I'm trying to upgrade from an Intel i3 to an i7-4750 or a similar compatible processor. I downloaded the newest BIOS version for my ASRock motherboard, and also tried older versions in sequence, but the Instant Flash utility only shows "/setup.exe" instead of recognizing the BIOS update. I extracted the download, formatted a 15 GB USB drive correctly, placed the update on it by itself, and plugged it directly into a motherboard USB port. The computer was bought used, so I'm also wondering whether it could be a prebuilt system with a different or restricted motherboard BIOS. What should I check?
2 Answers
First confirm the exact motherboard model and revision, then download the BIOS specifically for that board from ASRock. The update file should be extracted and placed in the root of a FAT32-formatted USB drive; don’t leave it inside a folder or try to run it from Windows. ASRock boards can use different file formats, so Instant Flash may ignore a file intended for a different model or for a Windows-based updater. Since the PC was bought used, check whether it’s an OEM or prebuilt board, because those may require a manufacturer-specific BIOS instead of the standard ASRock download.
Make sure you downloaded the actual Instant Flash package rather than a Windows executable. If the only usable file is named setup.exe, it may be the wrong download type, or the archive may not have been extracted properly. Also verify the motherboard’s exact model before flashing—using a BIOS for a similar-looking board can permanently damage the system. Check the current BIOS version and the board’s CPU support list before attempting the update, since the i7-4750 also needs to be supported by that specific model.
The archive is extracted and the USB is set up as recommended. I’ll recheck the exact board model and whether the download was meant for Instant Flash rather than a Windows installer.
I followed the instructions on the manufacturer’s page and extracted the file. I bought the computer secondhand, though, so I’m not sure whether that changes which BIOS I’m supposed to use.