Bios update?

[el_omega]

Hi there, I wanted to know what are the benefits on updating your BIOS, if you have tweaked your windows, would updating mess up your already tweaked windows?
I am new to this area so I just wanted to know if one is related to the other.
And if you wanted to install extra memory to your system would it have to be the same model and specs as the first one installed?
I have an ASUS P4S533,
Let's hear out some comments

[Krell]

The BIOS contain set set of instructions that legislate your computing environment before Windows loads. Updating can have benefits, it's certainly not something that you want to screw up or take shortcuts in doing.

Always buy the EXACT same memory, not one thats close, this is not an area to compromise on, unless you like invalid page faults and illegal operations.

Go back to my links page and reread the articles there, that will answer all of your questions in one shabang.
(besides I thought you bookmarked it : )

[Psilaxs]

Good advice krell.

But the simplest answer is, If everything is fine, dont touch it,
just leave it as is. Yes, in most modern systems it is fairly simple and easy to do, but you can stil render your machine unbootable

[12345678910]

Originally posted by Krell
The BIOS contain set set of instructions that legislate your computing environment before Windows loads. Updating can have benefits, it's certainly not something that you want to screw up or take shortcuts in doing.

Always buy the EXACT same memory, not one thats close, this is not an area to compromise on, unless you like invalid page faults and illegal operations.

Go back to my links page and reread the articles there, that will answer all of your questions in one shabang.
(besides I thought you bookmarked it : )

Listen to Krell. He knows what he is talking about.

Remember, flashing your BIOS is a very risky process. It is not something that should be messed with if you don't know what you are doing.

Peace,
12345678910

[el_omega]

Krell what is that link you thought I had bookmarked?
tweaktown?
And no I am not having trouble with my windows, I just thought that having my bios up to date would benefit my pc.
And thanks for the memory info. provided,
I went to Asus site and d/l the bios update for my model but I just don't know if I should run it or maybe just leave it be.

[dverma75]

Originally posted by Psilaxs
Good advice krell.

But the simplest answer is, If everything is fine, dont touch it,
just leave it as is. Yes, in most modern systems it is fairly simple and easy to do, but you can stil render your machine unbootable

If its aint broke dont fix it.

[wonderboy2005]

im gonna agree here. if there is no serious problem, dont touch it. its kind of a complicated process... you cant do it from windows. you need a boot disk that will "flash" your BIOS chip. if that goes faulty, your screwed.

[Krell]

You dont remember people getting such a burr up their ass when I recomend they read this and become a bit more familiar with their hardware and software?

http://www.tweaktown.com/document.php?dType=guide&dId=411&dPage=1

Page 3 details the BIOS. You may click the "jump to page" drop down to move quickly.

Manufacturers detail the changes in the BIOS upgrades, so unless you are having a controller problem that is specifically stated as a patch, its not worth the risk to upgrade your BIOS.

Not to sound like a broken record, but its a MUCH better investment to make sure you have the latest MB and chipset drivers installed, I have solved 3 totally different problems for members this week with the same approach.

Use the Aida32 to check the versions and use the links to get the latest of what you need. Find the ASUS ftp site where you can get all the drivers for your MB, make sure that they are in folders clearly marked Chipset, AGP, Video, Sound etc, so you will never have to hunt and peck to find them. Extcract them all out, burn them to CD.

Lastly, never be in a hurry, K.I.S.S., and as dverma75 states, " If it aint broke, dont fix it"

[el_omega]

Well, I have decided not to update my BIOS, just because my computer is working fine. the file I had d/l'd was agp112.zip .
I am just going to start looking for good prices on my system memory, I have 256mb right now but my apps. are running on 60% of my pc memory.
Aida32 recommends that I install more memory so probably I would just add another 256 of the same brand and caracteristics just to not screw things up as advised by Krell.
Krell when you say MB does that mean megabytes?
If I am right you are telling me to find out about the drivers that my system memory run on, right?
Well guys you are a hell of information, and I really like this wonderful site with all of you guys
Later,

[Krell]

Sorry, that was Mother Board. The chips need drivers too, without them, its a no go.

In Aida32, use REPORT at the top save your info as HTM and a txt file, name it , save it to desktop. If you want, send both to me, I will give it a glance.

[el_omega]

here they are Krell, I found out how to do this, disregard my last p/m
Aida 32 says: