BIOS Update AMD AGESA 1.1.7.0 Patch A

[Kminek]

Should I apply this update, even I will don't upgrade CPU to ZEN5 or keep current version (F22)?
What this update solves except support of new ZEN5 CPUs?
My MoBo: Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX ver. 1.1
CPU: R7 7800X3D
Everything seems run ok w/o any problem.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Everything seems run ok w/o any problem.

"It if ain't broke, don't fix it."

That said, according to this page, there is no F22. It goes from F21 to F23, then F24a, and finally F30.

Regardless, my advice stands. Since your system is working fine without any problems, and you are not planning on upgrading your CPU, (and the description of the newer updates make no mention of bug "fixes" or "security" patches, then no need to update the BIOS and risk introducing new problems.

 

[Kminek]

Don't want argue with you, but they probably gave away F22 for any reason. They made it with few more versions in the past. Due the problems I guess? I was worried a little, so I decided to ask here.
But back to the topic. While there is no security patch or bug fix and pc is running just fine, I'll keep it as it is. CPU upgrade makes no sense for me, CPU is good enough for purpose I bought it for. (gaming) And it will last couple more years I guess.

 

[dgianstefani]

I'm running 1.1.7.0 A with no additional issues over the previous version.

AGESA takes time to mature so it's generally a good idea to be on the newer versions, they improve RAM compatibility and fix bugs that typically stick around for ~1-2 years from release of a new AMx platform.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Don't want argue with you, but they probably gave away F22 for any reason.

Its not arguing with me so no worries. I merely showed you what the website for your board showed so you could double check to see what you have. CPU-z showing F22 could mean one of several things. The BIOS firmware has a typo and has the wrong number. The site has a typo and the wrong number. Or the site pulled F22 for some reason.

But back to the topic. While there is no security patch or bug fix and pc is running just fine, I'll keep it as it is. CPU upgrade makes no sense for me, CPU is good enough for purpose I bought it for. (gaming) And it will last couple more years I guess.

And that makes sound sense to me. It is common for motherboard makers to release new BIOS updates that only add support for new CPUs that came out after the board left the factory. If not upgrading to one of those new CPUs, why add support for it when the current BIOS version is supporting your current CPU just fine?

 

[TheLostSwede]

I would go straight to the F30 release.
Not all fixes are spelled out and the F30 release is the most recent one for your board.
There's really no reason to use an older UEFI.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Not all fixes are spelled out
There's really no reason to use an older UEFI.

Sure there is. The system currently works just fine. So again, why fix something if not broken?

Now for sure, if this was a brand new build and indications were the motherboard sat on the store warehouse shelf, still sealed in its unopened box for many months or even longer, then sure, I would update the BIOS. But the OP has been using this computer "w/o any problem" for some time and has expressed he has no desire to upgrade to a newer CPU. There is just no need to upgrade the BIOS at this time.

 

[chrcoluk]

It probably fixes something, but my motto is if it isnt broke, then dont update the bios.

 

[Super Firm Tofu]

There's really no reason to use an older UEFI.

Hard disagree with AMD. If it's working, and there's nothing you know you specifically need, leave it alone. Not worth the PITA if it goes wrong.

 

[Bill_Bright]

It probably fixes something

If you follow the link I provided above and scroll down under the Description column, you will see several BIOS updates that describe various fixes, improvements and addressing vulnerabilities. But there are not such indications of fixes, improvements or addressing vulnerabilities on the latest updates. Only the standard Checksum value (to ensure the download is valid and not corrupt) and the note about the applicable AMD AGESA update.

So, with no fixes indicated, I think it safe to assume the latest BIOS does not "fix something" - it just adds support for new CPUs.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Hard disagree with AMD. If it's working, and there's nothing you know you specifically need, leave it alone. Not worth the PITA if it goes wrong.

Never had an issue updating the UEFI, if anything, it has always solved problems I've had.
Maybe that's just Gigabyte though. But the Asus X370 board I had was the same.

 

[Super Firm Tofu]

Never had an issue updating the UEFI

And my GB X670 failed to reboot during the flash process and required using USB flashback to get it functional again.

if anything, it has always solved problems I've had.

I specifically said if you had no issues. Obviously, if you've got a problem you don't really have a choice but to roll the dice hoping the new AGESA is finally the one that gets it right.

*edit - spelling*

 

[JrRacinFan]

So my .02, AsRock tends to give you a "validated since" bios revision. I stay on that bios until they give an update that includes the newest AGESA prior to upcoming release of the new parts. In other words, I basically lumped all my ram compatibility and security fixes all at one go.

 

[Bill_Bright]

if anything, it has always solved problems I've had.

But once again, the OP is reporting there are no problems.

When a system is, and has been working fine, I see no reason to update drivers and especially a BIOS just because a new one is out there. If the update addresses a new problem (or newly discovered security issue), then sure.

While it is very rare for a BIOS update to fail catastrophically turning the motherboard into a brick, it can happen. Typically, a simple reboot resolves any hang-up but a power outage in the middle of the flash, for example, could irreparably corrupt the BIOS preventing a rollback or an update. I have personally seen this twice over the years and it is why I always recommend putting the computer on a good UPS with AVR before attempting the update - and to make sure a good backup of important files have been done too - just in case.

Sadly, the Level 1 tech support people at most motherboard support centers are poorly trained, woefully underpaid, and must strictly adhere to a checklist (or risk termination) when attempting to provide technical support. And right at the top of that checklist is "Update the BIOS" regardless if the caller's problem has anything to do with the BIOS or not. I feel this has led to the false impression that updating the BIOS typically fixes everything. It does not.

Reminds me of the old days when way too often the first repair action suggested by wannabe technicians was always "format and reinstall".

 

[TheLostSwede]

And my GB X670 failed to reboot during the flash process and required using USB flashback to get it functional again.

That seems like more of a you problem. At least there was an easy way to recover it. Back in the days, some boards could be recovered if you renamed the BIOS file to something specific and put it on a floppy disk. It didn't always work.
I haven't had any issues flashing motherboards since something like 1999... And that was on a Compaq Pentium Pro that decided to misbehave when I worked in a computer shop.

I specifically said if you had no issues. Obviously, if you've got a problem you don't really have a choice but to roll the dice hoping the new AGESA is finally the one that gets it right.

You're aware that there are a lot more fixes than what are put in the release notes, right? And it might not even be issues you're aware of.
Also, what is a problem on an immature platform? The updates are often fixing and removing limitations that were put in to start with, to make sure the platform was stable.
I suggest reading up a bit on the AMD AGESA development, what little public information there is about it, as there have been some quite big changes over the years.
Then again, you're using Intel, so why are you even here complaining?

 

[dgianstefani]

That seems like more of a you problem.
I haven't had any issues flashing motherboards since something like 1999...

You're aware that there are a lot more fixes than what are put in the release notes, right? And it might not even be issues you're aware of.
Also, what is a problem on an immature platform? The updates are often fixing and removing limitations that were put in to start with, to make sure the platform was stable.
I suggest reading up a bit on the AMD AGESA development, what little public information there is about it, as there have been some quite big changes over the years.
Then again, you're using Intel, so why are you even here complaining?

Yes, AMD consistently has very undetailed "changelogs".

If you're lucky you might get a "bugs fixed".

Yet, people who overclock notice notably difference performance potential from different BIOS versions.

 

[TheLostSwede]

So my .02, AsRock tends to give you a "validated since" bios revision. I stay on that bios until they give an update that includes the newest AGESA prior to upcoming release of the new parts. In other words, I basically lumped all my ram compatibility and security fixes all at one go.

I wish the other three big board makers would do the same, but alas...
Obviously with Gigabyte, if it has a letter after the digits, it's not a final release, but that's the only thing that might be worth avoiding.

 

[GerKNG]

i have 1.1.7.0 installed since it launched and it works perfectly fine.

 

[ir_cow]

If you are already on a version that is past the CPU meltdown problem, upgrading still can solve some lingering memory boot and stability problems. For AMD it's generally been hit or miss up updates. Fixed some things, adds new problems. But I haven't heard of anything wrong with 1.1.7.0 so far. I would update in this instance.

 

[Super Firm Tofu]

That seems like more of a you problem. At least there was an easy way to recover it.

Sure, but I don't think I'm anything special, so it's possible somebody else could experience the same problem. Possibly the OP who was asking for advice about upgrading a BIOS.

Back in the days, some boards could be recovered if you renamed the BIOS file to something specific and put it on a floppy disk. It didn't always work.
I haven't had any issues flashing motherboards since something like 1999... And that was on a Compaq Pentium Pro that decided to misbehave when I worked in a computer shop.

Cool story, bro.

You're aware that there are a lot more fixes than what are put in the release notes, right? And it might not even be issues you're aware of.
Also, what is a problem on an immature platform? The updates are often fixing and removing limitations that were put in to start with, to make sure the platform was stable.

I'm aware of that, that's why I said hopefully they'll get it right this time.

I suggest reading up a bit on the AMD AGESA development, what little public information there is about it, as there have been some quite big changes over the years.

What makes you think I haven't? I've been using the Ryzen platform for quite awhile now, but thanks for the suggestion.

Then again, you're using Intel, so why are you even here complaining?

I am using Intel as my primary machine. There's a reason for that. I also have that GB X670 board that had the issues running 24/7 at full load in the other room. Who's complaining? I offered my advice to the OP about no pressing need to flash an upgrade and offered a possible first hand problem that I encountered. You felt the need to personally attack me. No hard feelings. I still like your weekly gaming posts.

 

[Kminek]

Pc was built in september 2023, I made BIOS update in march 2024, after noticed ( i read couple articles on pc oriented websites about it) there was potencial security flaw (logofail).

 

[JrRacinFan]

Obviously with Gigabyte, if it has a letter after the digits, it's not a final release, but that's the only thing that might be worth avoiding.

They have always followed this version numbering as far back as i can remember, all the way back to my Socket A Palemino days (had an Athlon XP 1700+ on a Gigabyte board). I knew to avoid them as those may have "gremlins", but I also know some users may not.

 

[Apocalypsee]

I use Gigabyte B450M-S2H from 1600X to 3600 and to 5700G, I updated to latest BIOS whenever available, including the beta ones. All I can say is they are pretty good and I don't experience any issue when using them. I do experience better memory overclock and more BIOS settings when updating to newer BIOS. Having said that I don't recommend the Beta BIOS but flash to whatever latest BIOS available. Newer AGESA can sometime improve performance and stability.