How Do You Flash Bios When You Dont Have CPU?

LurvinOZB on 07/09/2019 - 13:38

Ok, long story short; my Synology DS1515+ went brick, support sucks, retailer sucks, so now decided never gonna sink any more money into Synology products (this was my second NAS from Synology). From one of the earlier post, decided to build my own NAS based off a new PC build.

So I have got a ASRock A320M-HDV with Bios version P4.90. Its not looking good as I couldnt find a cheap enough CPU here in Australia from this list. Am wondering if any one knows any PC shops here in Victoria that provides cheap bios upgrade service, or how does one go about updating bios without cpu chip?

To clarify~ I dont have any spare old cpu chip lying around to be used for updating the bios on the mobo.

Computing Computer Component CPU

Comments

  • Hybroid on 07/09/2019 - 13:41
    +2

    Why are you updating the bios when you don't have a CPU yet? You usually don't need a CPU if you put the update file on a USB and plug it in.

    Edit: Apparently this is true for Intel but not AMD. You have to get a Ryzen APU 'boot kit'.

    https://www.techspot.com/news/73334-amd-give-ryzen-apu-custo…

    • dcep on 07/09/2019 - 14:18
      +1

      It's a motherboard feature. Nothing to do with Intel AMD.

      MSI has cpu-less bios flash for AMD AM4 motherboard too.

    • LurvinOZB on 07/09/2019 - 14:21

      1. The mobo is a leftover part from a bundle I purchased. Wanting to use all the leftover parts to build a cheap NAS.

      2. The mobo ASRock A320M-HDV unfortunately does not have that cpu'less USB bios update feature.

      3. The boot kit requires an invoice. I dont think that retailer which I bought the bundle from has split invoice showing the mobo. And besides, am not sure where the boot kit comes from. The return postage cost (if overseas) are better off going towards a new CPU.

      • Hybroid on 07/09/2019 - 14:23

        Still doesn't clarify why you want to update bios when don't have a CPU yet though.

        Regardless, seems your model doesn't support it. In fact, most AMD motherboards don't seem to until MSI started to offer it this year.

        So you'll need to get a CPU and do it then.

        • LurvinOZB on 07/09/2019 - 14:29

          Am not sure which part does it not make sense to you but i shall take a few minutes to help u see the light ….

          1. mobo = leftover part with old bios
          2. why would i buy a cpu only to realise the mobo doesnt work and require a bios flash?
          3. naturally i would need to ensure the cpu that i am gonna buy next will work with the mobo
          4. since i already stated its for a NAS, performance of cpu doesnt really matter to me (or in my case)

          ~edit
          And no the mobo i had doesnt support the usb bios update feature … which I already stated on my previous response … not sure why you are re-pointing it out to me

        • dcep on 07/09/2019 - 14:29

          because he's going to buy a new gen CPU that is not supported by current bios version on his motherboard

          he can't flash it with a non-supported CPU

          do you even know what are you talking about ?

          • LurvinOZB on 07/09/2019 - 14:31

            @dcep: yea i'm confused by what he's going on about …

            • vinni9284 on 07/09/2019 - 18:34

              @LurvinOZB: No point stressing over a $70 mobo; whether it flashes or not.
              Flog it off and get a new kit, or stick to a CPU that is compatible.
              Cheers

          • Hybroid on 07/09/2019 - 14:36
            +1

            @dcep: Right, makes sense now. So needs to update bios to be able to use new CPUs not currently supported.

    • N1NJ4W4RR10R on 07/09/2019 - 16:06

      On ryzen boards, only MSI have a bios flashback function tmk.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/09/2019 - 14:19
    +1

    MSY will flash it for like $10. Price and timeframe will differ from store to store.

    • LurvinOZB on 07/09/2019 - 14:22

      OMG! Really???

      Thanks, I will call them later

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/09/2019 - 14:44
        +3

        Just remember this is MSY we're talking about. Don't be surprised if your local one doesn't answer their phone, tells you it's $50 or tells you they are too busy and can't be bothered.

      • garetz on 07/09/2019 - 15:10

        If they kill your motherboard, they take no responsibility.

      • Gravy Train on 09/09/2019 - 12:03

        I've used my local MSY in Fyshwick for the last 2 ryzen bios flashes, charged me $10 first time round and not at all for the second. But MSY have huge variances in customer support between stores so good luck to you!

  • vinni9284 on 07/09/2019 - 18:32
    -3

    It's best that you sell your mobo on Gumtree and the like and buy a new mobo CPU + ram kit (unless you have RAM lying around)
    By the time you run around, hope this and that works, spend money on some flash that is not 100% guaranteed and can kill the mobo ..just call it the day and get a new kit that is compatible and works.

    Cheers

  • OZBMate8911 on 09/09/2019 - 15:55

    Check if it has a socketed BIOS chip - I recall some years ago I had a board that died due to a failed BIOS update. Popped the chip out and hotswapped it into another machine and flashed it again to get it working.

    It did require a specific bootdisk - I can't remember what it was called though. You should be able to find it with some Googling

    EDIT: It's called UniFlash. I don't think it'll support your board though

    • alvian on 11/09/2019 - 01:13

      The next obvious steps are to desolder the BIOS chip and pop it into a hardware flasher, upgrade, and then solder it back onto the motherboard, right?

      • OZBMate8911 on 11/09/2019 - 10:30

        I know this is a wind up, but if you were comfortable and had the time to faff around doing that I don't see why not.

        I myself would rather watch paint dry than do this

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