N60-181 BIOS updates and proprietary BIOS versions

xerics

Just bought a N60-181 with a Gigabyte B650M C V3 (rev. 1.0) motherboard.

Went into the BIOS and saw it's at version was F32e dated 12/3/24.

On the Gigabyte website they're up to F36a dated 8/29/25

Tried running Q-flash to update it but it's giving me a OemId Mismatch

Why does Acer have a proprietary BIOS? Is there really something in this BIOS version JUST for their computers?

And if so, why don't they update it more frequently?

If they're going to stay so far behind in BIOS versions they shouldn't have a proprietary version.

Thankfully I bought this at Costco, it may be going back because of this nonsense and find a brand that doesn't do this.

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Puraw

Hi xerics,

Just a heads-up: never attempt to flash an Acer desktop BIOS using files from third-party sites like Gigabyte, even if the board is technically compatible. Acer uses proprietary BIOS builds tailored to their firmware, branding, and recovery logic. Flashing a non-Acer BIOS (e.g. via Q-Flash or USB stick) can brick the system permanently, especially on desktops like the Nitro N60-181.

Also, the BIOS version you mentioned—F32e dated 12/3/24—is likely a misread. The latest official Acer BIOS for your model is:

Version: F32eDate: 2025/03/31Source: https://www.acer.com/us-en/support/product-support/Nitro_N60-181

If you're seeing an “OEM ID mismatch,” that’s Acer’s safeguard kicking in to prevent cross-flashing. Stick with Acer’s BIOS tools and avoid USB stick flashing unless explicitly instructed by Acer support.

Your system isn’t defective—it’s just locked into Acer’s firmware ecosystem. Let me know if you need help checking your current BIOS version or confirming compatibility with Windows 11 24H2.

xerics

bios version.jpg

See attached pic for what is being reported in the BIOS menu for the F32e release. The date is not 3/31/25.

According to Gigabyte website, the current F36a is 5 releases ahead of what Acer is providing.

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B650M-C-V3-rev-10/support#dl

Looked at all of the BIOS screens and didn't see anything that says Acer at all. From both the BIOS and the motherboard markings it looks like it's a stock board and stock BIOS, except Acer put an OemId into it for some reason.

The main reason I was wanting to upgrade was to turn off the RGB lighting on the fans and memory modules as it's annoying. Trying to do it in the BIOS it would lock up on that RGB Fusion screen and I'd have to reboot. I could click around and some things looked like they were working but nothing was happening and the back button wouldn't work. Was hoping a BIOS upgrade would fix that but alas. Thankfully the GCC program on Gigabyte website worked and now all that nonsense is turned off.

Having to depend on Acer for BIOS upgrades is a bummer. They don't appear to be motivated to do it at all, and may never put out an update even though Gigabyte is putting out updates.

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