When should you update bios?

When should you update bios, every time a new release is offered, or only if you're having issues with something?

I currently have an X99m Extreme4 and running a special BIOS P2.00A provided to me from Asrock so I can set ATA passwords on SSDs (I flashed both bios on my mobo to this P2.00A ) - so I do not want to lose this ability by upgrading to a newer version of bios unless it's absolutely necessary.

Everything is running fine, I haven't had a chance to try out the ATA password feature, but have faith it will work as it should.

Thanks.


Edited by thegreywizard - 13 Apr 2016 at 6:00pm

lol I take it you've had issues in the past trying to do so & it bricked your mobo or something?

Xaltar wrote: The general rule with BIOS updates (with any manufacturer) is only do it if: 1. Your system is buggy in some way that has been discovered to be BIOS related. 2. You are upgrading your CPU or RAM and your current BIOS does not support the model you have purchased. Basically if your system is working as it should then you don't need a BIOS update.

thegreywizard wrote: When should you update bios, every time a new release is offered, or only if you're having issues with something? I currently have an X99m Extreme4 and running a special BIOS P2.00A provided to me from Asrock so I can set ATA passwords on SSDs (I flashed both bios on my mobo to this P2.00A ) - so I do not want to lose this ability by upgrading to a newer version of bios unless it's absolutely necessary. Everything is running fine, I haven't had a chance to try out the ATA password feature, but have faith it will work as it should. Thanks.

In your case, unless you plan on changing to a Broadwell-E HEDT processor, there is no point in updating to the new 3.00 UEFI version. You would lose the ability to set passwords on your drives... that you aren't using...

Personally, I always update to the latest UEFI version on my ASRock boards, if only as a test to insure they are working correctly. You can always change back to an earlier version, EXCEPT in a few special cases for some boards. If you cannot determine if that is the situation with your board, ask about it please!