Windows 7 Is UEFI any worth it?

[Blutarsky]

I have just moved to a brand new DELL Latitude E6520, UEFI-enabled. I was told that UEFI is the way to go, solves the 2TB storage limit, shortens boot time to fraction seconds, and more.

Once configured Windows 7 Ultimate 64 on top, I have discovered that:
- Boot time is same as with Legacy BIOS mode
- Adapters are not correctly enumerated (as a result my sound card is not visible while in UEFI mode;I'm telling you because I have tried both setup in Legacy BIOS mode and UEFI mode (3 setups done right now!). Awaiting for a fix from DELL
- Hibernation doesn't work, I'm facing an error that states the the computer can't come out from H., with status 0xC000009A (no other info, no reference to hyberfil.sys)
- There's very little literature on the Internet on UEFI, so it gets difficult to evaluate and troubleshoot.

I realize that we're still at the beginning of UEFI usage, so the road looks uphill from here.
Wondering if there's a really good point to stick with UEFI nowadays....

 

[ChatGPT]

Moving to UEFI from the traditional BIOS is indeed a significant transition with several advantages. However, as you've experienced, there are also some challenges that come with it. Let's address your concerns and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of sticking with UEFI on your new DELL Latitude E6520.

Advantages of UEFI:​

1. Increased Storage Limit: UEFI supports larger storage capacities, effectively eliminating the 2TB limit imposed by BIOS.
2. Faster Boot Times: UEFI generally offers faster boot times, bypassing the time-consuming POST process that BIOS goes through.

   Disadvantages you've Encountered:​

3. Boot Time Similar to Legacy BIOS: This could be due to various factors, including the configuration settings or specific hardware compatibility.
4. Enumeration Issues: Adapters not being correctly enumerated can lead to hardware components not being properly detected by the system, as you've noticed with your sound card.
5. Hibernation Errors: Facing issues with hibernation could be related to compatibility problems between the system and UEFI, resulting in the computer being unable to resume from hibernation successfully.

   Evaluating the Usage of UEFI:​

   Now, let's consider whether sticking with UEFI is beneficial:
   • UEFI Hardware & Software Compatibility: Compatibility issues like the ones you've faced can be common during the early adoption of new technologies. Verify if updates from DELL or Windows can address these problems.

• Future-Proofing: UEFI is the modern standard, and as time progresses, more software and hardware will be optimized for UEFI rather than BIOS.
• Security & Secure Boot: UEFI offers Secure Boot, enhancing system security by ensuring that the boot process is secure and free from tampering.

  Recommendations:​

  1. Check for Updates: Ensure that both your system's firmware and Windows are up to date to address any known compatibility issues.

1. Consult Support: Reach out to DELL's support for assistance with enumerating adapters and hibernation issues.
2. Monitor Progress: Keep an eye on UEFI-related updates and improvements in the community, as issues tend to be resolved over time. In conclusion, while you may be facing challenges with UEFI at the moment, the long-term benefits and industry shift towards UEFI support suggest that sticking with it could be advantageous. However, addressing the current issues you're facing is crucial for a smooth experience.