Official GIGABYTE Forum

At The Very Beginning => FAQ => Topic started by: Dark Mantis on July 31, 2010, 11:12:14 pm

Title: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Dark Mantis on July 31, 2010, 11:12:14 pm
The first thing to do is go to the Gigabyte wesite and find the "Support and Downloads" section (http://uk.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/support-downloads.aspx).

Select your motherboard and revision number which can be found printed on the bottom left corner of the motherboard. Click on the "BIOS" tab. This will take you to the BIOS versions download page.The newest BIOS versions are at the top of the page. Click on your region under the "Download Here" section heading. A dialogue box will then pop up asking what you want to do with this file. Click on "save" and note where you are saving it to.

Take a USB pendrive and make sure it is formatted with a FAT32 file system. If the file ends with .exe run it, or if it is a zip file unzip it, and save the files (usually contains 3 files) that you just expanded to the Boot sector or a folder of your choice on this drive and insert the pendrive into a USB port.

Re-boot.

Press the"End" key as the computer is POSTing and you will be taken into the BIOS flashing utility "Q-Flash". From there just follow the prompts to find your file and DO NOT TURN OFF THE POWER under any circumstances. It will look for the pendrive with the file on it and use that to update the BIOS. One thing to note is that the pendrive may show up as a floppy or hard disk instead of a USB drive. Once it has completed you can reboot.

Believe me it is not as difficult as it sounds.

*Important note for P67 chipset users*

The BIOS versions that are still at beta stage or listed as "3TB+ HDD support" will require using the latest downloadable @BIOS program (not the one that came with the motherboard) from the Gigabyte website. If you feel unsure about this the other option is to use the FlashSPI.exe that is included with the BIOS update files.

Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on August 01, 2010, 12:36:10 pm
Thoughts of absic115 on the topic of Flashing BIOS

Just to add to what Dark Mantis has already said I thought it would be worth posting my own little contribution regarding this subject.

The safest and best way to flash BIOS is to use the QFlash Utility. But a note of caution before you start, flashing BIOS is not something you should do unless you really need to.

There are a couple of steps to take before updating BIOS the first is to download the latest version from the web. Be careful that you get the right BIOS version for your motherboard and in particular check out your motherboard's revision number prior to downloading. (If you're not sure where to find your revision number it is normally printed on the bottom left hand corner of the motherboard.)

When you download the correct BIOS  Save the folder to your desktop for easy access. Unzip the folder using WinRAR, 7Zip, Winzip etc., or by just double clicking the Icon.
http://img251.imageshack.us/i/img0276wi.jpg/
http://img809.imageshack.us/i/img0277h.jpg/
http://img710.imageshack.us/i/img0279ds.jpg/
http://img831.imageshack.us/i/img0280y.jpg/
http://img842.imageshack.us/i/img0282r.jpg/

You will find a USB Stick is the best way of flashing BIOS. (You can also use a floppy drive but I have found the USB Stick to be more reliable) Make sure the stick has been formatted in FAT32. Next copy the BIOS folder, that you have extracted (and saved on your desktop) to the USB Stick.

Leave the USB stick plugged into your PC and re-boot. As the PC starts up press the "END" key on your keyboard (you might have to press the "END" key several times during start-up before you see the message regarding QFlash, this is normal so don't worry just as you would the "DEL" key for entering BIOS). Don't worry if you enter BIOS by mistake you can still get to the QFlash utility by pressing f8 on your keyboard.
http://img248.imageshack.us/i/img0284mc.jpg/

The PC will enter the QFlash utility and you need to locate the folder on the USB Stick and then follow the on-screen instructions.
http://img14.imageshack.us/i/img0285cd.jpg/
http://img819.imageshack.us/i/img0286z.jpg/
http://img693.imageshack.us/i/img0287xq.jpg/
http://img256.imageshack.us/i/img0288br.jpg/
http://img413.imageshack.us/i/img0289d.jpg/
http://img134.imageshack.us/i/img0290p.jpg/

When the BIOS update is complete re-boot the PC and go back into BIOS.

Load optimised defaults, save and exit.

When the PC reboots you will see that the new BIOS is installed.

NOTE: Sometimes the latest available BIOS is a beta version and although it will work you might find some things are missing and overclocking, for example, might not work properly. If in doubt I would recommend that you do not update to BETA unless there is a noted "fix" for an issue that you are experiencing or if advised to by Gigabyte.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on August 02, 2010, 07:52:15 am
Just thought it might be worth re-stating.

YOU SHOULD ONLY RE-FLASH BIOS IF A NEWER VERSION GIVES YOU ADDED CPU SUPPORT, ADDRESSES A KNOWN ISSUE or YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT A NEWER BIOS WILL HELP SOLVE A PROBLEM.

You really DO NOT need to update BIOS just because there is a newer version.

If your PC is running OK with its current version of BIOS you don't need to update it, unless of course
you are a gambler and like taking risks.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: virtualcrowbar on August 06, 2010, 12:26:22 pm
Just wanted to say thanksespecially to absic115. This guide was really useful and I flashed my BIOS without any problem. The pictures also helped.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Dark Mantis on August 08, 2010, 02:50:23 pm
Some IMPORTANT ADVICE from Dark Mantis & absic115

Please note that although the @BIOS  is one of  Gigabyte's bundled software utilities it can cause a lot of problems and we feel it is safer not to use it.

Instead we would recommend using the QFlash utility that can be found in BIOS as it is a more reliable way of flashing/updating your BIOS.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Court on September 09, 2010, 08:54:53 am
Snap I used the @BIOS to flash my bios last week. But I haven't had any problems with mine.

Should I reflash my board with the same bios but using a USB Memory stick?
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on September 09, 2010, 09:00:47 am
The @BIOS utility can be a bit Hit & Miss. Sometimes it will update BIOS without a problem but the next time you try and use it the whole process can go wrong for no apparent reason, leaving you with a very expensive brick. If you have updated your BIOS, using the @BIOS utility then don't worry, everything is fine.

The reality is that the safest method of updating your BIOS is using the QFlash utility and that's why we recommend that you use this method rather than @BIOS
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: hiohaa on September 25, 2010, 06:23:33 pm
please help,

it wont detect my pen drive! its formatted in FAT 32, its got the exe file on it, in the root directory, and ive enabled legacy USB in bios, and anything usb related in terms of detection ive enabled. but it just wont detect the pen drive! what is going on?

please help, i need to update the bios to cure the horrible sound stuttering problems im getting, i have a ud3r rev2.0
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on September 25, 2010, 06:35:09 pm
Hi,

If your USB pen drive isn't being detected it could be due to the actual USB drive that you are using. The best thing to do is try another USB drive and also try using one that is 2 GB or less as these seem to be more reliable.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Dark Mantis on September 25, 2010, 06:40:16 pm
The other thing is to make sure that it is formatted on a PC preferably running a similar OS.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: RatsAss on April 15, 2011, 01:46:35 pm
I finally found a thread explaining how to update bios. Sorry to raise an old thread but,,

My board came with F1 bios.There is a new bios @ Gigabyte to solve the reset button issue I have. It is F3.

There was some confusion over the bios numbers as F2 is listed as first bios.

My question is do I update to F2 first then F3,or just goto F3?

Details in sig.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Dark Mantis on April 15, 2011, 01:50:04 pm
No you should be fione jumping straight to F3. It is only when you have a lot of steps to jump that it is better to take it in stages.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: RatsAss on April 15, 2011, 01:51:31 pm
Quote from: Dark Mantis on April 15, 2011, 01:50:04 pm
No you should be fione jumping straight to F3. It is only when you have a lot of steps to jump that it is better to take it in stages.


Thank you. ;)
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: soarwitheagles on April 19, 2011, 08:42:16 am
Quote from: Ripjaws on April 15, 2011, 01:51:31 pm
Quote from: Dark Mantis on April 15, 2011, 01:50:04 pm
No you should be fione jumping straight to F3. It is only when you have a lot of steps to jump that it is better to take it in stages.


Thank you. ;)

Rip,

Be sure to cross your fingers and toes before you try it!  :P

Soar
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: RatsAss on April 19, 2011, 12:30:16 pm
Quote from: soarwitheagles on April 19, 2011, 08:42:16 am
Quote from: Ripjaws on April 15, 2011, 01:51:31 pm
Quote from: Dark Mantis on April 15, 2011, 01:50:04 pm
No you should be fione jumping straight to F3. It is only when you have a lot of steps to jump that it is better to take it in stages.


Thank you. ;)

Rip,

Be sure to cross your fingers and toes before you try it!  :P

Soar

Now you tell me,, :o

No problems at all. Mobo is F3 now. ;)
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Dark Mantis on April 19, 2011, 01:05:52 pm
Once you are sure everything is working as you want it you can synchronise the Backup BIOS to match the Main BIOS.

To check on the versions go into the BIOS and on the MAIN page press F9 for system info.   You should see both BIOS versions listed, if they do not match please update the backup BIOS to match the current.

To do that, reboot and where you would normally press DEL to enter the BIOS, instead press Alt + F12, this will flash the Backup BIOS with the MAIN BIOS contents.   Do not worry when you see a recovery comment, that is normal and means it is flashing the backup BIOS.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: RatsAss on May 06, 2011, 12:02:50 am
I just saw this post now.
Thanks for the advice. I'll wait a little while longer to make sure all is good.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: AbigailClancy on May 19, 2011, 08:01:40 am
Hey thanks for the tutorial...!!!
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Dark Mantis on May 19, 2011, 09:15:08 am
You're welcome , glad it was useful.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Vapperhiir on August 09, 2011, 10:43:51 am
Hi

I'm very new to al this so I would like to ask some questions before I touch anything.
I have never, ever done anything with BIOS before.
Sorry if some of these questions are repeated and seem to plain but I just would like to make these things clear for myself before I brake my new mobo :D

Yesterday I got my new GA-Z68X-UD3-B3  rev.1   with Intel Core i5 2310  2,9GHz Sandy Bridge (using Win7 64bit)
Basicly it works  (exept I cant somehow get the driver for simple PCI controller, but it might be something with my smartcard reader or smth.And some other bus orsmthn. But everything still works  as it seems.)
Questions:
1. My BIOS is F1 should I update it to F6 as it is the newest. I know it has been said that if it works no need to update but F1 seems soo outdated?!

2. if I would do it the will the new BIOS be updated to both bios as this MOBO has dual BIOS? So If something goes wrong no backup will be available?
If not the would backup BIOS automatically load default settings and version if something at al goes wrong?

3.If I will still update, it was said not to use @BIOS. But if I would use it but not thru internet but download the bios and just open it thru the @Bios program? Would this be safer or .... Here is link where I read abot poissibility to do it not thru internet http://www.gigabyte.com/MicroSite/121/tech_a_bios.htm (method III)

4.If updating BIOS should I firstly update to F5 and the to F6 or straight to F6. On Gigabye site I have only these 2 BIOS updates availabe http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3852&dl=1#bios
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Dark Mantis on August 09, 2011, 12:23:15 pm
Hi and welcome.

The first thing is not to worry too much about it. 99% of BIOS updates go wiothout a problem. The main thing is to make sure that you have the correct update file for your motherboard model and revision.

1. I would probably advise updating as yoiu have a couple of minor problems that may or may not be BIOS related.

2. No the update will only affect the Main BIOS. The Backup BIOS will remain untouched.

3. If you feel unhappy about usiong QFlash then use @BIOS but just be aware that the chance of failure is greater. It won't make a lot of differenced whether you use a downloaded file or not.

4. I would just go straight to F6 in this instance as there isn't much choice anyway.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Vapperhiir on August 11, 2011, 10:01:56 pm
Thank You very, much Dark Mantis and also Absic. Very useful and good information. I would not have dared to do it myself without Your guidence.

So I did as was suggested, used Qflash with USB stick.
I'm on F6 BIOS now.
Wil let it run for few weeks to see no problems and then flash my backup Bios to sync it (again with knowlege I got here).

Only scary part was after flashing when rebooting I got message ''Windows could not start ......... missing file or corrupt ...... File in sys32 - hal.dll.''
But then I realised that maybe its wrong drive to boot from ... and so it was. Rebooted again and made my HDD with OS on it to primary and it was done.

Thanx again.

(ran in some problems earlier with internet. Problems from provider so I have not got a chance to see if I can get drivers for SM Bus Controller and PCI Simple Communications Controller. Hope now I would get them right.)
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Dark Mantis on August 12, 2011, 07:10:46 am
We are only too glad to have been able to help. Well done! ;)
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: BizzyBum on November 21, 2011, 06:36:13 pm
Wow, great topic! I'm going to bump with a few questions..

1. I have a GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 (rev. 1.0) that is currently F1. I noticed that GIGABYTE's website has my model up to F11 now. That seems like a big update. I know it says don't update if you don't have issues, but I'm trying to OC my 2500K to 4.5GHz and I noticed the CPU Vcore adjustment isn't listed so I would have to use Dynamic Vcore. I'm just wondering if updating the BIOS to F11 would add options or help me in my OC in any way?

2. I also noticed the GIGABYTE website has a ton of drivers and utilities I can download for my motherboard for my OS which is Windows 7 64-bit: http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3856&dl=1#driver. I assume these are all optional, but should I download any/all of these or don't even bother?

Thanks for any help!
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on November 21, 2011, 07:03:07 pm
When it comes to updating the BIOS it is much safer to do so in small steps so F1 - F3, F3 - F5 etc.

Being total honest I don't use any of the optional utilities and I wouldn't do so on a regular basis. Saying that, I have tried some of them and things like EasyTune or TouchBIOS are installed on my PC but only for testing purposes.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: BizzyBum on November 21, 2011, 07:11:47 pm
Quote from: absic on November 21, 2011, 07:03:07 pm
When it comes to updating the BIOS it is much safer to do so in small steps so F1 - F3, F3 - F5 etc.

Yeah, that's what I would do, but in my case, should I go from F1 to (eventually) F11 for my motherboard using a 2500K or if it's working fine just stick with F1?

Quote
Being total honest I don't use any of the optional utilities and I wouldn't do so on a regular basis. Saying that, I have tried some of them and things like EasyTune or TouchBIOS are installed on my PC but only for testing purposes.

Yeah, I figured all those drivers and utilities were optional. If I did want to download and install them, are they easier to install then flashing a BIOS?
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on November 21, 2011, 08:02:47 pm
I always like to have the latest BIOS version if I am going to do any overclocking but sometimes it is a case of suck it and see and I have found my self going back to an earlier version to get the best from a system.

Installing the utilities is pretty much the same as installing any software and it is easier than flashing BIOS.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: pt49 on September 12, 2012, 06:56:06 am
I think I have a BIOS problem, but am unable to update it.

GA-X79S-UP5-WIFI

I had trouble from the start getting a POST even. Now it POSTS ok but goes to the GIGABYTE - UEFI DualBIOS screen, but its just a blank blue screen apart from the header, nothing else.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: spikey_richie on September 15, 2012, 03:45:02 pm
Hi,

I have a GAZ68XP-UD3P board, which was running BIOS version F6. I spotted the UEFI BIOS firmware on the product page, so whacked it on a USB stick, rebooted, loaded Q-Flash, but when I select the U1E as the new firmware I get a BIOS firmware checksum error. I have managed to go from F6 to F7 without issue (tried this incase I needed F7 for UEFI) but still no dice with U1E.

What am I doing wrong?
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: spikey_richie on September 15, 2012, 05:53:57 pm
Quote from: spikey_richie on September 15, 2012, 03:45:02 pm
Hi,

I have a GAZ68XP-UD3P board, which was running BIOS version F6. I spotted the UEFI BIOS firmware on the product page, so whacked it on a USB stick, rebooted, loaded Q-Flash, but when I select the U1E as the new firmware I get a BIOS firmware checksum error. I have managed to go from F6 to F7 without issue (tried this incase I needed F7 for UEFI) but still no dice with U1E.

What am I doing wrong?

Fixed by following this (http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,9550.0.html) guide :)
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Madmullen on September 20, 2012, 03:18:14 pm
I am currently running FHL ver.


My Motherboard was returned to gigabyte and flashed to FHL beta


I ran the @bios app to update my bios,and the Ver. it stated I could up date to is Nvida Nforce 570-SLI,Award Bios Ver.FHh is this lower then the version I have( although the date this version was created is newer

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Name : GA-M57SLI-S4(rev. 2.0)
--------------------------
M/B Rev : 2.0
BIOS Ver : FHL

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VGA Brand : Nvidia      Model : Geforce GTS450
CPU Brand : AMD      Model : Phenom      Speed : 3000mhz Phenon(tm) IIx2 545 processor
Operation System : Win 7 64-bit      SP : Ultimate
Memory Brand :       Type : DDRII
Memory Size : 4095mb      Speed : 800
Power Supply : 750 W

any ideas
regards Chris


Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on September 20, 2012, 07:19:40 pm
Hi there,

the FHL Bios is a newer version than the FHh so I would leave it alone, especially if everything is working fine.

For future reference BIOS versions are either alphabetical, for example FA, FB, FC or alpha numeric, for example F1, F2, F3 etc if they are full versions and FAa, FAb, FAc or F1a, F1b, F1c etc if they are beta versions.

Hope this helps
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Madmullen on September 20, 2012, 07:23:08 pm
many thanks for your help will leave well alone

Chris
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Mareke on January 21, 2013, 01:01:01 pm
I had problems many times - when we bought Gigabytes motherboards, the BIOS didn't support the certain CPU. Before there is no data known which version of BIOS motherboard has.There is no other way than bring it back to the shop / service and wait for them to update the BIOS. Stupid, but true!




Quote from: absic on August 01, 2010, 12:36:10 pm
Thoughts of absic115 on the topic of Flashing BIOS

Just to add to what Dark Mantis has already said I thought it would be worth posting my own little contribution regarding this subject.

The safest and best way to flash BIOS is to use the QFlash Utility. But a note of caution before you start, flashing BIOS is not something you should do unless you really need to.

There are a couple of steps to take before updating BIOS the first is to download the latest version from the web. Be careful that you get the right BIOS version for your motherboard and in particular check out your motherboard's revision number prior to downloading. (If you're not sure where to find your revision number it is normally printed on the bottom left hand corner of the motherboard.)

When you download the correct BIOS  Save the folder to your desktop for easy access. Unzip the folder using WinRAR, 7Zip, Winzip etc., or by just double clicking the Icon.
http://img251.imageshack.us/i/img0276wi.jpg/
http://img809.imageshack.us/i/img0277h.jpg/
http://img710.imageshack.us/i/img0279ds.jpg/
http://img831.imageshack.us/i/img0280y.jpg/
http://img842.imageshack.us/i/img0282r.jpg/

You will find a USB Stick is the best way of flashing BIOS. (You can also use a floppy drive but I have found the USB Stick to be more reliable) Make sure the stick has been formatted in FAT32. Next copy the BIOS folder, that you have extracted (and saved on your desktop) to the USB Stick.

Leave the USB stick plugged into your PC and re-boot. As the PC starts up press the "END" key on your keyboard (you might have to press the "END" key several times during start-up before you see the message regarding QFlash, this is normal so don't worry just as you would the "DEL" key for entering BIOS). Don't worry if you enter BIOS by mistake you can still get to the QFlash utility by pressing f8 on your keyboard.
http://img248.imageshack.us/i/img0284mc.jpg/

The PC will enter the QFlash utility and you need to locate the folder on the USB Stick and then follow the on-screen instructions.
http://img14.imageshack.us/i/img0285cd.jpg/
http://img819.imageshack.us/i/img0286z.jpg/
http://img693.imageshack.us/i/img0287xq.jpg/
http://img256.imageshack.us/i/img0288br.jpg/
http://img413.imageshack.us/i/img0289d.jpg/
http://img134.imageshack.us/i/img0290p.jpg/

When the BIOS update is complete re-boot the PC and go back into BIOS.

Load optimised defaults, save and exit.

When the PC reboots you will see that the new BIOS is installed.

NOTE: Sometimes the latest available BIOS is a beta version and although it will work you might find some things are missing and overclocking, for example, might not work properly. If in doubt I would recommend that you do not update to BETA unless there is a noted "fix" for an issue that you are experiencing or if advised to by Gigabyte.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: lalalalala on January 25, 2013, 01:54:56 pm
i have gigabyte ep31-ds3l. I want to ask the bios last version F5F support E0-stepping CPU like version F4?
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on January 25, 2013, 02:37:46 pm
hi there,

yes, any newer BIOS should have the features introduced in previous BIOS versions. If, for some reason a feature is removed, it is usually clearly stated on the BIOS download page.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: goodplay on February 09, 2013, 12:15:44 am
This will be my first bios update(from f7 to f14).Have read the guide,but want to clarify if I copy all 3 extracted files,or just the bios file to usb stick.Also ,do I need to return overclock settings to stock before updating.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on February 09, 2013, 07:06:18 am
You only need the BIOS file on the USB stick and yes, it is safest to load optimised defaults before updating the BIOS if you have been O/C'ing.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: goodplay on February 09, 2013, 09:07:02 am
Thanks for that.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: SkullHunter on March 19, 2013, 10:41:39 am
I have Z68MA-D2H-B3 and i tried to update to U1C , but in the Q-Flash i got an error "Bios ID Check error"
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on March 19, 2013, 01:16:25 pm
If you are trying to update from the Award BIOS then that is the problem.

You need to create a bootable pendrive and use the tool in the BIOS update folder to switch from Award to AMI UEFI BIOS. But, if you are running a Sandy bridge CPU then I would recommend that you stay with the Award BIOS anyway.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: SkullHunter on March 20, 2013, 12:10:05 pm
Thank you , it works!
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: blueboxf1 on March 21, 2013, 08:41:14 pm
that I use motherboard : GA-z68p-ds3 rev 2.0
before bios version : FE
after I set up this bios UA6(UEFI BIOS) .this bios interface not opening. the mouse cursor does not move but windows is working.(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t456/bluebox8/da9361a6-55c5-4e60-b810-aad02ba86867.jpg)
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: OpenSesame on May 23, 2013, 06:45:51 pm
Hi everyone,

I just found this thread, and I could use some help. I'm familiar with upgrading my BIOS, but I'm still a little worried about doing it correctly, so I don't mess up my computer.

I have a Gigabyte 78LMT-S2P motherboard (rev. 5.0), and I'm looking to upgrade the CPU to an AMD FX-8350 processor.

Could someone please tell me:

1) if the latest (non-beta) BIOS available will work with this proc,

2) how to get into the q-flash utility, and

3) step-by-step, how to safely perform the flash.

Also, should I upgrade to each available BIOS, or is it safe for me to upgrade to the latest one. I have not flashed the BIOS since I got the motherboard.

Thank you.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on May 23, 2013, 07:19:47 pm
Hi there,

first thing is that your motherboard doesn't support the FX-8350 CPU. for a list of supported processors check here: http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=4125

For a detailed walk through, on how to update the BIOS check the first couple of posts in this thread where DM and I have posted all the relevant information.

The best advice, when it comes to updating the BIOS is to do it in several small steps (I usually do it 2 versions at a time, for example, F1 to F3; F3 to F5, F5 to F7 etc.), rather than one big jump.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: OpenSesame on May 23, 2013, 09:33:57 pm
Thank you so much, absic.

I noticed that the FX-8300 is listed as a supported processor. Is it possible for me to get away with the latest BIOS, or is it absolutely necessary that I make sure the motherboard supports the exact processor model?

If that's the case, then it would seem that I have two options:

1) Wait and see if Gigabyte releases a BIOS that supports my processor, or

2) Buy a new motherboard.

Neither of these two options is particularly appealing to me, but I will do what I have to.

Thanks again for your help.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on May 24, 2013, 06:55:26 am
With the BIOS updated to F4a you can run the FX8300 CPU. The fact that this is labelled as a beta BIOS isn't really a problem and it should be fine. In fact, I  am running a beta BIOS on my own system and have been doing so for some time now.

If you really want to run the FX 8350 then I would advise finding a motherboard that will support it properly.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: andreas443 on September 08, 2013, 08:35:49 pm
1.For you I have the G1 sniper 3 now I have the F3 and the latter is the F7 I need to put the next F4 i put the last F7??

2.If I do the update will have to re-do the installation windows 8
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on September 09, 2013, 07:52:31 am
If you update to the F7 BIOS it will include all updates so far released.

If you have installed F7 and want to use F4 then use QFlash to revert to the F4 BIOS.

Updating the BIOS should make no difference with your Windows installation and you shouldn't have to reinstall it.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: stree on September 16, 2013, 09:32:19 pm
GA 970A DS3.I want to update fro, BIOS F3 to F6
I have the bios file on a FAT32 USB.
When I go into Qflash and select load from drive, only a floppy drive with zero files on is shown.I know an earlier post says that the USB may show as a floppy or HHD, but then what?   Is it "enter" to select as with the rest of the Bios?
Do I select it?  Does it then detect the file even though its says no files found on the first screen?
Obviously I want to get this right, so help is much appreciated.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: stubby on October 12, 2013, 09:37:14 pm
Hi all,

Hope you can help, i have read through this thread and it is very helpful...but i am a noob who is petrified when it comes to flashing my Bios.

So here is why i want to flash in the first place..I have a Logitech keyboard which will not boot onto bios, having a dual boot machine this is a pain, i believe a flash to a newer bios may solve this? I am also having issues with system stability and after investigation i believe this could be solved with an update.


So i have Z77-D3H Mobo rev 0.1 version F8...First off i am worried i am going to try and flash the wrong version, i think i have the right one, that leads me onto the next question, i have F8 at the moment and the options i have are F21 and F18...what should i go for? have there been versions between F8 and F18 for example, will the jump from F8 to  the versions mentioned cause a problem?

Thanks all:)
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: lauradoom on November 03, 2013, 07:39:18 pm
My intention is to flash BIOS via Q-Flash. I decided to first try saving current BIOS to drive for reassurance that Q-Flash was working correctly on my system. On being prompted to save to drive, BIOS freezes [nothing is saved, no activity on flash drive, mouse and keyboard inactive]. That doesn't give me much confidence in undertaking the flashing procedure using Q-Flash. Anyone else experienced that scenario?

ga-z87-hd3 & AMI F2

 I've followed the advice offered here: USB flashdrive, under 2GB, formatted FAT32, loaded with unpacked BIOS file from s/e .exe, inserted into rear USB2 port before booting. Legacy USB Support enabled. Q-Flash recognizes drive, and when selecting 'Update BIOS from file', it identifies the update file on the drive. I've tried with various USB sticks and a couple of low capacity cards in a reade, with the same result.

 Given the freeze that occurs when attempting to 'Save BIOS to drive', is there a danger of the flashing procedure being affected by a freeze? I guess it won't be a problem if it freezes before the flashing procedure starts, and the dual bios backup is available if it goes fruit salad...I just wondered if anyone here was familiar with my bios-saving issue, and if so, whether you'd subsequently achieved a successful flash?

Thanks [in anticipation of a response :]
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: lauradoom on November 09, 2013, 07:05:03 pm
"Take a USB pendrive and make sure it is formatted with a FAT32 file system. If the file ends with .exe run it, or if it is a zip file unzip it, and save the files (usually contains 3 files) that you just expanded to the Boot sector or a folder of your choice on this drive and insert the pendrive into a USB port.

Re-boot."

[excerpt from OP's guide]

My freezing problem (above) seems to have been caused by following the above instructions verbatim, so I modified the procedure as follows:

Having saved the BIOS file to the pendrive, I safely removed/ejected it before shutting down. I then re-inserted the drive before booting into BIOS, <F8>ing to Q-Flash and copying the current BIOS to the drive; <F10>ed to O/S in order to confirm that the file had been copied successfully. Again, removed/ejected drive 'safely' before shutting down; re-inserted drive before booting into Q-Flash (End) and successfully flashed BIOS from .F2 to .F6.

It appears that the drive was corrupted in some way through restarting the system without having 'safely removed' the USB device, resulting in Q-Flash being unable to access the drive for writing/reading.

Before attempting the flash procedure, I did not have the 'remove hardware safely' icon appearing, and Nirsoft's USBDeview had listed the drive as being safe to remove without having to use that facility. Since then, the icon appears each time the drive is inserted. I'm now going to figure...
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: lauradoom on November 10, 2013, 01:05:22 am
Whilst talking to myself...

I've flashed to .F6 and it seems stable, no issues, overcome with euphoria.
Now I'd like to save to the back-up.

"Once you are sure everything is working as you want it you can synchronise the Backup BIOS to match the Main BIOS.

To check on the versions go into the BIOS and on the MAIN page press F9 for system info.   You should see both BIOS versions listed, if they do not match please update the backup BIOS to match the current.

To do that, reboot and where you would normally press DEL to enter the BIOS, instead press Alt + F12, this will flash the Backup BIOS with the MAIN BIOS contents.   Do not worry when you see a recovery comment, that is normal and means it is flashing the backup BIOS."

F9 gives me only the current main BIOS version (F6).
Alt + F12 did not register using a USB keyboard, so I swapped out with a PS/2.
On restarting, Alt + F12 presents the boot override menu (Please select boot drive), as does Alt Gr + F12.

Any suggestions please?

[GA-Z87-HD3 | Corsair AX 760i | Intel i5-4670K | 4 x 4GB Corsair Vengeance 1600 | Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD | Seagate 5000GB 7200 | Intel onboard gfx HD 4600 (ouch)]
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: lauradoom on November 10, 2013, 01:29:47 am
And ultimately...

Found Absic's later 'BIOS synchronisation' piece, and as my system has an AMI UEFI BIOS, I tried Alt + F10 on the PS/2 keyboard; failed to register.
Swapped back the USB keyboard: success. A m,ill,ion thanx 2 Absic.

Postscript to this: "If the keystrokes have been recognised you will be presented with a screen that asks if you want to copy the Main BIOS to the Backup BIOS. Follow the on-screen instructions."

I did not get the screen requesting confirmation to proceed, it just spontaneously ignited, but I'm not complaining. I guess each system configuration has its signature idiosyncrasies.

These forums are worth a caseload of manufacturer's support.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: track.zer0 on November 26, 2013, 12:39:44 pm
Hello!

I just updated my BIOS, and now it works perfectly with the new update! Thanks for the awesome tutorial! :)

trackzer0
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: salvinklein on January 11, 2014, 09:54:58 am
Hi all!!!

I have 1 question about Bios update.

I've got a crucial m4 ssd and a gigabyte x58a ud7 rev 1. The ssd is in IDE mode (not ahci) and the bios version is F5.

If I want to chage from ide to ahci in the bios, do I need to update the bios version from F5 to the lastest (F7)?

Do you think it can be a mistake if I change the bios version to a beta version like f9a?

I read the post about "how to change from ide to ahci after windows installation" ... I think is not difficult to do ...

Thanks for all  :D

Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on January 11, 2014, 11:18:14 am
Quote
If I want to chage from ide to ahci in the bios, do I need to update the bios version from F5 to the lastest (F7)

No, you don't have to update the BIOS if changing from IDE to AHCI Mode but the latest BIOS version might have better support for your SSD than the F5 BIOS. I would try with the F5 and everything works OK then you don't need to update BIOS.

Quote
Do you think it can be a mistake if I change the bios version to a beta version like f9a?

If everything is working OK on your system then you really don't need to update the BIOS. BETA BIOS versions usually add compatibility for newer hardware and should only really be used if absolutely necessary to get things working properly.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: salvinklein on January 11, 2014, 01:35:50 pm
ok!! thx for fast reply ... at the moment the ssd write speed is really low (264) cuz I have IDE .... I will change Ide to Ahci without updating the bios version ... My pc works fine so I think I dont need to do any update (at the moment xD)

thx for your advise ...  ;D
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: The_Scooter on January 21, 2014, 08:52:02 pm
Hi all. I wonder if you guys could help me please?

I have a Gigabyte X79-UD3 (rev 1.0) motherboard on F10 bios and have just purchased a Gigabyte GTX 780 Ti Windforce graphics card which isn't playing nicely with my system.

My old card, the XFX HD5970 Black Edition works perfectly. When I try to boot using the new graphics card, the computer hangs at the Bios splash screen for maybe two minutes and will refuse to allow me into Bios, boot devices or any other motherboard function at all. After the splash screen goes away, I am left with a blinking cursor top left and absolutely no input is recognised.

After researching this on the internet, I find it is because of my old F10 bios not playing well with the brand new graphics card and upon contacting Gigabyte tech support they suggested I use @bios to update my bios. Having done a lot of research on this, and being new to Bios flashing, I would rather chew my own balls off than brick my mobo using @bios and so I thought i'd use the Q-Flash route instead.

I've downloaded the correct bios for my revision of motherboard (F16 from the X79-UD3 revision 1.0 page) and have extracted the autoexec, the Efiflash.exe and X79UD3.F16 files to a FAT32 1Gb USB stick.

When I enter Q-Flash and try to flash the new bios, after happily creating a backup of my current one, it gives me an error that says something like "Please update flash utility to current version" or something like that.

I really don't want to use @bios, Q-Flash doesn't work for me and i've tried booting into the flash drive by pressing F12 (which boots straight to windows, maybe because the USB stick isn't bootable).

Any ideas on what I can do would be really gratefully received please.

Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: yozzington on February 05, 2014, 01:23:53 pm
Hopefully, i can get some help here as i am having serious issues here.
I have been building desktop pc's for years, but have not done so for about ten years, so you could say i am a little rusty.
I have a Gigabyte X79S-UP5-WiFi (rev. 1.0) motherboard which i brought at the beginning of 2013, and just recently i purchased myself an Intel 4930 Ivy Bridge E chip, unfortunately, i made the mistake of not checking whether the mb bios supported the ivy bridge architecture, so now i am stuck with a mb, that i need to update the bios on.
Is there anyway of doing so, without having to splash out on an older sandy bridge processor?, unfortunately no one i know has a 2011 pin sandy bridge chip i could borrow.
Hope this makes sense, rushing a bit as i am due to leave for work very soon.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: SamRondeau on March 11, 2014, 06:45:30 pm
Hi,
So recently I bought a new PC, which includes a G1.SNIPER A88X mobo, and an A10-7850K. I have realised that i need to update my BIOS to at least F5 to support the FM2+ APU, luckily the PC I use now has an FM2 APU. So, I just switched the FM2+ APU with the older FM2 APU to update my BIOS, however I have come across a problem; when I go to Q-Flash, I select the right file ect, and i get an error message saying that my 'flash utility is outdated'.
Is there any way i can overcome this problem?
Note: I have tried updating to F5, F6 and F7 and i get the same message each time. Also the pen-drive is in the right format (FAT32).

Any help would be really appreciated.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on March 11, 2014, 07:23:23 pm
You need to create a bootable drive using a USB stick, then update the BIOS using the EFI Flash Tool through DOS. Once you have upgraded past F5 BIOS you can use QFlash as normal.

Check here for help in creating Bootable USB Pendrive: http://rufus.akeo.ie/

Download the BIOS File for your motherboard and save it to your desktop so that you can find it easily. Double click on the 7Zip file (it is self extracting) and it will put the 3 download files onto your desktop for you. You only need the EFI Flash Exe file and the BIOS File, the Autoexec file can be discarded. Make a note of the BIOS File name as you will need this information later in the process and if you don't get this part correctly you will not be able to update the BIOS.

Create the Bootable Pendrive using the Rufus program.

Copy the Efiflash exe and BIOS files onto the USB Pendrive

Reboot the PC and press F12 to go to the BOOT Menu.

Select the USB Pendrive  and press enter, this will take you into the DOS environment.

At the C:/ prompt type: Efiflash and press enter. This will start the Efiflash tool.

At the C:/ prompt type: efiflash xxxxxx.xx (replace the x's with the name of your BIOS File that you noted earlier) IMPORTANT: Make sure that you insert a space between the words efiflash and the BIOS name. Also make sure you enter the full point (.) before the BIOS version number. Press enter.

The BIOS Flashing process is now done and there is no further input required. The first stage you will see that the BIOS is being erased. The 2nd stage the BIOS is written and the 3rd stage the BIOS is verified. DO NOT power down or reset the PC whilst this process is happening. Once the BIOS update has been verified the PC will automatically go into a shutdown/restart/shutdown/restart sequence. DO NOT PANIC, this is normal.

Once this sequence has finished you can enter BIOS and make any changes you require, as you normally would.



Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: absic on April 18, 2014, 03:15:04 pm
Just updated the BIOS on my GA-Z87-HD3 motherboard but ran into a small issue whilst using the EFI Flash tool that I had previously downloaded as it was out of date for the new BIOS version.

I have uploaded the latest version of the EFI Flash tool as a zip file which you can download from the link below.

This time, when I updated the BIOS using the EFI Flash tool however, I noticed that the Backup BIOS chip was automatically updated at the same time. This could be an issue for some users if you are hoping (as I was) to keep a known working version of an earlier BIOS in the Backup Chip in case of issues with the new version. It is worthwhile bearing this in mind, if you are planning on updating to one of the latest BIOS versions for your own motherboard.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Karlsson on May 20, 2014, 02:30:46 am
I have board GA-H87-HD3 . If I got this, there was Bios F5. Now I upgraded main bios to F8 with Q-Flash.
How I can update backup Bios? I use PS/2 keyboard. If I turn PC power on, then ALT+F10 does nothing and ALT+F12 shows "boot sequence" menu.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Kammerat on June 15, 2014, 06:28:24 pm
Quote from: absic on March 11, 2014, 07:23:23 pm
Copy the Efiflash exe and BIOS files onto the USB Pendrive

Reboot the PC and press F12 to go to the BOOT Menu.

Select the USB Pendrive  and press enter, this will take you into the DOS environment.

At the C:/ prompt type: Efiflash and press enter. This will start the Efiflash tool.

At the C:/ prompt type: efiflash xxxxxx.xx (replace the x's with the name of your BIOS File that you noted earlier) IMPORTANT: Make sure that you insert a space between the words efiflash and the BIOS name. Also make sure you enter the full point (.) before the BIOS version number. Press enter.

Help! I need to update my GA-970A-DS3 mainboard, but I can't even perform this flash process!

When I boot up my USB drive with the copied BIOS update, and I come to the first DOS screen saying:
"GIGABYTE SPI Flash BIOS Update Utility v0.35
!!! SPI Flash initiate failure"
I type EFIFLASH in the C:\ line, and when I get to the "Usage: EFIFLASH" page right after, I type "Efiflash 970ads33.dc" (the name of my BIOS file) and then it just returns to the first screen!
I created this USB disk with Rufus.. Do I need to get another version of Efiflash or what in the world do I do? :-\
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Kammerat on June 15, 2014, 06:44:23 pm
Quote from: Kammerat on June 15, 2014, 06:28:24 pm
Help! I need to update my GA-970A-DS3 mainboard, but I can't even perform this flash process!

When I boot up my USB drive with the copied BIOS update, and I come to the first DOS screen saying:
"GIGABYTE SPI Flash BIOS Update Utility v0.35
!!! SPI Flash initiate failure"
I type EFIFLASH in the C:\ line, and when I get to the "Usage: EFIFLASH" page right after, I type "Efiflash 970ads33.dc" (the name of my BIOS file) and then it just returns to the screen!
I created this USB disk with Rufus.. Do I need to get another version of Efiflash or what in the world do I do? :-\

This has been driving me nuts all day. I can't get into my Windows, and I started out with using Q-Flash, which only gave me the "BIOS ID Check Error" when I tried to update from the fc-file. It's like no matter what I do, sh** just stucks. I really hope someone can help me at this point.

UPDATE: I figured out an error message that is only shown in a millisecond as I enter the second string, by filming the screen.
It says: "DOS/32A warning (9004): mouse initialization failed" at the bottom.
OK, so I can't flash/update my BIOS because of my mouse, or what?

I compiled the boot USB on my Win7 laptop, as I can't use my stationary.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: Kammerat on June 16, 2014, 01:17:36 pm
Okay.. The problem seemed unsolvable, but I managed to figure it out.
The BIOS updates I took was for the wrong revision of my motherboard - rev 3.0, not rev. 1.0 which I have.
And these BIOS updates came with FLASHSPI, which worked so much better. Thank god.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: saucebandit on July 14, 2014, 02:49:06 am
Quote from: absic on March 11, 2014, 07:23:23 pm
You need to create a bootable drive using a USB stick, then update the BIOS using the EFI Flash Tool through DOS. Once you have upgraded past F5 BIOS you can use QFlash as normal.

Check here for help in creating Bootable USB Pendrive: http://rufus.akeo.ie/

Download the BIOS File for your motherboard and save it to your desktop so that you can find it easily. Double click on the 7Zip file (it is self extracting) and it will put the 3 download files onto your desktop for you. You only need the EFI Flash Exe file and the BIOS File, the Autoexec file can be discarded. Make a note of the BIOS File name as you will need this information later in the process and if you don't get this part correctly you will not be able to update the BIOS.

Create the Bootable Pendrive using the Rufus program.

Copy the Efiflash exe and BIOS files onto the USB Pendrive

Reboot the PC and press F12 to go to the BOOT Menu.

Select the USB Pendrive  and press enter, this will take you into the DOS environment.

At the C:/ prompt type: Efiflash and press enter. This will start the Efiflash tool.

At the C:/ prompt type: efiflash xxxxxx.xx (replace the x's with the name of your BIOS File that you noted earlier) IMPORTANT: Make sure that you insert a space between the words efiflash and the BIOS name. Also make sure you enter the full point (.) before the BIOS version number. Press enter.

The BIOS Flashing process is now done and there is no further input required. The first stage you will see that the BIOS is being erased. The 2nd stage the BIOS is written and the 3rd stage the BIOS is verified. DO NOT power down or reset the PC whilst this process is happening. Once the BIOS update has been verified the PC will automatically go into a shutdown/restart/shutdown/restart sequence. DO NOT PANIC, this is normal.

Once this sequence has finished you can enter BIOS and make any changes you require, as you normally would.










I followed these steps to flash my Z97X Gaming 3 from F4 to F5 and the Bios rebooted and seemed to be installing, but now I am at a what looks like a freedos advertisement in the Doc window with a C: prompt again.  I tried the efiflash commands again.  The efi flash commands of course dont work now as the 1st stage of the bios being removed has been completed.  I have no idea what to do here can anyone tell me what I should be entering in DOS? The screen I am stuck on is attached.  This is the screen I recieved after re-entering the efiflash commands at the Freedos advertisment.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: cyberangel22k on April 18, 2015, 03:21:31 am
Question?

I'm currently locked out of my mobo now for some weird reason.
You can read how it happened here in this thread (http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php?topic=15913.0.)

Will reflashing BIOS remove the CMOS password? Yes I did cleared the CMOS several times but still asks for my password.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: cyberangel22k on April 19, 2015, 08:26:04 am
Quote from: cyberangel22k on April 18, 2015, 03:21:31 am
Question?

I'm currently locked out of my mobo now for some weird reason.
You can read how it happened here in this thread (http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php?topic=15913.0.)

Will reflashing BIOS remove the CMOS password? Yes I did cleared the CMOS several times but still asks for my password.

Resolved:
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php?topic=15913.0
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: rebus_forever on September 30, 2016, 04:53:50 pm
Hey folks, im using a ga z68 ud5 b3 and im on the f10 bios currently dealing with gigabyte e support but thought it might be wise to post here also after A user directed me here, Im trying to update from the F10 bios to the eufi bios, esupport have given me a bios file and flashefi which I have installed on a bootable usb drive running freedos with the instruction to type C>:flashefi.exeU1b when in freedos, this throws up the "CAN NOT REDIRECT OUTPUT TO FILE" reply and nothing happens, any advice.

Thanks a bunch in advance, sorry if we arnt supposed to post on the end of this thread but after being recommended to it I assumed itd be fine.
Title: Re: How Do I Update My BIOS?
Post by: rebus_forever on September 30, 2016, 08:07:25 pm
I actually worked out how to flash the bios in the end, it has unfortunately left me with a computer that wont boot, just a loop of turning on. then off, then on forever...
If anyone has any advice id take it.