Should I update the BIOS?

Razor-BladE · 21 Jan 2024 at 19:35

Hi,

I've just put together an i5 14600k and MSI Z790 Gaming Plus PC. No issues booting up first time and it can get into the BIOS. However the BIOS version is E7E06IMS.H00 with a date of 23/08/2023. Looking at the website this must be the 'first' version as the first downloadable version is 29/08/2023. The 2 more recent versions have descriptions of

-Updated CPU uCode to fix "UNSUPPORTED PROCESSOR" issue caused unexpected BSOD.
- Support 14th Gen CPU.

And

- Updated CPU uCode.
- Updated Secure Boot mechanism.
- Updated OC Auto rules.
- Intel APO function optimized.
- Improved USB4 compatibility.

Should I update it even though my 14th gen CPU seemingly is ok on an older version or leave it be?

Thanks.

Razor-BladE · 21 Jan 2024 at 20:06

Ignore me, I updated it anyway as it should be more stable with the latest version? I was just a bit worried it might brick but all is good

mattyfez · 22 Jan 2024 at 01:18

No harm in doing it, but I generally don't bother unless there's a compelling reason to.

I updated my asus z790 a while back, (as in when it was brand new/ before 14th gen was a thing) but have a mental note to do it again at some point to ensure 14th gen compatability.

I don't intend upgrading to 14th gen, but incase of CPU fail (highly unlikely) I might end up buying a 14th gen, equally If I sell the board at any point, knowing it's '14th gen ready' and relativley up to date will help with the sale.

JollyJamma · 22 Jan 2024 at 08:01

We should really create a guide on when and how to update a motherboard BIOS here on the forum and pin in.

I'll message a mod and ask them.

There are two approaches to this, both are valid: If you're not having any issues, don't update your BIOS and the other is always update your BIOS and don't be afraid of moving back to an old version.

I go with the latter of those two options as I'm happy to rescue a bricked motherboard using BIOS flashback, firmware updates often enhance stability in the long run and I'm happy to troubleshoot any issues relating to a buggy BIOS.

New does not always mean better - sometimes it can mean really problematic and often googling the BIOS version and motherboard can return Reddit threads with either good or bad results.

I would always do a BIOS update before an upgrade because you may need it for a new generation of CPUs (eg 14th gen), if I'm looking for better RAM overclocking and especially if there are known voltage issues (Asus had major issues recently with high voltages).

A lot of people are scared of updating a BIOS but it's really much more reliable than it used to be and BIOS flashback means that you can usually save a bad BIOS update where the motherboard is semi-bricked.

If a motherboard doesn't have BIOS Flashback, I'm far more hesitant to update the BIOS if it's not my machine or if I don't know if I can get it RMA'ed by the retailer (I don't have proof of purchase or there's no warranty or the retailer has essentially zero after sales support and does not care, which happens).

Hope this helps OP in some ways, even if they did update their BIOS already.

Rroff · 22 Jan 2024 at 08:14

The initial 14th gen support BIOS on most boards ideally needs updating, if it is just referred to as Intel Next or whatever rather than 14th gen the PCI-e support can be lacking maturity, most boards got a later update for APO (not that it adds much right now) and generally a few small fixes got rolled out just after release.