Question BIOS updating, a must or a maybe?

[tinpanalley]

I've been wanting to ask this for some time.

I was told about 5 years ago when I asked about my BIOS that, "if your PC is working fine, don't do anything with the BIOS. You're more likely to mess it up if something arises you weren't expecting. If it's fine now, leave the BIOS alone." And therefore, due to that, I never updated my BIOS. So what's the deal? Is it something I should constantly do as often as my video drivers, etc? Is it something only knowledgable people should play with? Or is it a crucial part of maintaining a system? And why then do so many seem hesitant to update the BIOS when you ask around online? (..maybe I'm asking in the wrong places?)

 

[Iron Woode]

Sorry I should have been more clear. I understand the process, I am not sure if 2.1 includes all previous bios “fixes”
Also if the new bios doesn’t work well is there a way to revert to an older version without having a dual bios?

Asrock BIOSes can be tricky. Always read the notes on the BIOS page. Some BIOS updates can't be rolled back. Be careful before you flash.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

Asrock BIOSes can be tricky. Always read the notes on the BIOS page. Some BIOS updates can't be rolled back. Be careful before you flash.

Thanks man, getting a new thumb drive right now. Like not kidding sitting outside the store.
I’ll read that stuff over good.

 

[Muadib]

Sorry I should have been more clear. I understand the process, I am not sure if 2.1 includes all previous bios “fixes”
Also if the new bios doesn’t work well is there a way to revert to an older version without having a dual bios?

The newer bios does usually does include the previous fixes. However the new bios can introduce new problems, and sometimes you can't go back to an earlier version. The latest version for my Asrock board broke my sound card, and caused issues with booting. I was able to return to the version I was on though. Most versions that can't be replaced with an earlier version are clearly marked.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

The newer bios does usually does include the previous fixes. However the new bios can introduce new problems, and sometimes you can't go back to an earlier version. The latest version for my Asrock board broke my sound card, and caused issues with booting. I was able to return to the version I was on though. Most versions that can't be replaced with an earlier version are clearly marked.

You have me thinking twice but I’m soooooo tempted by the faster startup and better memory tweaking.
Realistically I won’t tweak the memory

 

[Iron Woode]

Thanks man, getting a new thumb drive right now. Like not kidding sitting outside the store.
I’ll read that stuff over good.

IMHO I think you will be fine for a BIOS update. Asrock can do the update in the BIOS from the internet using Internet Flash.

As an example of the issues some can face updating their BIOS, just check out my B450 board's warnings:

ASRock Fatal1ty B450 Gaming-ITX/ac

Supports AMD AM4 Socket Ryzen™ 2000, 3000, 4000 G-Series, 5000 and 5000 G-Series Desktop Processors; Supports DDR4 3466+ (OC); 1 PCIe 3.0 x16; Graphics Output: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0; 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec), Supports Creative Sound Blaster™ Cinema 5; 4 SATA3, 1 Ultra...

www.asrock.com

I stopped at 3.20.

 

[Muadib]

You have me thinking twice but I’m soooooo tempted by the faster startup and better memory tweaking.
Realistically I won’t tweak the memory

I agree with Iron Woode. You should be fine with the update. Check your manual and see if you have the bios flash back button. Mine does but I forgot it had it.

 

[yeshua]

Speaking of this kinda irrational "must upgrade to a new BIOS version whenever it's released" mantra.

For the latest BIOS 1405 for ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) people have reported the following changes:

• Memory overclocking has stopped working for some people
• One person has reported that the mic for his headphones stopped working
• Certain PCI-E sound cards now work properly

It's great we have the internet to share our experiences but it would have been a lot worse had it not been there.