How to Flash BIOS on a Gigabyte Motherboard

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a special program incorporated into the motherboard chipset. The BIOS function is to initialize computer hardware and control system settings. Gigabyte motherboards often come with outdated BIOS that may not properly support the processor and cause a drop in the system performance. Flashing refers to a BIOS update--typically to the latest version. Furthermore, the latest BIOS on some Gigabyte motherboards allows you to reduce the power consumption for your computer. Use a convenient Gigabyte Q-Flash utility to update BIOS with a USB thumb drive.

Things You'll Need

• USB drive

Instructions

Saving Latest BIOS File on a USB Drive

1. Insert a USB drive into the USB port.

2. Use a Web browser to navigate to the Gigabyte support website (Resources).

3. Enter the motherboard model in the box and click "Search" to find software available for your motherboard.

4. Expand the section called "BIOS" on the Web page and look through BIOS versions available for your motherboard; the latest BIOS version will be on the top of the list.

5. Click on the "Download" link next to the latest BIOS version, and choose "Save" to open the browsing window.

6. Click on the flash drive icon in the browsing window, and choose "Save" to save the BIOS file on the USB drive.

Flashing BIOS

1. Insert the flash drive with the BIOS file into the USB drive.

2. Reboot your computer.

3. Press "End" as soon as the Gigabyte logo appears on the display to open the Q-Flash utility window.

4. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select the option "Update BIOS from drive" in the Q-Flash utility window, and press "Enter."

5. Select the BIOS file on the USB drive using the arrow keys and press "Enter" to start flashing BIOS. The computer will automatically restart when flashing is done.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid switching off or rebooting your computer while flashing the BIOS to prevent damaging the motherboard.

References

• LegitReviews: Gigabyte 890GX Motherboard BIOS Update Improves Power Consumption
• "Building the Perfect PC"; Barbara Fritchman Thompson; 2006

Resources

• Gigabyte: Support & Downloads