OT: System and Video BIOS Question

Chronon · #1 August 14th, 2003, 03:46 PM

I was doing some software upgrading recently, and I downloaded SiSoft's latest Sandra system benchmark software. Checking out the system and video sections, it informed me that my system and video BIOS's are very old (from around 1998).

I know nothing about these programs (or even if they are technically programs) other than they allow the hardware to work with the software. Do I really need newer Versions? If so, how do I go about finding them? And, how do I know exactly which ones I need?

I know we have a few IT experts here. If one of you could help, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

Edit: I should probably give you some system information.
System: Dell Dimension v400c with Celeron 400 Mhz
CPU: P6C Celeron 300-533 MHz 2v
BIOS: Intel 4A4RB0X0.10A.0020.P07
OS: Windows 98 (no bLaster worm, woohoo!)
Integrated Video: ATI XPERT 980 AGP 2X

[ August 14, 2003, 14:55: Message edited by: Chronon ]

Slynky · #2 August 14th, 2003, 03:52 PM

Most system BIOS can be "flashed" (see your manufacturer). Not sure about the ability to flash video BIOS, though.

The dangers? Flashing your BIOS is supposed to be able to be done without any problem. Though I've done done a few and never had a problem afterwards, but I'd hate to tell you you won't encounter a problem.

Others may comment with different information.

Chronon · #3 August 14th, 2003, 03:56 PM

Slynky, Wow, that was fast!

For the manufacturer, would that be Dell (computer) or Intel (CPU)?

rdouglass · #4 August 14th, 2003, 04:18 PM

It should be Dell not Intel. BIOS is a motherboard feature and not a processor feature.

IMO this site is one of the best out there for finding BIOS info...

http://www.wimsbios.com/

Chronon · #5 August 14th, 2003, 04:26 PM

Thanks rdouglass, that looks like an excellent site. I'll have to take some time this evening and look through it. It looks like there is plenty of good introductory information about BIOS's, and how to upgrade them.

Thermodyne · #6 August 14th, 2003, 04:35 PM

If you are not having a problem, don't flash. While a new bios can add features or fix problems, the act of installing them (flashing) can go wrong. If the new bios does not add something that you need, why risk it?

Katchoo · #7 August 14th, 2003, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thermodyne:
If you are not having a problem, don't flash. While a new bios can add features or fix problems, the act of installing them (flashing) can go wrong. If the new bios does not add something that you need, why risk it?

Agreed; don't fix what isn't broken.

I haven't heard of any real "ground breaking advances" come from flashing. Most of the time when an updated BIOS gets released from any vendor all it usually does is provide the odd tweak to USB and other periphrial (sp?) device. You certainly won't be missing out on anything by not flashing.

Aswell, if it's a brand name computer you have (which it sounds like) then you'd best find out if flashing your BIOS would void your warranty or not.

Afterall, what would be worse than turning your motherboard into a proverbial vegetable? Being told by your computer provider that you voided your warranty, and are now S.O.L.

Your best options for improving overall performance are to track down specific driver updates (for video card, sound card, etc..), to remove any programs off your hard drive that you no longer use, and to use virus & other system scan utilities to remove excess code/commands deposited by every program ever installed onto your computer.

Chronon · #8 August 14th, 2003, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Katchoo:
Your best options for improving overall performance are to track down specific driver updates (for video card, sound card, etc..), to remove any programs off your hard drive that you no longer use, and to use virus & other system scan utilities to remove excess code/commands deposited by every program ever installed onto your computer.

Thanks Thermo and Katchoo, that sounds like wise advise. I was curious, though, Katchoo, did you have any specific scan utilities in mind? I use Norton Antivirus and SystemWorks regularly. Do you know of anything in addition to those that might be useful?

rdouglass · #9 August 14th, 2003, 08:36 PM

I use AdAware routinely to check for SpyWare. It's one of those 'niche' programs i can't seem to do without....

http://lavasoft.element5.com/software/adaware/

Narrew · #10 August 14th, 2003, 08:53 PM

As other's have said, don't flash your BIOS unless you are having hardware issues (such as the blue screen of death, or irratic lock ups). I have flashed about a dozen Boards and have had 1 go bad (where I couldn't recover from it) you might as well chuck the MB (I could have sent the BIOS chip to a company to try to fix it, but the cost was just under a new MB).

Thats just my 2 cents, but I think you would be better off not doing it.