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Asked: 2024-09-26T04:16:59+05:30 In:

How can I update the BIOS on a Gigabyte motherboard while using Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to figure out how to update the BIOS on my Gigabyte motherboard, but I’m running into a wall. I’m running Ubuntu, and honestly, I’m not super comfortable with anything that isn’t point-and-click. So, I could really use some guidance.

I know that updating the BIOS can be a bit of a delicate operation, and I totally don’t want to end up bricking my motherboard or anything like that. I’ve done some Googling, and it seems like most of the tutorials are geared towards folks using Windows. It feels like a lot of the conventional advice just flies over my head because it usually involves this software that I can’t access. That’s why I’m reaching out to the community to see if someone out there has managed to pull this off while using Linux.

Here’s what I have so far: I believe I need to get the latest BIOS version from the Gigabyte site. That part seems straightforward enough, or at least, I hope so. Once I have the BIOS file downloaded, what’s next? I’ve read that some people use a USB stick for this process, but I could really use detailed steps about formatting and preparing that stick correctly. Should I be using FAT32 or something else? And what files do I need to include?

Also, I’ve stumbled upon some references to using the BIOS update utility directly from the BIOS itself. Is that a viable path? If so, is there anything specific I should know about using that method instead of flashing from a bootable USB?

Finally, I’m a little anxious about what happens if things go wrong. Should I back up my current BIOS somehow? If I mess up, will I be able to access anything to recover my motherboard? I’d really appreciate any insights or personal experiences anyone has had with this kind of thing. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

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    2 Answers

    1. To update the BIOS on your Gigabyte motherboard while running Ubuntu, start by downloading the latest BIOS version from the Gigabyte website. Ensure that you choose the appropriate file for your specific motherboard model. Once the download is complete, you will need to prepare a USB stick. Format the USB stick to FAT32, as this is the most compatible file system for BIOS updates. You can do this using the Disks utility on Ubuntu: select your USB drive, click on the settings icon, and choose “Format.” After formatting, create a directory on the USB stick for the BIOS files and copy the downloaded BIOS file into this folder. Some users also recommend including any necessary BIOS update application files in case they are needed during the update process, so check Gigabyte’s documentation for specifics.

      Updating the BIOS can often be done directly from the BIOS interface using the Q-Flash utility, which is a user-friendly method that does not require you to boot into any operating system. To access this, restart your computer and repeatedly press the Delete or F2 key (depending on your motherboard) during startup to enter the BIOS menu. Within the BIOS, navigate to the Q-Flash utility, select the option to “Update BIOS,” and then choose your USB drive to locate the BIOS file. Regarding your concerns about the process going awry, backing up your current BIOS is advisable, which may be done through the BIOS utility itself if that option is available. In the case something goes wrong during the flash, many modern motherboards have a dual BIOS feature that allows recovery. Always double-check the risk and ensure you follow the instructions meticulously to minimize the chance of a malfunction.



    2. BIOS Update Guidance for Gigabyte Motherboard on Ubuntu

      BIOS Update Steps for Gigabyte Motherboard

      Updating your BIOS can seem a bit scary, but don’t worry! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you do it from Ubuntu.

      Step 1: Download the Latest BIOS Version

      First, head over to the Gigabyte support page. Look up your motherboard model, and download the latest BIOS file. It’ll usually be a .bin or .rom file.

      Step 2: Prepare a USB Stick

      You’ll need to format a USB stick for the update. Here’s how:

      1. Plug in your USB stick.
      2. Open a terminal and type:
        3. sudo umount /dev/sdX1
      3. Replace sdX with your actual USB device (like sdb). You can check with lsblk).
      4. Then format it using FAT32:
        5. sudo mkfs.vfat -I /dev/sdX1

      Once formatted, create a new directory to mount the USB:

      mkdir ~/usb && sudo mount /dev/sdX1 ~/usb

      Now copy the BIOS file you downloaded earlier into the mounted USB:

      sudo cp ~/Downloads/your_bios_file.bin ~/usb/

      Step 3: Update the BIOS

      Reboot your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the DEL key (or F2, depending on your motherboard) during boot. Look for a section named Q-Flash or something similar.

      From there, you can select the BIOS file from your USB stick and follow the prompts to start the update.

      Step 4: Backup and Recovery

      Before updating, it’s a good idea to back up your current BIOS, but many motherboards allow you to revert back to the old version automatically if things go wrong. Double-check if your motherboard supports dual BIOS or something similar just in case.

      If anything happens and you can’t boot up, check the manual for recovery options. It might involve using a specific jumper on the motherboard or re-flashing the BIOS again.

      General Tips

      • Make sure your PC is plugged in and not going to lose power during the update.
      • Take your time – this isn’t a race!

      Good luck! If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to ask! You’re doing great!


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