I would like to update my BIOS to the "A9" set from this page: http://www.abit-usa.com/downloads/bios/bios_revision.php?categories=1&model=91 Would I have to install this upgrade on a clean/formatted hard-drive, or can I simply upgrade my current setup?

Unless you have a specific problem which requres a BIOS update I would leave it alone. From your very question it is apparent you are unfamiliar with BIOS flashing so be aware that a failed flash will kill your PC totally so proceed at your own risk!

you can flash your bios any time you want. Im up for bios flashing when ever you can but like Sang said, if your flash goes bad somehow you will have to replace your motherboard. Please keep us updated so we know if we helped you or not.

Well, now that Sangamoura has given you the doom and gloom speach, I'll asnwer your question. You do not need to reformat your hard drive or any such thing. Updating the BIOS entails updating software that exists on the BIOS chip on your motherboard. It is this software that "boots" up your computer and allows the motherboard to access the hardware attached to it. BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. Unlike a failed Windows installation, if the BIOS update fails, there is no way to reformat and start over (with some exceptions). If the BIOS gets corrputed, you may have to send the board back to the manufacturer for repair. Some newer motherboards have dual BIOSes or have a way in which to default to the initial BIOS. I suggest you look into this BEFORE attempting to update the BIOS. Looking at the fixes that the A9 BIOS has, I'd suggest updating it - especially because of the AGP fix. To update the BIOS you will need to download the "flash" utility located on that page. There is also a link with complete directions. Basicall, you will need to format a bootable floppy and copy the flash utility and the BIOS update to it. Restart the computer with the floppy inserted and make sure that the floppy is the first boot device in the BIOS. Run the flash BIOS (see directions as there are two methods). Whatever you do, do NOT restart the computer or power it down during the flash process or you will corrupt the BIOS. Michael J

MichaelJ The other replies are erroring on the side of safety. MattC's question indicates he has no experience flashing a BIOS file. Furthermore, he gave no compelling reason for wanting to. The replies forewarned Matt about the possible consequences. I agree with them. Don't flash a BIOS unless there is a good reason. Matt If you are having issues with your system that can be fixed by a BIOS update by all means go for it. Understand the process and be sure that both the BIN file and the flash program are the right ones for your MB version. Backup your old BIOS on the Floppy. IMO the best way to flash is by means of a floppy disk.

Don't do it. Don't do it. Bios upgrades are released to fix errors in the code found after the code was released for use. They make absolutly very little impact on the operation of your computer. As for getting it because it says it does something to the agp slot, Don't bother. You're not going to see any dramatic improvement in performance if you see any at all... I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid...

It's wrong and misleading to imply that BIOS updates are only released to fix errors in original code. Whilst there are certainly instances where this is true there can also be positive reasons to update a BIOS, it's often required for a MOBO to clock to a faster CPU for instance or to enable some feature which wasn't available previously, but the basic caveat remains that unless you have a compelling specific reason to do it, DONT!