Aspire E5 – Should I update my BIOS/UEFI/firmware? (Plus bonus battery question)

kranklebuss

Hi all,

I am wondering whether to update my BIOS. It's the original at the moment. Thinking out loud:

1. I believe that updating will mitigate Intel ME vulnerabilities. Currently all known attacks require physical access but it's only a matter of time before remote access is possible. I don't know if the update will mitigate such attacks, but it has a chance.
2. My battery hasn't worked correctly for a long time. I think it needs replacing but it could be BIOS issues.*
3. I believe that the clock speed was mistakenly(?) throttled down a couple of BIOS updates ago and this has never been corrected. This has put me off updating before now.
4. I suspect that my desired BIOS update with Intel ME fully disabled and corrected clock speed is not going to be released :P

Any input is welcome.

(*Can I just remove the battery and run it from mains all the time?)

JackE

(1) Vulnerability hype.

(2) BIOS firmware handles i/o services. Windows, battery regulator and charger regulator handles charging

(3) Most ACER laptops are fixed 10-20% below Intel/AMD advertised max for better heat management/reliability inside thin case designs

(4) Your suspicions are likely correct. So forget the risk of a BIOS update

Even a battery in poor shape can act cushion to absorb transient voltage spikes. So not recommended to run without a battery connected. Google your full E5 model number and battery for vendors who ship new batteries to your location. Usually less than about $30usd.