what does flashing the BIOS mean?

[odannyboy000]

well, what does it mean?

[PrntRhd]

I think you can find the answer here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashing

It means updating the instructions for the BIOS chip on the mainboard.

Note: This is not without risk, if done improperly or if power is interrupted, it can turn chips and boards into expensive lessons.

[Paleo Pete]

To take PrntRhd's caution a step further, it's great to know what flashing or updating the BIOS is, but only attempt it if the update is definitely intended for your specific CPU and has fixes or patches you definitely need. One case I remember we recommended a BIOS update a while back was to allow support for a faster CPU, which the person posting the question had, but the chipset didn't support that CPU before the BIOS update. In a case like that, a BIOS update is a viable option. If the update does not add anything you definitely need, don't attempt it. As cautioned above, an accident can turn the motherboard into an expensive paperweight. The only way to fix a "bad flash" is to replace the CMOS chip. Since most are soldered in these days, that's not a project the home user is capable of completing.

[pangea33]

Heed that advice. I once flashed my old motherboard with the wrong bios. No boot, no way. I called the manufacturer, and it ended up being about the same price to get a better mobo off of Ebay.

Aggravated me at the time, but my old board was a PCChips. I had no concept of how slow it's throughput to the drives was until I updated my mobo. This was extremely noticeable with a 5400 rpm drive too.

I no longer flash unless there is a specific issue updating will remedy. As mentioned above.