[BIOS] General question - should I update?

[oliveru]

Hello together,

I have 2 questions.

My board 370 - E is on version:
Version 1002
2018/07/06

Newest version is:
Version 1802
2019/01/31

Should I update if I have no problems at all right now? I mean there were several improvements, and stability fixes but is it recommended?

Second question if I should update: How can I save and restore all settings? Is there a proper way?

Thanks, Oliver

[Guitarmageddon1]

oliveru wrote:
Hello together,

I have 2 questions.

My board 370 - E is on version

Version 1002
2018/07/06

Newest version is:
Version 1802
2019/01/31

Should I update if I have no problems at all right now? I mean there were several improvements, and stability fixes but is it recommended?

Second question if I should update: How can I save and restore all settings? Is there a proper way?

Thanks, Oliver

I believe youd want to, due to the microcode updates to the cpu. Also, if you want to save settings there is a tool within the bios to output settings as test. I think take screen shots as well? Last time I did it I just recorded a video with my phone going through all the settings so I knew where I was. You cant just load the settings back in however, is how i understand it.

latest version has NVME secure erase in the bios which is nice if you dont have another tool like parted magic for example to utilize

[oliveru]

Are others the same opinion?

[Arne_Saknussemm]

That's not so easy to answer...

If the new BIOS have some well defined update or security fix that you think you need then it's a good idea to update. Also if you have any stability issues maybe a new BIOS can help.

But if you are happy with stability and you're happy you aren't vulnerable to Spectre or whatever ( some machines aren't connected to the net much) then you might not bother...

A BIOS flash isn't Russian roulette though...at least super super low odds Russian roulette...BIOS flashback would be my advice after a clear CMOS.

You can't transfer settings automatically across BIOS versions...just do it pen and paper...or photos..on your phone...

[Guitarmageddon1]

You can easily run this code in powershell to see if you have the mitigations available and turned on. Hardware doesnt support some of them, so it depends if they all turn up true.

I also dont think ALL cpus get the microcode updates anyway

code here
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-Kernel-Internals/Mitigating-Spectre-variant-2-with-Re...

some further guidance on the process sprinkled throughout this thread
https://www.tenforums.com/windows-10-news/128101-cumulative-update-kb4482887-windows-10-v1809-build-...