ASRock A780GM-LE Bios 1.20 for Windows

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ASRock A780GM-LE Bios 1.20 for Windows

This article provides information regarding the ASRock A780GM-LE motherboard BIOS update to version 1.20 for Windows operating systems. It outlines the update’s improvements and provides a basic guide to updating the BIOS within Windows. It also includes crucial warnings regarding the update process.

Understanding the BIOS and Its Importance

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is firmware embedded on a small memory chip on the motherboard. It’s the first software to run when a computer is powered on. The BIOS initializes hardware components, performs self-tests, and loads the operating system. Updating the BIOS can improve system stability, compatibility, and performance. These updates often address bugs, add support for newer hardware, or enhance existing features. Regularly updating your ASRock A780GM-LE BIOS is therefore essential.

ASRock A780GM-LE Bios 1.20: What’s New?

BIOS version 1.20 for the ASRock A780GM-LE motherboard includes the following updates:

  1. Enhanced HDD Size Display: The BIOS now correctly displays hard drive sizes in terabytes (TB) when the HDD capacity is 1TB or greater. This resolves potential issues where large hard drives might be incorrectly reported or not fully recognized.

  2. Legacy USB Support Default Setting: The default setting for ‘Legacy USB Support’ in the BIOS setup has been changed to ‘Enabled’. This ensures that older USB devices, such as keyboards and mice, are recognized and functional during the boot process, even before the operating system loads. This can be crucial for users with older peripherals or those who need to access the BIOS using a USB keyboard.

  3. Front Panel Default Setting: The default setting for ‘Front Panel’ in the BIOS setup has been changed to ‘Enabled’. This setting manages the functionality of the front panel connectors on the computer case, such as the power button, reset button, and audio jacks. Enabling it by default ensures these functions work correctly without manual configuration.

  4. Updated CPU Code: The BIOS includes updated CPU code, which may improve compatibility with certain processors, enhance system stability, and potentially improve overall CPU performance.

Updating the BIOS Under Windows

The following instructions are provided directly from ASRock and are intended for Windows Vista, but the principles apply to more recent Windows operating systems.

 <div id="pub-desc">
 <p><b>Updating BIOS under Windows&Acirc;&reg; Vista:</b></p><p>
Step1: Please right click AFUWIN.exe<br>
Step2: Click "Run as administrator".</p><p><b>Notice:</b></p><p>
If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS, DO NOT turn off your system since this corrupt BIOS might cause your system failed to boot up. Just repeat the process, and if the problem still persists, update the original BIOS file. If the Flash Memory Writer utility was not able to successfully update a complete BIOS file, your system may not be able to boot up. If this happens, your system will need service.</p><p><b id="whatsnew">What's New:</b></p><p>
1.Update code to display HDD size in TB when HDD size &gt;= 1TB.<br>
2.Change SETUP item 'Legacy USB Support' default = 'Enabled'.<br>
3.Change SETUP item 'Front Panel' default = 'Enabled'.<br>
4.Update CPU code. </p></div>

Explanation and Modern Context:

The provided instructions are extremely basic and assume a level of familiarity with the process. Here’s a more detailed explanation suitable for modern Windows versions (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11):

  1. Download the BIOS Update: Download the ASRock A780GM-LE BIOS version 1.20 file from a reputable source, such as the official ASRock website or a trusted driver repository.

  2. Extract the Files: The downloaded file is usually a compressed archive (ZIP file). Extract the contents of the archive to a folder on your hard drive. The extracted folder should contain files like AFUWIN.exe (the BIOS flashing utility) and the BIOS file itself (usually with a .ROM or .BIN extension).

  3. Run AFUWIN.exe as Administrator: Locate the AFUWIN.exe file in the extracted folder. Right-click on the file and select "Run as administrator." This is crucial because the BIOS flashing utility requires elevated privileges to access and modify system firmware.

  4. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The AFUWIN utility will launch. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version, but it will typically provide options to:

    • Select the BIOS file to flash.
    • Verify the current BIOS version.
    • Initiate the flashing process.

    Carefully select the correct BIOS file (the .ROM or .BIN file you extracted) and follow the on-screen prompts.

  5. DO NOT INTERRUPT THE PROCESS: This is the most critical step. Once the flashing process begins, DO NOT turn off your computer, restart it, or unplug the power cord. Interrupting the BIOS update can render your motherboard unusable, requiring professional repair or replacement. The process usually takes only a few minutes.

  6. Restart Your Computer: Once the flashing process is complete, the utility will usually prompt you to restart your computer. Allow the computer to restart.

  7. Verify the Update: After restarting, enter the BIOS setup utility (usually by pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during startup – the key to press is displayed on the screen during boot). Check the BIOS version displayed in the setup utility to confirm that the update was successful.

Crucial Warnings and Considerations:

The original documentation includes a critical warning:

<p><b>Notice:</b></p><p>
If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS, DO NOT turn off your system since this corrupt BIOS might cause your system failed to boot up. Just repeat the process, and if the problem still persists, update the original BIOS file. If the Flash Memory Writer utility was not able to successfully update a complete BIOS file, your system may not be able to boot up. If this happens, your system will need service.</p>

Elaboration on the Warning:

  • DO NOT INTERRUPT: This cannot be stressed enough. Power outages, system crashes, or user intervention during the BIOS update can lead to a corrupted BIOS.

  • Repeat the Process (with Caution): If the update fails, try running the flashing utility again. Make sure you are using the correct BIOS file and running the utility as administrator.

  • Update to the Original BIOS: The documentation suggests reverting to the original BIOS file if problems persist. This assumes you have a backup of your original BIOS. It is highly recommended to back up your current BIOS before attempting any update. However, with modern motherboards, this is often not possible without specialized tools.

  • Professional Service: If the Flash Memory Writer utility fails to update a complete BIOS file, your system may not boot. In this case, the motherboard likely requires professional service. This may involve sending the motherboard to ASRock or a qualified computer repair technician who has the tools and expertise to re-flash the BIOS chip.

Alternative Download Links and Resources:

While the ideal source for the BIOS update is the official ASRock website, here are some alternative download links from other sites:

  1. TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/11844/
  2. Softpedia: (Check Softpedia for ASRock A780GM-LE BIOS updates, but verify version and source).
  3. DriverGuide: (Check DriverGuide for ASRock A780GM-LE BIOS updates, but verify version and source).
  4. DriversCollection: (Check DriversCollection for ASRock A780GM-LE BIOS updates, but verify version and source).
  5. Station-Drivers: (Check Station-Drivers for ASRock A780GM-LE BIOS updates, but verify version and source).

Important Note: When downloading BIOS updates from third-party websites, exercise extreme caution. Ensure the source is reputable and the file you download is the correct version for your ASRock A780GM-LE motherboard. Incorrect BIOS files can permanently damage your motherboard.

Conclusion:

Updating the ASRock A780GM-LE BIOS to version 1.20 can provide several improvements, including better HDD size display, optimized default settings, and updated CPU code. However, it’s a critical process that should be approached with caution. Always follow the instructions carefully, ensure you have a stable power supply, and never interrupt the flashing process. If you are uncomfortable performing the update yourself, seek assistance from a qualified computer technician. The ASRock A780GM-LE is a reliable board, but proper maintenance is crucial.

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