Best way to flash motherboard bios

Jono8

Jono8

Jono8

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Hi folks

I have to do something that I have never done before soon; flash a motherboard bios

I have a P67A-GD53 and I am swapping out my 2500k for a new 3770k in the next few days. My motherboard needs an update to make it compatible with 22nm/ivybridge CPU's so I wanted to check what is the best and safest way of doing this and how I do it?

There is an MSI program ( LIve update) that came with the motherboard that does seem to be able to update the bios itself but I have heard that software level bios flashing is not good. Is that correct?

Thanks
 
Best option is to use the BIOS flash utility from within the BIOS itself or create a bootable USB BIOS flash stick and boot to that and use the DOS utility.

I avoid BIOS flashing from within Windows period. Make sure you follow any manufactures instructions regarding making a backup of your BIOS prior to flashing in case anything goes wrong as most mobo's have some sort of rescue utility to get you out of a tight spot.
 
Do not use Live update as it has a very high chance of bricking the board. They even advise not to use it on MSI's forums. Download to a usb stick and then use the flashing tool built into the bios.
 
Ok, thanks guys.

I am a little confused about the instructions that the MSI website gives. It only says either DOS it through dos or windows.

I presume DOS is better?

What flash drive do I use and how should it be formatted? Do I just extract the zipped file to an empty flash drive.

I am a bit lost and don't want to brick my board!
 
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No one?

It is seriously hard to find a simple step by step instruction on how to do this.

I think essentially I have to make a bootable usb drive with the new rom on it and boot the usb drive into DOS to flash it.

However you have to type something into DOS which seems to be the version of the bios but I am not sure.

Even MSI's own pdf on it is uselsss.

How do I make sure that I make the bootable usb flash correct as well?

:(

Has anyone herer flashed the bios on a P67a-GD 53/55/56?
 
Since I experienced a bad BIOS flash via floppy drive that totally messed up the motherboard and ruined several OS installations before realizing the board was the problem, I personally for the last 13 years have only used windows based flash tools and (7-9-13) haven't had any problems in all those years. I simply download the BIOS I need from the manufacturer, and then I close all background applications and system tray tools, and then I run the windows flash tool and runs through the update process. Been doing this on my own and friends PC's for the last 13 years when a BIOS upgrade is/was needed. Never had an issue.
 
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MSI specifically state on their forums to NOT use live update, their windows flashing software as it has a very high chance of bricking the board. If they have no faith in their own tools they should withdraw it from use. They have a tool that they distribute on their forum for flashing but you need to sign up and be a member to get it.

Download the bios, extract to a USB flash drive (fat32) reboot, go into the bios and use M-Flash.
 
Well, after many attempts and then figuring out i was using the wrong bios i have succesfully flashed to the 4.3 bios i need for ivybridge. Still got my 2500k in at the moment but i have my 3770k sitting on my desk which is going in later when i get home from work.

I was inteneding to do it all yesterday but as with all computer related things, just flashing the bios took about 3x as long as i was expecting :p

Problem was, the bios's you get off of MSI's official website do not include the Intel ME extension you need if doing a DOS flash using a USB stick made with the MSI Forum HQ's flashing tool. You need this management engine patch for the ivybridge bios upgrades to work. Without that, it says the flash was successful but it doesnt actually flash anything and you remain on the same bios. That MSI forum tool is really good though. Makes it so easy to prepare a USB stick with the bios you need. Once you boot from the USB stick and get into DOS all you have to do is press go pretty much.

All sorted now thankfully.

Thanks guys
 
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USB stick and use the BIOS flash tool.

Nowadays I only use USB flashback which is fantastic.
However only available on ASUS boards.
 
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