Poor gaming performance after BIOS update

[DZate]

I have a NUC8i3BEK. After updating the BIOS to version 071, gaming performance dropped by half.

I think the reason for this is the Removed option for 2048MB on IGD Aperture Size setting.

How do I downgrade the BIOS version. I tried almost all the ways to downgrade. As I understand it is now impossible to lower the BIOS version.

Maybe a BIOS version will be released in which this option will be returned?

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @DZate​ 

1. If you wish you using Bios recovery method, you may downgrade bios to version 0051, using bios recovery method instead of simple bios update. Any way instead to downgrade bios, I suggest that you should again update your bios to version 0071, however this time with the Bios Recovery method from Power Button Menu:
2. Prepare USB stick fully formatted to FAT32 (disable quick format option during format). Format your USB on Windows machine (rather than Linux or MAC). Save the Bios file BE0071.bio (https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/28801/BIOS-Update-BECFL357-86A-?product=126149) on this stick and insert it into front USB slot with amber color (NUC shall be OFF).
3. Press Power Button for about 3 seconds. Count: 1001, 1002, 1003,1004. Release the Power Button. NUC should reboot into Power Button Menu. You should release the Power Button before 4-sec shut down override.
4. Press F4 and the recovery shall start (it can take up to 30 seconds for messages to appear on the screen).
5. When the recovery finishes, press on Power Button and hold it, until NUC switches OFF. Pull out the power cord. Remove the USB stick.
6. Replace the power cord and press Power Button to switch the computer to ON.
7. Enter Bios setting by pressing F2 during boot process.
8. Press F9(followed by "Y"), to set Bios to default settings. Press F10 (followed by "Y"), to save the settings and exit to O.S. Let the NUC fully reboot.
9. If before update, you have customized bios settings, you can enter again to Bios setting to change the necessary settings. 
10. The same method can be used for bios downgrading.

Leon

[DZate]

Thanks for the answer.

Earlier, I had already updated the BIOS to version 071 via the power button. Nothing has changed.

When I try to downgrade, I see a message - incompatible BIOS Version. As I understand it, if I updated ME firmware I cannot downgrade the BIOS.

Can the jumper method help me?

[n_scott_pearson]

Sorry, the jumper method does not allow you to get around limitations imposed by security updates.

...S

[n_scott_pearson]

I would add that THIS HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BIOS SETTINGS! The settings in the BIOS are completely ignored by the Windows Intel HD Graphics driver. The Windows HD Graphics driver dynamically manages, based upon application requirements, the amount of memory assigned to graphics operations. Up to 50% of the available memory may be used for graphics operations, if needs require.

The likely reason why you are seeing a slowing in the latest BIOS is because of the mitigation added for some of the new (ala Spectre) side-band attack vectors that have been identified.

...S

[DZate]

Maybe you are right.

In any case, the drop in performance is too great. I tested on linux and windows.

[n_scott_pearson]

It is what it is. I blame the VILE SCUM who use attacks on other's PCs as a way to make a living.

...S