When is flashing the bios benificial?

[excelscior]

I hear now and then about people flashing their bios on their mobo's. What does this do and how is it usually done?:t

[deadkenny]

Some people just like to keep 'current' with the lastest version. However, it's not worth the risk IMHO. A bad flash can potentially render your mobo unusable. Legit reasons for flashing, IMHO, include fixing 'bugs', adding support for new hardware (e.g. larger hard drives or recognition of newer processors) or adding features (e.g. more FSB settings for OC'ing or various tweaks).

[Sterling_Aug]

I am a firm supporter of keeping the BIOS up to date with the latest version possible.

I have performed several hundred BIOS flashes on many, many different brands and models. The first few were very scary until I learned how the process works for flashing. Now I can do them almost blindfolded.

Read more about BIOS flahing here:

http://www.wimsbios.com

[chubtub]

I personally only do it if I have to. There is no reason to risk the system if nothing really is to be gained. So if it works great right now just leave it.

[BigBlue66]

I live by the motto: "If it ain't broke, don't flash the BIOS."

[Beeblequix]

'nother vote for only do it if you have to.

Via, for example, recommends that you only perform a BIOS flash if you're having stability issues, but strongly urges a user to just stick with what works.

Sometimes a BIOS upgrade can lessen performance (thinking back to my old P3V4X). Sometimes you can allow your mobo to continue using new CPUs with a new BIOS. And some BIOS revisions perform better. I'd rather have stability than another .5% increase in 3dmarks.