I am wondering about the need to update the BIOS for a new pc that I am building. I have an Asus P5LD2 Deluxe that has version 0206 BIOS installed on it. There are three subsequent BIOS updates available, the most current being version 0603. I have read on various forums that some people only update the BIOS if the update is intended to "fix something;" otherwise it is left alone. Others say they update whenever a new version comes out. Are there any guidelines to be followed as far as updating is concerned? (I can't comment on the performance of my machine since I don't have any hard disk or optical drives (and hence no operating system) installed on it yet.) Not all those who wander are lost. j.r.r. tolkein

It's a relatively simple process that, if done incorrectly, can render your machine useless. Updates address various hardware issues, and do not necessarily enhance performance - there should be a description of the update's purpose on the site you download from. If it doesn't do anything you need, what would be the point? We've heard that a million monkeys at a million keyboards could produce the complete works of Shakespeare; now, thanks to the Internet, we know that is not true

Jboy is absolutely right (as usual). :-) Don't upgrade your Bios unless you have to, to fix a problem. Do yourself a favor BACKUP! Sorry, I do not check for private messages

I totaly disagree !!!! Its like having a service on your car !!!! Manufacturers don release bios updated just for the hell of it !!!! More often than not an update does something, but not always visable..... But one thing to keep in mind !!!! If there is more than one update available it is always a good idea to install them in order of release..... even though I do enforce ther rule of not broke dont fix, but some things are exempt.. If you do decide, to updtae the bios read the MANUAL FIRST......And follow the instructions step by step word for word, and when the thing says reboot you REBOOT.. Judging from your board I SAY do it !!!! But there is a brand new bios update tool available from asus, its very very easy to use 4 clciks and its done.......... Have any questions just post back,,,,both Jboy and ham are right and only looking after your safety etc... Also make sure you read the update details, with some of them you need to have latest drivers installed etc... IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT A8N-SLI Deluxe AMD X64 3500+ Wnchst Corsair 2x512 DDR400 Dual Channel GV-NX6600128D PCIX Graphics Card Ggbyte GT Pro CPU Cooler Zalman VF700-CU VGA Cool

i would not do it unless you need to. sometimes a maker will create an updated bios for example to make the mobo compatible with a new CPU which came to market after the mobo was made. Unless you needed to use that new CPU (or whatever) and hence needed the BIOS update to make it work, the updating of the bios would be pointless. People will never agree on this point, but i say dont update BIOS unless it is neccessary to make your hardware work.

Even better !!!! New cpu compatibility, which means micro code update !!!!! Which means better comunication between cpu and other components why in the hell wouldnt any one want that ???????? Yes thank you every time !!!!! IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT A8N-SLI Deluxe AMD X64 3500+ Wnchst Corsair 2x512 DDR400 Dual Channel GV-NX6600128D PCIX Graphics Card Ggbyte GT Pro CPU Cooler Zalman VF700-CU VGA Cool

The last message ends with "IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT", Which is more or less what I was saying. But as I say, people will never agree on this BIOS update issue.