Let's figure out how and why to update the BIOS on a laptop, video card or motherboard installed in a home computer.

Let's say you purchased a video card from a friend or a used card on Aliexpress from an unreliable seller. And for reasons unknown to you, this video card has very low performance in your favorite 3D games (see benchmark), or when running 3D applications for a short time, it suddenly throws it on the desktop, or even shows blue screen death (BSOD error).

Also, sometimes artifacts may appear on the monitor screen of such a video card. But what to do in this situation? Well, first, you can find out the model of the video card that has fallen into your hands, but to do this you will have to disassemble it. First, we remove the heatsink, clean the GPU chip from thermal paste and look at the basic information about the video adapter and the brand of memory chips written on it.

Then you “punch” the received data over the Internet (Okay, Google), and forcefully flash the video card with the correct Bios file. Then, if there are no artifacts covering the entire screen, check with the GPU-Z program.

But if you flash the wrong BIOS file, the video card will start to “sausage” in a way that is not at all childish, artifacts will probably appear and partially or completely cover the screen, which will make it difficult to reflash the video card back. Therefore, it is better not to “fix” a video accelerator that is known to be working, or you may end up with such artifacts.

But don’t worry about this, because you can easily restore your video card. We will need a GPU or a second video card built into the motherboard, as well as a free second PCI-E slot, or a special PCI-Ex4 to x16 adapter (riser), you can buy it profitably on Aliexpress.

The main thing is to flash the correct firmware with the original firmware utility, for NVIDIA video cards- this is Nvflash, and for AMD - ATIFlash. If everything is done as it should be, then everything will start and work normally. But if the problem is in the hardware itself - the video card is burned out, then only specialists from the service center will help.

About the BIOS of the motherboard or laptop

It's simple if a new BIOS update has been released for your model motherboard or laptop, you can update. When updating, it will work differently (usually better). Is it worth doing? Actually, I don't think it's worth it. Since it is likely that the equipment being flashed will fail, but if you can still try to restore the video card, then with motherboard everything is more complicated.

Although, if there is a driver disk supplied with the motherboard or laptop, then you can try inserting it into DVD drive and hope that it will start automatically and everything will work as before. But more often than not, you will have to carry the motherboard in service center and pay for its restoration. The wizard will restore the BIOS on it using a programmer.

To find out what model of motherboard your personal computer or laptop is built on, you can download Speccy program, or . Or you can remove the cover system unit and look at the PC hardware with your own eyes.

Attention! Incorrect firmware or updating of PC components can completely disable the device being flashed, and you will have to seek help from specialists from the service center.

Now I will provide links to popular companies manufacturers motherboards For personal computer. Here you can see Additional information about the model of your motherboard, download drivers and utilities, as well as the BIOS file for it, you will need to enter the exact name of the motherboard in the site’s search engine.

A tiny BIOS chip, located on the motherboard inside every personal computer, “brings to life” the system by initializing devices when the PC starts.

Motherboard manufacturers release firmware packages that update the BIOS throughout their service life. What gives the user the opportunity for such an update?

Almost every motherboard today has a BIOS/UEFI chip, which provides a new environment for interaction between PC components, expanding its capabilities and increasing the speed of loading the OS.

Platforms based on new UEFI chips often receive updates that fix their bugs and also protect the BIOS from virus attacks due to the availability of this interface.

Older BIOS versions may also require updates to support new devices (e.g. processor or graphics card), problem solvers compatibility, and, in rare cases, increasing system performance.

However, if Motherboard BIOS the board has an update, this does not mean that it must be installed. in most cases does not allow the PC to perform better or faster.

Risks of updating BIOS/UEFI

Update Computer BIOS may provide certain benefits, but it is important to understand the risks of this operation.

Each motherboard model requires exactly its own BIOS version. If this or other conditions are not met, the following options are possible:

If you need to install new hardware that is not supported by the old BIOS version, then it is worth the risk of installing a new BIOS firmware.

If the firmware contains nothing new for the user, then it is better not to use it, because... it will not bring anything new and may cause problems.

Important! In general, it is better not to update the BIOS firmware if it updated version there is nothing specific that the user needs.

However, often users want to keep up with BIOS updates if they are using a platform with a motherboard that has just come out, and regularly update the UEFI to ensure that this firmware is always in optimal condition.

BIOS/UEFI update

There are three main options for updating the BIOS:

1. Download the BIOS file from the manufacturer’s website, copy it to a USB Flash drive, go to the PC BIOS and find the option to update the firmware in it.
2. If the BIOS does not support flashing, you may need to create a working DOS-based USB drive with the BIOS file to boot from.
3. Download the flashing program for Windows and run executable file, usually supplied by major PC manufacturers such as Dell, HP, etc.

BIOS update programs:

• @BIOS;
• MSI: Live Update;
• Asus: Asus Update.

Each manufacturer usually has its own BIOS/UEFI update utilities. To flash the BIOS using utilities, you need to download and run the program and follow its prompts.

If the PC is assembled independently or purchased from a regular manufacturer, the 1st update option is used.

Find out the BIOS version

Before updating the BIOS, it is important to make sure that the firmware you are installing is newer than the existing one on your PC. To do this, you need to open the “System Information” application.

Step 1. Press the key combination “Win+R” (Win is located to the right of “Ctrl”), type “msinfo32” in the menu and click “OK”.

Step 2. In the window that opens, the BIOS version is located on the right under the processor frequency, namely in the “BIOS VersionDate” column. Record the BIOS version number and date to compare it with the latest version available on the manufacturer's website.

Prepare a USB flash drive

Before flashing the BIOS, you need to prepare a clean flash drive by formatting it to FAT32.

Step 1. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB connector.

Step 2. Open the “Computer” shortcut on your desktop.

Step 3. Right-click on the inserted drive and select “Format” with the left mouse button.

Step 4. In the drop-down list " File system» select “FAT32” and click “Start”.

Performing a BIOS/UEFI update

To download a new BIOS version, you need to find the motherboard support page on the manufacturer's website. Latest firmware usually found in the download section.

Motherboard UEFI update ASUS boards P8H77-V (example).

Step 1. Go to support on the ASUS website using the link: https://www.asus.com/ru/support/ and select “Motherboards”.

Step 2. Select the platform and board model from the drop-down list, then click “Drivers and Utilities” on the right.

Step 3. Click on the “BIOS and Software” tab and click “Download”.

Important! Before downloading the BIOS, you need to compare its number and date with the version on your PC. It is also advisable to look at the details of the downloaded version, finding out what it actually updates.

The downloaded file can be seen in the “Downloads” menu of the browser.

Step 4. Click to open the firmware archive file, click “Extract”, select the USB drive and click “OK”. The file will be placed on the USB drive.

Reference! The archive may also contain a Readme.txt file that explains what exactly needs to be done when updating the BIOS. In this case, you need to open it with a mouse click and read it.

Step 5. Restart the PC and, as it starts to boot, press the “Del” key (“F2”, “F1+Fn” or “Esc”) repeatedly to enter UEFI/BIOS.

Reference! Information about the button to enter UEFI/BIOS can be seen on the PC boot screen or found in its accompanying documentation.

Step 6. After entering UEFI, click “Advanced”.

Step 7 Click "OK".

Step 8 Choose ASUS utility EZ Flash 2.

Step 9 The utility will open the USB drive. Click on the BIOS UEFI file and click “OK”, agreeing to read the BIOS file.

Step 10 Click “OK” to agree to the BIOS update.

Important! Be sure to wait for the firmware update to finish, which can take up to several minutes, and for the prompt to “reboot” the PC.

Step 11 Click "OK".

Reference! Updating an old BIOS version is done in a similar way.

Update using special software

Updating the BIOS of an MSi motherboard on a desktop PC using the proprietary Live Update 6 program.

Important! Do not use the Live Update program to update the BIOS of AIOs and laptops.

Step 2. In the browser “Downloads” menu or on the desktop, open the archive file by clicking the mouse.

Step 3. Select the folder with the program with the mouse, click "Extract", select the location of the file in the "Path..." window and click "OK". The folder will move to the specified location.

Select the folder with the program with the mouse, click “Extract”, select the location of the file in the “Path...” window, click “OK”

Step 4. Go to the unzipped folder and run the installer file.

Step 6. Select the folder to install the program by clicking “Browse...” or immediately click “Next”, “Next”, “Install”.

Select the folder to install the program by clicking “Browse...” or immediately click “Next”, “Next”, “Install”

Step 7 Launch the program using the shortcut.

Step 8 Go to the “Live Update” tab, select “Manual Scan” and check the “MB BIOS” checkbox. Click at the bottom of the “Scan” window.

The program will search latest updates BIOS.

Step 9 A list of BIOS will appear. To carry out the update, it is necessary that the version “Latest...” (latest) has a later number than “Installed...” (“Installed on the PC”). Check the “MB BIOS” box and click the download button on the right (down arrow).

Step 10 Click “Yes” to confirm saving the file to the specified path.

Step 11 Launch the downloaded file. Click “Next”.

Step 12 Leave the “In Windows...” mode and click “Next”.

Leave the “In Windows...” mode and click “Next”

Step 13 Click “Close all listed programs”, wait a moment and click “Next”.

Step 14 Click “Start” to start the update.

The BIOS update process will begin, after which the PC will reboot.

If your laptop doesn't have a battery

When updating Laptop BIOS It often requires that its battery charge be at least 10%. On a laptop with a missing battery, in this case the message “Power check error!” may appear. (“Power test error!”).

To remove this restriction, you need to run the flashing file with the uncheck key.

Step 1. Press the “Win ​​and R” keys together. Type “cmd” in the line and click “OK”.

Step 2. Type in the window the command to go to the folder with the unpacked BIOS flasher, for example: “cd c:bios”.

Step 3. Press the TAB key to sequentially display the names of files stored in the selected folder before selecting a file with the .exe extension.

Step 4. Add the “/?” key to the .exe file. and press "Enter".

Step 5. In the help list, look for a command similar to /forceit or /force (“force”) or something similar.

Step 6. Substitute one of these keys to the .exe file, for example, by typing “CLB-135.EXE /force” in the window and pressing “Enter”. The BIOS firmware file should start without checking for the battery.

Once the computer restarts after flashing, you can continue to use the PC with the updated BIOS.

Video - What is BIOS/UEFI? Do I need to update and how to flash it?

Regular PC users have little understanding of how their device works, and this is not surprising. This information they don’t need it, and if something happens, they turn to service centers.

Many users are faced with the issue of updating the BIOS. In search of an answer, they turn to IT specialists and people who have experience working with computers. To understand this topic, you need to understand what BIOS is and what functions it performs.

BIOS Features and Features

This term is an abbreviation Basic Input/Output System(translation: Basic input, output system). BIOS is responsible for initial boot of the computer and OS. The program allows you to enter and output information using devices. This term refers to a microcircuit installed on the motherboard (printed circuit board).

After turning on the PC, the base system is accessed for further instructions. Previously, she was only responsible for supporting input and output devices. Now its main functions include:

1. Starting the computer.
2. System self-test (Power-On Self Test- POST, if problems are found in the computer, an error is displayed on the screen and a special signal sounds).
3. Support for input and output devices.

Experts call installing a new version a PC flashing. As a rule, it is carried out to improve certain functions and properties or to connect modern equipment.

There is no need to update the base system unless necessary. However, there are cases when this must be done:

• Installing a new processor. If old version The BIOS cannot support the current processor model and needs to be updated. Information on the update can be found on the official website of the motherboard manufacturer. The connector for connecting the new processor must be the same as for the old equipment.
• Connection hard drive larger volume. The size of the HDD is taken into account when designing the motherboard. The developers create it with a small margin. However, each new version of the hard drive has a larger capacity. In order for the board to support it, the base system will need to be updated.
• Expanding chipset capabilities. A chipset is a set of chips on a motherboard. Some of its properties are not fully used. You may need the latest BIOS version to activate them. You won't be able to add new devices, but it is possible to improve the main ones.
• Change operating system . In this case, it is recommended to update, but this is not a prerequisite for reinstalling a new OS, for example, from Windows 7 to Windows. There are often cases when installing a new operating system does not require the latest BIOS version. The BIOS update is carried out immediately before changing the OS.
• Speed ​​up your PC. Updating the base system affects the “overclocking” of the motherboard. Often, new versions contribute to faster response of equipment to user commands. However, there are exceptions when the procedure causes overload and the PC takes longer to process commands and freezes.
• Occurrence of errors in the codeBIOS. Such failures can slow down your PC and block device functions. It is necessary to check the current status of the underlying system and application programs. However, other factors can also degrade your computer's functionality. In this matter it is better to trust the specialists.

When you should not update the BIOS, and possible risks

If the user does not intend to change the components of the device, it is better to refuse flashing. For normal work and standard processes this procedure will not bring fundamental changes.

• The user does not plan to change hardware. If a person does not independently change PC components to more modern models, he will not need flashing. For working with documents, for gaming and online activities modern version not required. Flashing only quietly changes the operation of several programs that the user may not even use.
• The computer is working normally. The most common reason for flashing is failures and errors in the PC (but it is not a fact that the old version is the root of this problem). If the computer does not slow down, programs run without interruption, there is no need to update the structure. Also, problems with your PC are not a reason to reflash it. It is best to call a specialist, or send the device for repair, where they will analyze its condition. Inexperienced users are not recommended to change the structure of the equipment themselves.
• Deterioration in performance after flashing. Sometimes flashing can, on the contrary, negatively affect the functionality of the PC. This happens when the update was carried out by an unprofessional or negligent user. It must be taken into account that the improvement of the base system must be intended for a given motherboard model. Otherwise, many programs will malfunction. Typically, the framework itself checks whether the model fits printed circuit board to it, but if the check does not start, there is a risk that in the future the computer will not boot.

Also, you should not allow the power to turn off during the flashing process, otherwise you will have to take the PC to the workshop and pay a lot of money.

An unknowing user should not update the BIOS on his own. There is a risk that the computer will not work better, but on the contrary, it will freeze even more.

Should I reflash my PC or not?

It depends on the specific case. The best option is leave your computer in professional hands if it works intermittently. Specialists will identify the cause of the problems and possibly update the basic system.

If the issue is installing a modern processor model or a larger hard drive, then you first need to check the compatibility of the software with the device. Information is on the official websites of the developers. Again, it is better to entrust this matter to professionals. They will pick up more powerful processor(if the customer wants it), they will install it and reflash the PC.

BIOS (or its more modern version UEFI) is a low-level program for basic computer management, embedded in a special chip on the motherboard. However, you can reflash the contents of this chip on most boards without much difficulty, and today we want to introduce you to the methods for performing this procedure.

First, let's say a few words about when it's worth flashing the BIOS and whether it's worth it at all. Firmware is definitely required only to fix bugs, enable support for updated hardware components (memory, processor, video card) or add new functionality (for example, virtualization support). In other situations, you should be guided by the principle “if it works, don’t touch it,” since the potential risk outweighs the possible benefits.

Direct firmware methods can be divided into three groups: firmware from under the operating system (mainly Windows family), updating from a flash drive using a DOS shell or using the BIOS itself.

Before description possible options We warn you - everything further actions you do so at your own risk and we are not responsible for possible problems problems that may arise during procedures!

Preparing for flashing

Before the procedures you need to prepare: find out current version BIOS and download the appropriate software version from the motherboard manufacturer's website.

Find out the BIOS version

In order to download the appropriate software package, you must determine the version of the current firmware. This can be done in several ways - both by third party applications, and Windows OS.

Downloading new software

To download the appropriate firmware, you should visit the website of your motherboard manufacturer and go to the support section, where you can find the page for your specific motherboard model and download from there one of the available firmware kits.

Attention! Download firmware only from the official websites of the motherboard vendor, since the operation of self-assembled options is not guaranteed, and their installation may damage the board!

Flashing methods

After preparation has been completed, you can proceed to selecting a method for installing the new firmware version.

Method 1: Operating System Utilities

The easiest option is to flash the BIOS from under the operating system using special software. As a rule, the largest motherboard suppliers (Gigabyte, ASUS and ASRock) provide the necessary utilities.

Using such solutions is quite simple: you can do it as you wish. backup copy current firmware code, then load the file with new firmware and install it in a few clicks. The only requirement is that the computer must be connected to the source uninterruptible power supply, because if the firmware process is completed incorrectly, the board will become “bricked” and you will have to take it to a service center.

Method 2: Update from a USB flash drive

A slightly more complex, but also more reliable method is to write code files to a flash drive and flash the firmware from it using a DOS shell or an updater built into the BIOS itself. The procedure itself is not too labor-intensive - we have already discussed it in a separate material, which we recommend that you read.

Method 3: Options for some manufacturers

Many major motherboard manufacturers offer their own methods for flashing BIOS, specific only to models of a particular brand. This primarily applies to laptops, but is also typical for some desktop solutions, in particular, lines for gamers that offer advanced capabilities.

Read more: BIOS firmware on ASUS, Gigabyte, Lenovo, MSI devices

Method 4: Hardware flashing

The most technically complex option (and the only one available for some motherboard options) is hardware firmware using a special programmer. In most cases, this means unsoldering the BIOS chip from the board, installing a “flash drive” into the programmer and flashing the firmware with a service ROM file. This option is designed for an experienced user, so if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to trust a specialist. An example of hardware firmware can be found at the link below.

Conclusion

Flashing BIOS is a rather specific procedure that the average user is unlikely to have to perform. Nevertheless, motherboard manufacturers take this possibility into account and therefore have developed appropriate tools.

When is motherboard firmware needed? The process of updating the BIOS firmware version depends on the device manufacturer.

470 rub. RUB

Bios is software responsible for setting up the PC. It is stored on a small storage device located on the motherboard. Therefore, the BIOS, like any other program, requires regular updating and firmware of the motherboard.

The cost of the service is 470 RUR.

A task that should be entrusted to professionals! We will complete it with a guarantee and in the shortest possible time!

In what cases is flashing the BIOS required?

As a rule, a motherboard refuses to work with a processor that does not match its release type. In this case, a flashing is just needed.

Other reasons for updating the firmware can be hidden in a variety of things, from a banal PC freeze to incorrect functioning of the computer.

For example, quite often there is a situation when, having bought new processor and inserting it into the motherboard, nothing appears on the monitor when turned on, and the PC itself makes absolutely no sounds, except for the noise of the running cooler.

As a rule, it turns out that the problem is that the bios does not know about the new type of processor.

Malfunctions of this kind such as lack of sound or when installing a high-power video card, it is not recognized by the system as a device, are also encountered with no less frequency. In most cases, such a procedure as flashing the motherboard BIOS will solve such problems.

What is the flashing process and where is this service provided?

It is important to understand that updating the BIOS is a fairly serious step, which means you shouldn’t do it without a good reason.

An unsuccessful upgrade can lead to the most unpredictable consequences, including complete loss of functionality of the PC motherboard.

Plus, negative consequences is fraught with a sudden shutdown of electrical energy. Therefore, to avoid such a situation, it is best to use an uninterruptible power supply during this update operation. Our specialists have all the equipment necessary for this. To avoid aggravating an existing problem, it makes sense to entrust this procedure to experienced professionals.

For bios updates qualified specialists use utilities offered by the motherboard manufacturer or specialists who write the firmware image into the CMOS chip, which modern models is a flash memory where BIOS settings are saved, as well as the microcode itself.

To complete this process, the wizard’s arsenal contains the following components:

• the actual file on which the required BIOS version is recorded;
• flasher program (there are two types: for DOS and for Windows).

Our company is ready to provide you this type services at the highest level and in the shortest possible time.

1. The first thing the BIOS firmware starts with is identifying the motherboard manufacturer(her specific model and version).
2. Next, it is required downloading the corresponding firmware file, through which a direct update will be performed. Ideally, this is done on the motherboard manufacturer's website. If it supports several flashing methods, then the file that is intended for updating in DOS mode is loaded.
3. Afterwards, onto some blank medium downloaded file is placed. Our specialists have a loading device, which greatly speeds up this process.
, and then the direct update begins, during which the computer does not turn off or restart.

Regarding the motherboard firmware in Windows mode, then updating the BIOS requires a file containing new version bios micrograms, as well as a direct firmware program specifically for the Windows environment.