UEFI has a clear graphical interface, supports storage media with a capacity of more than 2 TB, and also works without problems with input manipulators.
Update the BIOS immediately after its latest version appears on the manufacturer’s website motherboard, even if the operating system works without failures or do not do so. Here everyone makes their own decision. Let’s just say that there are cases when the computer’s performance is completely satisfactory and there is doubt that the update will only make it worse. Perhaps in this case you do not need the update and should refuse it.
But there is also something that simply cannot be done without an update, for example, the motherboard does not “see” the processor or hard drive.
Reasons for updating the BIOS version:
- Upgrade of computer components (processor, hard drive, etc.);
- At the insistence of component manufacturers;
- Overlockers when overclocking the processor.
With the release of a new generation of processors, the operating modes and parameters of the system as a whole change. If these changes are significant, then without buying a new one motherboard for PC is not enough. If they are small, then motherboard engineers release BIOS updates for them.
WITH the emergence of Intel Core i7 for owners of motherboards with the 100th chipset ( Z-170, H170, H110, B150), it was enough to download the latest version and update the BIOS. The release of the eighth generation of processors required replacing the motherboard; firmware will no longer help.
From time to time, a processor manufacturer, especially with new models that have just appeared, discovers errors in operation or some vulnerabilities. In this case, updating will help solve these problems.
Users involved in system overclocking - overlockers - also need to monitor the current BIOS versions, as they can help achieve best results in acceleration. But there are exceptions and the result of the update may be the opposite; either tests done independently or experiments performed by other users will help here.
The firmware mechanism depends on the motherboard manufacturer and the program through which this occurs. Let's look at how to update the BIOS on a gigabyte motherboard using standard methods.
Attention! Use the BIOS update version only for your motherboard model.
Updating Gigabyte family motherboards in Windows environment
The easiest and fastest way to update the BIOS is while in operating environment Windows. To do this, download the utility @BIOS from the official Gigabyte website and install it.
We find the current BIOS version in the information tab.
Before flashing, you must save the current one installed in this moment on the motherboard, BIOS version on the hard drive. To do this, go to the tab Save to File and save in in the right place on the computer. If the new version malfunctions, you can roll back this action at any time using this saved file and restore the BIOS version.
You can update the BIOS by connecting to the appropriate server online. To do this, find in the utility Update from Server and select any source, as shown in the photo below. A few years ago this seemed impossible.
Preserved and traditional way updates – through a pre-downloaded update file. Before this, you need to download the corresponding update from the official website in the support section for specific model motherboard. Then in the utility @BIOS on the tab Update from File We indicate this file and flash the BIOS to a newer version. In the same way, you can restore a previously saved working BIOS. After this, reboot the Windows system.
Updating Gigabyte motherboards using a flash drive
Suppose the system Windows yet is not installed, in this case we reflash it directly in the BIOS itself. First download the archive installation file BIOS onto a flash drive using a smartphone or a neighbor’s computer and unzip it into the root directory of the flash drive.
When the computer boots, after the logo appears, press the Del key. The BIOS starts. Find and select the Q-Flash parameter. We are taken to a page with information about the BIOS version, the ability to save and restore it from a USB drive. This procedure is quite simple and does not require professional skills.
So, updating the BIOS (UEFI) is useful in many cases, but it may also be unnecessary. It is better to monitor the motherboard manufacturer's website for updates. This can improve PC performance and solve some operating system security problems. But before starting this procedure, you need to play it safe and make a copy of the current version on external media.
Write in the comments how often do you monitor BIOS updates for the gigabyte motherboard and do you consider this a mandatory procedure?
Unpleasant conflicts expressed in the frequent failure of your operating system to work correctly with a certain group of drivers, as well as a completely justified desire to increase performance and expand the functionality of the motherboard used, can become a peculiar reason for your genuine interest in resolving the issue of how to update BIOS Gigabyte. And only when you are completely confident in the advisability of carrying out such an important operation, which is flashing the microchip of the basic input/output system, and at the same time are determined to dot all the i’s, then let’s upgrade your “iron friend”...
The point is...
Now is the time to doubt modern competence a once flawless model of your motherboard from the IT industry leader, Taiwanese company GIGABYTE Technology Co. Ltd. A perfectly functional machine instantly lost its “authority” when you connected the hard drive enough large capacity or, perhaps, they purchased a new, more powerful one. As a result of the upgrade, the BIOS simply cannot manage such “progressive” equipment, since the software part of the code is outdated and requires practical updating. Therefore, in such a situation, the question of how Gigabyte becomes not just important, but extremely in need of a solution.
Choosing the only and trouble-free update method
Of course, flash the BSVV ( basic system input/output) of a computer can be done in a variety of ways. But it is highly not recommended to knowingly make incorrect update from Windows environment. This is purely the prerogative of DOS, so the operating system should not perform intermediary functions. The BIOS flash memory must be accessed directly. Only this way and no other way. However, this method of firmware requires certain knowledge, so we read, remember and, accordingly, independently practical actions We answer the question: “How to update the Gigabyte BIOS?”
Number, series, revision of the motherboard: where and what exactly to look for?
First of all, you need to have information about the modification of your motherboard. You can find this out from the documentation on your computer, but if you don’t have it, use one of the options below:
We write everything down on a separate piece of paper and plunge into the vast abyss of the Internet - download programs.
BIOS firmware Gigabyte
Knowing the model of the motherboard and the version of your BSVV, we proceed to the next preparatory stage software upgrade. Download from the manufacturer's website available update for your board. This is usually a file up to 3 MB in size, so you won't have to wait long. Next you need to do bootable USB flash drive, which will contain new firmware your BIOS. Only after the above will you be able to carry out the process of “filling” a more advanced program code to the BSVV microchip, through which the hardware of your computer is controlled.
Preparing the flash drive
By downloading a free utility from the Internet called USB Disk Storage Format, you just have to carry out some actions with the program interface, that is, configure it properly:
- To do this, in the first line we define our flash drive.
- We indicate file system: FAT32.
- IN Format line option, check the box.
- Check the Create a DOS Bootable Disk option.
- In the window below we write the directory in which our firmware file is located.
- Click Start and wait for the process of creating a bootable flash drive to complete.
Now you can update the BIOS of the Gigabyte motherboard using the built-in BSVV software that needs to be debugged.
The important final stage is setup
By briefly pressing the Delete key we go to the main page
microprogram menu for managing the hardware of our electronic machine. In this case, the flash drive must be installed in the USB connector of the computer.
- To return the Gigabyte BIOS settings to default values, go to the Load Optimaized Defaults tab and press Enter. We agree to save the changes by selecting "Y".
- Press F8 and go to the bootloader menu.
- Disable the first item Keep DMI Data by selecting Disabl.
- It is recommended to save current version firmware, so select Save Bios to Drive and perform the backup process.
- Click Update Bios from Drive and get into the directory of our flash drive.
- Press the Enter key to launch the firmware file.
Attention: while updating the BIOS, do not turn off the computer under any circumstances, as this can lead to quite serious problems!
- Upon completion of the microcode rewriting process, a window with the message Copy BIOS completed-Pass should appear on the monitor screen. Press any key.
Congratulations, the firmware is completed!
Upgrade your video card
This will probably be a small discovery for you, but the graphics module can also be subjected to high-quality software improvements or brought back to life when it is seen to be inoperable due to a crashed firmware. Question: "How to update the BIOS of a Gigabyte video card?" — needs more detailed consideration. We read about this further and understand the nuances.
- In the Support&Downloads section, select Graphics card.
- In the By Chipset Series window we find our modification of the graphics card.
- Then specify the Mode Name. Click on the Search button.
- Go to the section of the specified video card.
- Go to the Support&Downloads tab again. Where in the Download type window you need to select BIOS, after which in a new window you will be presented with the versions of available updates.
- We download the graphical BIOS from the server and run it in the Windows environment.
Attention: the downloaded version should not be underestimated and should express the correspondence of the symbolic and digital value with a tendency to increase by one unit. That is, the F2 firmware is replaced by F3, and F11 by F12... But in no case: F2 by F11 or F4 by F12! Gigabyte, you already know, now let's take the next step, which will help you upgrade your video card.
Small but remote
Nevertheless, VGA interface Tools@BIOS has the option to save the current BIOS version. Despite its miniature size, the utility copes with its assigned task with a bang.
- Using the Backup VGA BIOS button we do
- Using the Flash key we find our firmware file and mount it into the bootloader.
- Click "OK" and after rewriting the BIOS, we will enjoy new features and more efficient work our video card.
Finally
To date, no program for updating Gigabyte BIOS can compare with the functional correctness of the built-in ones provided by the manufacturer software. Such an important process as rewriting BSVV flash memory in a standard way requires only two things from the user: utmost attention and uninterruptible power supply. The system will handle the rest on its own. Happy upgrades!
Most manufacturers use their own own ways placement of individual BIOS options and their settings.
BIOS setup in most cases it causes difficulties for users due to the lack of description on native language. For our tutorial, we used the Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD6 motherboard, which has a clearly designed BIOS with a lot of features and wide range settings. Of course, all of these tips can be used without problems in BIOSes from other manufacturers; only minor differences in naming, placement and parameter ranges may arise.
Entering BIOS - How to enter BIOS
First of all, you need to find a way to enter the BIOS. When you turn on the computer, it displays a greeting image. This could be information about system testing (as in Fig. 1) or the logo of the motherboard manufacturer. If you press the Pause key during loading, you can view the list of messages in more detail. What we need will be visible on the loading screen below. In the case of this motherboard, you will enter the BIOS after pressing the (: BIOS Setup). This is typical for the vast majority of motherboards, although there are exceptions. In some models, the , or keys are responsible for entering the BIOS.
Time setting and drive diagnostics
Settings in the BIOS are usually divided into logical groups depending on their purpose (Fig. 2). Emphasis on the word “usually”, because they haven’t translated also BIOS in which there is blatant disorder and lack of logic. In the case of the Gigabyte motherboard, the procedure is exemplary.
Time, date and availability of channels for drives are set to Standard tab CMOS Features (Figure 3). For each channel (IDE Channel) you have three options (select them from the drop-down menu on the right, between square brackets): Auto, Manual, None. By default, Auto is set everywhere. After turning on the computer, connected drives are recognized automatically. If you want to speed up your computer boot time, set unused channels to None. During boot, the computer will only deal with connected drives and will not waste time detecting subsequent ones.
At the very bottom you will see an option for Drive A, the floppy drive. Most likely it is not on your computer (the floppies were replaced USB devices), in this case set to None.
Setting boot parameters, that is, starting the computer
Booting, that is, the main startup of the computer (even before loading the operating system), is controlled by the functions on the tab Advanced BIOS Features (Fig. 4).
If your computer has two or more hard drives, then using the option Hard Disk Boot Priority you specify which one to boot the operating system on.
Option Quick Boot disables detailed hardware tests when the computer starts. If you don't have any problems with your computer, this option should be enabled.
Three more functions - First Boot Device, Second Boot Device and Third Boot Device - allow you to determine from which type of drive the operating system will be attempted to boot from first. If the system is installed on a hard disk, set the first one to Hard Disk (Fig. 5).
If you need to download from optical drive(for example for Windows installations from disk), select the CDROM option. The F12 key has the same function, but pressing it when turning it on causes only a one-time boot from the optical drive, while this boot method set in the BIOS will be permanent (until changed).
Other important settings options on this tab:
- HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability - includes hard testing disk (if there are no problems, set it to Disabled).
- Limit CPUID Max. to 3 - allows you to identify the processor through the system. This option should be disabled on operating systems newer than Windows 2000, on almost all new computers.
- No-Execute Memory Protect - protects against attempts to overflow the memory buffer.
- Delay for HDD (Secs) - draws the BIOS’s attention to timely detection of an old, slow-running hard drive. For all new drives, you should set it to 0.
- Backup BIOS Image to HDD - creates on the hard drive copy of BIOS, which you can use if Motherboard BIOS the board will fail.
- Full Screen LOGO Show - enable the appearance of the motherboard manufacturer's color splash screen logo when the computer boots (if you are not happy, set it to Disabled).
- Init Display First - the function specifies where exactly the computer should first look for a video card (external or integrated). The correct settings are another way to speed up your computer's boot time.
Motherboard Components
Integrated Peripherals (Fig. 6, Fig. 7) This tab contains, first of all, settings for the operating modes of devices and computer ports. Here you can also enable or disable unused controllers.
Few people today use devices connected via Serial Port ( serial port, so Onboard Serial Port 1 should be set to Disabled.
PCH SATA Control Mode (Fig. 8) is used to determine how the controllers operate: IDE (default for most drives), RAID (creating disk arrays- systems for at least of two hard drives, working in the described way), AHCI (increases the performance of hard drives with SATA interface, is performed using mechanisms designed for this purpose, for example, a queue for reading data).
The option that is visible at the top eXtreme Hard Drive (XHD) is only relevant for Gigabyte motherboards - it allows you to increase performance system disks, through simple and quick addition extra hard disk.
Other useful BIOS settings from this tab:
- Green LAN - the system recognizes the connection network cable, if not connected, Network Controller will be automatically turned off.
- SMART LAN1(2) - controls the operation of the network connection cable. After the diagnosis, a report will be provided on possible problems.
- Azalia Codec - enables/disables the built-in audio codec.
- USB Controllers - enables/disables USB controllers.
- USB Storage Function - recognition of storage devices connected via the USB connector.
- USB Legacy Function - On older systems such as DOS or Windows NT, enables support for USB devices such as a keyboard or mouse.
Ways to save energy in BIOS
Tab Power Management Setup (Fig. 9) groups functions that set energy savings. In principle, the default settings should be sufficient.
ACPI Suspend Type - indicates the method for shutting down the computer in power saving mode: S1 turns off the display, stops the processor clock and food hard disk, and S3 turns off all components except power for the keyboard and RAM.
Resume by Alarm—setup to automatically wake up the computer at a specified time.
Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN - determines the action Power buttons in MS-DOS mode: the Instant-Off function turns off the computer immediately, and Delay 4 sec - after pressing the button for less than 4 seconds, the computer goes into sleep mode.
PME Event Wake Up - allows the system to be woken up from sleep mode by a signal from a PCIe or PCI device.
Power On by Ring - wakes up the system with a signal from a modem that supports this function.
AC Back Function - sets the way the computer operates after a power loss: Soft-Off - the computer remains turned off, Full-On - turns on automatically, Memory - restores the system to its state last mode sleep.
Fan speed, temperature and limits
The functions are collected on the PC Health Status tab (Fig. 10) - they are responsible for monitoring voltage and temperature important components, and also allow you to control fans (coolers) connected to the motherboard. With their help, temperature limits are set, as well as the way the fans operate. Here you can also see the readings of the sensors built into the board. Particularly important is the processor temperature sensor, which tells the experienced user that the system is operating in a safe environment.
CPU Warning Temperature - sets the value after which a warning will appear when exceeded. high temperature processor (Fig. 11).
- CPU FAN Fail Warning - Enabled displays a warning if the processor fan is not working.
- SYSTEM FAN2 Fail Warning - Same as above if you connect a second fan.
- POWER FAN Fail Warning - as above, but this applies to the power supply fan.
- SYSTEM FAN1 Fail Warning - as above, but applies to the additional fan.
- CPU Smart FAN Control - includes automatic adjustment CPU fan speed.
Saving and protecting access
Functions related to saving and restoring settings, as well as protecting access to the computer, are located to the right of the BIOS main menu (Fig. 12). Selecting them leads to immediate execution (does not open menu tabs).
The Load Optimized Defaults option resets the BIOS to the factory default settings. You can use this function if you are not sure that the BIOS is configured correctly or if the computer is unstable.
Using the Set Supervisor Password and Set User Password parameters, you can set the password to access the BIOS, as well as the one required to boot the operating system. Selecting Save and Exit Setup will save your current settings and restart your computer.
Exit Without Saving restarts your computer without saving any changes you've made.
BIOS Setup - Overlocker's Shrine
Gigabyte stores all the functions of the advanced menu for setting the operating parameters of the main components or motherboard, processor and memory load on the MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.) tab.
Here you will find additional tabs with very important information: values base frequency processor operation, memory, amount of installed memory, working temperature processor and chipset, as well as the current supply voltages of the processor and memory (Fig. 13).
On the M.I.T. tab. Current Status more detailed information about the operating parameters of the entire processor and memory. You cannot make any changes here.
Advanced Frequency Settings - (Fig. 15) this tab contains the most interesting functions used during overclocking.
The most important is the BCLK Frequency (MHz) (Fig. 16) - the base values used to create all the operating frequencies of the components through the corresponding coefficients. For new Intel processors, the nominal value is 133 MHz.
At the top you can see the CPU Clock Ratio option; it sets the processor multiplier. This figure is multiplied by the base value and sets the operating frequency of the system. In the example from the figure, the multiplier is x22, which with BCLK 133 MHz (actual value 133.3 MHz) gives a frequency of 2933 MHz.
The QPI Clock Ratio option sets the frequency multiplier of the QPI bus (components used when internal communication between two systems is located in the same processor case).
System Memory Multiplier (SPD) is another memory multiplier - setting it to x10 gives a memory operating frequency of 1333 MHz - nominal for Intel chips Core i7 800.
In most processors, limits are set for all multipliers maximum values. This means that overclocking beyond the factory-set ceiling is not possible. The limitation can be overcome by increasing the base frequency.
There are also options for changing here clock frequency PCI buses Express (PCI Express Frequency (MHz)). The default value in this case is 100 MHz.
The additional Advanced CPU Core Features tab (Fig. 17) provides access to additional parameters processor - allows you to enable or disable various ways energy saving or turbo mode.
Also here you can specify the number of active cores (Fig. 18). The photo shows the optimal parameters for proper operation of the system with one exception - the turbo mode must be turned on (Enabled).
Operating parameters RAM memory, are set on the Advanced Memory Settings tab (Fig. 19).
At the top you will see an option System Memory Multiplier - this is the multiplier operating frequency memory (Fig. 20). 
You will set the component voltage on the Advanced Voltage Settings tab (Fig. 22).
If you do not have much experience in this area, it is better to leave all the settings at the default, that is, Auto or Normal - too high a voltage can damage the entire computer. However, during overclocking, increasing these values is necessary to obtain good results and stable system operation.
The principle “the more the better” does not apply here; it requires long testing operation of the computer with the specified voltage and combination of these values. In a word, this is an activity for the most experienced users who are well versed in the operation of a computer, have extensive experience and devote a lot of time to experiments. Manufacturers offer different ways to change the voltage: to a selected value (for example, from 1.2 to 1.35 V), or from a selected value (for example: 1.2 + 0.15 V).
Specific settings functions for AMD processors
The BIOS settings described above include universal options, but suitable for mat. boards with LGA 1156 socket, that is, for Intel processors. Overclocking functions of motherboards for AMD processors have fundamental differences, therefore require a separate description.
As an example, we used the maternal MSI board 870A-G54. You will find functions for managing the parameters of node operation and overclocking MSI on the Cell Menu tab (Fig. 23).
In this case, instead of BCLK we have the Adjust CPU FSB Frequency (MHz) item (Fig. 24). Its name is misleading - AMD abandoned the FSB bus on processor boards many years ago. So we are dealing here with an output frequency (HTT) of 200 MHz.
AMD Cool'n'Quiet is a great energy saving option. During stable operation of the computer, it should always be turned on.
Unlock CPU Core - unlocks unused processor cores. Description full of possibilities This option requires writing a separate article.
You can also configure in the voltage parameters: processor core voltage (CPU Voltage) and its north bridge(CPU-NB Voltage), HT bus (HT Link Voltage) and separately north (NB Voltage) and south (SB Voltage) bridges of the motherboard (Fig. 26).
Continuing our series of articles on updating the BIOS, today we will talk about how to update the Gigabyte BIOS.
Update instructions
There is a program for updating the Gigabyte BIOS; You can use the free GIGABYTE @BIOS. This Gigabyte BIOS update utility comes bundled with motherboard– check the presence of a disk with drivers from the motherboard among the boxes and documents of your computer. If you do not have a disk, you can download it from the network. The peculiarity of this program is that it independently monitors the appearance of newer firmware for your motherboard model, downloads and installs them itself.
In the event that the described program does not suit you or you are a do-it-yourselfer, the steps described below will suit you. Here we will look at how to update the Gigabyte BIOS from a flash drive.
- Let's start the update process by checking which version of BIOS firmware you have installed. To do this, go to command line(type cmd in the search bar) and then type the command:
wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
After pressing ENTER you will see the version.- Then you need to go to the website www.gigabyte.ru and select “Support”.
- On the page that opens, enter the model of your motherboard and click the button.
- If the firmware version is newer than your current one, download it. These documents will be archived and you need to unpack them onto a clean, FAT32-converted flash drive.
- Next, we enter the BIOS - during the OS startup you need to press frequently Delete key. Or F2. Laptops are assigned different keys - look online for your laptop model.
- Now you need to install boot disk– it must be a flash drive. In Bios, find the BOOT tab and set the boot priority. The default disk is Windows.
- Press F10 to exit and save. When you reboot, the new rules will apply and the update will immediately begin from the flash drive.
- The next time you visit the BIOS, you need to reset all settings.
- Go into the BIOS again during system startup and observe what appears below Q-Flash utility. We need it for further manipulations with rolling out the update. Press F8.
- Now you are in this utility. First save the current version (the “Save Bios” button), and then update (the “Update Bios from Drive” button).
- You will now be asked to set the update file source. Select HDD1-0.
