AboutKarl Zick Expertise Can answer questions on most aspects of PC hardware and software. I build them, program them, fix them, upgrade them, etc. LAN and internet literate. Visit my free web site at www.kzconsulting.net.
Experience Previous USAF Colonel and Aerospace engineer. Professional PC consultant for the past 8 years. Client database of over 70 businesses and individuals.
New web site address is www.kzconsulting.info.
Expert: Karl Zick Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: BIOS upgrade
Question Hi Karl, I'm no computer whiz, but I've gradually upgraded my 6 year old PC with larger hard drive and more RAM. When I run SIS Sandra, it tells me that my BIOS is out of date and that it can be flash upgraded. I've purchased and downloaded a flash upgrade program form www.eSupport.com, but I'm worried by all the danger notices. I do not have any significant problems with the PC - it is running well. Am I being too nervous, or should I leave well alone and settle for having an out-of-date BIOS? Many thanks in advance for your guidance. Adrian
Answer Hi Adrian,
As the old saying goes, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it!'. The only reason to upgrade a BIOS is if you are upgrading your RAM past it's recognized capacity, upgrading your hard drive or video or processor for the same reason, etc. Also, most BIOS chip manufacturers (Phoenix, AMI, Award, etc.) have free upgrades available for download. If you don't know what kind of BIOS you have, it is a little chip about 1.5" X .5" with a name on it mounted on your motherboard.
Since your upgrades to date seem to have been done without a problem, I would press on with your BIOS chip firmware as is.
