Periodically, updated BIOS versions appear on the websites of motherboard manufacturers. This is due to the fact that by the time a new product is released, they do not always have time to develop the optimal firmware for it.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) - software, implemented in the form of microprogram and stored in memory motherboard. It initializes the components of the computer and sets its operating mode.
In other words, this microcode bootstraps the computer. He manages the work hard drives, various ports and other devices. They also provide further start of the operating system.
Before proceeding to the update process, decide whether you need to update the BIOS at all? If the computer is already working well, then there is no need to update the motherboard firmware. It is only needed for:
- Extensions of functionality and the list of supported devices. For example, such as new models of processors.
- Elimination of errors in the current version, due to which normal operation is impossible. For example, there is no sound on the computer and the reason for this is not in the sound drivers.
Let's make a reservation right away, updating the BIOS is a serious and rather risky task. If the upgrade is performed incorrectly or power is lost during the upgrade, the motherboard may fail. In this case, you may need to carry it to a service center.
In addition, if the motherboard is under warranty, and you decide to reflash it, the warranty will be void. Therefore, weigh again which is better: update the BIOS and lose the warranty, or postpone this action until later, when the warranty period has passed.
If you still decide to update, it is highly desirable that your computer is connected to.
If the computer does not boot after updating the BIOS, do not rush to panic. Many motherboards provide the ability to reset the settings to the factory settings. Read more about them in the instructions for your motherboard.
To reset the configuration of the MSI motherboard, the BIOS update of which will be discussed later, use the jumpers on the motherboard. Disconnect the computer from the network and short the jumper pins 2-3 to clear the CMOS (volatile memory). Do not forget to return the jumper to its previous state before turning on the computer (short pins 1 - 2). Attempting to clear the CMOS while the PC is turned on may damage the motherboard.
Go to MSI official website, download section. Download the update utility - Live Update. Now it is located at: download.msi.com/uti_exe/mb/LiveUpdate.zip
After starting the program, go to the Live Update tab, mark the action Manual Scan (manual scan), then MB BIOS (motherboard BIOS) and click Scan.
If you have the latest BIOS, you will see the following message.
It means: the BIOS of the motherboard has the latest version. There is no need for an update.
If, however, Live Update informs you about the need to update the BIOS, click on the appropriate icon (download and install) to load the BIOS of the motherboard. Once downloaded, the installer will automatically launch.
In the window that opens, click Next.
The next window will offer 2 ways BIOS updates. Select In Dos mode (USB) and click Next. How to update the BIOS of the motherboard in the second way - consider below.
Connect a USB flash drive to your computer to create a bootable drive, then select the USB drive you want from the list.
Click on the Next button and confirm the clearing of all data on the flash drive by clicking OK.
Will start to be created bootable flash drive, this will take some time. Upon completion, a message will appear indicating that the boot disk was created successfully.
Click Start to restart your PC.
Make sure your BIOS is set to boot from a flash drive. When the computer boots up, follow the prompts.
Second way
At the stage of choosing an update method, specify In Windows mode, which means - in Windows mode, then click Next.
In the next window, close all programs by clicking Close all listed programs and click Next.
By clicking Start, you will start the BIOS replacement process. After it is completed, the computer will restart.
If you have a different motherboard - new version Look for BIOS and information on updating it on the manufacturer's website. Of course, you can use third-party solutions, but official updates preferable.
Finishing our series of articles on updating the BIOS, we will tell you how to update the MSI BIOS, because motherboards from them have their own characteristics!
Updating the BIOS in a device equipped with an MSI motherboard in general view produced as follows:
- installed specific model your motherboard;
- checks for updated versions of the system you are interested in;
- install them directly.
If you know exactly the model of your equipment and the version of the system to reinstall, then it remains to find out only on your motherboard from the MSI brand. The firmware you need can be downloaded both to the computer itself and to portable device.
How to update BIOS from MSI brand using flash drive?
You can launch the version of the I/O software update you are interested in directly from the desktop.
For the convenience of this operation, you can use special interface Click BIOS II, suitable for working with devices from the Taiwanese manufacturer we are considering. In the "Utilities" section you will find a suitable one for installing from a USB flash drive M-Flash program to help you update your I/O software.
This specialized utility will prompt you to use the "Update Bios" option. With its help from a flash drive is selected desired file updates, previously downloaded from the official website of the manufacturer, and then it is installed automatically. It is recommended that you restart your computer before continuing to work with it.
The same section contains MSI live update 6 . This is about special utility, with which you can find out the version of your motherboard using the "System Information" section. 
Also this program will help you check for the latest updates for your device in real time, either manually or automatically. When choosing the first option, you will need to check the box next to the second item “MB Bios” before starting the scan. 
Understanding motherboard models and utilities from a Taiwanese manufacturer
It is worth remembering that under the abbreviation for the equipment for which we are trying to install a BIOS update, the name of a company specializing in the production of motherboards is hidden.
It sounds like Micro-Star International. Thus, we are not talking about any particular version of the motherboard, but rather about their whole family. For example, you may have the MSI z270 a pro or MSI h110m pro vd option on your computer.
You can find out your motherboard model in order to later upgrade the I / O system, you can different ways, including:
Have a great day!
So far, the only representative of the MSI Gaming series for the AMD AM3+ platform is a motherboard based on the 970 chipset. It has a gaming network controller traditional for Gaming solutions and an advanced sound subsystem, a set of proprietary software, as well as high-quality component base, doubly important for the successful overclocking of power-hungry six- and eight-core AMD processors fx.
The editors would like to thank the company that kindly provided the motherboard for testing.
Specifications
| 1403 | 1593 | 14 |
| 7245 | 8273 | 14 |
| 500 | 718 | 44 |
| 49 | 65 | 33 |
| 16 | 23 | 44 |
| 199 | 282 | 42 |
Graphic benchmarks and games
| 35 | 35 | 0 |
| 90 | 90 | 0 |
| 70 | 70 | 0 |
| 56 | 65 | 16 |
| 91 | 91 | 0 |
Overclocking to 4.6 GHz significantly increased the results in processor benchmarks: for example, the minimum increase was 14 percent (WinRAR single and multi-threaded), and the maximum was as much as 44 percent (Cinebench and x264 HD Benchmark 2 pass). Total War: Rome II turned out to be the only processor-dependent game - the frame rate after overclocking the processor increased by 16 percent. It is likely that if we had a more successful instance of the processor and a more powerful cooler (for example,), the motherboard would allow us to conquer the frequency of 4.7-4.8 GHz.
conclusions
After a significant reduction in processor prices, the AM3 + platform has found its second youth. So, now you can buy a six-core for only $110, and an eight-core for $150. True, the outdated processor architecture forces one to resort to overclocking in order to more or less compete on equal terms with Intel processors. And for this you need a motherboard with a high-quality component base and a massive heatsink on the processor power subsystem. MSI 970 Gaming is one of those. Sets it apart from competitors Network Controller and an advanced sound subsystem that can satisfy, if not a music lover, then a gamer and movie fan for sure.
Advantages:
- high reliability of electronic components
- support for bundles of AMD CrossFireX and NVIDIA SLI video cards
- killer network game controller
- high-quality audio subsystem Audio Boost 2
- OC Genie automatic overclocking
- good potential for manual overclocking
- rich delivery set
Flaws:
- reset jumper BIOS settings overlapped by the video card
Prices in online stores
It is possible to display similar models if this one is not in the catalog.
key Features:
Supports AMD FX / Phenom II / Athlon II / Sempron processors for AM3+ socket
- Supports DDR3-2133(OC) Memory
- USB 3.0 + SATA 6Gb/s
- Audio Boost 2: Reward Your Ears with True Quality
- Killer Ethernet: Kill Your Lag
- OC Genie 4: Overclock in 1 Second
- Click BIOS 4: Easily Fine-Tune Your System
- AMD CrossFire Support
- Sound Blaster Cinema 2: Realistic Surround Sound Experience
- Gaming Device Port: Optimized with Triple Gold-plating for High Polling Rate Gaming Devices
Changes:
Correct SATA port definition.
- Improved memory compatibility.
- Updated AGESA code.
WARNING:
DON'T FLASH WHEN YOUR SYSTEM IS RUNNING FINE
- DON "T FLASH IF YOU DON" T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING
Flash AMI UEFI BIOS by MFLASH:
- Extract the BIOS-zip file that you have downloaded and paste it to your USB storage device.
- Press "delete" key to BIOS, select "M-Flash"
- Click “Select one file to update BIOS and ME”
- Select USB storage that comes with the downloaded BIOS.
- Select BIOS which you want to update and press “Enter”.
- A warning message comes out “ Don`t remove USB drive or shutdown system” and then System will be reset to update BIOS after 5 seconds.
- If your motherboard is equipped with multi BIOS then system will pop up
- “Please set the multi BIOS switch to the target BIOS ROM then press any key to continue.” Otherwise it`ll proceed with next process.
- The system will start to update BIOS & ME
- After BIOS&ME update is finished, please press del key to enter BIOS setting menu to make sure that BIOS have been updated successfully.
Flash AMI UEFI BIOS by USB Disk Under DOS Mode
Download the BIOS that matches your motherboard and version number to your USB device.
- Extract the BIOS-zip file that you have downloaded and paste it to your USB storage device (Note: Make sure that your USB is bootable).
- Boot your system from a USB storage device
- When you get the DOS prompt, execute the following sequence:
- Reboot your system when prompted
- After bios update is done, C: prompt will appear on your screen.
- After system restart, Press del key to enter BIOS setting menu to make sure that BIOS have been updated successfully.
About OS Independent BIOS:
Although installing a newer BIOS version might add new features, update various components, or improve the device’s usability, this process is very risky, so the upgrade is recommended to be performed only when it is really needed.
in addition to that, this task should be performed by someone who has the knowledge to successfully complete the installation; regular users may fulfill it at their own risk.
When it comes to applying a new version without taking into account the computer's operating system, the most commonly used method to flash the BIOS is by creating a bootable USB or CD containing the update file, and running it from DOS.
Still, regardless of the method used or whether the upgrade is performed by a regular or power user, it’s recommended that the new BIOS be applied in a steady power environment such as the one ensured by a UPS unit.
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a very important software that loads the currently installed OS, and tests all of the system’s hardware components - so make sure you flash it correctly.
Bear in mind that failing to perform a successful installation could seriously damage your device, and the faulty BIOS resulted from the process might even render it unusable.
So, if this release includes useful changes, hit the download button, get the package, and update your BIOS version. Otherwise, check with our website as often as possible, so that you don't miss the release that you need.
It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available.
Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver. This will help if you installed an incorrect or mismatched driver. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer.
One way or another, many users of computers and laptops, regardless of the installed OS, are faced with the concept of a primary input / output system called the BIOS or BIOS. And quite often there is a need to install an update, in particular on MSI motherboards. it is for this manufacturer, now it will be considered. Separately, the topic of correction will be affected possible errors, which may appear during the installation of new firmware.
MSI: and why is it needed?
Of course, when buying a computer or laptop, no one in particular specifications does not penetrate the motherboard. The potential user is more interested in the processor, RAM, hard disk capacity, video card, etc. And not everyone is aware that all these components are installed on the "motherboard", and for the correct operation of all devices, a primary system in the form of a BIOS or UEFI is required.
Nothing is eternal. How device drivers become outdated and constantly require updates, not to mention themselves Windows systems, so the BIOS system is also not eternal. Let's see how it is on a laptop (an MSI board is used as the basis) or on a desktop computer. In principle, there is not much difference.
General rules for installing firmware
To install BIOS updates, it should be clearly understood that the incorrect version of the firmware or its incorrect installation can have simply disastrous consequences. Therefore, you need to use strictly defined packages designed exclusively for this brand of MSI motherboard. How to update BIOS? To get started, you need to fulfill a few prerequisites.
Like the first thing to do
First of all, you need to find out the modification of the "motherboard". The MSI name doesn't mean anything yet. To do this, you can use several simple methods.
For example, access to detailed description configurations can be obtained using utilities like Everset, which will show a description of all the devices in a computer system, including the motherboard.
However, you can do it easier, because Windows systems natively have a viewer for all information. This is done using the msinfo32 command, which is entered in the Run execution console. Moreover, it is not necessary that it be run on behalf of the administrator. You can also rummage in the "Device Manager", where you have to find two identifiers DEV and VEN, and then search for them (by the way, this is the best option).
Required Software
In principle, after that, you can proceed to install the update. Note that not all programs for searching and installing driver updates can perform the corresponding search. Therefore, the use of automated programs like driver booster will have no effect here.
This means that you will have to access the site yourself through any web browser. By default, a special AdBlock blocker can be enabled in the browser itself, which should be temporarily disabled.
If the required update is found, you just need to download and install it with the launch at the administrator level. Otherwise, you can download a specialized utility called MSI Live Update from the same site.
MSI Live and 'A' drive error fix
Finally, let's see how to update the BIOS. MSI Live Update as a program is not that hard to learn. Here is the most main function consists in starting a scan.
The application, by the way, works in the same way as automatic driver updaters, but has a specific focus. The field of how the distribution files will be found, you just need to select for installation the version that is superior to the modification available on the computer.
The process itself boils down to the fact that the original distribution is saved on the hard drive, however better place specify savings manually, since the program uses such a deep path by default that it can be problematic to find the downloaded file later. The file itself is an archive from which you need to extract data by any archiver or simply by means of the system. Only then can you start executable files, the whole process will take place automatically, after which a full reboot will be required.
In principle, for updating it is not recommended to use what is proposed to solve the question of how to update the MSI BIOS from a USB flash drive. Firstly, you will have to write information to the drive, and secondly, such a device is not immune from failures. As it turns out, the easiest way to update is from a file saved on the hard drive.
After starting the utility, you just need to agree with the automatic installation of the firmware, after which the process starts. Next, you just need to wait for it to finish (note: some additional installations may be required in Windows 7).
In the case of the "seven", an error may be generated reading disk "A". This is normal, especially since floppy drives have not been used for a long time. To fix the problem, enter the settings and select the Standard CMOS Setup section there, set the Floppy Drive device to Not Installed, save the changes (F10, and then confirm by pressing the "Y" button). After that, an automatic reboot will follow, and the problem will completely disappear.
Instead of total
Actually, this is all that concerns MSI motherboards. How to update the BIOS, I hope, is already clear. What is most interesting, many users are afraid to do this, believing that in this way they can simply harm the system. Nothing wrong with that. It is believed (this is evidenced by the reviews of many experts), after updating the BIOS, even an increase in performance is often noticed computer systems. And the update process itself, in general, is not particularly difficult. The most important thing here is to correctly determine the model of the "motherboard" and download exactly the update for it that corresponds to it. Well, then, as they say, a matter of technology. Moreover, any user can easily perform such operations, observing several main conditions described above.