Toshiba Portege R835-56X - BIOS update

I bought a Toshiba Portege R835-56X few days ago. I updated the Windows 7 by using the Windows Update option. Then I went to Toshiba website to update the drivers.

- First, I went here:
Toshiba Support - Homepage
- Then, I chose Laptops - Portege - R835-56X...clicked GO
- It took me to the following page
Model Content Page
- I can see Portege R835-56X on top left in red.
- I clicked Downloads on top left
- As of Sep 21, under All Operating System and All Categories, I see 148 downloads available for Portege R835-56X
- I saw ACPI Flash BIOS version 3.10 for Portege/Tecra/Satellite R830/R840/R850(v3.10; 09-02-2011; 5.55M) dated 09/07/2011
- I clicked to see the description. I also checked the applicable models and my model was listed there. Then, I downloaded it.
- I then installed it by choosing the option: Install from Windows
- While installing, I got the message that said a BIOS update is required and the installation process began and ended properly.

I just noticed that my laptop is making a constant whining sound. I think that the fan is running continuously. It is not loud but it is not silent for sure. I don't remember how it was prior to the BIOS update for sure. But, I think it was calm earlier.

I have few questions:
1. If I choose Windows 7 (64 bit) as Operating System, then I don't see this BIOS update option in the website. Why is it ? Does this mean that this update is not required for this OS ? I thought BIOS update is independent of OS.
2. Is it recommended to update the BIOS periodically or just keep the existing BIOS without updating ?
3. When I called Toshiba Customer Service, the rep asked me why did I update my BIOS. She recommended not updating it, if everything works good. I was surprised to hear this. I thought are updates are always good. Am I wrong ?
4. The rep said that the update would have increased the sensitivity of fan and hence, it is running more often even with slight load. The fan should stop running when there is no load/heat, right ? The fans begins to run, the moment I turn on the laptop.
5. Right now, I have only notepad open. According to the Windows Task Manager: Processes: 77; CPU Usage: 0%-1%; Physical Memory: 32%. The fan is still running.
6. This question is not related to whining. Under the available downloads, it shows Intel Display Driver and also AMD Display Driver, similarly, it shows Synaptics Touchpad Driver and also ALPS Pointing Device Driver...So, one has to know their make/model prior to installing the appropriate update. In my case, it is Intel and Synaptics. Isn't this odd ? Does R835-56X model laptop comes with parts from different manufacturers ? I don't think so. I know some laptop makers use different manufacturers for certain parts, for example, MacBook Air uses Samsung/Toshiba SSD.

 

see

http://forum.notebookreview.com/toshiba/571389-just-got-new-r835-p50x-21.html#post7903117post #202

Also, I updated my bios to 3.1 and the fan doesn't run any more than before. I don't know what the problem is in your case, but it probably isn't the bios update. I realize this is hard to test...is an older bios still downloadable, and if so can you try to downgrade?

Also check the temperatures (Toshiba PC Health Monitor). Mine shows CPU temperature 43%, system temperature 37% (I had no idea that temperature could be expressed in percent units), and fan speed 37%, which I can't hear at all.

If appropriate, click on the temp/fan icons to run the temperature diagnostic.

 

You are correct, BIOS firmware updates are not dependent on OS. I don't know why Toshiba set it up that way.

Generally, BIOS firmware updates do carry a risk, so it is usually recommended to upgrade ONLY if you are having issues. Still, it is common for many people to upgrade to avoid running into any "issues" that newer BIOS firmwares "fixes or improves".

The rep's response is correct. Though it is not uncommon for enthusiasts to always ticker with things, even if they aren't broken.

I forget what 3.1 brings in terms of the "fixes" and "improvements". I don't know how the fan is exactly set up but I wouldn't expect no load = no heat, just my opinion.

I'm on 3.1 and I believe my fans runs also under those conditions. Also, are you checking under ECO mode or ECO mode off? With ECO mode on, I can hear the fan if I put my ear close to it.

Perhaps it is different touchpad drivers for different countries? I would think all USA sold R835s would have Synaptics driver. ALPS drivers for outside of USA, maybe?

 

I dont know if that is a bug with the bios and fan speed control, but you can change the fan speed accordingly in the bios. I think by default it is at Max Cool.

That is another reason why the portege can't get any lighter. you turn it on and it will take off. lol.