Do I need to update my bios?

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u8mypizza27

u8mypizza27

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Mar 30, 2013
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I just purchased a Gigabyte Z270x gaming 5 rev 1.0. Since it's a brand new motherboard for the Z270 chipset. Would it be a good idea to update the bios with q.flash or something? I read the manual and not was not able to see what bios version is already on it. I downloaded the F4 bios, but was wondering if anyone else has gotten one as well.

 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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Jan 16, 2011
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Since it's the most recent generation of board/chipset it shouldn't have any compatibility problems with chips that are out now (Skylake or Kaby Lake). It's optional but not a requirement for this scenario. TO check the BIOS version you can boot into the BIOS setup utility, which should show the installed BIOS version somewhere on it's home screen.
 
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u8mypizza27

u8mypizza27

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Mar 30, 2013
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So unless there is compatibility issues, there is no need for a bios update? I saw a review on this board on YouTube from a tech, and he was saying that you should always update your bios right out of the box, every time. I've built like 4 gaming machines for myself and I never had to or felt a need to update the bios. But then again I'm pretty sure that guy knows more than me lol.
 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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Updating a BIOS isn't a risk-free proposition. Most of the time the only result is an updated BIOS but if anything goes wrong, the end result could be an expensive paperweight (i.e., a bricked mobo). That's why the safest policy is to leave it be if you aren't having any particular issue which may be due to the BIOS. It's the same with most drivers (driver updater programs are snake oil at best, if not outright malware)
 
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larkspur

larkspur

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Mar 10, 2011
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Since this is a brand new motherboard and assuming that you are still in the return window from the vendor, then I would update the BIOS. In this situation there is little risk, and decent potential reward (we're talking about a brand new chipset that might benefit from firmware optimizations). If there is a problem, you can swap it with the vendor depending, of course, on their return policy.
 
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u8mypizza27

u8mypizza27

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Mar 30, 2013
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I did purchase a service plan with the motherboard only because I know myself, so I have 2 year of protection on it ( I also work there lol). I know Gigabyte has Q.flash for updating the bios. From what I've read it does not seem to difficult, as long as you are careful and have the correct version for the board. So what kind of benefits do you get with updating the bios? If it helps with overclocking then I'm sold.
 
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larkspur

larkspur

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Most of the BIOS updates deal with support for new CPUs and better compatibility with different memory kits. However, there are sometimes updates that include stability improvements that may or may not be relative to cpu/ram overclocking. My main point is that, since you can still return the board, you might as well make sure you're on the newest BIOS version. Especially since you plan to OC, and extra especially if you plan to use very fast RAM. Z270 boards are the newest thing and early BIOS may still benefit from potential update improvements and better component stability/compatibility.
 
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