it mandatory. Still, since my components are likely to fail soon because of unstable power, I’m feeling a bit unlucky. Thanks!
I understand you're right about being fortunate. But we must consider the actual probability of that event. In my area, power outages are very uncommon—perhaps every couple to three years during a severe storm. Most people I know don’t have a backup power solution. The organizations I’ve worked with never relied on UPS systems outside server facilities. For them, it’s not a critical concern. This isn’t a universal requirement; it’s just extra safeguarding that may not be necessary unless the risk feels significant. If you own one, feel free to use it. I’m not advising against it, but only suggesting you assess whether it’s a relevant worry for your situation.
I only changed the MSI motherboard BIOS so far, but the guidance provided is really lacking. It doesn’t explain what an empty drive is required for, nor does it mention needing FAT32 formatting—which feels odd since most USB drives don’t support that format officially. I managed to get by using a tool called "guiformat." My experience with BIOS updates has been quite challenging; they’re usually the most complicated process I’ve faced, often taking several hours due to unclear instructions. Plus, I don’t have any free FAT32 USB drives on hand. (The only one that actually works seems to be a 64GB Sandisc ULTRAFIT from AliExpress.) In short, I think updating BIOS is probably the most daunting step I’ve ever had to take, and at least with MSI boards it’s always been a lengthy process because the details aren’t clear. Maybe XMP should automatically turn off during an update, since it makes sense if the system boots into a different environment before or after the BIOS changes. At least with Ryzen CPUs, newer BIOS versions seem to be necessary. Overall, it would rate around a 3 out of 10—very stressful!
It's frustrating. I updated the MSI MPG Z690 Edge with the latest BIOS for a new 13700k, including a BIOS button. I flashed it twice more just to confirm everything worked, but nothing changed. Then I reinserted the CPU and RAM—still no issues. Finally, I tried using the previous BIOS flash option and it functioned properly.