Motherboard components
Whether your computer is aging and needs an update to handle that hot new gadget or is so new that the programmers are still figuring out get the most out of the gear, ensuring that your motherboard's BIOS is up-to-date will help you get the most out of your machine.
Function
Be sure to refresh your BIOS as required.
Updating your BIOS software by flashing can often improve speed, while providing compatibility with new technologies and gadgets that did not exist when you purchased your computer. If you are experiencing crashes, blue screens or other misbehavior, especially associated with the introduction of new hardware, ensuring that your BIOS is up-to-date can often provide a quick fix.
Types
A handful of manufacturers account for the majority of BIOS chips in modern PCs. Some of the major producers include IBM, American Megatrend (AMI) and Phoenix/AwardBIOS. The manufacturer's name or splash logo will usually appear on the computer screen prior to boot. Each manufacturer makes available a suite of software tools for flashing their BIOS chips; it is generally a good idea to use software from the manufacturer of the BIOS chip you wish to flash in order to avoid any problems.
Warnings
Be careful to match model numbers.
The BIOS is a sensitive collection of low-level code, and slight differences or inconsistencies can have catastrophic effects. Always allow the flash process to complete before powering off the computer. Never interrupt the computer while the BIOS chip is being flashed. Never flash a BIOS that does not directly match your model or system--do not flash a BIOS built for a Brand X Model 35 to a Brand X Model 35a computer.
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