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    Should i update my Bios ?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by amitvig22, Oct 16, 2013.

  1. amitvig22

    amitvig22 Notebook Consultant

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    Hi,

    I will be doing a fresh install of Windows 8.1 over the weekend i am running bios version 10. I notice there is a Bios version 12. Should i update my bios ? Would it be advantageous in any way.

    I plan to follow the thread by Luis on a clean install of windows 8.
     
    amitvig22, Oct 16, 2013
    #1
  2. Venat

    Venat Notebook Guru

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    I'd think so. Unless there is an overclocking restriction on A12.
     
    Venat, Oct 17, 2013
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  3. amitvig22

    amitvig22 Notebook Consultant

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    I dont think so, the major change is that it has a slightly different fan profile.

    Bumping the thread for more insights !
     
    amitvig22, Oct 17, 2013
    #3
  4. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    BIOS updates are usually released to fix a certain issue. If you are not experiencing any, just leave it as it is.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Oct 17, 2013
    #4
    MogRules, juliant and amitvig22 like this.
  5. MogRules

    MogRules Notebook Deity

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    Really the only time I worry about it is when I am going to call in to tech support, they like to make sure you update that in case it magically fixes the problem your having, which in some cases it could. But if your not experiencing any problems then no I wouldn't worry about it. That being said it is pretty easy to do and only takes a minute or two, so if it bothers you then really there isn't anything stopping you either.

    Just be warned that some people have had problems with it , I don't know about this most current version but I seem to remember posts awhile back with people with failed bios updates, just an FYI. I have never had any issues.
     
    MogRules, Oct 17, 2013
    #5
  6. amitvig22

    amitvig22 Notebook Consultant

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    Thank you for your reply, and making the How to clean install page.

    My main motive was to just stay up to date. I just wanted to know if its normal practice to install Bios updates when they come out. I was going to clean install everything din't want to miss out on something essential. This has made me think if i really need to do it.
     
    amitvig22, Oct 17, 2013
    #6
  7. Tseng

    Tseng Notebook Consultant

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    Dell has A13 BIOS released for Windows 8.1, you should skip A12 and go directly to A13
     
    Tseng, Oct 20, 2013
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  8. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    If moving to windows 8.1 then I would update to the A13 otherwise don't bother.
     
    Meaker@Sager, Oct 20, 2013
    #8