Is there a bios update available for my desktop?

[dbsoccer]

I am trying to get a new EVGA graphics card to work in my desktop. When I boot the system all I get on the monitor is the HP logo. Seeing this logo is the expected first thing I'd see during a normal successful boot. From the prospective of the monitor, the boot does not progress beyond this point. As a first step the EVGA technical support person  suggested that I set configure the system to SecureBoot as they had a problem with their graphics cards working in older computers when in LegacyBoot mode. My first attempts at getting this card to work I did in Legacy mode per recommendations  from others as Legacymode is best for most 3rd party graphics cards. I tried booting in SecureBoot and there was no improvement. The second step the tech suggested is to install an updated bios as he recalled computer manufacturers made changes to the bios around the 2013 time frame (the age of my computer) that helped with problems including the problem I'm having. So I am wondering if HP has a bios upgrade for my computer?  Thanks.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Isn't your BIOS already at v8.xx?

The BIOS updates are on the W8.1 driver page.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/HP-ENVY-h8-1500-Desktop-PC-series/5330773/model/533...

The only reason I suggested the GT 1030 was because I assumed the PC came from HP with a BIOS v8.xx.

If the BIOS is on v7.xx, that would be a major reason why the card isn't working.

If it is on a v8.xx revision, I am not sure a BIOS update will help any.

Since you are running W10 on there, I don't know what will happen if you try and update the BIOS when running W10, since they were written to be run in W8.1.

[dbsoccer]

Hi Paul, 

Yes, you are correct, I am at bios 8.07 dated 2012. And I'm running W8.1. The tech guy said there was an issue around 2012/13 that was corrected in bios. There are newer 8.xx bioses (sp?) available that may fix the problem. I don't know if I have a slot problem. I have two PCIEx16 2.0 and two PCIEx1 2.0 slots. I think they are identical. My issue with room was because I have an I/O card in the one X1 slot and it can be moved to the other x1 slot which will give me plenty of room for the new graphics card.  

In any other place I can think of the lastest is the best but is that true with bios?  And how hard is it to update the bios? I've never done it but if it is not much more difficult than updating drivers or SW revisions then is there any risk? 

[dbsoccer]

Upon further investigation, it appears there is an  update and install assistant intended to help with the update. Hmmm? Seems easy enough. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

If the support assistant is notifying you of a BIOS update, then hopefully it will work.

A BIOS update is not a driver update.  It runs similarly, but it is a more complicated process.

If it goes wrong, your PC becomes an expensive doorstop, whereas a driver update wouldn't wreck your PC.

Hopefully it will go smooth and you can install the card and have it work.

You are right.  Your PC has two PCIe x 16 slots according to the specs, so the card should work in either one of them.

[dbsoccer · Accepted solution]

Hi Paul,  Success!!  The Install Assistant very easily updated the bios from 8.07 to 8.20. That was very easy. Before starting I should have probably unplugged the internet cable and made sure I didn't have anything unnecessary running in the background. I was worried I if something "burped" during the install process I could have ended up with  boat anchor/brick/door stop. But it appears that things went as planned. And the really good news is the new graphics card is working as expected. I will close this issue on the other string. So progress on all fronts. My one last thing to do is to get my old SATA HDD installed as my "external HDD" for doing backups, etc. Thanks for all your help and support!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

That is excellent news!