Solved Shouldn't BIOS updates improve things, not worsen them?

[Cytherian]

Yesterday I updated my BIOS, because I noticed that the one loaded was considerably behind the latest releases, the 2nd to last stating some added compatibility with Vista SP2. Since I have SP2 installed, I figured it would be a good idea to update to the latest. Usually firmware fixes scroll forward, so the latest one would have all of the improvements and optimizations.

Well, my boot up time increased significantly, at least 25% and perhaps up to 50%. I took the absolute latest BIOS for my machine (and yes, I verified that it is for Vista x64). So, I figured perhaps I should roll back to the 2nd to last updated BIOS--same thing. Now I'm thinking that maybe this wasn't such a good idea and that I should go back to the BIOS I had originally.

I'm just wondering if anybody else has run into this kind of symptom with a BIOS update. Also... even though a BIOS update has various fixes and improvements, is it always best to wait until there's an obvious reason to upgrade, such as support required for an added device?

 

[latecomer]

isnt bios flashed rather than installed as an updated download.

 

[tom982]

As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it Okay, there are some exceptions!

I've seen BIOS updates not play nicely with overclocking, but I haven't heard of it making the boot time longer before, especially to that extent! Had you configured your BIOS in any way to improve your boot times? These settings will be gone now if you have. I know it's a long shot, but I really don't know what else to suggest.

http://www.sevenforums.com/overclocking-case-mods/251850-post-your-overclock-2-a-3.html#post2043861

Okay, there are better examples out there...

I'm about to update my BIOS for the first time since overclocking, fingers crossed!

Tom

 

[MilesAhead]

It sounds almost like the BIOS update set the HD to some slow "compatibility mode" or something. But I would ask here:

HP Business Support Center

Everyone on that forum has HP hardware.

Even though it says "business" it's not a paid support. It's user volunteered support like here.

 

[NoelDP]

A BIOS update may upset certain drivers - the IRST drivers immediately spring to mind, and may need to be reinstalled.

 

[Cytherian]

Thanks for the advice on this, guys.

I rolled back to my earlier BIOS and the "impression" I got was that it was only a little bit faster. I read up further and I think Tom is right, in that the BIOS should not increase boot time once you're into the first part of Vista system start. I think this may have to do with other "tweaks" that were done earlier and not immediately verified. I sometimes go for a couple of weeks without a reboot (just go into sleep mode).

Anyway, the mantra of "if it's not broken, don't fix it" certainly applies with computer software, especially where firmware is concerned. It seems that it's best to wait until you're forced to upgrade it, rather than chance something going wrong or having compatibility issues with other drivers.


Tom, I've never bothered to try overclocking my CPU. I see that you've done it to yours. What are the reasons why and have you experienced a notable improvement?

 

[tom982]

Thanks for the advice on this, guys.

I rolled back to my earlier BIOS and the "impression" I got was that it was only a little bit faster. I read up further and I think Tom is right, in that the BIOS should not increase boot time once you're into the first part of Vista system start. I think this may have to do with other "tweaks" that were done earlier and not immediately verified. I sometimes go for a couple of weeks without a reboot (just go into sleep mode).

Anyway, the mantra of "if it's not broken, don't fix it" certainly applies with computer software, especially where firmware is concerned. It seems that it's best to wait until you're forced to upgrade it, rather than chance something going wrong or having compatibility issues with other drivers.

Following this thread, I thought I should try updating my BIOS for the first time and seeing how I get on. I think I've got lucky - so far so good!

Tom, I've never bothered to try overclocking my CPU. I see that you've done it to yours. What are the reasons why and have you experienced a notable improvement?

The speed listed in my system specs was the stock clock speed, I've updated it now to show my overclock. There's just the one reason for overclocking: performance. Well, that and keeping the BSOD team busy with the ridiculous number of times that my desktop blue screened during my overclocking experiments I think the final number was about 15! But I'm stable now, 4.4GHz @1.26V. My desktop is noticeably faster now and will run Photoshop, Virtualbox, Outlook and plenty of Firefox tabs without things starting to crash.

 

[Cytherian]

OK, so in this case it's more about squeezing more performance out of an already taxed system. I've not dared to think of overclocking my HP dv5 laptop, because it gets hot enough running as it is. But it'll be fun to experiment on my old desktop one of these days when I get around to it. Computer project number 19.