How To Update BIOS Without CPU

update bios

If you own a modern PC or custom-made PC that uses motherboards from the top manufacturers such as MSI, Gigabyte, ASUS, ASRock, etc., then there is a better chance it has the option to update BIOS without CPU installed.


But, you might be wondering why is it anyway important to update BIOS? Well, there are fewer reasons, but the most important is to increase its compatibility with the motherboard you have. Other reasons are related to the security and stability of your entire system.


For example, if you have upgraded your processor, but the BIOS won’t recognize it, in such cases, BIOS flash might work, or if you have found bugs with the motherboard, then the respective manufacturer releases the latest BIOS updates to fix those bugs. I hope I made you understand briefly why it is necessary to update BIOS.

In this guide, I will assist you with the step-by-step process of updating BIOS without a CPU. This applies only when you are building your PC. If you already have a working PC, then there is no need to use BIOS Flashback as it updates itself to the latest version within the system.

Note: BIOS Flashback is nothing but a function found in the latest motherboards that allow BIOS updates without the help of a CPU or GPU. 

Steps to update BIOS without CPU 

  • Go to the Internet, and visit the manufacturer’s site.
  • Using another laptop or computer, you must download the BIOS update file from the official website.
  • Enter the exact name of your motherboard model or version.
  • This would not be hard if you know your model name. Always go to the official site of that respective manufacturer only there you would get the original BIOS update file.
Download the latest bios update
  • On the official page, click on the tab “Support” and select “Drive and Utility.”
  • You will find various latest BIOS versions with their release dates. The most recent update will always be at the top. So, choose the one you desire.
  • If you see the update with “Beta” written with it and if the release date is not more than 1 week, then I would suggest downloading it. But, if the release date is much recent, like within the same week, do not download it as it may cause issues with your system.
  • If you don’t want to download either of the versions, go for the next top version and download it.
Extract the downloaded bios file & rename it!
  • Once you have downloaded the BIOS file, you have to extract it as the downloaded file will be a zip file.
  • Right-click on the compressed folder→Extract all→Saves on desktop→ Open.
  • Rename the files as per your wish, or you could rename them as gigabyte.bin(For Gigabyte), MSI.rom(For MSI), creative. rom(ASRock).
  • Once you rename it, a warning message will appear.
  • Click yes to confirm.
format usb drive and transfer bios update file
  • Plug your USB Flash drive and find it within My PC.
  • Right-click on the drive and click “Format.”
  • Choose FAT32 as the default format type.
  • Now transfer your renamed BIOS file to the base directory of the USB drive.
remove usb drive and plug psu
  • Eject the USB Drive nicely; for a safer side, first, click on the windows desktop and click “Eject.” This step is not necessary, but I recommend it to avoid any damage to the drive.
  • Now get your power supply ready.
  • Before you connect it, make sure you connect both large 24 pins main power connector 8 pin CPU power connector to the motherboard.
  • Once the cables are connected, connect the power unit to the mains, turn on both the mains, and also turn on the switch at the back of your PSU.
  • If you find this step difficult to grasp, watch videos online on the same for better understanding.
insert usb drive and press flash bios switch
  • So, now that your setup with the cables is ready. Find a USB Port on the back of your motherboard.
    Insert the USB drive.
  • Press the tiny flash button on the rear side of your motherboard.
  • The BIOS will be labeled differently in each manufacturer’s motherboard Example: Gigabyte labels it as Q-Flash Plus.
  • For different motherboards, there are different ways to on the flash button, and you just need to figure out the location.
  • Important note: Turn on the PSU before this step.
update confirmation
  • Right when you press the flash button, you would see a LED light blinking continuously, which means the update is afoot.
  • But, if the light does not blink, then you can know that the update has not yet begun. In such a case, try again pressing the flash button for 3 or more seconds until it starts blinking.
  • Stay patient while the update is going on. Do not disturb the process by touching or disconnecting any device.
  • You would know when the update is complete. The flashlight stops blinking, and the motherboard shuts down itself.
  • At this point, you can eject the USB drive and turn off all the connections.
  • Assemble all the other parts of the PC.
  • Now, you are ready to boot up the BIOS.

How Much Time is Needed to Flashback BIOS? 

At times, the first attempt might fail. But, there is nothing to worry you can retry the process over and over again until you get the flashlight blinking. In any case, the updating shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Even after the update is successful, I would suggest waiting for extra 20 -30 minutes before you can begin any action. 

Conclusion

BIOS update without CPU installed is a very simple process. You can follow my instructions mentioned, and within a few minutes, your update should be ready. Once you have updated the BIOS of the respective motherboard, you can carry on by assembling the rest of the CPU parts to make a successful DIY computer. 

Peter
 

Hey friends I am Peter, greeting my post. My goal is to provide the most up-to-date and complete info on tech products and other accessories. So, those who are spending more time in researching the best product can reduce their searching time and can start to enjoy using the latest trending tools and accessories. Just give a read to my blog and save your time.