What might be some benefits of upgrading a BIOS.
2006-12-03 10:15:07 · 5 answers · asked by jaisil007 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Probably none... is anything BROKEN? Did you read about the new version, where it describes new features?
Generally, an update would involved new or updated hardware for people that use that motherboard. A new version of BIOS might make a different brand of RAM work. But it might correct a problem that people have with Hybernation mode or compatibility with a certain video card. But if you don't have any problems, Don't Fix it if it Ain't Broke!
Good luck and Happy Computing!
2006-12-03 10:19:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Taking the steps you ask about makes sense only if you have something to gain. If you can't get a piece of hardware to work--especially one that's newer than your PC--carefully upgrading your BIOS may be worthwhile.
The Basic Input/Output System chip on your PC's motherboard has program code necessary to run your computer. The BIOS chip is almost always flash RAM, so it is simple to upgrade using a program that "flashes" it with new code. Things can go wrong during the upgrade process, however, and the new version may introduce incompatibilities.
Before you decide on an upgrade, weigh the benefits against the effort involved and the risk entailed. The first step is to determine the manufacturer, number, and date of your BIOS. You can find this information in Windows by clicking Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Information. Then click the plus sign next to "Components" and select System. Select Advanced Information in the top-right window pane, scroll down to "System board", and look for BIOSDate and BIOSVersion. Alternatively, you may obtain the BIOS information when you boot your computer. Press Pause as soon as text appears on the screen; on most computers you'll see the BIOS manufacturer, number, and date. Write down the information, and then press any key to resume booting.
Your next step is to go to your system vendor's Web site and look for BIOS information for your PC model. (If you have a no-name clone, go to the motherboard manufacturer's Web site.) The information usually appears in a section of the site labeled "Technical Support", "Free Downloads", or something similar. If a BIOS upgrade is available for your system, read the description provided.
The upgrade file is usually a.zip or self-extracting.exe file. Instructions for the upgrade are probably stored in a "readme" file or somewhere on the Web site. Follow the instructions very carefully.
You'll probably have to put all the files required for the upgrade onto a bootable floppy disk. Then reboot, follow the vendor instructions for backing up your existing BIOS, and run the program that does the actual upgrade.
A power outage or other unexpected interruption in the flash process can corrupt the BIOS code. If you end up with a half-written BIOS, you'll have to use the backup copy you just made to reinstall the original. If your system won't boot, you'll need a BIOS-flashing machine or a new BIOS.
2006-12-03 10:19:13 · answer #2 · answered by phillycityboy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you need to flash the BIOS?
The most popular reasons that cause people to flash the BIOS are...
Support for newer processors - The BIOS allows the motherboard to accept processors up to a certain speed. Since you got the computer, the top speed of the processor type your computer accepts has increased. You decide to replace your processor with a faster one, but the BIOS does not recognize it or does not have the right settings. Upgrading the BIOS can resolve this problem.
Support for bigger hard drives - The BIOS allows the motherboard to accept hard drives up to a certain size. Since you got the computer, the maximum size for hard drives has increased. You decide to install a newer and bigger hard drive, but the BIOS does not recognize it or only recognizes part of the drive. Upgrading the BIOS can resolve this problem.
Bug fixes - The BIOS contains certain features and options, but one of them does not function properly or not at all. Since you got the computer, the manufacturer has recognized and corrected the problem with a new BIOS version. Upgrading the BIOS can resolve this problem.
2006-12-03 10:23:23 · answer #3 · answered by willing2help 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't really need to update your BIOS unless you're having problems that might be resolved by a BIOS upgrade - otherwise it might just cause you problems.
2006-12-03 10:18:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you often do not might desire to enhance your BIOS to apply a extra cutting-edge video card. Updating your BIOS is often in undemanding terms needed while upgrading to a CPU that replaced into released after your board's BIOS, or perhaps then it fairly is a case-via-case foundation. confirm you placed each thing back TO DEFAULT while FLASHING YOUR BIOS!
2016-12-10 21:18:58 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋