I'm not building a PC, but I'm trying to fix some ongoing issues with my current setup. I've come across a few questions about updating the BIOS so that I can run a RAM health check, and I could use some help.
1. How can I tell if I need to install an older BIOS version before trying the latest one? I've seen varying advice but no clear situations that dictate when this step is necessary.
2. Can I use an external hard drive for the BIOS installer, or do I need to stick with a flash drive? I've read that using a flash drive is the best way to go when accessing the BIOS menu, but I'm wondering if my couple TB external hard drive would work just as well.
3. How do I find my motherboard's latest BIOS revision number? I've been told to get an installer that matches my current BIOS version, but I'm not sure where to find this number.
For reference, here are my specs:
- BIOS Version/Date: American Megatrends International, LLC. F3, 23/08/2021
- SMBIOS Version: 3.3
- Embedded Controller Version: 255.255
- BIOS Mode: UEFI
- Motherboard Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
- Motherboard Product: B560M DS3H V2
2 Answers
1. General rule: If it ain't broke, don’t fix it! But if you're facing issues like blue screens, then an update could help.
2. Yes, you can use an external hard drive, but make sure to format it to FAT32. NTFS can sometimes run into issues.
3. The updater app will usually check if your current version is up to date compared to the latest available on the manufacturer's site. Just make sure you look for your specific motherboard model!
Also, consider checking your motherboard's rollback options in case something goes wrong after the update.
1. You generally should just go for the latest version if you need to update the BIOS. It's safer that way.
2. An external hard drive should work as long as it's compatible with your BIOS. However, USB flash drives are usually the easiest and most reliable option.
3. Don’t stress about finding the latest revision number too much—just download whatever version is available for your motherboard model from the official site!
Totally get that "if" part—seems to me like my BIOS should be updated since I'm experiencing random blue screens. Just trying to make sure everything's compatible before moving on with the RAM checks.