AMD A.G.E.S.A Update Question

bikemanAMD · Oct 21, 2024

Hello All

Me Being a kinda still new user of AMD Ryzen processor, (Ryzen 7700X) wondering if its best to install every A.G.E.S.A update that comes out with AMD Bios releases, just updated to one not long ago, and already another in Beta (- AGESA ComboAM5 1.2.0.2a released.)

Last updated to
Update AGESA ComboPI 1.2.0.2

Or are the fixes just for Ryzen 9000 Chips really

((Also New AMD Chipset Drivers released on AMD.com) will get those installed in morning or before i sleep later))

pparks1 · Oct 22, 2024

I'm on at 5900x and I haven't updated that stuff now in years. I'm 100% stable, no sense in breaking anything.

bobkn · Oct 22, 2024

Why you should care about AMD AGESA updates

AMD has made some major improvements to the memory support of its Ryzen 7000-series CPUs and the AGESA updates are the key.

www.corsair.com

Not exactly compelling, if you don't need to add things that are unsupported in older firmware.

bikemanAMD · Oct 22, 2024

Oh ok, well i've always been the type when i see updated anything--always felt best to install it. But maybe i'll try to resist that urge this time, and just keep Video drivers up to date, Realtek Sound drivers, Windows up to date instead

I know with my old Intel systems i installed every bios update that came out

Was about to update AMD chipset drivers, but maybe i'll hold on those too as well

**Of course when i replace my Boot M.2 & Add Game M.2 2nd drive, on this Desktop at Christmas, and do the 24H2 clean install, then i'll install the latest Chipset drivers might be better idea at this point** Reason for replacing this Kingston NV2 1TB M.2, is want one with More TBW, longer warranty, Thinking Samsung at this point

glasskuter · Oct 22, 2024

Unless you have disabled include drivers with windows update, both your drivers and bios WILL get updated through Windows Update, which in my opinion , is not a good thing. WU tends to have a habit of installing older drivers. I prefer to manage my own drivers and bios updates myself. I don't want WU touching them. I use my OEM update app to keep everything current directly from the OEM.

Home uses have to use the reg file method. For Pro users the group policy is method is preferable.

Enable or Disable Include Drivers with Windows Updates in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable including drivers with Windows Updates in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Windows Update will include drivers when available in Windows 11 by default. You can enable the Do not include drivers with Windows Updates policy to not include drivers...

www.elevenforum.com

My opinion greatly differs from those that have already chimed in. To have a modern windows running old outdated drivers (including bios) is a very outdated notion IMO. Not only are updated drivers and UEFI bios needed to get the most out of your windows experience as windows changes, but to eliminate any security flaws that have been discovered in older, outdated drivers.

It's other folks perogative to keep thinking like what was common 30 years ago if they wish, but this is 2024. Things have changed. I may be 75 years old, but I've chosen to use common sense and adapt my thinking to technology as it is today, not what it one was.

bikemanAMD · Oct 22, 2024

Didn't disable yet Windows update driver function. I will soon as wake up in morning. I do manage my own driver updates regularly on all systems.

As for the bios with AMD AGESA I'll read the changelog when final version, then make my final decision based on what supposedly fixes, if security fix listed then definitely will install.

And I think I should be all fine

weaselciuy01 · Oct 22, 2024

I read that future X3D optimizations, even for non-x3d cpus will work depending on the AGESA version supported. Might not matter for prev gen mostly, but something to take in account with next gen.

BamaInArk · Oct 22, 2024

AMD AGESA updates are no different than Intel Chipset and ME updates. They more than likely "Should" be updated. The main difference is typically MS Update might update the Intel Drivers but at the same time MS Update rarely pushes updates for AMD drivers. Remember these aren't CPU updates but motherboard updates. Sometimes these updates fixed issues from previous ones as well as fix future exploits.
AGESA updates = Bios updates. I ALWAYS try to keep up with the latest AMD AGESA as well as the latest AMD Chipset drivers. YMMV

stormy13 · Oct 22, 2024

glasskuter said:
Unless you have disabled include drivers with windows update, both your drivers and bios WILL get updated through Windows Update

Chipset and video drivers, yes. BIOS update, not a chance. Maybe on an appliance PC like a Dell a bios update will get pushed through WU, but I have never seen or read of any retail motherboard ever getting a bios update through WU.

KevTech · Oct 22, 2024

Like was already said these are bios updates not driver.
These AGESA updates can be to address CPU vulnerabilities (1.2.0.1a addressed the SMM Lock Bypass and Sinkhole security vulnerability), memory compatibility or performance issues.
Sometimes they add new features to the UEFI/BIOS or change defaults of a setting.

glasskuter · Oct 22, 2024

KevTech said:
Sometimes they add new features to the UEFI/BIOS or change defaults of a setting.

I've found UEFI bios updates have a lot to do with how the bios handles power too. More than one bios I've had have stopped power events in Events Viewer. Not saying it's impossible to get a bad bios flash, but It's just not heard of as often on the scale of the old days. I have an issue right now that I can not prove whether was something my OEM changed intentionally in the bios regarding my fan control or if it's a mobo problem.

You system builder guys are luckier than me when it comes to bios downgrade. My OEM allows for some bios to be downgraded but not if a bios update addressed Intel security issues. If I get on one of those, I can't downgrade so with my issue I can't easily prove where my problem lies. The OEM refuses to tell me if an update intentionally made changes without me paying them an arm and a leg so I'm on my own. I deduced it must be a state secret.

bobkn · Oct 22, 2024

glasskuter said:
(snip)

You system builder guys are luckier than me when it comes to bios downgrade. My OEM allows for some bios to be downgraded but not if a bios update addressed Intel security issues. If I get on one of those, I can't downgrade so with my issue I can't easily prove where my problem lies. The OEM refuses to tell me if an update intentionally made changes without me paying them an arm and a leg so I'm on my own. I deduced it must be a state secret.

At a guess, Dell frontline support wouldn't have a clue about that. They'd have to escalate it, beyond the outsourced script readers. Maybe even to a US based expert.

johnlgalt · Oct 22, 2024

bikemanI7 said:
Me Being a kinda still new user of AMD Ryzen processor, (Ryzen 7700X) wondering if its best to install every A.G.E.S.A update that comes out with AMD Bios releases, just updated to one not long ago, and already another in Beta (- AGESA ComboAM5 1.2.0.2a released.)

My MSI board is AMD based as well, and while I, personally, will install the BIOS updates that come pre-packaged in BETA UEFI firmware updates, I generally will not advise people to update them until the final release. Of course, MSI is also a lot slower in updating the AGESA, and most times when I've thrown a Betas it is specifically because the AGESA update is something I either need or want to test out, or there is a related security feature I want / need.

AGESA - Wikipedia details the AGESA version history by platform (AM5 and AM4) - MSI has a new BIOS Beta package that contains the latest ver 1.2.0.Cc AGESA FOR AM4 boards, while if you're on AM5, the latest is 1.2.0.2, both versions having been released in September.

If you're on an AM4 board with a Ryzen 3000 CPU (Like I am), the 1.2.0.Cc is particularly important, as it has fixes for some security issues particular to this platform and CPU family.

bikemanAMD · Oct 22, 2024

Thinks will wait for this beta one to go final for my AM5 Pro B650 board, then decide if worth installing or not at that point. Beta AGESA is 1.2.0.2a according to my Boards support site, do have the previous one that went final installed though not too long ago on 10/9/2024

Though so far am liking the AMD Platform very much, and even starting to look at all AMD machines for future Gaming Laptop Replacement.

phxrider · Jan 28, 2025

I do them as soon as they come out. I have 4 PCs and manage others for people, and am a Windows Systems Engineer for my job. I have NEVER had a BIOS update make things worse. Literally never, in 30+ years of PCs. With AM5, it was almost mandatory to keep updating in the early days of the platform, as it was a sh--show as far as stability goes for a while (now it's fine).

AGESA updates address security holes. In today's world, this is pretty much mandatory unless your PC is sitting in a room with no connectivity to the internet or other systems.

bikemanAMD · Jan 28, 2025

Will Install Soon as the Current Beta One on MSI Pro B650 VC Wifi Rev 1 goes final, so far still in Beta though lol. 1.2.02B A.G.E.S.A update listed currently, sometime it has to go final lol i'd imagine lol, i just have no idea when lol at this point

I also keep up on AMD chipset drivers as well and all other drivers

Did make sure Driver Updates disabled on Windows Update eariler today

Very Long Betas with MSI for some reason lol

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