Motherboard BIOS Updates?

Mr.Huggles · November 12, 2018

In the process of researching how to pick parts and build a computer I've learned that motherboards work of of BIOS and there are sometimes updates for them. I'm finding it difficult to dig up good and reliable information regarding the "when and why" of BIOS updates, so I thought I would turn to the actual Geek Squad (that's you guys, here ^^). In some cases a BIOS update seems as important as apparently some motherboards don't always come with the required BIOS for certain CPU (apparently initial Ryzen boards and chips has this issue around launch last year). Some friends have also mentioned that I shouldn't bother with updating the BIOS in a board unless it's absolutely needed (as opposed to my typical method of keeping my GPU as up to date as possible).

What are some tips regarding the when and why of BIOS updates or any other pertinent information a junior like me might want to know?

BlueChinchillaEatingDorito · November 12, 2018

8 minutes ago, Mr.Huggles said:

In the process of researching how to pick parts and build a computer I've learned that motherboards work of of BIOS and there are sometimes updates for them. I'm finding it difficult to dig up good and reliable information regarding the "when and why" of BIOS updates, so I thought I would turn to the actual Geek Squad (that's you guys, here ^^). In some cases a BIOS update seems as important as apparently some motherboards don't always come with the required BIOS for certain CPU (apparently initial Ryzen boards and chips has this issue around launch last year). Some friends have also mentioned that I shouldn't bother with updating the BIOS in a board unless it's absolutely needed (as opposed to my typical method of keeping my GPU as up to date as possible).

What are some tips regarding when and why of BIOS updates or any other pertinent information a junior like me might want to know?

Basically BIOS updates come up when there's a stability or (in pretty rare cases security) patches that need to be done at the hardware firmware level. Additional features and chip support will come up here and then. For example, AMD in the past have chipsets where a BIOS update would allow you to run their latest processors on older boards. But in general, your friends are correct, unless there's an absolute need like for chip compatibility, security, or you're experiencing some instability that's resolved from a BIOS update, there's no need to perform a BIOS update. Doing BIOS updates are risk free for the most part, but there's always a chance of bricking your board when something does go wrong like the power goes out during an update.

I for one have never performed a BIOS update and I've been working with computers for about 10 years by now, ever since I was in elementary school. There was never a need for me to do it so I just never bothered taking the risk. And back then, you didn't have BIOS flashback so maybe it's just a legacy thing for me.

Axeoasis · November 12, 2018

It's true that you shouldn't update a BIOS of a motherboard unless it's needed, because if something goes wrong there's always the chance of ending up with a bricked board. If you've never build a PC before, i'd stay away from motherboards that need an update for a CPU you want to use because you'd need a CPU that DOES work with it to be able to even update it.

When i built my system, my motherboard needed a BIOS update to be able to run 7th Gen Intel CPUs, so i had to buy a 6th Gen Intel CPU (which was what it was supposed to use originally) to be able to get support for the 7th Gen CPU.

It's a big mess, and unless you have a CPU already that would work with it, or are experienced with building PCs, i'd stay away from updating. I recommend PC Part Picker as they make it easy to tell if the motherboard will need an update or not. Neat website.