ASUS BIOS Default Settings vs Load Optimized Defaults?

[Jp_508]

Can someone explain what the difference is between ASUS Default(F5) in EZ Mode vs Load Optimized Defaults in Advanced Mode (F7) under Exit tab?

I need &/or should do the Intel BIOS update for my z690i (i9-13900K). I am not experiencing high Vcore or temp issues at this time. My system @ idle is 39C & under load 53C. I am a content creator/real estate photographer/ & video, so I'm not taxing my system as someone who games. 

Some articles say I should reset my bios to factory settings before doing an update, the ASUS manual mentions nothing about this. I run stock settings & no overclocking, just have XMP enables for my ram.

If you were going to do a BIOS update would you choose  ASUS Default(F5) in EZ Mode or Load Optimized Defaults in Advanced Mode (F7) under Exit tab? Is it even necessary before doing the update? Just don't want to brick my board. 

[Silent_Scone · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jp_508 

1. If you feel the need to ask, then the advice will be to update. The latest builds contain microcode fixes from Intel that address boost behaviour. This is regardless of what you are doing on the system. It's worth also mentioning that video and photography editing can put reasonably more load on the CPU than most games.

2. You should reset the CMOS to Optimised Defaults if running an update via EZ Flash, yes. This is because XMP is overclocking, and running EZFlash whilst running the system out of spec increases the likelihood of an unexpected event during the flash process.  However, you should be using USB Flashback for the most reliable method of updating.

[Jp_508]

Thanks for the info. I've heard yes & no need to, & some people just talk around the question & do not answer specifically, also that I only need to select Optimized Defaults after the update & not necessary before an update, getting so much conflicting information.  

I do plan to update getting the latest version from ASUS website with a USB Flashdrive, go into BIOS & use EZ Flash method. But before doing so I will definitely select Load Optimized Defaults before attempting the update.     

[Jp_508]

I did the BIOS update yesterday afternoon, all good, no issues using EZ Flash. Thanks for your input.

Maybe you can help me with another issue concerning BIOS Updates. I have another build with an ASUS B660i & i7-12700k. My BIOS is 1620, release date 8/16/22. I would like to update it as well, the latest update is 3403 release date 8/9/24. If I download 3403 is it possible to do the update without doing any previous updates first before 3403? 

I reviewed the update from 1620 to 3403 & didn't see anything that stands out saying I have to but just cautious going forward.