Sanity check before BIOS update

enkoda · 30 Dec 2023 at 21:47

Current CPU and mobo: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and MSI X570-A Pro

When I built this system it wouldn't boot and stayed stuck on black screen. The motherboard needed a BIOS update to recognise the cpu and did so by disconnecting everything, bare board, and used a ROM file on a USB stick, plugged into the dedicated Flash BIOS port on the rear panel. All good.

I've just got a 5900X and even though I suspect it will work without a mobo BIOS update, I'd like to install the latest one just in case.

So, which is the best way of updating:

a) restart pc, update from the UEFI-BIOS screen itself, reboot into Windows to check everything has gone smoothly, install new cpu
b) use the MSI Dragon Center software and do it from Windows, check all is good, install new cpu
c) strip the pc down to bare board, update using Flash BIOS port, rebuild it all

Is there a big downside to either a) or b)?

I'd like to avoid c) as it means I'll be obligated to spring clean everything inside the pc and behind the case under the desk!

Mcnumpty2323 · 30 Dec 2023 at 21:57

A should be fine
B I prefer not to use software for bios updates if possible
C not sure why strip to bare board
My bios flashback port works fine when everything
Is installed

Could just check your current bios version number
Then look at cpu support list for your board
May not need or even be a newer bios

andy_mk3 · 30 Dec 2023 at 22:00

Option A for sure.

Zefan · 30 Dec 2023 at 22:03

Mcnumpty2323 said:
A should be fine
B I prefer not to use software for bios updates if possible
C not sure why strip to bare board
My bios flashback port works fine when everything
Is installed

Could just check your current bios version number
Then look at cpu support list for your board
May not need or even be a newer bios

Agreed at A, @ maybe not a new one, there have been 5 this year so low likelihood of that.

mattyfez · 30 Dec 2023 at 22:15

Doughnut007 · 30 Dec 2023 at 22:17

Definitely A

enkoda · 31 Dec 2023 at 12:37

Thanks for the input.

Did a), all good. Just got to fit new cpu at some point, after I figure out where the thermal paste is!

The only reason I did the bare board method previously was because the pc would power on but wouldn't boot, I don't think it would even recognise the cpu, so the only way to flash the BIOS was via c).

This is only my second ever BIOS update in over 25 years of using computers.