I recently updated the bios on my A8N-SLI Premium to the latest beta version (1011.001), from a much earlier release (1005). Since then, my overclock hasn't been close to what it was before - with the older BIOS I could run 307x8.5 with the memory on a divider at ~200 without a problem. Yet with the new BIOS, despite me setting the exact same memory timings and so forth, I can only seem to get around 280x8.5 to run stable now. Is it really possible for something as simple as a BIOS update to effect ones maximum overclock by such a significant amount? I'm tempted to flash back to an older one, unless anyone has any other suggestions.
Yes, it is quite possible. the BIOS controls everything from voltage management, memory divider functionality, and everything conceivable. Flash back to the previous version if you want to maintain your previous overclocks.
Once again yes it is, my old msi bios wouldn't let me post/boot past 230FSB but the new (1.a) bios lets me post/boot at 325FSB(x8) EDIT: w00t 600th post
Back to 1009 and it seems slightly better, still go no at what it was before though (307HTT) . I'll give the 1007 BIOS a whirl tomorrow and fingers crossed 300 or so will be doable again.
BIOS can make a massive difference to your overclock, or no difference at all. It all depends on the motherboard, don't upgrade your BIOS lightly. If you're having problems with a mobo, and you think its BIOS related, then try a different one, but basicly, if you're overclocked, don't assume what works for you currently will work once you've changed BIOS. Some will enable you to do much better, some will just ruin your ability to overclock. The best thing to do is look for info on the mobos best bios, maybe even consider custom modded BIOS', if there are any about.
Yup - since the BIOS controls pretty much everything, it can seriously affect an OC for the worse or better. The problem is that to rectify one issue, the manufacturers usually have to affect another, so your overclock can be ruined by the fixing of a bug. As specofdust said, it'd be best to try to find what people generally regard as the best BIOS for the board and stick with it unless you have any problems that are documented in the latest release.
