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    Why updating VBIOS?

    Discussion in 'ASUS Gaming Notebook Forum' started by Heksar, Jul 16, 2012.

  1. Heksar

    Heksar Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry but I'm new in this sort of things :)
    I see a lot of people here talking about updating their Vbios. But, if so, are there advantages if I update (performance, temp. reduce...)?
    I never had problems when using the stock Vbios and I'm also using Cata 12.6 drivers.
     
    Heksar, Jul 16, 2012
    #1
  2. JehutyZeroshift

    JehutyZeroshift Notebook Evangelist

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    What vBIOS are you using? You may check it at Catalyst Contol Center/Product Summary/Hardware and it should be something like 012.020.000.032 if it's the updated one. The reason behind the necessity of updating the vBIOS when you are using an updated CCC Drivers is that on some games, you might get GSOD/BSOD/PSOD if the CCC drivers are not running on the 012.020.000.032 vBIOS.
     
    JehutyZeroshift, Jul 16, 2012
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  3. Toxictaru

    Toxictaru Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, so that post is confusing if you're new.

    The stock vBIOS on G73s was kind of buggy when it came to installing the non-stock ATI drivers (the ones Asus provided). When I first had my G73, it ran fine on update drivers for a while, but then my computer started to crash. GSOD (Grey screen of death) is kind of a catch-all for what would happen, usually the screen would go grey and the computer would freeze. Happened basically any time the computer was doing anything with the GPU.

    PSOD (usually psychedelic screen of death due to the fantastic colors that would show up on half of the screen) was not related to vBIOS or drivers, and could only be resolved by replacing hardware (RMA fun). BSODs were rare and functionally never related to GSODs.

    Essentially, the new vBIOS allowed you to use non-stock drivers (which you basically needed for any game released after late 2009). The procedure is basically fool-proof provided you follow the instructions to the letter. Even if you aren't currently having any issues, there is a chance that it could happen. I'd take a look around and see if you are still on the old vBIOS, if so, update it.

    That being said, you mentioned you were new to this, and the G73 is an old model now (over 2 years old). Did you pick one up second hand? Either way, I suspect you may actually already be on the most recent vBIOS and this is totally unnecessary.

    If you aren't running a G73JH, this isn't even relevant to you at all, as the problem was entirely related to the G73JH line (the first G73s that came with ATI 5870 cards).
     
    Toxictaru, Jul 18, 2012
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