Close Menu
Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Tech News Today
Home » Hardware

How To Update BIOS Without CPU

Anup ThapaBy Anup ThapaOctober 6, 2023
how to update bios without cpu

Most mid-range and higher motherboards support the BIOS Flashback feature. This allows you to update the BIOS without the CPU or any other components.

Using BIOS Flashback is very simple:

  • Prepare a FAT32 USB drive with the desired BIOS file.
  • Connect this USB drive to the BIOS Flashback port.
  • Press the Flash BIOS button and wait 5 minutes or so.

It is crucial that you get a few things right, though. This includes verifying that your board doesn’t need a CPU for BIOS Flashback. Or, getting the correct BIOS version for your board.

Verify BIOS Flashback Support

For starters, your motherboard must have a BIOS Flashback port. Different manufacturers name this port like so:

  • ASUS – USB BIOS Flashback
  • MSI – Flash BIOS
  • Gigabyte – Q-Flash Plus
  • ASRock – BIOS Flashback

Besides this obvious requirement, here are some more things to keep in mind:

  • Sometimes, the Flashback port won’t be physically labeled (like with our ASRock X570 AQUA). It’ll only be indicated in the manual.
    no-bios-flashback-label
  • Some boards don’t support BIOS Flashback without a compatible CPU. This was the case with our ASUS ROG STRIX B550-I GAMING board.
    asus-rog-bios-flashback-manual
  • Generally, the 24-pin ATX connector is the only necessary power source. But some boards (e.g., Gigabyte’s AORUS lineup) require you to connect the 8-pin CPU connector as well.
  • Check your user manual to verify all of these requirements for your motherboard before proceeding. 

I’ll update the BIOS without a CPU on my MSI MAG B550M MORTAR system to demonstrate the rest of the process. 

Note: If you need a compatible AMD CPU to use BIOS Flashback, check if you’re eligible for their CPU loaner program. This way, you won’t have to spend extra on a repair center visit or the like.

Download the Correct BIOS File

On another system, go to your motherboard’s support page. Keep the following points in mind when downloading the BIOS file from there:

  1. Ensure you’re on the page for the correct motherboard revision.
    motherboard-revision-label
  2. Ideally, you should know your current BIOS version before updating. Manufacturers like ASUS and ASRock keep a sticker on the motherboard to indicate the factory BIOS version.
    bios-sticker-on-asrock-board
  3. Go to the Drivers & Downloads section. You’ll find the BIOS files there. The latest stable BIOS version is usually the best option.
  4. Check all the changelogs starting from your current BIOS version to the one you want to flash now. The description often contains important info and instructions (e.g., whether incremental updates are necessary).
    msi-bios-download-page
  5. Finally, download the BIOS file and extract the archive.

Move BIOS File to USB

For BIOS Flashback, you need to rename the BIOS file as specified by your manufacturer. Only the extension is consistent among different brands:

  • MSI: .ROM
  • ASUS: .CAP
  • Gigabyte: .BIN
  • ASRock: .rom

The full name depends on the brand and board model. For instance, you need to rename the file to MSI.ROM for most MSI boards.

rename bios file

But ASUS provides a Rename utility, so each file will be named differently.

As there’s a lot of variation, I recommend you check the user manual and the BIOS Flashback guide from your board manufacturer.

After renaming the file, format a USB drive to FAT32 and move the file there.

Use BIOS Flashback

Connect the USB drive to the BIOS Flashback port on your motherboard’s I/O Panel. 

  • As I mentioned earlier, the 24-pin power connector is mandatory. The 8-pin CPU connector may be necessary depending on the board. Refer to the first section if you’re unsure about this.
    connect-8-pin-cpu-connector
  • Ideally, you should also have a power backup like a UPS to ensure that the BIOS update isn’t interrupted.
  • Besides these, the other hardware is irrelevant. 

Now, to use BIOS Flashback, simply press the adjacent button for around 5 seconds.

press flash bios button

The Flashback LED should start blinking. If your USB drive has an LED, it’ll do the same. This will continue for around 5-10 minutes.

Once the Flashback LED stops blinking, the BIOS update is complete.

What If the BIOS Update Fails

When the BIOS update fails via standard methods, your board can’t boot at all due to a NO POST issue. BIOS Flashback is commonly used to recover your board in such situations.

As long as you follow the proper procedure (FAT32 USB, correct BIOS file and name, etc., it should complete smoothly. But if the BIOS Flashback fails despite this, try these quick fixes:

  1. Flash a different BIOS version. This is especially important if you tried to flash a beta version earlier.
  2. Convert the USB drive to MBR.
  3. Try another USB drive. Ideally, the second drive should be a different USB version (e.g., USB 2.0 instead of 3.0).
  4. Clear the CMOS and try flashing the BIOS again.

If these don’t help, check out our guide on recovering from a failed BIOS update. It details advanced methods like reprogramming the BIOS and replacing the BIOS chip.

bios motherboard
Anup Thapa
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Anup Thapa primarily covers Windows systems, networking, and computer hardware at TechNewsToday. Anup has been writing professionally for almost 5 years, and tinkering with PCs for much longer. His love for all things tech started when he got his first PC over 15 years ago. It was a Pentium IV system running Windows XP on a single 256 MB stick. He spent his formative years glued to this PC, troubleshooting any hardware or software problems he encountered by himself. Professionally, Anup has had brief forays into a variety of fields from coding and hardware installation to writing. In doing so, he's worked with people of different backgrounds and skill levels, from average joes to industry leaders and experts. This has given him not just a versatile skill set, but also a unique perspective for writing that enables him to concisely communicate complex information and solve his reader's problems efficiently. You can reach out to him at anup@technewstoday.com.

Related Posts

computer died

Computer Died? Here’s What You Should Do Next

December 1, 2023
how-to-share-a-printer

How to Share a Printer on Network (Step-by-Step Guide)

November 28, 2023
how to clean mechanical keyboard

How to Clean Mechanical Keyboard in 7 Steps

November 24, 2023
one keyboard two computers

How To Control Two Computers With One Keyboard/Mouse

November 21, 2023
cpu fan header

CPU Fan Header: Connecting Properly to Motherboard

October 18, 2023
hard drive clicking

Why is My Hard Drive Clicking? How to Fix It?

October 18, 2023
Add A Comment

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Latest Posts
scanning and repairing drive stuck

Windows Stuck in Scanning and Repairing Drive Screen? 4 Easy Fixes

December 4, 2023
computer died

Computer Died? Here’s What You Should Do Next

December 1, 2023
how-to-share-a-printer

How to Share a Printer on Network (Step-by-Step Guide)

November 28, 2023
You may also like
printer-not-printing

How to Fix a Printer That’s Not Printing

September 26, 2023
Share Location With Friends and Family

Share Location With Friends and Family (iPhone and Android)

September 18, 2023
how-to-print-without-a-printer

How to Print Without a Printer

September 18, 2023
Recommended
Cookie Clicker Garden Guide

Cookie Clicker Garden Guide to Unlocking Every Seed

September 26, 2021
monitor no signal

Computer Turns On But Monitor Says No Signal (9 Ways To Fix)

November 10, 2022
Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
© 2023 TechNewsToday, editor@technewstoday.com | Tech Central Pvt. Ltd.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.