Hi, I built my PC about a year ago and I've never updated my bios. I never had a want/need to do so until now and if it ain't broke, don't fix it right?

I'm still on the version from April 2020 (not sure which exact one), but since AMD just released support for AMD Smart Access Memory for 5000 series GPUs, and since I have a R5 3600 I figured I'd enable it.

I'd need to update my bios so I could enable it, so I'm asking you guys what you think. Is it worth doing so?

I don't have anywhere to backup my data either and I have 4 drives 3TB total, 1.8TB filled currently.

Should I just wait to see how it works for others? Is it too risky to try? I wouldn't mind if it wiped my computer if I had somewhere to backup my data, but I don't currently.

New UEFI BIOS updates For ASUS AMD motherboards – W32/33

*Please do not ask about motherboards not listed. Please review the FAQ below for details.

AMD –

A series – A520
B series – B550
X series – X570, X370

TRX40 series - Yes

UEFI BIOS update list noted below – A total of 38 boards with a UEFI BIOS update.

W32/33 is in relation to the workweek, these updates were released between the August 10th – August 20th

Why is my motherboard not listed?

It may have been recently updated. Check https://www.asus.com/us/support/ , enter your model, and see if there has been an update posted recently. I post updates on a weekly basis, as such keep in mind you may have missed a previous update as only new models will be listed in the post. UEFI’s are released in waves, because of this it can take an entire series weeks or months to see the “same” update. Furthermore, keep in mind that not all updates are applicable to all models. Due to inherent design differences as well as specification and feature variation an update may only be applicable to a specific model.

How can I be notified about UEFI updates when they are released?

If you want to be kept in the loop, you can also follow me for notifications when updates are released/posted. I am also the admin for our PCDIY Facebook Group where I post updates and other ASUS hardware news, updates, insights, and more surrounding ASUS PCDIY.

How long are UEFI releases issues for motherboards?

It is important to keep in mind that generally after, a motherboard reaches a certain maturity level and as such will see fewer updates. If you feel you have an issue that is dependent on a UEFI release, please submit a support ticket. In some cases, some boards can see updates for more than 24 months+

I want to update, but am not sure how to update the UEFI "BIOS"?

If you want guidance on how to flash/update your UEFI BIOS please watch the video linked below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scK8AP8ZACc

Should I update the UEFI if my system is stable and running without issue?

If your system is running without issue, especially if overclocked in any way ( including DRAM ) it is advised you stay on the build/release you are on. Changes to underlying auto rules and other operating parameters can change the OC experience and require you to retune a previously stable OC value. This does not mean the UEFI is not a functioning/reliable release but that changes in the underlying code base need to be accounted for when tuning a system. As many of these values are low level it is best to retune from full UEFI defaults after you have re-run stability test at UEFI defaults.

What if the UEFI BIOS listed is a BETA? Should I update?

BETA UEFI releases are for enthusiasts who want access to the latest features, functions, and microcode enhancements, they may also be issued for possible bug/issue resolution. As they are not officially supported, they are not recommended for day-to-day / long-term use. Users who plan to use their system in this capacity and want to ensure the best interoperability/compatibility and stability, as well as performance, should wait for a formal release.

How long does it take for a formal release to be issued/released? (between BETA and formal)

The time span between a BETA and a formal release can vary depending on multiple factors including new microcode being provided/updated between those releases. In addition, there is extensive validation and qualification that needs to occur prior to a release being fully qualified and released as a formal build (non BETA). This is part of UEFI development and validation. Generally, you will see a formal release within 1 to 3 months from the date of a BETA release. In some cases, BETAs are singular releases and will not see a formal release. There can also be cases where a BETA build is transitioned to a new BETA build; essentially having back-to-back BETA releases.

Will a UEFI "BIOS" update improve the performance of my system?

A UEFI update can include CPU microcode as well as optimization/improvements that can influence/increase performance. With this noted it is generally minimal. As always performance analysis/comparisons should be done at stock-to-stock values. This means loading F5 on both releases and comparing your application/benchmark scores. OC-related comparisons may require retuning prior to testing as changes to underlying auto rules can invalidate prior scores even if with similar settings.

*in most situations you will see a greater delta in performance based on specific operating parameters being enabled/disabled or being defined.

Not every user should update/flash their UEFI BIOS. I stress this again, if you are running without issue(s) you are advised to stay on the release you are running.

Notes to consider -

* When flashing please perform the update process at full UEFI defaults. Do NOT flash with an overclocked system/profile.

1.I recommend updating the UEFI BIOS on your motherboard for new PC builds. This helps to ensure the best interoperability, compatibility, and performance. If you are building a PC and have not yet installed the OS, I would recommend you update the UEFI.

2.Keep in mind flashing/updating the UEFI will reset all defined parameters/settings and operating profiles. You will not be able to restore defined values by using a UEFI Profile as profiles are not interoperable between builds. It is advised you note or screenshot (F12) your values prior to flashing if they are complex. Upon completing a flash, I would recommend you load UEFI defaults after the fact and complete a full reboot and shutdown prior to re-entering your prior values. Keep in mind you may need to retune these values under a new UEFI.

3.When you update the UEFI and re-load UEFI defaults depending on your originally defined CSM/UEFI device parameters you may experience BOOT issues. Depending on prior settings you may need to enable or disable CSM to restore BOOT functionality.

4.Be advised that in some cases a rollback to a prior UEFI is not possible. This generally is the case when there is an update that includes CPU microcode (such as an AMD AEGSA or Intel ME). This means you may not be able to “flashback” to a prior release.

5.While not always necessary some UEFI updates may require a clearing of the CMOS. You can either clear the CMOS via the CLR CMOS button if your motherboard has this feature/function or you can also CLR CMOS by removing the onboard CMOS battery for at least a few minutes. You can also attempt to locate the CLR CMOS jumper on the motherboard and short the pins.

6.In some cases, you may not be able to jump from an older UEFI release to a much newer release. You may need to "step" update, this will mean upgrading incrementally to a slightly newer build first prior to going to the most recent build/release. In most situations this not required.

I also recommend you backup your system prior to any flash/update and always advise flash/update become executed from a fresh loading (F5) of UEFI defaults.

The board model/name is on the right-hand side and the version number is on the left-hand side. To download the UEFI BIOS please go to https://www.asus.com/support/

AMD UEFI BIOS releases –

1. PRIME X570-P 4021

2. PRIME X570-P/CSM 4021

3. PRIME X570-PRO 4021

4. PRIME X570-PRO/CSM 4021

5. PRIME B550M-A (WI-FI) 2423

6. PRIME B550M-A (WI-FI)/CSM 2423

7. ROG STRIX B550-A GAMING 2423

8. ROG STRIX B550-XE GAMING WIFI 2423

9. TUF GAMING B550-PRO 2423

10. PRIME A520M-A II 2423

11. TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS 2423

12. TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI 2423

13. TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS II 2423

14. PROART X570-CREATOR WIFI 0402

15. PRIME A520M-E 2423

16. TUF GAMING B550M-PLUS 2423

17. TUF GAMING B550M-PLUS (WI-FI) 2423

18. TUF GAMING X570-PLUS 4021

19. TUF GAMING X570-PLUS (WI-FI) 4021

20. TUF GAMING X570-PLUS/BR 4021

21. TUF GAMING X570-PRO (WI-FI) 4021

22. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII EXTREME 0402

23. PRIME TRX40-PRO 1502

24. ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING 1502

25. ROG ZENITH II EXTREME 1502

26. ROG STRIX TRX40-E GAMING 1502

27. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII HERO(WI-FI) 3702

28. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII HERO 3702

29. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3702

30. PROART X570-CREATOR WIFI 0206

31. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3801

32. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII HERO(WI-FI) 3801

33. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII HERO 3801

34. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII IMPACT 3801

35. PRO WS X570-ACE 3801

36. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO 3801

37. CROSSHAIR VI HERO 8101

38. ROG CROSSHAIR VI HERO (WI-FI AC) 8101

TUF GAMING X570-PRO (WI-FI) BIOS 4021

When I set the CORE MULTIPLIER setting in bios to "Auto" the core voltage (as reported by bios in the main screen and HWiNFO64) jumps to 1.48V. I'm guessing that's not healthy for my 5950x. It also stays high while idling and drops under load, down to 1.28V (roughly) while running Cinebench R23.

Same behavior running prime 95. Core voltage (reported by HWiNFO64) drops under load. Ryzen Master Core Voltage reports differently (lower) than HWiNFO64 or the voltage reported in bios.

This can't be intended behavior???

I've also noticed that turning the multiplier up, say from 40 to 41, directly affects the core voltage.