To upgrade BIO or not?

leoncuprar · 30 Sep 2012 at 21:43

Hi

I've got a ASUS P8Z68-V Gen3 which is running the original bios, 0301. I just checked the ASUS website and there have been 3 further BIOS releases, the latest being

Version 3402

Description

P8Z68-V/GEN3 BIOS 3402
1.Improve Improve system stability.
2.Enhance compatibility with some USB devices.
3.Support new CPUs. Please refer to our website at: http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

I don't have any particular problems with my system. I'm putting in a 7870 this week so hopefully that won't cause any issues.

Are firmware upgrades done best using ASUS utilities or from usb stick and bios ?

Thanks

scrlk · 30 Sep 2012 at 22:28

IMO, it's always best to have the latest BIOS, and upgrade from a USB drive. Don't use any Windows utilities, although they have improved in the last few years I still find them rather risky to work with.

BrianB · 30 Sep 2012 at 23:45

Aslong as pc is stable I see no reason not to use the windows utility, pretty sure gigabyte recommend using their @BIOS for updating the BIOS. Never been a problem for me, only used BIOS flashing utility once. This is for GPU's, mice, and motherboards. I would rather use a USB drive though, really need to get one.

Those changes in the BIOS they listed look like it's worth updating the BIOS, the first point alone is what I would update for. I wouldn't bother for 2 and 3.

AStaley · 1 Oct 2012 at 07:48

I tend to upgrade my BIOS to the latest on first purchase, after that I leave it alone unless there is a specific fix I need. Such as the Win8 compatibility in the latest BIOS's for the MVG.

pryere · 1 Oct 2012 at 12:46

I have the same board running 0402 since new with no problems at all. It is a bit of a dilemma...Not broke etc. Are you gonna do it?

Elevon · 1 Oct 2012 at 14:08

leoncuprar said:
Hi

I've got a ASUS P8Z68-V Gen3 which is running the original bios, 0301. I just checked the ASUS website and there have been 3 further BIOS releases, the latest being

Version 3402

Description

P8Z68-V/GEN3 BIOS 3402
1.Improve Improve system stability.
2.Enhance compatibility with some USB devices.
3.Support new CPUs. Please refer to our website at: http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

I don't have any particular problems with my system. I'm putting in a 7870 this week so hopefully that won't cause any issues.

Are firmware upgrades done best using ASUS utilities or from usb stick and bios ?

Thanks

I have same board,did every BIOS update when they became available so yes I'm on the latest version,as to BIOS flashing I did it in BIOS via USB.

I will say its worth it and very easy to do.

leoncuprar · 1 Oct 2012 at 21:03

Thanks for the feedback..

I think I'll give it a go this weekend once I've got a decent backup of my data.
Is there a way to backup existing BIOS to USB or something?

I'll take screenshots of all the BIOS menu's.before. I start..

Any other safety tips?

8 Pack · 2 Oct 2012 at 09:57

scrlk said:
IMO, it's always best to have the latest BIOS, and upgrade from a USB drive. Don't use any Windows utilities, although they have improved in the last few years I still find them rather risky to work with.

No its not its best to have the most stable bios for your system. If it works fine then leave it. The three series bios are for Ivy support, no Ivy stay as you are. The three series have had a lot of problems.

Elevon · 2 Oct 2012 at 16:42

8 Pack said:
No its not its best to have the most stable bios for your system. If it works fine then leave it. The three series bios are for Ivy support, no Ivy stay as you are. The three series have had a lot of problems.

Its not all about CPUs, try reading the Bios notes ie

P8Z68-V/GEN3 BIOS 3402
Improve Improve system stability.
Enhance compatibility with some USB devices.
Version 3201
Improve memory compatibility.

Personally I would update infact have updated to latest BIOS.

RocketPotato · 2 Oct 2012 at 16:55

I update my BIOS once or twice a year, providing I am not having any specific issues.

Also, always update from the BIOS. The last thing you need is Windows crashing half-way through the process and messing the board up.

darael · 2 Oct 2012 at 22:02

I always check 2-3 times for the latest BIOS, whether I'm having problems or not. It's a nice feeling knowing that my system is as stable as possible, even if I don't notice any difference from one BIOS version to the other.

8 Pack · 3 Oct 2012 at 09:28

Elevon said:
Its not all about CPUs, try reading the Bios notes ie

Personally I would update infact have updated to latest BIOS.

lol!!! I help moderate on the ROG forums I am an ASUS power user and currently number 3 Overclocker in UK!!! (See sig and indeed check ROG) I have seen so many troubles with the 3 series Bios its unbelievable. If you dont need the features i.e CPU as the rest are not needed with SB (Its higher memory multiplier stablility, GEN 3.0 PCI EX codes) then leave as is!!!

If your system is stable for what you use it for how can something be more stable????

pryere · 3 Oct 2012 at 10:47

8 Pack said:
lol!!! I help moderate on the ROG forums I am an ASUS power user and currently number 3 Overclocker in UK!!! (See sig and indeed check ROG) I have seen so many troubles with the 3 series Bios its unbelievable. If you dont need the features i.e CPU as the rest are not needed with SB (Its higher memory multiplier stablility, GEN 3.0 PCI EX codes) then leave as is!!!

If your system is stable for what you use it for how can something be more stable????

Thanks for that. Much appreciated.

Sliver · 3 Oct 2012 at 11:02

I updated to 3402 a few months back. No problems here.

8 Pack · 3 Oct 2012 at 11:52

I am not saying every system will. But many have. So if your stable and dont use Ivy dont risk it.

stuie · 3 Oct 2012 at 12:28

The Asus windows bios utility is actually very good. On the sabertooth at least it downloads and checks the file loaded it somewhere into the bios feature and then reboots and installs it from a bios screen so its done from within there, It also backs up the previous bios just in case theres a bad flash

8 Pack · 3 Oct 2012 at 12:46

None of the Bios support team would ever say to use the utility I promise you.

http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthrea...Bridge-BIOS-Update-procedure&country=&status=

Here is the official 3 series Bios flash guide for older chipsets.

Elevon · 3 Oct 2012 at 13:56

8 Pack said:
lol!!! I help moderate on the ROG forums I am an ASUS power user and currently number 3 Overclocker in UK!!! (See sig and indeed check ROG) I have seen so many troubles with the 3 series Bios its unbelievable. If you dont need the features i.e CPU as the rest are not needed with SB (Its higher memory multiplier stablility, GEN 3.0 PCI EX codes) then leave as is!!!

If your system is stable for what you use it for how can something be more stable????

I've updated every new BIOS for the Asus Z68 V Gen3 Board again no issues,did the same for my older boards over decades of PC usage and BIOS updating ie DFI,EPOX,Abit,ECS,MSI and more boards then I can care to remember with no issues.

There is always a small risk involved in BIOS updates but if you take some basic precautions ie check you have right the BIOS and do it from within BIOS via USB for example(I like to use USB with only BIOS file on the stick) then 99.999% of the time you will get no issues.
I've just updated my new Samsung gaming laptop BIOS twice recently as well,again on issues.

As to to your last question on stability etc... how about improving compatibility with hardware,I'm always buying new hardware like USB etc.. for my board so can't hurt to have something that says "Enhance compatibility with some USB devices".

With respect,end of the day we all have our own personal reasons for updating.
I'm a beta games tester too for various companies and they do like to know what BIOS I'm running,I like to keep it all current/latest ie drivers/BIOS etc...

My Asus board is overclocked as well and running sweet