Questions about updating BIOS

[lVlrBuilder]

Hey there,

If my bios is few years behind, and if I want to update my bios so that it is up to date. If I want all the bios updates, should I just go ahead to install the newest BIOS, or should I install the intermediate ones as well?

Thanks for the help.

 

[lVlrBuilder]

Another question about BIOS. I bought a MSI Z170-A Pro motherboard and I3-6100 intel CPU.
On the MSI website: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z170-A-PRO.html#support_support
It says "7971v15.zip" in the result column, what does it mean? When I clicked on it, I was redirected to BIOS page, what exactly does it want me to download?

 

[RaDiKaL_]

The Result Column shows from which Bios version file onwards that CPU is supported.

If you want to update your BIOS go straight to the latest version.

 

[Chicano]

The latest BIOS update (7971v16.zip) includes all the intermediate updates, so it's pointless to install those... go to the latest update.

It wants you to download the latest update = 1.C (first one on top), that includes all the improvements done to all versions (as listed under the Download buttons), starting from version 1.3

Download this (7971v16.zip, update 1.c):
Type AMI BIOS Release Date 2016-07-25
Version 1.C File Size 6.46 MB
File Download
Description
- Improved PCIE compatibility.
- Improved SAMSUNG 950 Pro NVME compatibility.
- Updated Microcode.
- Enhanced Game Boost function.
- Updated VBIOS and GOP.
- Improved memory compatibility.

 

[lVlrBuilder]

The latest BIOS update (7971v16.zip) includes all the intermediate updates, so it's pointless to install those... go to the latest update.

It wants you to download the latest update = 1.C (first one on top), that includes all the improvements done to all versions (as listed under the Download buttons), starting from version 1.3

Download this (7971v16.zip, update 1.c):
Type AMI BIOS Release Date 2016-07-25
Version 1.C File Size 6.46 MB
File Download
Description
- Improved PCIE compatibility.
- Improved SAMSUNG 950 Pro NVME compatibility.
- Updated Microcode.
- Enhanced Game Boost function.
- Updated VBIOS and GOP.
- Improved memory compatibility.

I see, thanks for the help. Do you mind to explain what VBIOS and GOP are? What are they used for?

 

[Chicano]

Both VBIOS and GOP are BIOS elements that are related to Preboot video or do the job before the GPU or onboard video driver is loaded

This explains clearly what VBIOS and GOP are.
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intelligent-systems/intel-embedded-graphics-drivers/faq-bios-firmware.html