Update BIOS before installing GPU

BriBen

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Jan 6, 2014
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This is going to be my first build. I need some clarification about installing the GPU. I just read that I need to update the BIOS before installing the GPU. Do I have to do this on a new build?

I was planning on installing all the hardware and then installing Win. 7 without being connected to the internet. Once I had Win.7 installed and before any updates, I was going to create a system recovery disk. Then, I was planning on connecting to the internet and checking for a BIOS update (flashing the BIOS if needed), checking my drives and then moving foward with Win.7 updates and any updated drivers for the GPU.

Again, this is my first build so I'm not quiet sure the progress. Any help would be great. Thanks.

i5-4570
GA-H87M-D3H Desktop Motherboard
CORSAIR Vengeance Pro 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
Corsair 350D Micro ATX Case
Samsung 840 EVO 500 GB SSD
Western (Blue) 1TB Internal Hard Drive
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 2GB
SeaSonic 650w (SSR-650RM) Win.7 Home (64bit)
Asus VS239H-P 23" Monitor
(old Dell 2407 and HP 2311x - which I will be changing out later)
 
Solution
Updating the BIOS should really only be done if you have to (you are having some kind of problem and have discovered the BIOS is the reason) At least that is what I have always believed. There should be no harm in updating it but at the same time unless you are having some kind of problem there is no real reason to. BIOS updates aren't always to fix problems necessarily but to add compatibility for newer products that come out. TO directly answer your question.

No you shouldn't have to update your BIOS but there shouldn't be any problem if you do.

Tony Doughnuts

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Jan 11, 2014
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If you're starting this build from scratch and not just updating parts then i would put everything together and boot it up, if you don't see any problems then don't touch the bios. If it isn't broke don't fix it.
 

Kurdain1

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Nov 30, 2007
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I haven't heard of having to do a BIOS flash for a GPU, CPU yes but not GPU?

Where did you read this? I am mostly curious than anything because I have never used a Gigabyte MB.
Flashing BIOS isn't such a big deal anymore, it's pretty hard to brick your MB these days.
 

BriBen

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Jan 6, 2014
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I was under the impression that if there is a newer version BIOS then something caused the manf. to update. I mean why should I wait for the issue that caused the manf. to update the BIOS? I know there is a small risk updating the BIOS (losing power) but it's pretty simple right?

I am starting this build from scratch.
 

Tony Doughnuts

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Jan 11, 2014
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Updating the BIOS should really only be done if you have to (you are having some kind of problem and have discovered the BIOS is the reason) At least that is what I have always believed. There should be no harm in updating it but at the same time unless you are having some kind of problem there is no real reason to. BIOS updates aren't always to fix problems necessarily but to add compatibility for newer products that come out. TO directly answer your question.

No you shouldn't have to update your BIOS but there shouldn't be any problem if you do.
 
Solution

Kurdain1

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Nov 30, 2007
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I usually always upgrade the BIOS, you can read the BIOS release notes and see what they changed or updated if you are so inclined.
Most MB's, including yours, have a dual BIOS set-up, meaning you'd have to somehow corrupt both BIOS to brick your MB.

Basically assemble your computer, power it up and see if you get any errors (you'll have to read your MB manual but most have lights/displays that will give you a code or idea what the issue is). I know ASUS is really good about helping you on the phone, I am sure Gigabyte would be the same.

BIOS revisions could be for any sort of change, maybe wording in a menu is wrong, enabling new CPU models support, bug fixes, etc...
I always read the release notes, but I am weird like that.
 

Tony Doughnuts

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Jan 11, 2014
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Personally I haven't updated my BIOS in years (still using my old computer) simply because I've never had a reason to. If I were to put a new piece of hardware in it I would if I was getting errors or problems. You could always breadboard the build first to check for any errors.