The BIOS Basic Input Output System CMOS EEPROM

The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is a software program that has been programmed (flashed) into an EEPROM module (integrated circuit, IC) mounted on the motherboard.


This program is not lost when all power is removed. This program is written by the BIOS/chipset/motherboard makers. It takes a special program to rewrite the BIOS firmware.

The CMOS is used by the motherboard chipset to save custom settings - changes to the BIOS firmware defaults, such as date and time, boot order, on-board device management, etc.

The CMOS memory module and the BIOS firmware EEPROM memory module work together to configure the motherboard to work with the attached hardware.


Up dating BIOS

Online Instructions	Download	Watch
Express BIOS Update	Download the .PDF	Watch the Video
F7 BIOS Flash Update	Download the .PDF	Watch the Video
iFlash BIOS Update	Download the .PDF
ISO Image BIOS Update	Download the .PDF
Recovery BIOS Update	Download the .PDF	Watch the Video
Integrator Toolkit BIOS Files	Download the .PDF

///

Update the BIOS on your computer only if the newer BIOS version specifically solves a problem you have. Intel does not recommend BIOS updates for computers that do not need it. You can view all new BIOS fixes in the release notes included on the BIOS download page in Download Center.

Downgrading the BIOS to an earlier version is not recommended and might not be supported. An earlier BIOS version might not offer support for the latest processors, bug fixes, critical security updates, or support the latest board revisions currently being manufactured.

Before initiating a BIOS update, be sure to read and precisely follow the update instructions. You can open and print any PDF file from the online instructions table below for easy reference.

All images in the examples used in the instructions are for illustration purposes only. You need to select the correct BIOS files for your desktop board.

If a BIOS update process is interrupted, your computer might not function properly. Intel suggests the process be done in an environment with a steady power supply (preferably with UPS). If you have system issues after updating your BIOS version, see Troubleshooting BIOS Issues.

//

BIOS updates will not make your computer faster, they generally won’t add new features you need, and they may even cause additional problems. You should only update your BIOS if the new version contains an improvement you need.

What’s a BIOS?

BIOS stands for basic input/output system. When you power your computer on, your BIOS takes control, starting the power-on self test (POST) and passing control over to the boot loader, which boots your computer’s operating system. The BIOS is low-level system software that should “just work” without getting in your way. Computers are now coming with UEFI firmware instead of the traditional BIOS, but the same is true for UEFI – it’s low-level system software with a similar role.
Unlike your operating system (which is stored on your hard drive), your computer’s BIOS is stored on a chip on your motherboard.