compnut

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compnut

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November 12th, 2015 09:00

Updateing the BIOS on a R4

I would like to update my BIOS I currently have the original BIOS version AO3 that came installed when I bought the computer.  I want to update to the latest version of A11 I have read so many horror stories about things going wrong when updating the BIOS, like bricking the mother board and the Command Center not working after and update. What is the best way to update, I have read to update to version A05 first, can I jump to A05 or do I have to go to A04 first, then after A05 jump to A11?

My computer is working  great right now, I am doing this so I can upgrade my video card, I'm not so sure I have the nerve to redo the BIOS,  but I sure would like to upgrade the video card, So any advice, tips or hints  would be greatly appreciated  

  • Alienware - Rodrigo

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    Posted November 20th, 2015 09:00

    Hi Nisei,

    Yes, please follow the exact order that I posted on my previous reply for flashing the Bios to the latest version. You can disregard what it says about running Bios A05 from a bootable USB flash drive, you can download and run the executable from Windows. Let us know is you need further assistance.

  • Alienware - Rodrigo

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    4398 Posts

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    Posted November 12th, 2015 12:00

    Hi, 

    We recommend you update from A03 to A05, then from A05 to A07, and finally from A07 to A11. When you are going to flash Bios, make sure no other programs are running at the time, the system needs to restart for each Bios update so make sure nothing interrupts this process. 

  • Tesla1856

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    Posted November 12th, 2015 12:00

    Yes, it's a "stepped" approach like Rodrigo posted. Heed his warning to prevent bricking your motherboard.

    Still a nice system config. Have you considered adding a SSD for Windows boot drive?

    Dell Rockstar

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  • compnut

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    Posted November 12th, 2015 14:00

    yes I have thought about an SSD for boot drive, if I live through the BIOS update and new graphics card that my be my next project .....

  • Nisei

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    Posted November 18th, 2015 05:00

    Hi compnut

    Did you succeed? I'm in exactly the same situation (having to upgrade from A03 to A11). Did you go from A03 -> A05 -> A07 -> A11 like suggested?

    I was wondering: the A05 description says you have to run the exe from a bootable USB flash drive while versions A07 and up say you can do the upgrade from Windows. Is this correct or can A05 also be done from Windows?

    Thanks in advance

  • Nisei

    32 Posts

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    Posted November 20th, 2015 03:00

    Can anyone answer that last question please?

    Thanks

  • Nisei

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    Posted November 21st, 2015 08:00

    Thanks Rodrigo

    I'm not looking forward doing it but I will have to if I want to upgrade my video card.

  • Nisei

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    Posted November 22nd, 2015 03:00

    Rodrigo,

    Do I have to write down all the current settings (memory speed, processor clock speed etcetera)?

    I haven't made any changes to the bios settings since I bought it so will it be set correctly when I flash to the newer versions? I have the Intel i7 3820 version.

  • Alienware - Rodrigo

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    Posted November 24th, 2015 07:00

    Hi Nisei,

    There is no need to write down the current settings, they should remain the same with the newer Bios versions.