BIOS updates

Where can I download the latest BIOS for my 2015 Octane?
Can I just use the latest version of the AMI it shipped with?
No warranty or anything to worry about, but I don't wanna brick the thing obviously so, do PCSPECIALIST use their own tweaked BIOS code, can I use the Clevo one? Or the latest equiv from AMI?

elev8 said:

Where can I download the latest BIOS for my 2015 Octane?
Can I just use the latest version of the AMI it shipped with?
No warranty or anything to worry about, but I don't wanna brick the thing obviously so, do PCSPECIALIST use their own tweaked BIOS code, can I use the Clevo one? Or the latest equiv from AMI?

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It’s not a normal operation updating a clevo laptop, I’d contact PCS to talk you through it.

Why do you want to update your BIOS?

ubuysa said:

Why do you want to update your BIOS?

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Really?

Because it's 3 years old, and I'd like to be on the latest.

SpyderTracks said:

It’s not a normal operation updating a clevo laptop, I’d contact PCS to talk you through it.

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I've seen instructions about other Clevo resellers products which boil down to:
Make a DOS bootable USB stick, copy across new BIOS files, boot to it & run a couple of batch files with reboots in between.
Are PCS really so different?
Do PCS staff not read these boards & post responses here?
My intention in posting here was precisely that... to contact them.

elev8 said:

I've seen instructions about other Clevo resellers products which boil down to:
Make a DOS bootable USB stick, copy across new BIOS files, boot to it & run a couple of batch files with reboots in between.
Are PCS really so different?
Do PCS staff not read these boards & post responses here?
My intention in posting here was precisely that... to contact them.

Click to expand...

PCS don’t monitor the forums, it’s run by volunteers and customers and general techies.

Best bet is to phone them tomorrow, they’re open til 8.

elev8 said:

Really?

Because it's 3 years old, and I'd like to be on the latest.

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Yes really.

Your BIOS is not software, it's firmware that's actually part of the hardware. It's only job, apart from allowing you to fiddle with some settings, is to help interface the operating system to the hardware. It doesn't need regular updating any more than your CPU needs regular updating. There are only two main reasons for updating the BIOS...

1. You're having issues with your laptop and your research has shown (or PCS have told you) that a BIOS update will fix those issues.

2. There are new features in a later BIOS that you need (and again PCS can advise you on these). Spectre mitigation is probably one of these it must be said.

...otherwise the BIOS simply doesn't need updating. There are no security patches for example and no bug fixes, beyond those in item 1. above. A BIOS that's been doing it's job perfectly for 3 years is almost certainly bug free and as long as everything is working perfectly it's best left completely alone.

In addition, updating a BIOS is not a completely risk-free operation and there is a (admittedly very small) chance that you could brick your laptop.

You are best advised to talk to PCS about your BIOS and whether there is anything in the latest version that will be of benefit to you and how to update it. As SpyderTracks has said, these fora are not an official support channel, they're more of a self help group run by PCS customers and enthusiasts. The best way to contact PCS is to phone them rather than email.

Fully aware what a BIOS is. This ain't my first rodeo. Thanks tho
Still not clear on why flashing a PCS machine would be different than any other Clevo tho...
Unless of course they use their own custom code which they don't publish and breaks compatibility with Clevo's code. Possible, but a bit crap if that's the case.
Also a bit crap is the need to contact them. Most manufacturers Clevo included had a downloads section for stuff like this. Yes I do know Clevo discontinued theirs lol, but they are still available, and plenty of resellers have them.
Aware of the bricking potential too, which is why I didn't just go ahead with a bog standard Clevo image file and live to regret it.

elev8 said:

Fully aware what a BIOS is. This ain't my first rodeo. Thanks tho
Still not clear on why flashing a PCS machine would be different than any other Clevo tho...
Unless of course they use their own custom code which they don't publish and breaks compatibility with Clevo's code. Possible, but a bit crap if that's the case.
Also a bit crap is the need to contact them. Most manufacturers Clevo included had a downloads section for stuff like this. Yes I do know Clevo discontinued theirs lol, but they are still available, and plenty of resellers have them.
Aware of the bricking potential too, which is why I didn't just go ahead with a bog standard Clevo image file and live to regret it.

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I think because most people who buy clevo don’t know of the dangers compared to a desktop flash, PCS withhold the bios and ask people to call in to be on the safe side. I assume that comes from experience for them.

They’re very good, you sound like you’re familiar with clevo flashes, I’m sure they’ll be happy to just send you the bios image.

I think the point was that unless there is something specific you want from the new BIOS that the current one doesn't have, why risk bricking the laptop for no benefit.

Oussebon said:

I think the point was that unless there is something specific you want from the new BIOS that the current one doesn't have, why risk bricking the laptop for no benefit.

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My point exactly. If you know what you're doing then you'll know that the BIOS doesn't need updating just because it's old. That said, you might find Spectre mitigation in a later BIOS, a call to PCS will get you chapter and verse on whether there is anything in an updated BIOS for you.