IP-35 Pro - do I need a 3.5" diskette drive?

[Taz]

I'm building my new system this weekend and was wondering if I need to install a 3.5" diskette drive? I'm trying to install as little hardware as possible and would like to avoid the 3.5" diskette drive but would I need one for flashing the BIOS in the future or can I flash the BIOS via other means like a USB stick or CD-ROM?

[PeteSmith]

I'm building my new system this weekend and was wondering if I need to install a 3.5" diskette drive? I'm trying to install as little hardware as possible and would like to avoid the 3.5" diskette drive but would I need one for flashing the BIOS in the future or can I flash the BIOS via other means like a USB stick or CD-ROM?

You should be able to use either a USB pendrive or CD-Rom, or even flash the bios in windows, haven't tried either method myself, i always use a floppy disk, but all should work. Ask yourself, is a £4 floppy drive worth the effort each time you need to flash the bios, install sata drivers for windows etc.. IMO just get the floppy drive, it may be old but there still useful once in a blue moon.

[|_GuNsLiNgEr_|]

Looking to do this as well, so cheers for the passive heads up Pete.

*Ding* Free postage..woohoo!

[Supershanks]

I wouldn't advise flashing any bios using windows on any mobo, despite all the manufacturers having the software.

I recently got the X38 QuadGT & used a usb drive. I found this guide invaluable Ace-a-Rue - Bios Flashing Procedure

luck

[|_GuNsLiNgEr_|]

Shanks, would you recommend the X38 Quad, or IP 35 pro out of interest?

[Supershanks]

Have not tried the IP 35 pro, though the bios on both are about identical and i did a little bit of homework by reading a few IP 35 threads before i got the X38(had plenty of time waiting ).

I'm really starting to like the x38, after a bit of initial disappointment about a few issues. I think it will clock as well as the Ip35 with the additional features of x38.

I guess if you have neither i'd go x38. I'm not sure that i'd upgrade to the x38 from the IP35 Pro., mind you i'm a well known tight wad

luck