TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI BIOS Advice

[AlGat]

I bought this computer about 18 months ago.  As per the signature, it has i7-13700KF on TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI.

I just looked and I am still running BIOS versoin 1402 x64 dated 09/08/2023.  And ME FW 16.1.30.2264

Just so that you know, my first computer had a Z80 CPU running DOS (pre-windows) which I owned in the early 1980's.  But back then we NEVER  EVER messed with BIOS because you could brick the computer.   And even with my old Windows XP computer I was warned by the computer store not to flash the BIOS myself because I could brick the computer.  So that fear is fairly engrained in me, and I still mostly leave BIOS alone unless something really does need fixing.  So in all these years, I don't think I have ever updated BIOS.

I am worried about losing important settings but yet I do want it to update the CPU settings to prevent the damage I have been reading about.  And I don't think I need the newest update if it is not proven to be reliable or bug free.

Should I go with the newest BIOS version 1825?  Or is a previous version better or safer?

I assume I should also do the ME Update Tool after updating the BIOS?

I plan to completely back up all my data before the update just to be safe.  Also, I want to have a record of every BIOS setting, so is there a way to get that or do I have to take pictures of each screen in BIOS?

And any other helpful advice or thoughts would be appreciated.  Such as any CPU setting changes I should make after doing that update.

[Nate152]

Hello ALGat

With your memory running at 4800MHz, it seems you're running at default settings, so there would be no need to note any bios settings.

Before updating the bios, I would do two things.

1) Enable XMP and see how stability is.

2) Install HWinfo to monitor clock speeds, voltages and temps. (Click Free download under Installer) - Free Download HWiNFO Sofware | Installer & Portable for Windows, DOS

Here is a screenshot of the Sensors tab. The memory shows at half speed, I'm running at 6000MHz. Yours should show 3200MHz for 6400MHz.

The Vcore is the cpu voltage.

Click the pic to make it bigger.

[AlGat]

Thank you Nate152.    I downloaded and installed that program, see below. 

Here is a picture of my BIOS that shows memory and vcore:

The XMP appears to be turned on if I read that right?  I have not changed that setting since I got the computer.  And it shows the vcore is 1.359v on that same page.

Here is the program summary page:

The sensor screen scrolls so here is the pertinent part:

Not sure what my next steps are from here?

[AlGat]

Hi Nate152. 

I think I did as you suggested.  I was wondering what you see in my settings / readings?  And ultimately which BIOS update is safe, proven and stable to avoid any unexpected complications?

[AlGat]

I am still looking for some help on the original topic please.   So far the replies have not been about the posted question.

Old school is to avoid flashing bios so I have never done it.  Is the current version stable?   Or is there a best version to download for least amount of risk / most stable?

How  do I ensure I get it set up correctly afterwards?  I have researched that I can download user profile but that it can make a mess, so with an update of such an old version of bios, should I just start from scratch?  I have read that I can take screensshots with F12 in bios, so is that what I need to do ... go through each and every screen and take screenshots?

Any other advice will be appreciated.