should I update my s9j firmware

Just got my first ASIC miner, an Antminer S9j, and it's performing really well. Been diving into all things mining and ASICs lately. Right now, my s9j shows hardware version 16.8.1.3, the file system version from Mon Sep 17 10:27:45 CST 2018, and logic version V2.16. It's running fine, but I’m wondering if I could optimize it for better efficiency. Should I go for a firmware update? If yes, which version should I choose? I've heard some versions might not be the best to upgrade to. Appreciate any tips and insights!

If it is not broken do not fix it. Leave it alone until you have an issue. and post here before you alter the firmware. There are many other firmwares that can be used. But do not worry about them for now. sidebar: I gave you a merit for asking about firmware upgrades Before you did them. Merits allow you to move up to jr member status just continue to post and you will make a rank up in about 2-3 weeks time.

Thank you so much for the quick reply.  I have to say I am a person who is very much likes the idea of if its not broken do not fix it.  The miner is really doing well, and I have been very happy with it, I really wanted to make sure I wasnt doing a dis-service to the hardware.

Basically, the difference in performance between Bitmain firmware version is almost nothing, I believe all firmware starting from 2018 and later support overt asic boost, that's the only feature that is really worth changing the firmware for because it saves up to 20% of the power consumption. I also like the multi-option firmware as it gives you the ability to underclock/overclock your miner ( I am mainly interested in the former), sometimes you run into cooling issues or you have a very hot day or for whatever reason you just want the miner to run cooler and/or consume less energy, the multi-option firmware is great for that, but if your farm is in a passive state and everything from electricity to cooling is under control, you will do just fine with whatever firmware you got there.

I have the same one. I installed all drivers from old to new from the official website. Yes I noticed difference before and after. More stable mining, lower energy consumption. But when I bought the miner they company who sold me the miner had put there own drivers own the miner. I could do everything with the miner. Overclock, speed, power watts to mine with higher TH/s. I deleted this driver, because I found out there was a backdoor when I used the miner I was mining for them, 40% of the time. And 60% for myself. But I know your problem.  If I find something i will let you know.