Hello,

I was wondering on how to do a BIOS update, and if I need one at all.

I have "Phoenix AwardBIOS 6.00PG" (Dated 05/25/06 I believe) Would updating to a newer version - if one is out there - make anything faster etc,. (I probably won't be updating, just learning about this helps)

Also, if I were going to reset CMOS of its settings, say I got some weird error and I had to clear CMOS... How would I do that, and what settings should I write down so I can enter them in the new CMOS.. Should I just write down the settings in "Standard CMOS Features" Tab.

Thanks!

No, unless you have a newer processor, or other hardware, that isn't supported by the old BIOS you shouldn't attempt updating (flashing) the BIOS. There will be no benefit and it is risky. If something goes wrong it could render your computer unusable.

Sometimes a newer hardware driver may help with performance. This is usually something that relates to graphics. Even then, if you have an older graphics card, updating to the latest drivers MAY actually cause problems. Unless your driver is the first release for your particular hardware there is usually no benefit.

Hi,
First...I am no expert.

Rule! you can't fix what is not broken.

Flashing the bios is done if new hardware won't work under present bios.

If done incorrectly with wrong bios the computer may never start again.

My first attempt led to a dead motherboard.
Second attempt led to a board that worked error free until flash. See rule above.

Third attempt I deliberately killed the board to test out replacing the bios chip with an exact duplicate and try hot flashing. Worked great!

All were done on on boards that I use for just screwing around.

Pick up a $20.00 clunker to
try it out on first.... or take it into a shop and let them buy you a new system if they mess it up.

To clear cmos. Turn off and unplug the computer. Open it up and remove the small silver battery. Leave out for a few minutes.

W.L.

BIOS updates are usually released to fix problems with a previous version or to add additional setting options or to add support for newer CPUs. An update doesn't make a system run any faster, however it sometimes adds setting options such as CPU multiplier adjustment or memory adjustments that will allow a user to 'tweak' for better performance. Dell machines run a crippled BIOS that doesn't allow too much user tampering...that cuts down on tech support calls from people who change the BIOS settings & screw up their system.

Generally speaking, if there isn't a specific BIOS problem that needs fixing, it's probably left well enough alone. Most people will tell you that as far as the BIOS is concerned, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

The 'Phoenix Award Bios 6.00PG' is just a template. The motherboard manufacturer will use that and write their own specifics to it. So any update will be on the manufacturer's site. Unless they've released an update to correct a major problem, as already mentioned you're better off keeping what you've got.