This document provides comprehensive information regarding the ASRock 970 Extreme3 BIOS update version 1.70. This BIOS update, released on October 19, 2012, aims to improve system stability, compatibility, and overall performance. This article will detail the update, its features, and, most importantly, provide a step-by-step guide on how to safely update your ASRock 970 Extreme3 motherboard BIOS using the Instant Flash utility.
Overview
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a crucial piece of firmware embedded on a motherboard. It performs several essential functions, including initializing hardware components during the boot process, providing low-level control over hardware, and loading the operating system. Updating the BIOS is sometimes necessary to address bugs, improve compatibility with new hardware (such as CPUs or memory), and enhance system performance.
This particular update, ASRock 970 Extreme3 Bios 1.70, is designed specifically for the ASRock 970 Extreme3 motherboard. While the original release notes were concise, this document aims to provide a more in-depth explanation of the update process and its potential benefits. Keep in mind that BIOS updates should be performed with caution, as an interrupted or improperly executed update can render your system unusable.
What’s New (and What to Expect)
The original release information lacks specifics on what’s new in version 1.70. Typically, BIOS updates like this include fixes for identified issues, improvements to hardware compatibility (especially with newer CPUs or RAM modules released after the initial motherboard launch), and potentially even performance enhancements.
Without official details, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact changes implemented in ASRock 970 Extreme3 Bios 1.70. However, common improvements found in BIOS updates include:
- Enhanced CPU Compatibility: Support for newer AMD Phenom II, Athlon II, or FX-series processors.
- Improved Memory Handling: Better compatibility with various RAM modules, potentially allowing for higher memory clock speeds or tighter timings.
- Bug Fixes: Resolution of stability issues or glitches reported by users.
- ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) Updates: Improved power management, potentially leading to better energy efficiency.
- Security Patches: Addressing potential security vulnerabilities in the BIOS firmware.
Users who updated to the ASRock 970 Extreme3 Bios 1.70 may have noticed improvements in boot times, overall system responsiveness, or the ability to use newer hardware components.
Specifications
While the core specifications of the ASRock 970 Extreme3 motherboard remain unchanged with the BIOS update, it’s helpful to reiterate them for context:
- CPU Support: AMD Socket AM3+ processors (FX, Phenom II, Athlon II, Sempron)
- Chipset: AMD 970 Northbridge / AMD SB950 Southbridge
- Memory: 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 32GB of DDR3 2100(OC)/1866/1600/1333/1066/800 MHz memory
- Expansion Slots: 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (one runs at x4), 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots, 3 x PCI slots
- Storage: 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors, supporting RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD
- USB: 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 on the rear panel, 6 via internal headers), 2 x USB 3.0 ports (on the rear panel)
- Audio: 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec)
- LAN: Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s (Realtek RTL8111E)
The ASRock 970 Extreme3 Bios 1.70 does not alter these fundamental hardware specifications but aims to optimize the interaction between the BIOS and these components.
How to Update the BIOS
Important Considerations Before Updating:
- Backup: Before proceeding, back up any important data on your system. While rare, BIOS updates can sometimes lead to data loss if something goes wrong.
- Power Stability: Ensure you have a stable power supply. A power outage during the update process can corrupt the BIOS and render your motherboard unusable. Consider using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for added protection.
- Read the Instructions Carefully: Understand the update process completely before starting. If you are unsure about any step, seek assistance from a qualified technician.
- Download the Correct File: Make sure you download the BIOS update specifically for the ASRock 970 Extreme3 motherboard. Using the wrong BIOS file can damage your system.
- Avoid Interruptions: Do not interrupt the update process. Do not turn off your computer, restart it, or unplug the power cord during the update.
ASRock provides the Instant Flash utility for updating the BIOS, a user-friendly method integrated directly into the BIOS interface. Here are two methods to use Instant Flash:
Method 1: Updating from within the BIOS Setup
- Download the BIOS File: Download the ASRock 970 Extreme3 BIOS version 1.70 from the official ASRock website: [Driver Download Link](direct link to the zipped file should be placed here, if available. If not, provide a link to the ASRock download page for the motherboard). Alternatively, you can download it from a third-party site such as Softpedia: Alternative Download Link.
- Extract the File: Extract the downloaded ZIP file (970%20Extreme3(1.70)WIN.zip) to a USB flash drive. Ensure the flash drive is formatted with FAT32.
- Enter BIOS Setup: Restart your computer and press the
key repeatedly during the boot process to enter the BIOS Setup Utility. - Navigate to Instant Flash: In the BIOS Setup Utility, look for the "Instant Flash" option. It’s usually located under the "Tool" or "Utilities" menu.
- Select the BIOS File: Instant Flash will scan your connected USB drives for BIOS files. Select the "970 Extreme3 1.70" BIOS file from the list.
- Confirm the Update: The utility will ask you to confirm that you want to update the BIOS. Read the warning message carefully and confirm if you are sure you want to proceed.
- Wait for the Update to Complete: The BIOS update process will begin. Do not interrupt the process. The system will automatically restart after the update is complete.
Method 2: Updating from a Bootable USB Drive
This method is useful if you cannot access the BIOS Setup Utility.
- Create a Bootable USB Drive: You will need a bootable USB drive. Several tools are available online for creating bootable USB drives (e.g., Rufus).
- Copy the BIOS File: Copy the extracted BIOS file (the actual .ROM file) to the root directory of the bootable USB drive.
- Boot from the USB Drive: Restart your computer and configure the BIOS to boot from the USB drive. This usually involves changing the boot order in the BIOS Setup Utility.
- Run Instant Flash: Once the system boots from the USB drive, it should automatically launch the Instant Flash utility (or you may need to run it manually if it’s a more advanced bootable environment).
- Select the BIOS File: Instant Flash will scan the USB drive for BIOS files. Select the "970 Extreme3 1.70" BIOS file from the list.
- Confirm the Update: The utility will ask you to confirm that you want to update the BIOS. Read the warning message carefully and confirm if you are sure you want to proceed.
- Wait for the Update to Complete: The BIOS update process will begin. Do not interrupt the process. The system will automatically restart after the update is complete.
Post-Update Steps:
- Enter BIOS Setup: After the system restarts, enter the BIOS Setup Utility again.
- Load Defaults: Load the default BIOS settings. This ensures that the system is running with the correct settings after the update.
- Customize Settings (Optional): You can now customize the BIOS settings to your preferences, such as setting the boot order, enabling XMP for your RAM, or adjusting fan speeds.
- Save and Exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.
Important Notice
As stated in the original documentation: "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."
This is a critical warning. A failed BIOS update can leave your system in a non-bootable state. If you experience issues, try repeating the update process. If that doesn’t work, try flashing back to a previous BIOS version (if you have a backup). If all else fails, you may need to seek professional help to re-flash the BIOS chip using specialized hardware.
Updating to ASRock 970 Extreme3 Bios 1.70 can bring improvements to your system, but always proceed with caution and follow the instructions carefully to avoid potential problems.