Updateing Bios

[November Wolf]

I am upgrading my older cpu from a amd 64 3200 to a amd 64 x2 4200 socket 939 . I am a little confused about how I should go about updating my bios if I have to. I am currently running f5 bios and I believe I need to update to f9. Do I install the new cpu first or do I update before I install it. I have never flashed the bios before and just want to make sure I do not screw things up. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Blazer7]

It's much safer to update your BIOS prior to changing your cpu. If you do it the other way around your mobo may not regognize your new cpu and you can run across any number of problems.

 

[November Wolf]

Thanks Blazer. I noticed on the Gigabyte website they have a utility called @Bios that will automatically update your bios to the correct one. Have you ever tried this? If I update before I install the new cpu then should I update after the installation as well since the cpu has been changed?

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: November Wolf
Thanks Blazer. I noticed on the Gigabyte website they have a utility called @Bios that will automatically update your bios to the correct one. Have you ever tried this? If I update before I install the new cpu then should I update after the installation as well since the cpu has been changed?

No, the BIOS only needs to be updated one time. You can use the Windows utility, but make sure you are 100% rock solid stable... If Windows craps out on your (did a memory dump on me just a few days ago and lost my BIOS) you have a 50/50 chance being dead in the water.

People say it is safer to flash in DOS. They are correct, it is safer, but bother are reasonably safe. I agree to flash BIOS before you put in the new CPU.

Good luck!

 

[JustaGeek]

Try this, and use a bootable CD if necessary.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=y&keyword1=award+bios

If you experience problems after the update (no matter which update method you choose), just properly clear the CMOS.

Good luck!

 

[November Wolf]

Thanks guys. You have been extremly helpful. I should get my new chip tomorrow and hopefully install this weekend. Next job is a new video card.