Should you ALWAYS update to the latest BIOS?

[Paalandre]

Hi, I'm new on the forums, so I have to apologize if I posted this in the wrong section.

My question is, Should you always update to the latest BIOS if possible?

First off, I use a Asus Maximus IV GENE-Z motherboard, and a i5-2500k CPU.

So me and my friend have been arguing a little about BIOS updating.

He tells me that I should update to the latest bios unless its a beta version, or its just an update for 22nm CPU's.

Me on the other hand don't feel like its necessary to update the BIOS if everything is working, and the update doesn't give your PC any benefits.

BIOS changes:

Spoiler

1. Enable the support of Intel Rapid Storage Technology version 10.6.0.1002 Release

- I don't use RAID, or any SSD, all I use is one spin disc for my OS, and 2 for movies/music/pictures.

2. Improve DRAM compatibility

- When I bought my motherboard, I made sure to buy memory that was compatible. I looked it up in the PDF document you can download from Asus.

3. Improve System stability

- Could be something, but I haven't noticed any instabilities, and all my parts is supposed to be compatible.

4. Improve compatiblity with some Raid card model

- Nothing I use.

5. Increase IGD share memory size to 512MB

- This could also be something, but I have no idea what it is.

I would also like to say that I love Tom's YouTube channel with all the video reviews, and all the written reviews here on OC3D.

(I'm not a native English speaker, so I apologize if there is any flaws in my post.)

Paal André

 

[SieB]

No reason to update to the latest BIOS but there isn't any reason you shouldn't update the the latest BIOS either. It's up to you if you want to or not though.

 

[hmmblah]

No, the mobo manufacturers will say the same thing. Only update to a different or new BIOS if an update or fix is something that applies to you.

 

[JN]

If you're not having issues and the newer BIOS doesn't promise (A) new features you want, or (B) increased overclocking ability. I personally wouldn't bother upgrading

 

[marsey99]

as said mate if its not broke dont fix it.

i would take that one myself for the increased stability (says improved overclocking to me

) and the raid bios update as i love my stripe but if there is nothing in it you want or need there is no point.

 

[Paalandre]

Thanks for all the good answers.

I don't think I'm going to update my BIOS, at least not before I can get my hands on a HD 7970 or a GTX 680/780, since I don't run any programs or games at the moment which is limited by my CPU to a point where I feel its slow or notice lag in game.

Paal André

 

[Diablo]

Just to add my thoughts, I did a bios update on an X58 classified a year and a bit back and it completely broke the overclock. Before 1.32V for 4.2GHz, after 1.38V (barely stable) for 3.8GHz. After a downgrade, it worked perfectly again. Every bios update is a risk at the end of the day.

 

[nothingspecial]

If you've got a good overclock, I'd say no. Updated mine and it really messed it around. Needed more volts for the same clock.

Luckily it didn't update both BIOSes, so all is back to normal