Regarding BIOS UPDATE

[MURFING]

I've seen a lot of mixed opinions over the past couple of days about whether BIOS updates should be done regularly or not. Some people say it's not important, and they even advise against updating frequently  they believe that as long as your system is stable and running fine, there's no need to update the BIOS. On the other hand, others say it's essential to always keep it up to date, especially on AM5 motherboards. I'm confused  should I update or not? Which opinion is actually correct? I'm currently using an AM5 board.

[filpo]

5 minutes ago, MURFING said:

I've seen a lot of mixed opinions over the past couple of days about whether BIOS updates should be done regularly or not. Some people say it's not important, and they even advise against updating frequently  they believe that as long as your system is stable and running fine, there's no need to update the BIOS. On the other hand, others say it's essential to always keep it up to date, especially on AM5 motherboards. I'm confused  should I update or not? Which opinion is actually correct? I'm currently using an AM5 board.

the AM5 part may be due to the X3D problems on the ASUS boards first and now the Asrock B850 boards so an update to the bios would fix that problem. I have a ryzen 5 7600 system and I don't think you must update all the time with non X3D CPUs. I would with X3D CPUs, due to all the problems the boards have had with those

Some people may advise against, and, to a point, they're also right since there could be an issue in the next update such as those X3D issues. But BIOS updates also come with security and can possibly improve system stability even further (as some manufactures say on their BIOS update websites)

if you don't know what I'm talking about when I say 'X3D problems' have a look at these videos (the ASUS issues were quite a while ago and now the Asrock ones are more pressing)

[Dr. Will0hlep]

18 minutes ago, MURFING said:

I've seen a lot of mixed opinions over the past couple of days about whether BIOS updates should be done regularly or not. Some people say it's not important, and they even advise against updating frequently  they believe that as long as your system is stable and running fine, there's no need to update the BIOS. On the other hand, others say it's essential to always keep it up to date, especially on AM5 motherboards. I'm confused  should I update or not? Which opinion is actually correct? I'm currently using an AM5 board.

Well, it is all about benefit vs risk.

 

Every time you update your BIOS, you run the risk of bricking the board completely. It is very very unlikely this will happen. But it can happen if say your power goes out mid update, or the BIOS file your using becomes corrupted.

 

At the same time, most BIOS updates don't offer much benefit and therefore are not worth the risk. However, alot of AM5 updates tend to include AGESA updates which improve boot times and stability. Also, some BIOS updates improve security and are therefore vital.

So, in short, the answer is this: you should look at what the benefits are and weigh those against the risks.

[MURFING]

4 minutes ago, Dr. Will0hlep said:

Well, it is all about benefit vs risk.

 

Every time you update your BIOS, you run the risk of bricking the board completely. It is very very unlikely this will happen. But it can happen if say your power goes out mid update, or the BIOS file your using becomes corrupted.

 

In most cases, BIOS updates don't offer much benefit and therefore are not worth the risk. However, alot of AM5 updates tend to include AGESA updates which improve boot times and stability. Also, some BIOS updates improve security and are therefore vital.

So, in short, the answer is this: you should look at what the benefits are and weigh those against the risks.

Thing is I literally do have 0 experience when it comes to such stuff so I am even more confused now.. All I know that I am currently on F6 and the newer bios update is F7 so like u think it is worth updating to F7?

[MURFING]

9 minutes ago, filpo said:

the AM5 part may be due to the X3D problems on the ASUS boards first and now the Asrock B850 boards so an update to the bios would fix that problem. I have a ryzen 5 7600 system and I don't think you must update all the time with non X3D CPUs. I would with X3D CPUs, due to all the problems the boards have had with those

Some people may advise against, and, to a point, they're also right since there could be an issue in the next update such as those X3D issues. But BIOS updates also come with security and can possibly improve system stability even further (as some manufactures say on their BIOS update websites)

if you don't know what I'm talking about when I say 'X3D problems' have a look at these videos (the ASUS issues were quite a while ago and now the Asrock ones are more pressing)

Thing is I literally do have 0 experience when it comes to such stuff so I am even more confused now.. All I know that I am currently on F6 and the newer bios update is F7 so like u think it is worth updating to F7

[Dr. Will0hlep]

7 minutes ago, MURFING said:

Thing is I literally do have 0 experience when it comes to such stuff so I am even more confused now.. All I know that I am currently on F6 and the newer bios update is F7 so like u think it is worth updating to F7?

F7 appears to address security vulnerabilities as well as CPU and RAM support.

I would consider this worth doing if you have a UPS for your machine as this significantly decreases the risk. Otherwise, I'd leave it for now.

[MURFING]

8 minutes ago, Dr. Will0hlep said:

F7 appears to address security vulnerabilities as well as CPU and RAM support.

I would consider this worth doing if you have a UPS for your machine as this significantly decreases the risk. Otherwise, I'd leave it for now.

is it like worthit?and is it true that security updates sometimes decrease the overall performance?

[filpo]

5 minutes ago, MURFING said:

is it like worthit?and is it true that security updates sometimes decrease the overall performance?

If that does happen then it's an issue with the bios update, and that would be a rare case. I haven't had anything like that where one bios update hurt my performance compared to another (unless you mean by the game not starting due to stability issues, but that is mostly with betas)

[Kisai]

41 minutes ago, MURFING said:

I've seen a lot of mixed opinions over the past couple of days about whether BIOS updates should be done regularly or not. Some people say it's not important, and they even advise against updating frequently  they believe that as long as your system is stable and running fine, there's no need to update the BIOS. On the other hand, others say it's essential to always keep it up to date, especially on AM5 motherboards. I'm confused  should I update or not? Which opinion is actually correct? I'm currently using an AM5 board.

You should always update the BIOS if there is a problem the BIOS addresses that you are experiencing. Issues with the Ryzen and Intel 12/13/14th gen both recently require BIOS updates to avoid killing the CPU's or killing a replacement CPU.

 

That said, the not every BIOS update is worth updating. Like if you look at Dell updates.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-ca/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=nkfj6

 

Quote

- This release contains security updates as disclosed in the Dell Security Advisory DSA-2023-359. For more information, see Dell Security Advisories and Notices.
- Fixed the issue where the Wake on Approach feature does not work when the system enters Modern Standby mode. This issue occurs after updating the BIOS.
- Fixed the issue where the system audio is distorted when you play videos.
- Fixed the issue where Intel TBT Retimer Update Failed is displayed when you update the BIOS.
- Fixed the issue where the system stops responding when there are more than 255 boot options in the BIOS Setup.
- Fixed the issue where the system does not boot into the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) from the Dell Dock WD19S. This issue occurs when you disable the Enable USB Boot Support option in the BIOS setup.
- Fixed the issue where the system can boot on the bootable key when the BIOS admin password is set.
- Fixed the issue where a small logo screen is displayed first and later switches to the full-screen logo. This issue occurs when the Full Screen Logo option is enabled and you boot the system.
- Fixed the issue where the battery status shows charging when you unplug the Type-C dock from the system. This issue occurs with Windows 11 version 21H2.
- Fixed the issue where the BIOS admin password cannot be set if Dell Encryption PBA is active.
- Fixed the issue where the BIOS update takes longer when you connect the Dell Dock WD19DCS to the system.
- Fixed the issue where the system cannot display to an external monitor. This issue occurs when you try to turn on the system through the monitor power button on a Dell Power Button Sync (DPBS) monitor.

Note the one about the BIOS password being bypassed.

Now here's the most recent:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-ca/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=35kcx

Quote

- This BIOS contains the new 2023 Secure Boot Certificates.
- Intel discontinues the non-TLS network communication support for Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) and Intel Standard Manageability. For more information, see Non-TLS EOL for Intel AMT and Intel Standard Manageability.
- Once the BIOS is upgraded, you cannot downgrade the BIOS to version 1.32.1 or earlier. BIOS downgrades are restricted when there are security updates and important fixes with earlier versions that impact the functionality of the system.

So, other than the update for the Secure Boot Certificate, did you need to update the laptop BIOS? Probably not.

 

This is the thing, MOST OF THE TIME, you don't update the BIOS unless that thing you need the update for is something you need and use. Most of the time updating the BIOS on a whitebox PC (basically any non-OEM PC) is something you do when you build it and then never touch it again.

 

Meanwhile

https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-strix/rog-strix-z790-e-gaming-wifi-ii/helpdesk_bios/

Quote

"1. Update the Intel microcode to version 0x12F to further improve system conditions that may contribute to Vmin Shift instability in Intel 13th and 14th Gen systems.

Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME to version 16.1.35.2557. Please note after you update this BIOS, the ME version remains the updated one even if you roll back to an older BIOS later.
Before running the USB BIOS Flashback tool, please rename the BIOS file (A5462.CAP) using BIOSRenamer."

No Secure Boot Certificate update. But "fixes for Vmin" are there. Can't tell you how effective that was since I had to RMA that CPU.

 

Point being that there are important updates, but they often reflect newer hardware. That z790 board can take a 12th or 13th gen board, but you'll note that there was no specific fix for 12th gen, only 13th/14th gen. You don't need to update the BIOS for the 12th gen, but if you wanted to, you are required to or it will damage the CPU.

 

 

[GuiltySpark_]

When AM5 and Zen4 were new, I was updating once a week, sometimes even multiple times a week. I bought the platform on day 1 of availability and improvements were coming fast. 

 

I updated that board 15 times. Its been about a year since I've bothered to update it and honestly everything just kinda works so i'm in no hurry until Zen6. 

[MURFING]

16 minutes ago, GuiltySpark_ said:

When AM5 and Zen4 were new, I was updating once a week, sometimes even multiple times a week. I bought the platform on day 1 of availability and improvements were coming fast. 

 

I updated that board 15 times. Its been about a year since I've bothered to update it and honestly everything just kinda works so i'm in no hurry until Zen6. 

I did buy mine recently abd I am alreary on F6 and the newer full version is F7.. U think it is worth updating to it? 

[GuiltySpark_]

2 minutes ago, MURFING said:

U think it is worth updating to it? 

One version behind? Unless something major is fixed, there is really no point. 

[MURFING]

6 minutes ago, GuiltySpark_ said:

One version behind? Unless something major is fixed, there is really no point. 

literally one version behind yes as the recent and latest one is called F8 and it's beta and ofc I avoid beta ones so it's the F6 I am currently on or the F7.. U have seen how the F6 and the F7 was allabout so like u think it is worth updating to F7? like u think the F7 got some major stuff fixed?

[GuiltySpark_]

Just now, MURFING said:

U have seen how the F6 and the F7 was allabout so like u think it is worth updating to F7?

I believe thats what I already answered.

[MURFING]

4 minutes ago, GuiltySpark_ said:

I believe thats what I already answered.

 

4 minutes ago, GuiltySpark_ said:

I believe thats what I already answered.

Oh,I mean like these security fixeson the F7 u think it is worth the risk of updating my BIOS? or not really important? since I am on a one version behind?

[Pusbucket]

13 minutes ago, MURFING said:

 

Oh,I mean like these security fixeson the F7 u think it is worth the risk of updating my BIOS? or not really important? since I am on a one version behind?

to give you a concise answer it really would help to know system specs, at least what specific motherboard model, cpu and what memory you have. 

without knowing that specific information, all you've really gotten so far are personal opinions.

There may be things that apply to your specific board or cpu, such as Ryzen 9000 support or memory compatibility.

[MURFING]

10 minutes ago, Pusbucket said:

to give you a concise answer it really would help to know system specs, at least what specific motherboard model, cpu and what memory you have. 

without knowing that specific information, all you've really gotten so far are personal opinions.

There may be things that apply to your specific board or cpu, such as Ryzen 9000 support or memory compatibility.

exactly how I think as I am truly paranoid.. questtion is I am on F6 already so u think the F7 version is worth updating ? says it adds support to rayzen9000 CPu but doesn't F6 already support rayzen 9000 CPUs?

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/X870-AORUS-ELITE-WIFI7/support

i would apprecciate it if u can check it out as I am truly anoob and so confused