Updating BIOS IP35 Pro

TommyTrouble

TommyTrouble

TommyTrouble

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26 Jan 2009
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Hi All

I'm in the throws of updating my troublesome pc, it's getting some new ram, windows 7 and replacing the gfx card hopefully free via RMA. So my question is, how important is it to update the mobo's BIOS? I've always just used what it comes with, but could i be missing a trick here? I'm not really into over clocking, just want a rig that works well. My spec is as follows:

Abit IP35 Pro
Q6600
4 gig Geil 6400 Ram (soon to be corsair)
BFG 8800GTX OC2 (never been happy with this)
Vista home premium 64 (soon to be windows 7)

Thanks in advance

TT
 
Ordinarily you don't need to update the BIOS if your system as a whole is providing the functionality you need. By this I don't mean any problems relating to device specific OS drivers.

My IP35 Pro came loaded with BIOS 14. If you're not overclocking and more interested in power saving functions then you should probably consider BIOS 16 or newer for the "C1E", "S3 Sleep" and "Wake on.." fixes, as described in the change notes below.

http://www.abit.com.tw/page/en/down...pTITLE_ON_SCREEN=IP35+Pro&pSOCKET_TYPE=LGA775

BIOS: m629b17.zip
BIOS ID:17
Bios Issue Date:2008/05/26
1. Fixed 45nm CPU compatibility and support CPU half multiplier.
2. Fixed the Wake Up by WAKE# of PCIe function abnormality.
3. Fixed system hang when used Intel PXE CPU series.
4. Fixed CPU temperature abnormality when S3 return.
5. BIOS compiled date: 05/26/2008.

BIOS: m629b16.zip
BIOS ID:16
Bios Issue Date:2008/03/18
1. Update AHCI ROM version.
2. Update CPU Micro code.
3. Enhanced 45nm CPU compatibility.
4. Fixed C1E function abnormality.
5. Fixed Quick Power On Self Test function abnormality.
6. BIOS compiled date: 03/18/2008.

BIOS: m629b14.zip
BIOS ID:14
Bios Issue Date:2007/09/06
1. Fixed the POST will show CPU has been changed message when first time SAVE & EXIT BIOS menu.
2. Enhanced the S3 compatibility with abitEQ utility.
3. BIOS compiled date: 09/06/2007.

BIOS: m629b12.zip
BIOS ID:12
Bios Issue Date:2007/08/15
1. Update CPU micro code.
2. Support Wolfdale & Yolkfield CPU.
3. Support the pin definition of Front Audio adjusting function.
4. BIOS compiled date: 08/15/2007.

BIOS: m629b11.zip
BIOS ID:11
Bios Issue Date:2007/07/09
1. Support CL=3.
2. Enhanced compatibility with certain memories.
3. Support Command Rate adjusting function.
4. Update Jmicron BIOS to V1.06.69.
5. BIOS compiled date: 07/09/2007

BIOS: m629b10.zip
BIOS ID:10
Bios Issue Date:2007/05/17
1. First release.
2. BIOS compiled date: 5/17/2007
 
Thanks for the replies, it does worry me about updating the BIOS and the potential for a noob like me getting it wrong. However my machine is getting striped right back so there is less risk to HDD data i don't fancy loosing!

I'll have a look at what my BIOS is before i start the refurb, i don't have any clue how to do it mind, is it through the mobo software?

TT
 
Make sure to reset your current BIOS to defaults before updating to the newer BIOS. Remember to note down any specific settings aswell.
 
Apparently there is a BIOS 18 around, but it wasn't on the official Taiwan website.

Anyway, check the BIOS ID on the first screen the computer displays during "POST". The following is just an example to illustrate where to look and is not from the IP35 Pro.

2n9aw7p.jpg


I found a useful guide to the update procedure on another forum, here: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2397392&postcount=2023
 
BIOS updates aren't ask risky as they used to be.
In the old days BIOS's were updated off floppy disk which was a lottery at best, and flash memory wasn't as reliable.

Nowadays USB drives give perfect reliability for reading and the flash memory chips are tried and tested. I cannot remember the last time I saw a BIOS update fail, but it was many years ago.

Just do it, your whole PC starts at the BIOS so having a version that works at its best is essential.
 
IP35 also support window based flashing via Flashmenu, which should grab the latest bios and flash it for you....I've never had any problems, but some people have!
 
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