How to Update Motherboard Bios Without Cpu?
The updating procedure is one of the most important functions that you will need to perform on your motherboard. However, doing so without a CPU might confuse you and let me tell you, you are not alone.
So, I have created this simple guide that will let you through a systematic procedure of updating the BIOS without needing a CPU at all. So, why wait any further? Let’s get to the updating.
What is meant by BIOS Flashing?
Some motherboards include a function called BIOS flashing that enables you to upgrade the BIOS and with this procedure you won’t even need to install a CPU, RAM, or Graphics processing unit. As long as the terms are concerned, another name for updating of BIOS is referred as flashing BIOS.
Some motherboards come with an additional benefit of BIOS Flashback feature. With this feature, it becomes super easy for you to update the BIOS. Some of the most prominent companies offer this special feature including ASRock, ASUS, MSI, as well as Gigabyte.
- Gigabyte comes with Q-Flash Plus
- ASRock holds BIOS Flashback Button
- MSI features Flash BIOS Button
- ASUS comes along USB BIOS Flashback
In order to flash your BIOS, the foremost thing you need to do is to search whether your motherboard features a BIOS flashback or not. For this, you will have to inspect the company’s site and search for your model to see its specifications.
A file for BIOS updating for the mobo must be downloaded to a flash drive, which must then be inserted through into corresponding USB slot on the mobo, to perform BIOS flashing. Afterward, you can press the button for BIOS flash on your mobo to let the procedure of updating start.
To avoid accidently bricking your system, you must take all the actions outlined here.
Which USB is right for BIOS Flashback?
There have been numerous stories of PC users having problems while employing a USB 3.0 flash device, however it’s not a certain that they will. The BIOS upgrade succeeded once the users moved to a 2.0 USB drive instead. So, if you’re upgrading your BIOS, then it is advised that using a USB 2.0 drive will be better.
Check the color of the terminal connection to determine whether your USB drive is Gen 3.0 or 2.0. Here, color blue represent the USB to be 3.0 whereas, if you find terminal connection to be black in color, it means the USB you own is 2.0.
Several vendors also caution against using a USB 3.0 disc since the motherboard might not be able to identify it. The capacity of the USB device that you ought to employ is not subject to any rigid guidelines. Since the BIOS upgrade files would be modest, whatever capacity between 32 and 128 GB will work perfectly for you.
Step-wise Guide to update BIOS
Certain steps will help you get to successfully update your BIOS and the guidelines that I have created for you are right below.
Searching for your motherboard’s company site
Very first stage is to get the BIOS document from the company’s site that has manufactured your motherboard. Ensure that you are navigating to the legitimate site. You shouldn’t ever install BIOS files from any other websites excluding ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, or ASRock.
The quickest approach to locate the appropriate BIOS attachment is to try googling your mobo version and the term BIOS. By doing so, you will be directed to the maker’s main site via the foremost link that appears. Don’t engage in any sponsored advertisements or banners that might display above that.
Verify again to make absolutely sure it’s the precise board version you have when you arrive at the site. Many types might have titles that are very identical yet somewhat distinct.
Downloading Latest BIOS Upgrade
You need to find a BIOS segment that has the most recent edition stated beneath it on the motherboard’s website. The most current edition will also include a download option beside it.
Locate the “Drivers and Utility” category if you’ve been having problems accessing the BIOS part. Most certainly, BIOS may be found therein. To start installing the most recent BIOS version for the mobo, select the download option.
Extracting and Renaming
It is probable that the downloading will be zipped into a ZIP archive when it is complete. You must select “Extract All” from the context menu by right-clicking the document, then store the recovered document someplace you’ll recall.
The BIOS folder will be immediately modified when you execute the utility. Users will have to modify the file name manually if they own a motherboard from brands like Gigabyte, ASRock, or MSI. Whereas, the unzipped file for ASUS mobos contain a program named Biosrenamer.exe.
- Rename creative.rom on ASRock motherboards.
- Motherboards from Gigabyte: change to gigabyte.bin
- Msi.rom should be used on MSI motherboards
Formatting USB
Now is the time for your USB to be plugged in. You must format the Flash drive format prior to transmitting the BIOS document. In the “Windows Explorer” or even under “My PC,” look for your USB drive.
By right-clicking the device again, you will have to select the format option. For the formatting kind, choose “FAT32” to validate the modification.
You need to use FAT32 formatting on your usb drive rather than NTFS.
As you are attempting to upgrade your BIOS without the need for a CPU, to use an USB drive that is split with NTFS simply will not work. The BIOS data may then be transferred via the PC to the USB drive.
Ejecting the USB
Ejecting the USB device is necessary after you have copied the document to your flash drive and converted the flash device’s format sort to FAT32. You may finish it by selecting “Eject” from the context menu of the device in File Explorer. The ejection key is also located in the right corner at the bottom of the screen as well.
Connecting Power Supply
Using the main power connection having 24 pins and the EPS power connection having 8 pins, affix your mobo to an electrical supply.
Flashing
Until the LED indicator starts to flicker, hold down the Flash BIOS button for around 3 seconds. Instead of being on the back adjacent to the USB slot, the key could be located on the board directly.
Removing USB drive
Once the flickering has stopped, the upgrade is complete. Switch down the power button after removing the USB drive.
The Closing Thoughts
Whilst needing to upgrade your BIOS without using your latest Processor might seem inconvenient, the procedure is rather simple. Your system will be operational under no time if you adhere to the guidelines in the above-given manual. Keep in mind that modern CPUs might demand the most recent BIOS update on your outdated mobo.
