Last updated on Sep 22, 2024

How do you find the right BIOS version and source for your new CPU?

If you are planning to upgrade your CPU or install a new one, you need to make sure that your motherboard's BIOS is compatible with it. BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, and it is the firmware that controls the communication between your hardware and your operating system. Updating your BIOS can improve the performance, stability, and compatibility of your PC, but it can also be risky if you do it wrong. In this article, we will show you how to find the right BIOS version and source for your new CPU, and how to update it safely and correctly.

1 Check your current BIOS version

The first step is to check your current BIOS version and compare it with the latest one available for your motherboard. You can do this by entering the BIOS setup menu when you boot up your PC, or by using a tool like CPU-Z or Speccy that can display your BIOS information. Note down the BIOS version number, the date, and the manufacturer. You will need this information later to find the right update file.

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2 Find the BIOS update file

The next step is to find the BIOS update file for your motherboard and your new CPU. The best and safest source for this file is the official website of your motherboard manufacturer. You can usually find the BIOS update file under the support or download section of your motherboard model. Make sure you select the correct model and revision of your motherboard, and look for the latest BIOS version that supports your new CPU. You can also check the release notes or the CPU compatibility list to see what changes and improvements the BIOS update brings. Download the BIOS update file and save it to a USB flash drive or another storage device.

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Farman Ali

SEO | PPC Specialist 📊 | Brand Architect | Passionate About Driving Organic Traffic & Conversions | QAU🎓 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Most motherboards come with a tool suite like MSI Center or ASUS Armoury Crate, which can automate the process of updating the BIOS and firmware. This eliminates the need to manually review BIOS versions or enter the BIOS to perform a BIOS flash.

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Brandon Benyacar

IT & Technical Support
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Most motherboards also have a tool suite such as MSI Center or Asus Armory Crate, which can automate the process of updating the bios and firmware without having to review bios versions, or to go into the bios to perform a bios flash.

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3 Prepare for the BIOS update

Before you proceed with the BIOS update, you need to prepare your PC and follow some precautions. First, make sure your PC is connected to a reliable power source and avoid any power interruptions during the update process. Second, back up your important data and settings in case something goes wrong. Third, close all other programs and applications and disable any antivirus or security software that might interfere with the update. Fourth, read the instructions and warnings carefully from the manufacturer's website or the BIOS update file.

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Farman Ali

SEO | PPC Specialist 📊 | Brand Architect | Passionate About Driving Organic Traffic & Conversions | QAU🎓 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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In my experience, using CPU-Z is a quick and efficient way to check the current BIOS version without having to reboot and enter the BIOS menu.

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4 Update the BIOS

Updating the BIOS can vary depending on the motherboard model and manufacturer. Some methods include using a built-in utility in the BIOS setup menu, a Windows-based program, or a bootable disk or USB flash drive. When following the steps and prompts from the chosen method, it is important to not turn off or restart your PC until the update is complete. Afterward, you may need to enter the BIOS setup menu again and load default or optimal settings, or make any adjustments required for your new CPU.

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5 Verify the BIOS update

The final step is to verify that the BIOS update was successful and that your new CPU is working properly. You can do this by checking the BIOS version and date again in the BIOS setup menu or with a tool like CPU-Z or Speccy. You can also run some tests or benchmarks to see if your PC performance has improved or if there are any issues or errors. If everything is fine, you can enjoy your new CPU and its features. If not, you may need to troubleshoot or contact the manufacturer's support for help.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Brandon Benyacar

IT & Technical Support
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Some motherboards also include advanced features to assist with bios recovery should something go wrong. There will be a colour coded usb port on the back of the motherboard that can automatically flash a bios file from an attached usb stick automatically after pressing the dedicated flash bios button.

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Kristeen Romero 🏳🌈

📊 HubSpot Imagineer | 🇨🇳 China's 1st HubSpot Certified Trainer | 💚 Integrations, Data, No-code & AI | 🧠 AuDHDer
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It’s worth noting that it’s not usually necessary to update your BIOS unless you’re lacking compatibility with certain hardware, or the manufacturer advises it. Though BIOS flashing has improved over the years, it’s still a pretty risky process that isn’t likely to yield a lot of performance improvements.

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Pawan Kumar Jha

Content Manager. Blogger @readmycontent.com. Freelance writer. Creative Writer. Technical Writer. Write Web Articles, PR, Multi-genre topics. Enthusiasts about AI, generative AI, AGI, SaaS.
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Based on my own understanding, BIOS update must be considered followed by any recent upgrade of CPU or other hardware component of your PC. Otherwise, I don't think your system needs latest BIOS update, given most motherboard manufacturing companies release latest BIOS version keeping in mind the CPU compatibility. If you update BIOS anyhow, you will experience performance issues due to incompatibility. Also, if your system works fine for normal day to day tasks, there's no need to update its BIOS. One more thing, updating BIOS is very risky if you have unreliable power supply to your PC. An abrupt shutdown while BIOS update is in progress would damage your system's performance badly. Bottom line - update BIOS only if necessary.

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How do you find the right BIOS version and source for your new CPU?

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1 Check your current BIOS version

2 Find the BIOS update file

3 Prepare for the BIOS update

4 Update the BIOS

5 Verify the BIOS update

6 Here’s what else to consider

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