Should I update my BIOS before puttig on new RAM?

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DanyAFS

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Dec 9, 2012
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Hey guys.

So, I just ordered a 2x4GB Crucial RAM Kit. I ran their compatibility checker and the Kit that I bought is compatible with my system.

Edit: I ordered this kit btw - http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/CT2KIT51264BF160B

I was wondering if I should update my BIOS before putting on the new RAM. I never updated them, the current BIOS that I have are from 2013, the year I bought this laptop.

My laptop is a Toshiba Satellite L850-1P9, Intel PLCSF8 motherboard, HM76 Southbridge, Windows 8 64-bit.

There is a BIOS update available at Toshiba's website for my system from 2014.

I ask this question for 2 reasons.
First, I've heard that you shouldn't update your BIOS if everything is working fine. I've heard of people who messed up their system by updating the BIOS, and I'm a little afraid of something going wrong.

Second, there is also the possibility of having the need to update the BIOS in order for the new RAM to work, however I've also seen some people not being able to boot their computer after putting the new RAM, even if they put back the old RAM. So that would make updating the BIOS impossible.

So, what should I do? Sorry if this is a dumb question, I'm not too savvy on these matters...
 
Solution
Blankie440
Ok, now I know many people act like updating the BIOS is a big issue but as long as you don't interrupt the updating process there is nothing to worry about. So BIOS is normally EEPROM which stands for Electrostatic Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory and can have issues if the software loading process fails or is abruptly interrupted. Meaning there is no way to reprogram it once that's happened. That's the big issue and though it can be scary it is very unlikely.

The rules I go by, which I guess I should state that I've updated countless BIOS software without one issue, is to: make sure the power source is reliable and not going to cut out during the process (for a laptop make sure it's plugged into the wall outlet and not...
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1. You should update it, usually the changes are pretty good.
2. New ram won't break your PC if it's not supported speed.
 
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DanyAFS

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Dec 9, 2012
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I should also add that the Warranty for my laptop ended August 2015.

On Toshiba's website it only says that the new update adds more stability to the system if that matters.
 
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All updates are good. When you think about it, walking down the street could be dangerous, you can fall down and stuff. The same with the bios updates - but usually when you update, it verifies if the new bios are good after the update (at least my 2008 HP PC and 2015 Gigabyte motherboard does that).
 
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Blankie440

Blankie440

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Jan 27, 2011
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Ok, now I know many people act like updating the BIOS is a big issue but as long as you don't interrupt the updating process there is nothing to worry about. So BIOS is normally EEPROM which stands for Electrostatic Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory and can have issues if the software loading process fails or is abruptly interrupted. Meaning there is no way to reprogram it once that's happened. That's the big issue and though it can be scary it is very unlikely.

The rules I go by, which I guess I should state that I've updated countless BIOS software without one issue, is to: make sure the power source is reliable and not going to cut out during the process (for a laptop make sure it's plugged into the wall outlet and not only running on battery power), Always reboot and go into the BIOS to perform the update instead of opting to do it while your OS is loaded(online or while in Windows), and make sure to put the software on a physical media such as a flash drive or disk.

If you do these 3 things you should quickly and easily be able to update your BIOS without issue.

Side note: Read on the manufacturers website what is updated with the new version of BIOS software and determine if it is necessary to update from your current version. If the update provides no major fixes with hardware compatibility or issues and isn't required to recognize and properly utilize your new RAM modules, then don't worry about updating!

Also, do NOT worry about the computer not working if it won't function with the new RAM without the update. If you can't find any information from the manufacturer that relates to RAM and attempt to install the new RAM without updating the BIOS and it won't work then you will have no issue placing the old RAM back into the system and going through the steps of updating the BIOS before reinstalling the new RAM again.

Let me know if you run into any issues or have any further questions.
 
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DanyAFS

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Dec 9, 2012
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Thanks for all the info Blankie!!

Unfortunately, Toshiba only has the following info about the update:
"This Bios Update adds increased functionality to your system."

Can't find any other update notes on their website.

I guess that I will try the new RAM with my current BIOS then. If anything goes wrong, I'll consider updating them.

TheEdvinazard and joesavy, thanks for your replies as well! :D

I'll let you guys know how everything went after upgrading the RAM.
 
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DanyAFS

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Dec 9, 2012
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Just installed the new RAM today.

No issues at all! The computer just took a few more seconds to boot than usual, it was probably configuring the new RAM, but after that, everything is running as usual.

Checked task manager and CPU-Z, everything seems okay.

If I run into any issues related to memory in the future, I'll let you guys know.

Thanks everyone for the replies! :D
 
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