BIOS version .. to update or not

I have an ASUS X54C Laptop.

When I bought the laptop the BIOS version was 204.



I see that BIOS version 210 for my model laptop is now available from the ASUS website. I have never updated BIOS before and am nervous about this

EDIT: From system specs, this is what the full description of the current BIOS version is:

BIOS Version: American Megatrends Inc. K54C.204, 2012-01-20

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So I have downloaded the latest BIOS V. 210. It downloads as a ZIPPED folder named K54CAS210

Can anyone advise on the correct method to extract, & install, the latest BIOS version, and highlight the risks I might face?

Thanks in advance

There should be information with the download about what is updated. I always read that. It's a shame if a BIOS update fails but even worse if there's nothing you really needed in the new code. Also you should check if there's a way to revert to the current version even if the new install has an error.

I haven't had a PC go dead doornail on me. But I had it happen on a $240 external modem. Not fun.

You should only update the BIOS if the update addresses a specific problem you are having, not just because there is a newer version available.

There are some serious risks in updating the BIOS. Usually the update proceeds without issue. But if it fails, and this can happen even if you do everything right, you will usually have an unbootable system. Some systems provide an easy recovery from this, others do not. In some cases the only recovery is physical replacement of the BIOS chip by a trained technician.

LMiller7 said:

You should only update the BIOS if the update addresses a specific problem you are having, not just because there is a newer version available.

There are some serious risks in updating the BIOS. Usually the update proceeds without issue. But if it fails, and this can happen even if you do everything right, you will usually have an unbootable system. Some systems provide an easy recovery from this, others do not. In some cases the only recovery is physical replacement of the BIOS chip by a trained technician.

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@ Responders Miles Ahead & LMiller7 ...
Thank you for your input, and I take your point re: "if it ain't broke leave well alone"

I have attached a screenshot of the BIOS updates issued by ASUS for my X54C laptop, and none of them seem to be critical "must do" updates (at least in my uninformed opinion). My laptop runs just fine, so I reckon I will just eave it as it is.

One more question .... are BIOS updates usually incremental? i.e. in my example shown, does the latest BIOS available (210) contain all the other updates that I have not installed? (In my case, BIOS updates 205 through the latest available 210? )

They (updates) are not incremental for some years now, you can go straight to newest version. Asus has own utility to do it from Windows automatically, should be able to do it from BIOS itself too but there are some caveats with all that. First carefully check user manual how to do it. If you are not REALLY comfortable doing it, leave it to professional if you must do it. After successful update BIOS would have to be re-configured again to work properly so even if you do it, write settings beforehand.
From that list I can see a lot of changes since first one and that could make it worthwhile . I can't see your original BIOS there, so it makes me suspicious about fact that it might not be for your exact model. I would recheck with complete laptop's model, sub-model would have another set of numbers beyond x54c-xxxxxxx.
Asus BIOS Update utility (at least for desktop MBs) if it works on laptops, should be able to find newest BIOS without actually changing it and is accurate enough to find real BIOS update for you.

CountMike said:

They (updates) are not incremental for some years now, you can go straight to newest version.

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Thanks for that information

I can't see your original BIOS there so it makes me suspicious about fact that it might not be for your exact model. I would recheck with complete laptop's model, sub-model would have another set of numbers beyond x54c-xxxxxxx.

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I'm unsure how to determine the "sub-model" of my existing Asus X54C series laptop.
Ir originally came with Win7 OS, but I then upgraded the OS to first Win8, then Win8.1 . I have the 64-bit OS.

Asus BIOS Update utility (at least for desktop MBs) if it works on laptops, should be able to find newest BIOS without actually changing it and is accurate enough to find real BIOS update for you.

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I saw the ASUS BIOS Update utility, but am now too nervous to try to update!

The BIOS version that came with my laptop was ver. 204

Just few days ago I changed screen on one of those ASUS X55A-SX052 Laptop cena karakteristike komentari - BCGroup Asus x55a-sx052 , number was on a sticker at the bottom.
Just let Asus update utility find the BIOS upgrade, don't have to do it actually.