madcratebuilder you really make a case for why you should benchtest a system first. You also make a good case why NOT use "extension" cables...mis-pinned cables could of caused smoke and fire if that would of been on the main ATX power cable!
Before I upgrade the BIOS I always make sure to have a copy of a "working" bios on a flash drive just in the event that some goes wrong during the flashing process or the newly release BIOS has "problems".
In my computer hardware class (I'm an instructor at tech college) I teach only to upgrade the BIOS to (as I share mrazster's insight as well)
1) new CPU support
2) resolve a bug issue
3) support new new features of built-in hardware
With that said most of us who build our own systems are not the average users and try to squeeze every ounce of performance so I think most people who have our M/B will upgrade to the most current version. Again it goes to what I've posted on this subject before...it is all about how/what you want out of your system.
Sorry for the long winded response
🙂
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For trouble-shooting tips see my blog at:
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http://thenerdbench.blogspot.com/p/bench-testing.html
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MB: Crosshair V Formula-Z • CPU: FX-8350 • GPU: Asus Matrix R9 280x • RAM: 8GB of Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer (1866)• PSU: Thermaltake DPS Thoughpower 750 Watt • CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio Advanced • Keyboard: TT Sports Challanger Ultimate • Mouse: TT Sports Black Element • Case: Thermaltake GT Level 10
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