BIOS Update/Upgrade?

[pop pop]

I recently DL'd and used the Everest Home Edition system info utility. I have to say it's very nice. It says (accurately) that my BIOS is more than two years old. It suggests that I update the BIOS and it provides a link. This is something I've never done. Is it worth it? Is it tricky/dangerous? What's the best, most safe way to do it?

[jlreich]

The danger with flashing your bios, is if something does go wrong, you mobo will probably be rendered useless. That being said, a bios update can provide support for newer hardware and software. Most recently, many released bios updates to to fix issues with XP SP2. It also can sometimes increase the ability to have more ram, and faster CPU's. Besides fixing general bugs or glitches in the original bios. Although I think the updates that really can increase hardware capability, are usually a third party update that cost money, usually around $25.

After two years, there most likely would be a bios update available for your system. I would go to your manufacturers website and see what is available, see what the fixes are. Who knows, it may fix some problems that you have had, or make it more stable.

It's usually pretty simple to do these days. The biggest fear is the power going out or surging during the flashing process.

[ski]

If things are working smoothly, then like the adage says "If it ain't broke....."

[jlreich]

True. Sometimes the fixes don't apply to you either. Like my HP has bios updates available, but it fixes an issue with a particular brand of CD-ROM, and modem. I don't have either, so why bother.