So you waited for months to see if the new Ryzen Zen 2 was going to match all the hype...and it does. So you rushed out and grabbed one on the 7th along with a new x470 or b450 motherboard only to find out you need an older gen CPU to update the BIOS. What do you do? Here are the steps AMD would like you to do. NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY AN OLDER CPU.
In order to flash the updated BIOS you need to perform these tasks first.
1. If you DO have a Zen or Zen+ processor simply use this to update to the latest BIOS. This is the easiest and least stressful route.
2. Check if your motherboard features USB BIOS Flashback. A few boards will allow the BIOS to be updated via a USB drive without a CPU installed. There aren't many boards that offer this but it is the second best option, when available.
3. If you purchased from a brick and mortar store see if they can update it for you. Many offer this for a nominal fee or even free in some cases. EDIT: My local Micro Center just confirmed Bios updates are $30 and are either same day or within 24 hours if they are backed up.
4. Contact your board manufacturer (ODM) and submit for an RMA to get a replacement board with the latest BIOS pre-installed. To me this seems like a hassle and could take longer than I'd like to wait but it is a necessary step before moving on. NOTE: keep a copy of all forms of communication with your ODM as AMD will request it later if you fail to get an RMA.
5. If these steps all fail and leave you sobbing in the corner. Contact AMD for their Short Term Processor Loan Boot Kit. This kit is free of charge and includes an AMD Athlon 200GE Processor, including thermal solution, for short-term use. This must be returned within 10 days. Naturally, you will need to provide proof of purchase for your 3000 series CPU, 400 series Motherboard, as well as a few photos of your rig, and transcripts from your ODM. It's a bit of a burden, I know, but hey, look at the bright side, you saved a bunch of money by not buying x570, right?
All joking aside, this will get you up and running with your new Ryzen 3000 series processor in a 400 series board without having to buy a Gen 1 or 2 CPU.
Good luck Overclockers!
Here is a link to AMD's "AM4 Boot Kit" if you would like to read further.
In order to flash the updated BIOS you need to perform these tasks first.
1. If you DO have a Zen or Zen+ processor simply use this to update to the latest BIOS. This is the easiest and least stressful route.
2. Check if your motherboard features USB BIOS Flashback. A few boards will allow the BIOS to be updated via a USB drive without a CPU installed. There aren't many boards that offer this but it is the second best option, when available.
3. If you purchased from a brick and mortar store see if they can update it for you. Many offer this for a nominal fee or even free in some cases. EDIT: My local Micro Center just confirmed Bios updates are $30 and are either same day or within 24 hours if they are backed up.
4. Contact your board manufacturer (ODM) and submit for an RMA to get a replacement board with the latest BIOS pre-installed. To me this seems like a hassle and could take longer than I'd like to wait but it is a necessary step before moving on. NOTE: keep a copy of all forms of communication with your ODM as AMD will request it later if you fail to get an RMA.
5. If these steps all fail and leave you sobbing in the corner. Contact AMD for their Short Term Processor Loan Boot Kit. This kit is free of charge and includes an AMD Athlon 200GE Processor, including thermal solution, for short-term use. This must be returned within 10 days. Naturally, you will need to provide proof of purchase for your 3000 series CPU, 400 series Motherboard, as well as a few photos of your rig, and transcripts from your ODM. It's a bit of a burden, I know, but hey, look at the bright side, you saved a bunch of money by not buying x570, right?
All joking aside, this will get you up and running with your new Ryzen 3000 series processor in a 400 series board without having to buy a Gen 1 or 2 CPU.
Good luck Overclockers!
Here is a link to AMD's "AM4 Boot Kit" if you would like to read further.
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Got home just to realize it was a Clear CMOS button all along! Should have known better.
