PC SETUP & MAINTENANCE

When Should You Update Your BIOS?

Valhalla Thor gaming PC with purple RGB lighting on a workshop bench beside an ASUS monitor showing BIOS settings during system validation.

A newer BIOS release is not something you have to install just because it exists. If your PC is stable, supports the hardware you use, and the release notes do not address a problem, security issue, or compatibility requirement that applies to your system, leaving the current firmware in place is usually reasonable.

There are still good reasons to update: a documented bug fix, an important security correction, support for a new CPU or device, or a compatibility change that solves a real problem. The useful question is not "Is there a newer BIOS?" It is "Does this BIOS update solve something my PC actually needs?"

BIOS UPDATES MOTHERBOARD FIRMWARE STABILITY & SECURITY PC MAINTENANCE
Valhalla Thor gaming PC with purple RGB lighting on a workshop bench beside an ASUS monitor showing BIOS settings during system validation.

THE SHORT ANSWER

Usually Not Unless There's a Reason

If the PC is stable and the newer firmware does not fix a relevant bug, address an important security issue, add hardware support you need, or improve compatibility that affects your system, there is usually no reason to flash the BIOS just to get a newer version number.

That targeted approach matches Intel's BIOS update guidance, which treats BIOS updates as problem- or hardware-driven maintenance rather than a routine update for a normally working PC. When an update does apply, confirm the exact motherboard, read its release notes and flashing instructions, and plan to verify settings and stability afterward.

A higher BIOS version is not a performance score. The useful version is the one that supports the hardware correctly and leaves the system stable.

THE DECISION

Do You Really Need a BIOS Update?

A newer BIOS being available does not automatically mean you need it. Compare what the release changes with what your PC actually needs. Most BIOS decisions fall into one of these three situations.

The Update Fixes a Problem

The release notes address a bug, stability issue, security problem, or compatibility issue that affects your PC.

The Update Adds Support You Need

A CPU, memory configuration, device, or platform feature you plan to use requires newer firmware.

The Update Doesn't Affect Your PC

Your system is stable, your hardware works correctly, and the newer BIOS offers no fix or support change relevant to your configuration.

FIRMWARE IS DIFFERENT

What Does the BIOS Actually Do?

Most modern PCs use UEFI firmware, although BIOS is still the common shorthand. It runs before Windows, initializes key hardware such as the processor, memory, storage, PCIe devices, and motherboard controllers, and then hands the boot process over to the operating system.

That is why flashing the BIOS deserves more care than updating an ordinary application. You are changing low-level firmware the motherboard depends on during startup, so the update should have a clear reason behind it.

Firmware support can also affect how long a motherboard remains practical to use. CPU support, memory compatibility, device behavior, and security fixes can all depend on later firmware releases. Those responsibilities sit alongside the PCIe, storage, USB, and expansion resources explained in our motherboard chipset guide.

WHAT FIRMWARE CAN CHANGE

What Can a BIOS Update Change?

A release note may be only a sentence or two, but the firmware behind it can change several parts of how the motherboard initializes and manages hardware.

01

CPU & MICROCODE

Firmware can add processor support, deliver updated CPU microcode, or change low-level initialization and power behavior. On AMD Ryzen platforms, a BIOS release may also incorporate a newer AGESA package, the AMD firmware code motherboard vendors build into their BIOS.

02

MEMORY TRAINING

BIOS revisions can change memory training, DIMM compatibility, and how the motherboard applies or trains settings such as XMP and EXPO.

03

BOOT & SECURITY

Updates can affect Secure Boot, TPM-related behavior, boot logic, firmware security, and other pre-Windows controls.

04

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY

Storage devices, PCIe hardware, USB controllers, onboard devices, and other motherboard-connected components can be affected by firmware changes.
CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE FIRST

How to Check Your BIOS Version

Before comparing updates, confirm the firmware already installed and the exact motherboard it belongs to.

In Windows 11, press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In System Information, look for BIOS Version/Date. That gives you the installed firmware version and vendor information to compare with the support page for your exact motherboard.

You can also check the version directly inside the motherboard's BIOS or UEFI interface. This is useful when Windows is unavailable or when you are already reviewing BIOS settings.

Before downloading anything, identify the exact motherboard model and, where applicable, its hardware revision. If you are not sure what board is installed, use our guide to checking PC specs in Windows 11 first.

READ THE RELEASE NOTES

How to Read BIOS Release Notes

Match the exact motherboard and revision

Motherboard families can contain several models, Wi-Fi variants, form factors, and hardware revisions. Use the support page for the exact board rather than assuming firmware for a similar name is interchangeable.

Read prerequisites and update-path notes

Some manufacturers require an intermediate BIOS, companion controller firmware, a particular flashing method, or another prerequisite before a later release can be installed. Downgrade restrictions can also vary by board and release. Follow the documented path rather than jumping between versions based only on the version number.

Look for a change that actually applies to your PC

A release note that names a CPU, device, security advisory, memory issue, or known bug gives you something concrete to evaluate. Broad wording such as "improved compatibility" can still matter, but it is a reason to investigate, not proof that every stable PC should be updated.

The motherboard manufacturer's instructions take priority over generic BIOS advice. The correct file, flashing method, prerequisites, and recovery options are specific to the board you actually own.

GAMING PERFORMANCE

Can BIOS Updates Improve Gaming Performance?

Usually not by itself. A BIOS update is not a normal gaming-performance upgrade, and a healthy PC should not be flashed simply in the hope of gaining free FPS.

Performance can change when firmware fixes abnormal CPU behavior, improves memory compatibility, removes a real limitation, or enables support that was previously missing. In those cases, the update is fixing or enabling something specific rather than making the BIOS inherently "faster."

If low gaming performance is what sent you looking for a BIOS update, diagnose the actual limit first. CPU or GPU saturation, driver problems, thermal limits, memory pressure, game settings, and background software are often more direct causes. Our GPU utilization guide explains how to read GPU load alongside FPS and the rest of the system.

CHECK YOUR SETTINGS AFTERWARD

Does a BIOS Update Reset Settings?

A BIOS update can reset key system settings. Review these areas after flashing to make sure the PC is configured correctly.

AREA WHAT MAY CHANGE WHAT TO CHECK WHY IT MATTERS
XMP / EXPO and memory XMP/EXPO may be disabled or memory may fall back to default settings Memory profile, speed, voltage, and stability Memory performance and stability can change
Boot and storage settings Boot order or storage/controller options may revert to defaults Correct boot drive and storage configuration The PC may boot differently or fail to find the expected OS
CPU tuning and power settings PBO, power limits, undervolt, overclock, or related tuning may be cleared CPU settings, clocks, temperatures, and stability Performance, power use, and thermals can change
Security and motherboard features Secure Boot, virtualization, Resizable BAR, or TPM-related options may differ Security, virtualization, and PCIe feature settings Windows, security, or application behavior can change
Cooling and fan control Custom fan or pump curves may return to defaults Pump headers, fan curves, and temperature response Noise and temperatures can change after the update

BIOS update behavior varies by motherboard. The first boot may take longer while memory retrains, so do not interrupt it or reuse an old BIOS profile without revalidating settings.

THE REAL FLASHING RISK

Is It Safe to Update BIOS?

The main practical risk is a failed or interrupted firmware write. Power loss, an incorrect BIOS file, a crash, or another failure during the update can leave the motherboard unable to boot normally.

Download firmware only from the official support page for the exact motherboard and use the flashing method documented for that model. For example, ASUS documents EZ Flash and USB BIOS FlashBack, while MSI documents its M-FLASH process. Recovery features such as BIOS Flashback or dual-BIOS designs are useful when present, but they are not available on every board.

Once the update has started, do not power off, reset, remove the update media, or otherwise interrupt the PC unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so as part of a documented recovery procedure.

BIOS UPDATE DISCLAIMER: BIOS and motherboard firmware updates are performed at your own risk. Valhalla Performance PC is not responsible for damage, data loss, loss of configuration, system instability, or a non-booting or otherwise unusable system resulting from BIOS or firmware updates performed by customers, readers, or other third parties.

TWO SPECIAL CASES

Can BIOS Updates Trigger BitLocker Recovery?

Have your BitLocker recovery key before changing firmware

BIOS, UEFI, TPM, or Secure Boot changes can alter early-boot measurements and may trigger BitLocker recovery on some systems. Before changing firmware, make sure the recovery key is backed up and accessible if BitLocker or Device Encryption is enabled.

Microsoft also documents cases where BitLocker protection should be suspended for non-Microsoft firmware or UEFI changes. The exact requirement depends on how BitLocker is configured and how the update is delivered, so follow the current Microsoft guidance and the instructions for the specific motherboard or system.

Treat a beta BIOS as pre-release firmware

A beta BIOS can be useful when it contains a fix or hardware-support change you genuinely need before a production release is available. If you do not need what the beta adds, there is little reason to make a stable system an early test case.

IF THE PC WILL NOT BOOT

What If a BIOS Update Fails?

A slow first boot is not automatically a failed update. Some boards restart several times or take longer to POST while memory retrains after a firmware change.

Give the first boot time to finish

After some BIOS updates, especially ones that change memory behavior, the motherboard may take longer than normal to reach POST. You may see several restarts, a blank display for a while, or diagnostic LEDs moving through different stages. If the board is clearly still working through startup, avoid interrupting it prematurely and follow any timing guidance in the motherboard manual.

If it still will not POST, return to a known baseline

Use the motherboard manual and its diagnostic LEDs or debug code to identify the failing stage. If the manufacturer recommends clearing CMOS, start again with default settings before re-enabling XMP/EXPO, CPU tuning, fan changes, or other custom values. That helps separate a bad setting from a firmware or hardware problem.

Use the board's documented recovery method

If the motherboard supports BIOS Flashback, dual BIOS, or another recovery feature, follow the manufacturer's exact procedure for that model. Do not repeatedly try unrelated BIOS files or assume firmware for a similar motherboard is compatible.

Once the PC boots again, confirm the installed BIOS version, make sure storage and connected devices are detected, restore only the settings you actually need, and retest system stability. If the board still will not recover reliably, stop trial-and-error flashing and contact the motherboard manufacturer or your system builder.

VALHALLA BUILD VALIDATION

What Valhalla Checks After BIOS Updates

When a BIOS update is appropriate during a new Valhalla build, we make the firmware change before final memory, cooling, tuning, and stability validation.

A motherboard reaching POST after a flash is only the first checkpoint. We verify the intended BIOS version, memory configuration, boot behavior, storage and PCIe devices, CPU behavior, cooling response, and stability before treating the system as finished.

That work is part of our custom gaming PC build process, where BIOS setup, Windows and driver preparation, thermal testing, and final stability checks are handled as parts of the same completed PC.

Confirm the final BIOS version matches the intended motherboard and processor configuration

Restore the intended XMP/EXPO profile and required BIOS settings

Confirm boot behavior, storage detection, PCIe devices, and motherboard controllers

Check CPU clocks, power behavior, and temperatures under load

Verify fan and pump behavior against the intended cooling configuration

Run memory and system stability testing after the firmware and settings changes

Confirm Windows and the installed drivers detect and use the hardware as expected

Complete a final boot and validation pass before the PC is packaged for delivery

The value is not in installing the newest BIOS. It is in choosing appropriate firmware, configuring the system around it, and proving the finished PC is stable afterward.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Should You Update Your BIOS?

A BIOS update is worthwhile when it serves a clear purpose, such as fixing a problem you actually have, supporting hardware you plan to use, addressing an important security issue, or improving compatibility that matters to your configuration. If none of those apply and the PC is already stable, keeping the current BIOS is often the better choice.

If the limitation is broader than firmware—for example, a CPU upgrade that also requires a new motherboard and memory—the built-to-order PC guide helps compare complete platform paths. When replacement is genuinely the better answer, the Custom PC Builder lets the new system be planned around the performance target instead of around one isolated component.

BIOS UPDATE FAQ

Common Questions About BIOS Updates

Clear answers about BIOS update frequency, gaming performance, CPU support, XMP and EXPO, BitLocker, recovery, downgrades, beta firmware, and Valhalla systems.

There is no fixed BIOS update schedule. Update when you have a documented problem, need new hardware support, are responding to an important security advisory, or have another clear reason tied to the release notes. If the PC is stable and none of those conditions apply, there is usually no reason to update simply because a newer version exists.

Only if the new processor requires a newer BIOS than the motherboard currently has. Check the exact motherboard CPU-support list and minimum firmware version before changing processors. That upgrade path is one reason long-term firmware support matters when evaluating motherboard quality.

It can on some systems. Firmware, TPM, Secure Boot, or other early-boot changes can alter measurements BitLocker uses during startup, which is why the recovery key should be accessible before you flash. Microsoft explains how to find a BitLocker recovery key and when BitLocker protection should be suspended for non-Microsoft firmware or boot-related updates.

Sometimes, but it depends on the motherboard and firmware release. Vendors can restrict downgrades, require a specific method, or block returning to older firmware after certain security, microcode, or platform changes. The motherboard documentation and release notes should be treated as the authority for that board.

If your Valhalla system is operating normally, do not update the BIOS solely because a newer version exists. Firmware changes are best made for a specific reason, such as resolving a compatibility issue, supporting new hardware, addressing an important security concern, or correcting a problem affecting the system. Review the motherboard manufacturer’s release notes before changing the existing configuration.

Usually not by itself. A BIOS update can change performance when it fixes a CPU, memory, or platform problem, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed FPS upgrade. If low frame rate is what prompted the update, our CPU and GPU bottleneck guide helps separate hardware limits, while the gaming PC driver guide covers software changes that can produce similar symptoms.

Yes. A BIOS update can load defaults or clear non-default settings, so XMP/EXPO, fan and pump control, boot order, CPU tuning, virtualization, security features, and other settings may need to be checked again. Because XMP and EXPO are only one part of memory setup, our RAM configuration guide explains how speed, timings, DIMM layout, and stability fit together after a firmware change.

Yes. A failed or interrupted firmware write can leave a motherboard unable to boot normally. Recovery features such as BIOS Flashback, dual-BIOS designs, or vendor-specific recovery tools can help on supported boards, but the correct recovery path depends on the exact motherboard.

Use beta firmware only when it provides a fix or hardware-support change you actually need and you accept that it is pre-release firmware. A stable PC usually has little reason to run a beta BIOS when the beta does not solve a specific problem.

There is no universal time because the process varies by motherboard, flashing method, and firmware package. The board may restart more than once or spend extra time training memory. Follow the manufacturer's procedure and do not interrupt the update simply because one stage takes longer than expected.

START WITH A VALIDATED SYSTEM

Build a PC That Arrives Configured, Tested, and Ready.

Valhalla handles the low-level setup before delivery: BIOS configuration, memory setup, cooling, storage, drivers, power behavior, thermals, and stability testing.

BIOS and hardware compatibility checked before final configuration

Memory, cooling, boot behavior, drivers, thermals, and stability validated together

Lifetime support after delivery if you need help with your system

You should not have to guess whether the system was configured correctly.

Build Your Custom PC Explore Built-to-Order PCs

The motherboard firmware, memory, cooling, storage, Windows, drivers, and final stability are validated as parts of one completed PC.