Help me update my bios

[SovietGinger]

I have a foxconn h61mxl/h61mxl-k (according to cpu-z and its says h61mxl-k on the motherboard itself). I have a msi 6670 and have a vtx3d 7870 ready to be installed. When i tried installing it, complete blank screen. I have been told and now assume that i need a bios update in order for it to work. I've heard this can be dangerous and do not want to mess it up. I've gone to the website, found what i need and it downloaded something and i don't know what to do with it (just get rid of it?).
My current version is: american megatrends inc. B63D3H01, date: 12/06/2011 (not sure if that's dd/mm/yy or mm/dd/yy).
I'm beginning to get a headache from trying to work this all out so please can someone talk me through it stage by stage. Website links are welcome but i would prefer someone to just write down what i need if they can because it will be alot clearer that the stuff i've looked at so far. Also, am i going to need to backup my current bios, how likely is something gonna go wrong?
My cpu is a intel core i5, socket 1155 lga. mainboard is intel h61, sandy bridge.
If any more info is needed please ask, i will be delighted with any response but am looking for detailed answers.

 

[o1die]

Tried saving two links from the foxconn website, but they didn't work. I would download the latest bios file for your board and unzip it if needed. Foxconn may have a flash utility for windows. Also check your bios for any boot block settings and disable them before flashing. Did your power supply have the necessary connectors for the 7870? Most high end cards need a 6 pin connection from the power supply.

 

[lijo1761]

I have a foxconn h61mxl/h61mxl-k (according to cpu-z and its says h61mxl-k on the motherboard itself). I have a msi 6670 and have a vtx3d 7870 ready to be installed. When i tried installing it, complete blank screen. I have been told and now assume that i need a bios update in order for it to work. I've heard this can be dangerous and do not want to mess it up. I've gone to the website, found what i need and it downloaded something and i don't know what to do with it (just get rid of it?).
My current version is: american megatrends inc. B63D3H01, date: 12/06/2011 (not sure if that's dd/mm/yy or mm/dd/yy).
I'm beginning to get a headache from trying to work this all out so please can someone talk me through it stage by stage. Website links are welcome but i would prefer someone to just write down what i need if they can because it will be alot clearer that the stuff i've looked at so far. Also, am i going to need to backup my current bios, how likely is something gonna go wrong?
My cpu is a intel core i5, socket 1155 lga. mainboard is intel h61, sandy bridge.
If any more info is needed please ask, i will be delighted with any response but am looking for detailed answers.

the most easy way to flash bios is through bios flash utility which should have came with your motherboard driver cd. you can update bios through direct link with motherboard website or download the exact motherboard bios update (verify the model no) and use the flash utility. but make sure before flashing bios you have back up power, if interepted during bios update most probably motherboard will not work properly again.

 

[SovietGinger]

I brought my computer already assembled (an advent dt2111) and do not think it had the motherboard driver cd with it. What would the model number be for me, just h61mxl-k or something more? How much power do you think i need extra? i originally had a corsair 500w psu (the minimum requirement) when i tried the gpu but sent it back as i thought it could have been the cause of the problem, but am unsure now and think it seems the bios is more likely to be the problem. I was thinking of getting a 600w psu, would that be enough (i currently have a 405w psu for my system atm). How will interruptions occur, just from the power problem? if something went wrong would just changing the motherboard be okay? If i got a new motherboard would i need a new os?

 

[o1die]

Yes to a new windows install with most motherboard changes. I doubt it's the problem. The 7870 requires a 500w power supply, according to the specs for one from newegg.com. I recommend one of these brands: antec, corsair, ocz, xfx, seasonic, and enermax. I don't recommend thermaltake, coolermaster, powmax, or several other cheaper brands that sometimes fail under load while gaming. I would skip the bios update for now. Get a better power supply first.

 

[SovietGinger]

Tried saving two links from the foxconn website, but they didn't work. I would download the latest bios file for your board and unzip it if needed. Foxconn may have a flash utility for windows. Also check your bios for any boot block settings and disable them before flashing. Did your power supply have the necessary connectors for the 7870? Most high end cards need a 6 pin connection from the power supply.

It did have the correct powersupply, it was a corsair 500w which had the two 6 pin connectors which were needed, i sent it back because i thought it may have been at fault but not i now think it was the bios. Would i be best for be to get the 600w version as i've heard bios updates require more power. Is it easy to unzip stuff, what does it entail? i'm not bad with computers (i hope) but am unfamiliar with this sort of thing. How do i check my bios boot settings? sorry i need a walkthrough as i really do not want to get anything wrong.

 

[o1die]

It's back to the bios update. Start by downloading the top bios file on this page under the "tech support" category:
http://www.foxconnchannel.com/ProductDetail.aspx?T=motherboard&U=en-us0000554
Then download one or both of the "liveupdate" files farther down the page; one is for running while in windows. You'll have to install them first, reboot, and disable any boot block protection settings in the bios. Then while online run the windows version. Sorry I can't be more help, but I haven't owned a foxconn board for awhile.

 

[SovietGinger]

Thank you for your help, I will give it a try when I'm ready and have a new psu, I'm still a bit anxious so I might look into it further and/or consider getting a professional to do it. You've been a massive help and I just hope it will all go ok if I do try it myself (I hope I'm just being over cautious).