Update Your BIOS: Unlock Free Performance and Enhance Security

Updating the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is an often-overlooked aspect of PC maintenance that can significantly enhance system performance and security. Many users only consider BIOS updates when they encounter hardware issues or when installing new components. This lack of attention can lead to missed opportunities for improved performance and vital security protections.

Enhancing Performance Through Updates

In recent years, leading motherboard manufacturers like GIGABYTE and MSI have shifted their approach to BIOS updates. These updates are no longer viewed as mere fixes but as avenues for unlocking additional performance from existing hardware. For instance, the November 2024 BIOS update introduced features such as the X3D Turbo Mode and X3D Gaming mode, providing performance boosts of between 15% and 20% in various gaming scenarios.

GIGABYTE’s optimizations, for example, enhanced core distribution and power balancing, allowing standard Ryzen 9000 processors to achieve performance levels comparable to pricier models. Similarly, MSI’s adjustments to core behavior and Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) handling resulted in significant performance gains in specific titles. For many enthusiasts, a 15–20% increase can justify significant investments in new CPUs, yet the benefits of these BIOS updates often remain undiscovered by average consumers.

Extending Hardware Lifespan and Security

Many users operate under the assumption that factory settings on motherboards are optimal for safety, performance, and longevity. However, this is not always the case. Several motherboards have been shipped with default configurations that can accelerate hardware deterioration. Issues such as Intel’s MultiCore Enhancement and AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive have drawn criticism from experts for their inadequate optimization, leading to overclocking problems on certain ASUS motherboards that can shorten CPU lifespan.

Manufacturers utilize BIOS updates to address these concerns. Without regular updates, users may unknowingly operate on suboptimal settings, leading to premature hardware issues.

Security is another critical aspect of BIOS updates that often goes unnoticed. As cybersecurity threats evolve, firmware vulnerabilities become more prevalent. For many users, BIOS firmware remains unchanged for extended periods, even as manufacturers release patches to counteract newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Recent exploits, such as Plundervolt, illustrated how hardware features could be manipulated to leak sensitive information. More alarmingly, the LogoFAIL vulnerability demonstrated that a motherboard’s boot logo could potentially compromise a system before the operating system even loads. In December 2025, The Hacker News highlighted a UEFI-related vulnerability affecting specific motherboard models from ASRock, ASUSTeK Computer, MSI, and GIGABYTE, stemming from flawed Input-Output Memory Management Unit (IOMMU) initialization during the boot process.

Because these firmware-level flaws operate below the operating system, conventional antivirus measures cannot neutralize them. The only effective remedy is a BIOS update that corrects the underlying issue.

Updating your BIOS is essential for maintaining a stable and secure system. While it does not require as frequent updates as your operating system, a good practice is to check for critical BIOS updates every six to twelve months. For users on new platforms, checking every three to four months is advisable, as manufacturers often release updates to resolve launch-day bugs and unlock performance enhancements.

Neglecting BIOS updates can leave a system vulnerable and limit its performance potential. By taking a proactive approach to BIOS maintenance, users can ensure their PCs remain competitive and secure in an ever-evolving technological landscape.