ASRock H61M-GE Bios v 1.80

This document provides information regarding the ASRock H61M-GE motherboard and its BIOS version 1.80. It outlines the features of the BIOS, details any new updates or changes included in version 1.80, and provides instructions on how to update the BIOS using ASRock’s Instant Flash utility. This information is intended for users of the ASRock H61M-GE motherboard who wish to update their BIOS to the latest version.

Understanding the BIOS

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a fundamental piece of software embedded on a computer’s motherboard. It’s the first program that runs when you power on your computer, performing essential tasks such as:

• Hardware Initialization: The BIOS identifies and initializes all the hardware components connected to the motherboard, including the CPU, memory, storage devices, and peripherals.
• Power-On Self-Test (POST): The BIOS runs a series of diagnostic tests to ensure that all hardware components are functioning correctly.
• Boot Sequence: The BIOS determines the order in which the computer will search for an operating system to load.
• Providing a User Interface: The BIOS provides a basic interface that allows users to configure hardware settings, such as boot order, CPU clock speeds (for overclocking), and memory timings.

Updating the BIOS is a crucial task that can improve system stability, compatibility, and performance. However, it’s important to proceed with caution, as an interrupted or incorrectly performed BIOS update can render the motherboard unusable.

ASRock H61M-GE: A Brief Overview

The ASRock H61M-GE is a micro-ATX motherboard designed for Intel’s second and third-generation Core processors (Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge) using the LGA 1155 socket. It utilizes the Intel H61 Express chipset, offering a balance of features and affordability.

Features of the ASRock H61M-GE BIOS

While a comprehensive list of specific features available in the ASRock H61M-GE BIOS version 1.80 is not directly provided in the original documentation, typical BIOS features for this era of motherboards would include:

• CPU Configuration: Options to configure CPU settings such as core enabling/disabling, turbo boost settings, and voltage control (for overclocking).
• Memory Configuration: Settings to adjust memory timings, frequency, and voltage.
• Boot Order Configuration: The ability to specify the order in which the system attempts to boot from different devices (hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, optical drives).
• Hardware Monitoring: Displaying real-time information about system temperatures, fan speeds, and voltages.
• Security Settings: Options to set a BIOS password to prevent unauthorized access to system settings.
• Integrated Peripherals: Configuration options for integrated devices such as the onboard LAN, audio, and USB ports.

What’s New in Version 1.80

The original documentation only states "What’s New" without providing any specific details. Therefore, it is impossible to provide accurate information on the changes or improvements included in version 1.80 without additional context. Typically, BIOS updates include:

• Improved Hardware Compatibility: Updates to support newer CPUs, memory modules, or other hardware devices.
• Bug Fixes: Addressing issues that may have been present in previous BIOS versions, such as system instability or incorrect hardware reporting.
• Performance Enhancements: Optimizations to improve overall system performance.
• Security Updates: Patches to address security vulnerabilities.

Users are advised to consult ASRock’s official website or release notes (if available) for detailed information regarding the changes included in the ASRock H61M-GE BIOS version 1.80.

How to Update the ASRock H61M-GE BIOS using Instant Flash

ASRock provides a convenient tool called "Instant Flash" to simplify the BIOS update process. The original documentation outlines two methods for using Instant Flash:

Important Note: Before proceeding with the BIOS update, ensure you have downloaded the correct BIOS file for your ASRock H61M-GE motherboard from a reliable source. The recommended download link is: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/16061/

Alternative Download Links:

1. Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/BIOS/AsRock/ASRock-H61M-GE-BIOS-1-80.shtml
2. DriverGuide: (Please Note that you may require registration to download from this site) https://www.driverguide.com/driver/detail.php?driverid=1623748
3. Filehorse: (Check for compatibility) https://www.filehorse.com/download-asrock-bios/
4. MajorGeeks: (Check for compatibility) https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/bios_flash_utility.html
5. DriverEasy: (Use with Caution, consider only for identifying the correct driver) https://www.drivereasy.com/

Method 1: Updating from within the BIOS Setup

1. Download the BIOS File: Download the ASRock H61M-GE BIOS version 1.80 file from the official ASRock website or a reputable source and extract the contents to a USB flash drive. Make sure the USB drive is formatted with FAT32.
2. Enter the BIOS Setup: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually DEL, F2, or F12) to enter the BIOS setup utility. The key to press is usually displayed during the boot process.
3. Navigate to the Instant Flash Utility: Within the BIOS setup, navigate to the "Tool" or "Utilities" section. Look for the "Instant Flash" option.
4. Select the BIOS File: The Instant Flash utility will scan for available BIOS files on connected storage devices. Select the BIOS file you downloaded to the USB drive.
5. Confirm the Update: The utility will prompt you to confirm that you want to update the BIOS. Carefully review the information and confirm if you are sure.
6. Wait for the Update to Complete: The BIOS update process will begin. Do not interrupt the process by turning off the power or restarting the computer.
7. Restart the System: Once the update is complete, the system will automatically restart.

Method 2: Updating from a Bootable USB Drive

1. Prepare a Bootable USB Drive: You’ll need a bootable USB drive with a DOS environment. Several tools can help you create a bootable USB drive, such as Rufus or the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool.
2. Copy the BIOS File: Copy the extracted BIOS file to the bootable USB drive.
3. 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 settings.
4. Run the Instant Flash Utility: Once booted into the DOS environment, navigate to the USB drive and run the Instant Flash utility executable (if provided). If the Instant Flash utility is not provided, you may need to use a command-line flashing tool (check the ASRock website for instructions).
5. Select the BIOS File: The Instant Flash utility will prompt you to select the BIOS file. Choose the BIOS file you copied to the USB drive.
6. Confirm the Update: Confirm that you want to update the BIOS.
7. Wait for the Update to Complete: The BIOS update process will begin. Do not interrupt the process by turning off the power or restarting the computer.
8. Restart the System: Once the update is complete, the system will automatically restart.

Important Notice

Crucially Important: Do NOT turn off your system during the BIOS update process. Doing so can corrupt the BIOS and render your motherboard unusable.

If you encounter problems during the update, repeat the process. If the problem persists, try flashing the original BIOS file. If the Flash Memory Writer utility fails to update the BIOS completely, your system may not be able to boot. In this case, your system will require professional service.
Remember to download the correct ASRock H61M-GE Bios version 1.80.