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

kranklebuss
kranklebuss Member Posts: 11

Tinkerer

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?)

Best Answer

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,870 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓
    (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.

    Jack E/NJ

Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,870 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓
    (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.

    Jack E/NJ

  • Easwar
    Easwar Member Posts: 6,727 Guru