mb BIOS flash?

[PyroVulpes]

As some of you may know from reading my recent posts, I just got a new computer. So far I've managed to get everything set up, installed, and working correctly except for one thing: the BIOS. Now, I know that unless you're having problems it's best not to mess with the BIOS. However, until I flash mine with the latest version I won't be getting the full performance out of my CPU and RAM. My current BIOS only recognizes the AM2 socket type, not the newer AM2+ that I have installed.

Relevant System Info:
MB: MSI K9A2 Platinum (MS-7376 BIOS V1.2)
CPU: AMD Phenom 9850
HDD: WD Caviar SE16
OS: Windows Vista Premium x64, service pack 1

While it isn't exactly an urgent problem, I'd really like to get the full performance potential out of this system.

[Alex]

First off, what stepping Phenom do you have? Are you effected by the TLB bug? If you're already patched for it, it's probably wise NOT to mess with the BIOS.

Second, last I checked, the Phenom will only work on AM2+ spec'd sockets. If it wasn't already updated, you wouldn't be able to POST at all because it wouldn't recognize the AM2+ processor. I don't know much about this particular board, but it will autodetect what processor you have installed and switch between AM2 / AM2+ accordingly. Check with CPUZ and see what socket the motherboard is reporting.

Also, a point related to the first, if your BIOS is patched for the TLB bug, you're already suffering a 10% performance hit. There is nothing you can do about this. x.x

Unless you're positive you're going to see decent performance gains from this, I would advise against it. Any small thing that goes wrong will brick your motherboard.

Good luck!

By the way, I'm an Intel fan <snuggles his Core 2>

[PyroVulpes]

All the ##50 spec Phenoms were fixed at the hardware level, so no TLB bug or performance hit. It was only the older ##00 units that were affected.

I dunno all the details of it, but support for the AM2+ socket wasn't included until v1.3 of the BIOS for this motherboard (See here).

CPUZ does report that it has an AM2+ socket, but it also says that I only have PC2-6400 RAM installed, when I really have PC2-8500 RAM.