I'm building a new PC with an ASUS ROG STRIX X870E-H motherboard and a Ryzen 7 9850X3D processor. A parts compatibility checker warned that the motherboard may need a BIOS update before it will support the CPU. I don't have another computer available to download the BIOS file. Should I take the motherboard somewhere for an update, or build the PC first and see whether it works?
2 Answers
That motherboard supports BIOS FlashBack, so you can update the firmware without installing the CPU or memory first. Download the correct BIOS file to a USB flash drive, connect motherboard power, plug the drive into the dedicated BIOS USB port, and press the FlashBack button. Once the update finishes, you can install the rest of the components.
The main issue is getting the BIOS file onto the USB drive. Since you don’t have another computer, taking the motherboard—or just a USB drive—to a computer shop or using a friend’s computer is probably the least risky option. Updating it before assembling everything will save you from having to disassemble the build later.
That makes sense. I’ll get access to another computer and prepare the USB drive before putting the system together.