Why updated OROM's included in BIOS updates may be important

[RickROG]

Here:
http://www.techpowerup.com/

SSD TRIM Command on RAID 0 Possible - With A Few Riders
Intel made it possible for SSDs to utilize the TRIM command feature when striped in RAID 0, provided a few meaty requirements are met. The TRIM command feature works to minimize write performance degradation on SSDs, but thus far it has been impossible to enable the feature on any other host controller mode than standalone AHCI, due to the manner in which the feature works at a physical level.
According to a report, TRIM over RAID 0 will be made possible with Windows 8 operating system, provided the system is running an Intel 7-series chipset (such as Z77 Express), has RAID BIOS (Option ROM) version 11.5 or higher, and Rapid Storage Technology (RST) device driver version 11.5 or higher. While obtaining the required Windows and driver versions is relatively easy, the RAID Option ROM version is in the hands of motherboard manufacturers, who have to release motherboard BIOS updates that include the required RAID Option ROM updates.

I know it's rehashing complaints/beefs throughout the forum, but, I just don't understand why it is the motherboard manufacturers just will not officially keep the various OROMS up to date with the latest official OROMs released by the OEMs.
That said, it is especially disappointing that ASUS will not even keep there own Asmedia ROMs current with the latest update. I mean this is there child-the buck stops with them on this. The Asmedia SATA 3 chip is garbage, but, a deligent effort to improve it through ROM/software R&D/release may lessen the adverse impact.
If the OEM is providing an official BIOS update anyways why not include all the latest OROMs-everything else being equal. The one in the modded 2105b makes a nice difference on my-and many other-systems.
I personally could not care less about Windows 8; will not allow it to run on my system ever in its current release-absolutely hate it-ME/Vista all over again-which I did not buy either. I understand the need though for manufacturers to support it sooner rather than later. However, is not the same true for all the current unrepaired bugs/issues on what they have already sold. It just amazes me how fast all their PR/marketing/R&D engines go into high gear to spotlight a new component release, devote huge resources to complementing distribution/sales/adoption, while allocating the released hardware needs to the backburner-almost like "when we get a chance" kind of attitude.
I may be wrong on a lot of this, I don't know. I'm sure, though, my perception here mirrors the majority.

[R4E3960X]

I see. Cheer. 😮 Something like RSTe 3.2.0.1135 may not compattible with Windows 8. 😉

[Nodens]

No offense meant to anyone, but Shamino and Raja explained what is going on very well but some of you seem to still fail to understand what was said.

Let's take the facts here and analyze for a second.

Facts:
1) The OpROMs need to be tested before they are implemented.
2) Buggy OpROMs can cause data corruption.
3) Sub-vendor customizations to chipset reference and/or firmware can create further incompatibilities with OpROMs.
4) ASUS is actually checking OpROM versions albeit in a much slower pace than what we would like.
5) Other sub-vendors have implemented the OpROMs already.
6) SoftRAID TRIM support is introduced in one of those OpROMs.
7) People have already sued ASUS in the past for data corruption caused by bad OpROM update.
😎 Taking Intel as an example, the release rate of the OpROMs (which is rather high) hint to the amount of bugs that need immediate attention.

All the above should explain the situation very well. Because of possible data corruption, with a known precedent that costed or could possibly cost ASUS a great deal of money (lawsuit), ASUS is being very thorough in their OpROM testing (but not spending enough to test faster). They will not update ROMs on the fly like other companies do for this reason. Other companies may do it because they're cutting testing expenses or they have different policy if things go bad or lower publicity/market share to not even care about the repercussions. But please do imagine if an OpROM update started corrupting user data, in RAID arrays or not. Imagine how many people would just flood the forums (most of them not being very polite :P), the bad press, the possible lawsuits etc etc. All this is why ASUS won't update them on the fly and I'm sure no one of us would want their data corrupted so take a breath for a second and think if you really want to risk your data just to squeeze a little bit of performance a couple of months earlier. I know I wouldn't. If there was an option to flash an untested Intel SATA OpROM, I would falsh it but only because I don't use the Intel SATA at all. I use a very expensive Hardware RAID controller because I want performance but most of all I want data reliability. If I didn't use that controller I would not flash an untested OpROM.

Now what can be done about it? Well only 3 things can be done:

1) ASUS spending more worktime/manpower/money to test the OpROMs faster and possibly report when an OpROM fails the quality check (although patents etc may prevent explaining sometimes).

2) Release "beta" versions of the UEFI with updated OpROMs and a clear big WARNING disclaimer that OpROMs are untested, may eat your data and ASUS has absolutely no responsibility if you choose to flash it.

3) Engineer a tool that allows a user to replace OpROM binaries in a UEFI image that generates correct checksums so it can be flashed properly via EZ Flash 2 (to simplify the process..while I can replace it myself, not many people can). Such tool would also come with the standard disclaimer (Use it on your own peril).

[Unixsystem]

Nodens wrote:
ASUS is being very thorough in their OpROM testing (but not spending enough to test faster).

For example, I see this as an assumption......

[Unixsystem]

Not to be mean, but your making alot of assumptions on what Asus does and doesn't do. So unless you work for Asus with direct knowledge. I'm going to take your post with a grain of salt.

[Nodens]

Unixsystem wrote:
Not to be mean, but your making alot of assumptions on what Asus does and doesn't do. So unless you work for Asus with direct knowledge. I'm going to take your post with a grain of salt.

I do not make any assumptions at all mate. The facts regarding ASUS are taken from Shamino's and Raja's posts directly. Read them above.

EDIT: They are posts 12, 25, 27 and 29