American Megatrends BIOS Update

The American Megatrends BIOS Update process is the second part in the series on the AMIBIOS.

Part 1 introduces you to the AMIBIOS, the beep codes if there is a fault, and the BIOS Setup Utility.

There are 3 Steps in the AMIBIOS update process. Listed below is a link to each part.

Step 5 gives you the opportunity to share your expertise of BIOS updates. Is it a good idea or not? Do you know of a better way to update computer BIOS programs? Share your knowledge!

Step 6 enables you to jump directly to the thoughts and views of other visitors to this web page. Take a look. You may find out something new!

Introduction

An American Megatrends BIOS Update is sometimes necessary because, like any other software, improvements are made to improve stability and performance.

You should really update your computer's BIOS when a newer version is released.

This is easier to do these days (20+ years ago it was a nightmare!). AMI and other computer manufacturers provide free Flash BIOS Utilities which update your BIOS for you when you run the program (more on this later).

However, I think the AMI instructions are not clear for typical home computer users. This tutorial aims to make the process as clear as possible for you.

There are a few things to do first before updating your computer's BIOS.

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Motherboard Identification

There are different AMIBIOS products on different computer systems. Most computer makers change the AMIBIOS code to suit their computer models.

Modern computers now come with a new BIOS, called Unified Extensible Firmware Upgrade. Click or tap to read about UEFI in more detail.

The image below is from the AMI website, and shows you how to identify whether your home computer has a native AMI approved motherboard or not.

AMIBIOS Motherboard ID

Where it says 'BIOS from 1991-Present', there is a reference to AMI and the motherboard type, if it is a AMI approved motherboard.

This reference looks something like: AMIS875-P, signifying a Series S875 AMI Motherboard (it actually says AMI123-P on the image above as an example).

If your computer does not have an AMI reference, refer to your computer provider's website for guidance.

Don't worry if you don't understand this step, simply go to the CPUID web page and download and install the CPU-Z tool. This is one of several motherboard identification utilities available on the web.

CPU-Z Tool In Action

From the example above, this computer has an AMIBIOS, but it is not an AMI motherboard. In this instance, the home computer user must visit the ASRack website and search for the BIOS update for the ALive motherboard.

There are other and potentially quicker methods of identifying your device's BIOS or UEFI version, along with the details of your Motherboard's manufacturer, without having to download 3^rd-party tools. Take a look at the how to check BIOS version article for more details.

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AMIBIOS ROM And Flash Utility

If you determine you have an AMI motherboard, download the AMI Firmware Update Tool.

Unzip the American Megatrends BIOS Update utility. Go to the AFUWIN folder (under the AMIBIOS parent folder), then either the 32-bit or 64-bit sub-folder. Left click AFUWIN.EXE.

Click OK if this disclaimer appears.

AMIBIOS Update Flash Warning

Click the Open Button to search for and select the ROM file you downloaded from your motherboard manufacturer's website.

AMI BIOS Flash Utility

Click the Flash Button. The Process tab will be displayed to show you the update BIOS process in action.

American Megatrends BIOS Update In Action

When the process is complete, exit the Flash Utility and Restart Your Computer (if it doesn't restart for you).

Your BIOS is now updated to the latest version. Refer to the AMIBIOS Support web page if further support is required.

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American Megatrends BIOS Update | Final Thoughts

The American Megatrends BIOS Update process is a little complicated. I hope the information provided on this web page is useful. Good luck with your BIOS update.

A very useful link is to the AMI BIOS and UEFI Utilities page. There is a form at the bottom of the page where you can request extra support from AMI direct. 

Don't forget to take a look at part 1 of this tutorial series, which introduces you to the BIOS concept, AMIBIOS beep error codes and the BIOS Setup Utility.