ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90

The ASRock H55M motherboard, a staple of the LGA 1156 era, provided a reliable and affordable platform for Intel’s first-generation Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. As with any motherboard, the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a critical piece of software that dictates how the system boots, interacts with hardware, and manages essential functions. The ASRock ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90 represents a significant update in the motherboard’s lifespan, bringing with it potential improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced compatibility. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ASRock ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90, its significance, how to obtain it, and essential considerations before and during the flashing process.

Understanding the Role of the BIOS

Before delving into the specifics of ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental role of the BIOS. The BIOS is the first software that runs when a computer is powered on. Its primary functions include:

• Power-On Self-Test (POST): The BIOS performs a series of diagnostic checks to ensure that all essential hardware components, such as the CPU, memory, and graphics card, are functioning correctly.
• Hardware Initialization: The BIOS initializes and configures the hardware components, allowing them to communicate with each other and with the operating system.
• Bootloader: The BIOS locates and loads the operating system from a storage device (e.g., hard drive, SSD) into memory.
• System Settings: The BIOS provides a user interface (often accessible by pressing a specific key during startup, such as Delete, F2, or F12) that allows users to configure various system settings, including boot order, CPU settings, memory timings, and fan speeds.

Updating the BIOS can address compatibility issues, improve system performance, fix bugs, and add support for new hardware. However, it’s also a potentially risky procedure, and any interruption during the flashing process can render the motherboard unusable.

What’s New in ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90?

Unfortunately, specific release notes detailing the exact changes and improvements introduced in ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90 are not readily available from ASRock’s official website or common repositories. This is not uncommon for older BIOS revisions. However, based on the general practices of BIOS updates, we can infer some potential improvements:

• Improved CPU Compatibility: The update might include support for newer CPU steppings or revisions within the LGA 1156 family, potentially resolving compatibility issues or improving performance.
• Enhanced Memory Support: The BIOS could offer better support for different memory modules, including improved XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) compatibility and stability.
• Bug Fixes: The update likely addresses various bugs and stability issues that were present in previous BIOS versions. This could include fixes related to SATA performance, USB connectivity, or overall system stability.
• Security Updates: Although less common for older motherboards, the BIOS might include security patches to address vulnerabilities.
• Improved Hardware Support: The update could include better support for various hardware components such as hard drives, SSDs, and graphics cards.

Without official release notes, users are encouraged to approach the update with caution and carefully monitor system behavior after flashing the new BIOS.

Obtaining the ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90

The ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90 can be found at the following location:

• TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/13283/

Due to the age of the motherboard, finding alternative download locations might be necessary if the TechSpot link is unavailable. Here are some alternative sources to explore:

1. Softpedia: Softpedia often archives older drivers and BIOS versions.
2. DriverGuide: DriverGuide is another repository that may host the ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90.
3. ASRock’s FTP server (if available): Some manufacturers maintain FTP servers with older files. It’s worth checking if ASRock has one.
4. Third-party driver websites: Exercise caution when downloading from unofficial sources. Ensure the website is reputable and scan the downloaded file with an antivirus program before proceeding.
5. Archive.org (Wayback Machine): Sometimes, the Wayback Machine has archived older versions of manufacturer’s websites, potentially including driver download pages.

Remember to verify the file’s checksum (MD5, SHA-1, or SHA-256) after downloading it to ensure that the file is not corrupted. ASRock might have provided the checksum on their website or in a documentation file.

Preparing for the BIOS Update

Before flashing the ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90, it’s crucial to take several precautions to minimize the risk of complications:

1. Identify Your Motherboard Revision: Some motherboards have different revisions, and using the wrong BIOS version can cause serious problems. Verify the revision number printed on the motherboard itself.
2. Backup Your Current BIOS: If possible, use the ASRock BIOS utility to create a backup of your current BIOS. This allows you to revert to the previous version if the new BIOS causes issues.
3. Disable Antivirus Software: Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with the BIOS flashing process. Disable it temporarily before proceeding.
4. Close Unnecessary Applications: Close all unnecessary applications to free up system resources and reduce the risk of conflicts.
5. Ensure a Stable Power Supply: A power outage during the BIOS flashing process can brick your motherboard. Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or ensure a stable power source.
6. Read the Instructions Carefully: ASRock typically provides instructions on how to flash the BIOS. Read them carefully and follow them precisely.

Flashing the BIOS

The process of flashing the BIOS varies depending on the tools and methods supported by the motherboard. ASRock typically provides several options, including:

• Instant Flash: This is the recommended method. It allows you to flash the BIOS directly from within the BIOS setup utility using a USB flash drive.
• DOS Flash: This method involves creating a bootable DOS USB drive and using a command-line utility to flash the BIOS.
• Windows Flash: This method involves using a Windows-based utility to flash the BIOS. This method is generally not recommended due to the risk of interference from the operating system.

General Steps (Instant Flash Method):

1. Download the BIOS file and extract it to a USB flash drive formatted with FAT32.
2. Enter the BIOS setup utility by pressing the appropriate key during startup (e.g., Delete, F2).
3. Navigate to the "Instant Flash" utility (usually located in the "Tool" or "Boot" section).
4. Select the BIOS file from the USB flash drive.
5. Confirm that you want to flash the BIOS.
6. Wait for the flashing process to complete. Do not interrupt the process.
7. The system will automatically reboot after the flashing process is complete.

Important Considerations:

• Do not interrupt the flashing process.
• Do not turn off the power during the flashing process.
• If the flashing process fails, do not panic. Consult the motherboard manual or ASRock’s website for troubleshooting steps.

Post-Update Verification

After successfully flashing the ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90, it’s essential to verify that the update was successful and that the system is functioning correctly.

1. Check the BIOS Version: Enter the BIOS setup utility and verify that the BIOS version is 1.90.
2. Test System Stability: Run stress tests on the CPU, memory, and graphics card to ensure that the system is stable.
3. Monitor System Temperatures: Monitor the CPU and GPU temperatures to ensure that they are within acceptable limits.
4. Test Hardware Compatibility: Test all hardware components to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
5. Restore BIOS Settings: If you had customized any BIOS settings before the update, restore them to your preferred values.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any problems after flashing the ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90, here are some troubleshooting steps:

• Clear CMOS: Clear the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) by shorting the CMOS jumper on the motherboard or removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes. This will reset the BIOS settings to their default values.
• Revert to the Previous BIOS: If you backed up your previous BIOS, restore it using the ASRock BIOS utility.
• Consult the Motherboard Manual: The motherboard manual contains valuable troubleshooting information.
• Seek Online Help: Search online forums and communities for solutions to common problems.
• Contact ASRock Support: If all else fails, contact ASRock support for assistance.

Conclusion

The ASRock ASRock H55M BIOS 1.90 represents a potentially valuable update for users of this motherboard. While specific release notes may be scarce, the update likely includes improvements to CPU compatibility, memory support, bug fixes, and overall system stability. However, it’s crucial to approach the update with caution, taking the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of complications. By following the steps outlined in this article, users can increase their chances of a successful BIOS update and enjoy the potential benefits of the new firmware. Remember that BIOS updates are inherently risky, and proceed at your own discretion.