Which BIOS update should I use?
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I'm using an Asus B250M motherboard. I found it has so many BIOS update files. Their versions are denoted as 12xx, 11xx, 8xx etc. Each update description says it is for a specific purpose.
I'm obviously using an old one which I thought will be the only update. But I see the manufacturer released more over time.
So should I install the only current update or all of those as they were released chronologically? Sadly the manufacturer has no instruction about which BIOS update to install.
motherboard bios
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I'm using an Asus B250M motherboard. I found it has so many BIOS update files. Their versions are denoted as 12xx, 11xx, 8xx etc. Each update description says it is for a specific purpose.
I'm obviously using an old one which I thought will be the only update. But I see the manufacturer released more over time.
So should I install the only current update or all of those as they were released chronologically? Sadly the manufacturer has no instruction about which BIOS update to install.
motherboard bios
Don't update the BIOS unless you have to because of some problem.
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 20 at 21:52
1
You only need to update to the latest. You don't need or want to go through the list and install each update.
– essjae
Nov 20 at 23:19
I work on BIOS updates daily (anything for a buck-ten). BIOS from one manufacturer I work with frequently can require installing multiple BIOS, in chronological order, and if I don't, the BIOS update can fail. Unless you have checked with Asus, I would not jump to the latest version.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:31
They call it UEFI now and say its not a BIOS
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:16
@K7AAY you write "I work on BIOS updates daily" <-- are you just calling it BIOS for the 'benefit' of the questioner. or are you suggesting that most people including the most expert people, in the UEFI industry still call it BIOS. ?
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:19
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I'm using an Asus B250M motherboard. I found it has so many BIOS update files. Their versions are denoted as 12xx, 11xx, 8xx etc. Each update description says it is for a specific purpose.
I'm obviously using an old one which I thought will be the only update. But I see the manufacturer released more over time.
So should I install the only current update or all of those as they were released chronologically? Sadly the manufacturer has no instruction about which BIOS update to install.
motherboard bios
I'm using an Asus B250M motherboard. I found it has so many BIOS update files. Their versions are denoted as 12xx, 11xx, 8xx etc. Each update description says it is for a specific purpose.
I'm obviously using an old one which I thought will be the only update. But I see the manufacturer released more over time.
So should I install the only current update or all of those as they were released chronologically? Sadly the manufacturer has no instruction about which BIOS update to install.
motherboard bios
motherboard bios
edited Nov 20 at 21:54
K7AAY
3,21321437
3,21321437
asked Nov 20 at 21:28
Bluebug
163
163
Don't update the BIOS unless you have to because of some problem.
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 20 at 21:52
1
You only need to update to the latest. You don't need or want to go through the list and install each update.
– essjae
Nov 20 at 23:19
I work on BIOS updates daily (anything for a buck-ten). BIOS from one manufacturer I work with frequently can require installing multiple BIOS, in chronological order, and if I don't, the BIOS update can fail. Unless you have checked with Asus, I would not jump to the latest version.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:31
They call it UEFI now and say its not a BIOS
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:16
@K7AAY you write "I work on BIOS updates daily" <-- are you just calling it BIOS for the 'benefit' of the questioner. or are you suggesting that most people including the most expert people, in the UEFI industry still call it BIOS. ?
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:19
|
show 2 more comments
Don't update the BIOS unless you have to because of some problem.
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 20 at 21:52
1
You only need to update to the latest. You don't need or want to go through the list and install each update.
– essjae
Nov 20 at 23:19
I work on BIOS updates daily (anything for a buck-ten). BIOS from one manufacturer I work with frequently can require installing multiple BIOS, in chronological order, and if I don't, the BIOS update can fail. Unless you have checked with Asus, I would not jump to the latest version.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:31
They call it UEFI now and say its not a BIOS
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:16
@K7AAY you write "I work on BIOS updates daily" <-- are you just calling it BIOS for the 'benefit' of the questioner. or are you suggesting that most people including the most expert people, in the UEFI industry still call it BIOS. ?
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:19
Don't update the BIOS unless you have to because of some problem.
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 20 at 21:52
Don't update the BIOS unless you have to because of some problem.
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 20 at 21:52
1
1
You only need to update to the latest. You don't need or want to go through the list and install each update.
– essjae
Nov 20 at 23:19
You only need to update to the latest. You don't need or want to go through the list and install each update.
– essjae
Nov 20 at 23:19
I work on BIOS updates daily (anything for a buck-ten). BIOS from one manufacturer I work with frequently can require installing multiple BIOS, in chronological order, and if I don't, the BIOS update can fail. Unless you have checked with Asus, I would not jump to the latest version.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:31
I work on BIOS updates daily (anything for a buck-ten). BIOS from one manufacturer I work with frequently can require installing multiple BIOS, in chronological order, and if I don't, the BIOS update can fail. Unless you have checked with Asus, I would not jump to the latest version.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:31
They call it UEFI now and say its not a BIOS
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:16
They call it UEFI now and say its not a BIOS
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:16
@K7AAY you write "I work on BIOS updates daily" <-- are you just calling it BIOS for the 'benefit' of the questioner. or are you suggesting that most people including the most expert people, in the UEFI industry still call it BIOS. ?
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:19
@K7AAY you write "I work on BIOS updates daily" <-- are you just calling it BIOS for the 'benefit' of the questioner. or are you suggesting that most people including the most expert people, in the UEFI industry still call it BIOS. ?
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:19
|
show 2 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
There's no guarantee that you can successfully install the latest available BIOS/UEFI update and have it work. In many cases, a manufacturer will release a BIOS update that requires the motherboard to already have been updated to a certain version level before it can be installed.
For example, BIOS version 99 may require version 35 or higher. In this case, if you have version 27 installed, you would first need to update to version 35, then you could safely upgrade to version 99 (skipping all the versions between 35 and 99).
Sometimes there other unusual requirements for installing these updates. In fact, while searching the Asus site for info about your board, I ran across this, which doesn't apply to your board but demonstrates my point exactly:
If your BIOS Version of ASUS 100 series MB is under 1800, and you want to upgrade BIOS to support the latest 7th Intel CPU, please do remember to update BIOS two times to 30xx version manually.
(emphasis mine)
Only the manufacturer knows of these dependencies. They should be clearly stated in the release notes for each BIOS version.
If you cannot obtain this information, then you should install each update from oldest to newest. Since this is the order in which the updates were released over time, you will not run into any dependency problems.
Your specific case:
I searched and could not find any BIOS release notes on Asus' site for your motherboard. However, Asus provides the AI Suite III application which includes EZ Update. According to the manual for Asus PRIME B250M-A motherboard:
EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, (sic) drivers and the BIOS version easily.
In my experience, tools like this one are aware of any dependencies and will guide you through installing the updates in the correct order.
You can download AI Suite III from Asus' website here.
1
Yep, it does happen. He's right.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:25
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
So should I install the only current update or all of those as they were released chronologically?
In the time of Spectre and Meltdown, you should update the BIOS to the latest version. This will surely slowdown your machine, but, at the same time, increase your security from these attacks.
The only argument against BIOS updates
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
does not apply in the age of Meltdown and Spectre.
Nearly all current Mainboards do need an update in this regard.
He, who claims otherwise, has no idea of what's he talking about.
So, final answer:
Update your BIOS to the latest version.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
If it ain't broke, don't fix it is a sound principle for BIOS updates. If you were facing a particular issue which a BIOS resolves, then it's time to think about updating it.
However, a security issue does exist, and all BIOS versions dated 2018/03/26 or later will include the CPU Microcode patch, so I recommend updating, starting with the version just barely newer than what you have now, applying each update in series, until you have completed the install of Version 1205.
There's also a security fix to the Management Engine, which is different than the BIOS, and I recommend updating to Version 11.8.55.3510; again, from the version you have now, one at a time in series, until you have applied the latest.
Both are obtained from the same download page.
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
There's no guarantee that you can successfully install the latest available BIOS/UEFI update and have it work. In many cases, a manufacturer will release a BIOS update that requires the motherboard to already have been updated to a certain version level before it can be installed.
For example, BIOS version 99 may require version 35 or higher. In this case, if you have version 27 installed, you would first need to update to version 35, then you could safely upgrade to version 99 (skipping all the versions between 35 and 99).
Sometimes there other unusual requirements for installing these updates. In fact, while searching the Asus site for info about your board, I ran across this, which doesn't apply to your board but demonstrates my point exactly:
If your BIOS Version of ASUS 100 series MB is under 1800, and you want to upgrade BIOS to support the latest 7th Intel CPU, please do remember to update BIOS two times to 30xx version manually.
(emphasis mine)
Only the manufacturer knows of these dependencies. They should be clearly stated in the release notes for each BIOS version.
If you cannot obtain this information, then you should install each update from oldest to newest. Since this is the order in which the updates were released over time, you will not run into any dependency problems.
Your specific case:
I searched and could not find any BIOS release notes on Asus' site for your motherboard. However, Asus provides the AI Suite III application which includes EZ Update. According to the manual for Asus PRIME B250M-A motherboard:
EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, (sic) drivers and the BIOS version easily.
In my experience, tools like this one are aware of any dependencies and will guide you through installing the updates in the correct order.
You can download AI Suite III from Asus' website here.
1
Yep, it does happen. He's right.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:25
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
There's no guarantee that you can successfully install the latest available BIOS/UEFI update and have it work. In many cases, a manufacturer will release a BIOS update that requires the motherboard to already have been updated to a certain version level before it can be installed.
For example, BIOS version 99 may require version 35 or higher. In this case, if you have version 27 installed, you would first need to update to version 35, then you could safely upgrade to version 99 (skipping all the versions between 35 and 99).
Sometimes there other unusual requirements for installing these updates. In fact, while searching the Asus site for info about your board, I ran across this, which doesn't apply to your board but demonstrates my point exactly:
If your BIOS Version of ASUS 100 series MB is under 1800, and you want to upgrade BIOS to support the latest 7th Intel CPU, please do remember to update BIOS two times to 30xx version manually.
(emphasis mine)
Only the manufacturer knows of these dependencies. They should be clearly stated in the release notes for each BIOS version.
If you cannot obtain this information, then you should install each update from oldest to newest. Since this is the order in which the updates were released over time, you will not run into any dependency problems.
Your specific case:
I searched and could not find any BIOS release notes on Asus' site for your motherboard. However, Asus provides the AI Suite III application which includes EZ Update. According to the manual for Asus PRIME B250M-A motherboard:
EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, (sic) drivers and the BIOS version easily.
In my experience, tools like this one are aware of any dependencies and will guide you through installing the updates in the correct order.
You can download AI Suite III from Asus' website here.
1
Yep, it does happen. He's right.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:25
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
There's no guarantee that you can successfully install the latest available BIOS/UEFI update and have it work. In many cases, a manufacturer will release a BIOS update that requires the motherboard to already have been updated to a certain version level before it can be installed.
For example, BIOS version 99 may require version 35 or higher. In this case, if you have version 27 installed, you would first need to update to version 35, then you could safely upgrade to version 99 (skipping all the versions between 35 and 99).
Sometimes there other unusual requirements for installing these updates. In fact, while searching the Asus site for info about your board, I ran across this, which doesn't apply to your board but demonstrates my point exactly:
If your BIOS Version of ASUS 100 series MB is under 1800, and you want to upgrade BIOS to support the latest 7th Intel CPU, please do remember to update BIOS two times to 30xx version manually.
(emphasis mine)
Only the manufacturer knows of these dependencies. They should be clearly stated in the release notes for each BIOS version.
If you cannot obtain this information, then you should install each update from oldest to newest. Since this is the order in which the updates were released over time, you will not run into any dependency problems.
Your specific case:
I searched and could not find any BIOS release notes on Asus' site for your motherboard. However, Asus provides the AI Suite III application which includes EZ Update. According to the manual for Asus PRIME B250M-A motherboard:
EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, (sic) drivers and the BIOS version easily.
In my experience, tools like this one are aware of any dependencies and will guide you through installing the updates in the correct order.
You can download AI Suite III from Asus' website here.
There's no guarantee that you can successfully install the latest available BIOS/UEFI update and have it work. In many cases, a manufacturer will release a BIOS update that requires the motherboard to already have been updated to a certain version level before it can be installed.
For example, BIOS version 99 may require version 35 or higher. In this case, if you have version 27 installed, you would first need to update to version 35, then you could safely upgrade to version 99 (skipping all the versions between 35 and 99).
Sometimes there other unusual requirements for installing these updates. In fact, while searching the Asus site for info about your board, I ran across this, which doesn't apply to your board but demonstrates my point exactly:
If your BIOS Version of ASUS 100 series MB is under 1800, and you want to upgrade BIOS to support the latest 7th Intel CPU, please do remember to update BIOS two times to 30xx version manually.
(emphasis mine)
Only the manufacturer knows of these dependencies. They should be clearly stated in the release notes for each BIOS version.
If you cannot obtain this information, then you should install each update from oldest to newest. Since this is the order in which the updates were released over time, you will not run into any dependency problems.
Your specific case:
I searched and could not find any BIOS release notes on Asus' site for your motherboard. However, Asus provides the AI Suite III application which includes EZ Update. According to the manual for Asus PRIME B250M-A motherboard:
EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, (sic) drivers and the BIOS version easily.
In my experience, tools like this one are aware of any dependencies and will guide you through installing the updates in the correct order.
You can download AI Suite III from Asus' website here.
edited Nov 21 at 2:15
answered Nov 20 at 23:22
Twisty Impersonator
17.2k126293
17.2k126293
1
Yep, it does happen. He's right.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:25
add a comment |
1
Yep, it does happen. He's right.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:25
1
1
Yep, it does happen. He's right.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:25
Yep, it does happen. He's right.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:25
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
So should I install the only current update or all of those as they were released chronologically?
In the time of Spectre and Meltdown, you should update the BIOS to the latest version. This will surely slowdown your machine, but, at the same time, increase your security from these attacks.
The only argument against BIOS updates
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
does not apply in the age of Meltdown and Spectre.
Nearly all current Mainboards do need an update in this regard.
He, who claims otherwise, has no idea of what's he talking about.
So, final answer:
Update your BIOS to the latest version.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
So should I install the only current update or all of those as they were released chronologically?
In the time of Spectre and Meltdown, you should update the BIOS to the latest version. This will surely slowdown your machine, but, at the same time, increase your security from these attacks.
The only argument against BIOS updates
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
does not apply in the age of Meltdown and Spectre.
Nearly all current Mainboards do need an update in this regard.
He, who claims otherwise, has no idea of what's he talking about.
So, final answer:
Update your BIOS to the latest version.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
So should I install the only current update or all of those as they were released chronologically?
In the time of Spectre and Meltdown, you should update the BIOS to the latest version. This will surely slowdown your machine, but, at the same time, increase your security from these attacks.
The only argument against BIOS updates
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
does not apply in the age of Meltdown and Spectre.
Nearly all current Mainboards do need an update in this regard.
He, who claims otherwise, has no idea of what's he talking about.
So, final answer:
Update your BIOS to the latest version.
So should I install the only current update or all of those as they were released chronologically?
In the time of Spectre and Meltdown, you should update the BIOS to the latest version. This will surely slowdown your machine, but, at the same time, increase your security from these attacks.
The only argument against BIOS updates
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
does not apply in the age of Meltdown and Spectre.
Nearly all current Mainboards do need an update in this regard.
He, who claims otherwise, has no idea of what's he talking about.
So, final answer:
Update your BIOS to the latest version.
answered Nov 20 at 22:39
zx485
604413
604413
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
If it ain't broke, don't fix it is a sound principle for BIOS updates. If you were facing a particular issue which a BIOS resolves, then it's time to think about updating it.
However, a security issue does exist, and all BIOS versions dated 2018/03/26 or later will include the CPU Microcode patch, so I recommend updating, starting with the version just barely newer than what you have now, applying each update in series, until you have completed the install of Version 1205.
There's also a security fix to the Management Engine, which is different than the BIOS, and I recommend updating to Version 11.8.55.3510; again, from the version you have now, one at a time in series, until you have applied the latest.
Both are obtained from the same download page.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
If it ain't broke, don't fix it is a sound principle for BIOS updates. If you were facing a particular issue which a BIOS resolves, then it's time to think about updating it.
However, a security issue does exist, and all BIOS versions dated 2018/03/26 or later will include the CPU Microcode patch, so I recommend updating, starting with the version just barely newer than what you have now, applying each update in series, until you have completed the install of Version 1205.
There's also a security fix to the Management Engine, which is different than the BIOS, and I recommend updating to Version 11.8.55.3510; again, from the version you have now, one at a time in series, until you have applied the latest.
Both are obtained from the same download page.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
If it ain't broke, don't fix it is a sound principle for BIOS updates. If you were facing a particular issue which a BIOS resolves, then it's time to think about updating it.
However, a security issue does exist, and all BIOS versions dated 2018/03/26 or later will include the CPU Microcode patch, so I recommend updating, starting with the version just barely newer than what you have now, applying each update in series, until you have completed the install of Version 1205.
There's also a security fix to the Management Engine, which is different than the BIOS, and I recommend updating to Version 11.8.55.3510; again, from the version you have now, one at a time in series, until you have applied the latest.
Both are obtained from the same download page.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it is a sound principle for BIOS updates. If you were facing a particular issue which a BIOS resolves, then it's time to think about updating it.
However, a security issue does exist, and all BIOS versions dated 2018/03/26 or later will include the CPU Microcode patch, so I recommend updating, starting with the version just barely newer than what you have now, applying each update in series, until you have completed the install of Version 1205.
There's also a security fix to the Management Engine, which is different than the BIOS, and I recommend updating to Version 11.8.55.3510; again, from the version you have now, one at a time in series, until you have applied the latest.
Both are obtained from the same download page.
edited Nov 21 at 0:46
answered Nov 20 at 22:01
K7AAY
3,21321437
3,21321437
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Super User!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.
Please pay close attention to the following guidance:
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fsuperuser.com%2fquestions%2f1377108%2fwhich-bios-update-should-i-use%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Don't update the BIOS unless you have to because of some problem.
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 20 at 21:52
1
You only need to update to the latest. You don't need or want to go through the list and install each update.
– essjae
Nov 20 at 23:19
I work on BIOS updates daily (anything for a buck-ten). BIOS from one manufacturer I work with frequently can require installing multiple BIOS, in chronological order, and if I don't, the BIOS update can fail. Unless you have checked with Asus, I would not jump to the latest version.
– K7AAY
Nov 20 at 23:31
They call it UEFI now and say its not a BIOS
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:16
@K7AAY you write "I work on BIOS updates daily" <-- are you just calling it BIOS for the 'benefit' of the questioner. or are you suggesting that most people including the most expert people, in the UEFI industry still call it BIOS. ?
– barlop
Nov 21 at 0:19