As far as I know you need a supported cpu. But often the bios is already updated to support newer cpus. Ask the reseller to be sure though Answer from Deleted User on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/asrock › can i use the instant flash without a compatible processor?
r/ASRock on Reddit: Can i use the Instant Flash without a compatible processor?
August 16, 2021 -
I was thinking about buying either a B550M-ITX/ac or a B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ax to use with a 5600g or 5700g but I don't have another cpu that's supported without updating the bios. Both have Instant Flash listed as a feature so I want to know if i can use this procedure https://www.asrock.com/feature/InstantFlash/index.asp to update the bios without a cpu or with an unsuported cpu.
Top answer 1 of 6
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As far as I know you need a supported cpu. But often the bios is already updated to support newer cpus. Ask the reseller to be sure though
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That's an old page so disregard anything on it as it is several years out of date. Instant Flash requires a functional system to work. Neither of those boards have BIOS Flashback which would required to update the boards BIOS without a supported CPU. As u/Weert-Gilders suggests the board may ship with a compatible BIOS version or you can purchase from a reseller that offers a BIOS upgrade service.
ASRock
asrock.com › support › QA › FlashbackSOP.pdf pdf
Page 1 / 4 ASRock Flashback Feature User guide
ASRock BIOS Flashback feature allows you to update BIOS without powering on the · system, even without CPU. To use the USB BIOS Flashback function, please follow the · steps below. Note: TPM will be reset after performing BIOS Flashback. Please suspend Bitlocker and any encryption or security ...
How do I update bios to support ryzen 5000 without a cpu?
I just recently bought an asrock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 mobo. I'm planning to get the new ryzen 5600x but I don't have an old amd cpu to check bios version or to update the bios. How do I go about making sure the bios is the latest driver that will support the 5600x. Is there a way to flash the mobo without ... More on forums.tomshardware.com
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November 3, 2020updating bios without cpu?
Only if it has flashback functionallity yes, otherwise not. Unless you have an eeperom programmer and know how to use it to flash a chip. More on reddit.com
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July 11, 2024ASRock WRX90 Evo BIOS Updating without CPU
Is it possible to update the WRX90 Evo through the IPMI/BMC without a cpu? I am currently planning to purchase a threadripper 9000 cpu and it seems like i need to either buy two cpus, one 7000 series and use that only for updating the bios and then returning it OR use the dreaded ASUS WRX90-SE ... More on forum.level1techs.com
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August 8, 2025Do i need cpu for bios update?
I wanted to get a new motherbod and cpu (ryzen 5 5600x) and i have heard that some mobos let you update bios without cpu so my uestion is would the asrock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 need a cpu to update to a bios supporting the 5600x More on linustechtips.com
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October 11, 2023Videos
04:27
ASRock Motherboard BIOS Update Tutorial - YouTube
11:54
How To Use USB BIOS Flashback ASROCK B650M Pro RS - YouTube
12:11
How To Use USB BIOS Flash Back Update ASRock B850M X WiFi - YouTube
Updating BIOS without a CPU, AsRock Pro RS Z690 D4 ...
ASRock X570 Creator - How to update BIOS without a CPU to ...
ASRock Forums
forum.asrock.com › forum_posts.asp
*URGENT NEED HELP UPDATE Bios Without CPU - ASRock Forums
November 10, 2021 - Hello I recently purchased a ASROCK B460M Pro4 motherboard and a I3-10105F CPU and I noticed online...
MS.Codes
ms.codes › blogs › computer-hardware › asrock-bios-update-without-cpu
Asrock Bios Update Without CPU
February 14, 2024 - The process of updating the BIOS without a CPU on an Asrock motherboard involves utilizing a feature called BIOS Flashback. This feature enables users to update the BIOS by connecting a USB flash drive with the updated BIOS file directly to ...
Linus Tech Tips
linustechtips.com › the workbench › troubleshooting
How to update asrock motherboard BIOS without a CPU? - Troubleshooting - Linus Tech Tips
April 13, 2025 - Im in a predicament i have a B650D4U-2L2T/BCM paired with a Ryzen 9 9950X, my problem is the bios version where the 9950 is supported is on version 20.04, but my motherboard is currently version 4.09. Is there a way to update the bios without a CPU? My setup right now does not even boot into the ...
Top answer 1 of 4
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There is no way of knowing what BIOS version is installed on your motherboard without a CPU installed. If the 5600X doesn't boot in this motherboard, then one can assume that a BIOS update is required. I check your User Manual and did not find any BIOS Flashback function.
-Wolf sends
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so it is possible to post with the new cpu installed? Even if the bios isn't updated to the lastest version. And update the bios after?
Again, there's really no way of telling. Even without a BIOS update the system MIGHT post to the point where you can update the BIOS, but I would not count on that. Honestly, your best bet is to take the board to a local PC shop and have them update the BIOS (if necessary).
-Wolf sends
ASRock Forums
forum.asrock.com › forum_posts.asp
Updating bios with or without a working CPU - ASRock Forums
Finally I found that one reason why my new ASROCK AB350 PRO4 is not working may be the old bios which...
Build Gaming Computers
build-gaming-computers.com › update-bios-without-cpu.html
How to Update BIOS Without CPU (Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, ASRock)
January 1, 2021 - In this guide we'll cover how to update your BIOS without a CPU installed, on either a Gigabyte, Asus, ASRock, or MSI motherboard using BIOS flashback (called Q-Flash Plus on Gigabyte boards).
Reddit
reddit.com › r/asrock › updating bios without cpu?
r/ASRock on Reddit: updating bios without cpu?
July 11, 2024 -
Im currently selecting parts for a pc
this is the parts list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/69nxwg
the motherboard i have selected is the ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara EATX LGA1700 Motherboard
pcpartpicker says that i might need a bios update for it to work with my 14900k
is it possible to update the bios on this board without the cpu being supported by the current bios?
Top answer 1 of 3
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Only if it has flashback functionallity yes, otherwise not. Unless you have an eeperom programmer and know how to use it to flash a chip.
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Motherboard doesnt seem to have bios flashback so no. Only real option youd have if it didnt come with the bios you need is to order the cheapest used cpu the motherboard supports and use it to be able to update the bios. Probably cheaper just to find a motherboard that supports the cpu out of the box or does have bios flashback.
Level1Techs
forum.level1techs.com › hardware hub › motherboards
ASRock WRX90 Evo BIOS Updating without CPU - Motherboards - Level1Techs Forums
August 8, 2025 - Is it possible to update the WRX90 Evo through the IPMI/BMC without a cpu? I am currently planning to purchase a threadripper 9000 cpu and it seems like i need to either buy two cpus, one 7000 series and use that only for updating the bios and then returning it OR use the dreaded ASUS WRX90-SE ...
MiniTool Partition Wizard
partitionwizard.com › home › news › update bios without cpu, windows, or usb
How to Update BIOS Without CPU, OS, or USB
August 31, 2023 - Some high-end motherboards like X570, B550, B450, X470, and Z490 have a feature named BIOS FlashBack, allowing you to update BIOS without CPU. Some ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock motherboards also have this feature.
Manuals+
manuals.plus › home › asrock › asrock flashback feature user guide: bios update without cpu
ASRock Flashback Feature User Guide: BIOS Update Without CPU
November 7, 2025 - The ASRock BIOS Flashback feature allows you to update the BIOS without powering on the system or even installing a CPU.
Manuals+
manuals.plus › home › asrock › asrock flashback feature user guide: step-by-step bios update
ASRock Flashback Feature User Guide: Step-by-Step BIOS Update
September 5, 2025 - The ASRock BIOS Flashback feature allows users to update the BIOS without powering on the system, and even without a CPU installed.
MS.Codes
ms.codes › blogs › computer-hardware › asrock-instant-flash-without-cpu
Asrock Instant Flash Without CPU
February 14, 2024 - Asrock Instant Flash is an innovative feature that allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU. This is especially useful when you need to update the BIOS on a new motherboard or when you don't have a compatible CPU at hand.
Linus Tech Tips
linustechtips.com › the workbench › troubleshooting
Do i need cpu for bios update? - Troubleshooting - Linus Tech Tips
October 11, 2023 - You go on the BIOS Downloads page and look when the 1.20 version was released : https://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/B550 Phantom Gaming 4/index.asp#BIOS · It says 24th of August 2020. The next bios was released on the 27th of Octomber, next one in December and so on... Now use your brains man ... any motherboard manufactured from december 2020 onwards will most likely be equipped with at least bios 1.40 from factory.
Asrock
asrock.com › support › faq.asp
ASRock > FAQ
ASRock X399 platform has supported AMD Threadripper 2 CPU since BIOS version P3.XX. If your BIOS version is older than P3.XX, please update BIOS without powering on the system (without CPU) by using the BIOS Flashback feature that X399 supports. Please refer to the following procedures to update ...
DanielDigitalDiary
danieldigitaldiary.com › home › guide
Unveiling The Secrets: How To Update Asrock Bios Without Cpu - A Comprehensive Guide - DanielDigitalDiary
March 12, 2024 - This method leverages the ASRock Crisis Mode feature, which allows you to update the BIOS using a USB flash drive without a CPU or RAM installed. Steps: 1. Download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard from the ASRock website. 2. Extract the BIOS file to a USB flash drive.
ASRock Forums
forum.asrock.com › forum_posts.asp
Updating ASRock B450 Pro4 Bios without CPU - ASRock Forums
May 9, 2021 - Is it possible to update the bios of this particular motherboard without any compatible CPU? I read...
Tom's Hardware Forum
forums.tomshardware.com › home › motherboards
[SOLVED] - can I update Asrock a320m-dvs r4.0 motherboard's bios without cpu? | Tom's Hardware Forum
December 13, 2022 - You can update the BIOS without a CPU to make your Motherboard ready for newer Processors.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/asrock › can i update my bios without installing a cpu? b650e pg-itx
r/ASRock on Reddit: Can I update my BIOS without installing a CPU? B650E PG-ITX
October 8, 2024 -
Hello r/ASRock! First time PC builder here with a question related to BIOS updates and CPU compatibility. Before I jump into my question, here is the full breakdown of components related to the build:
ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi
Ryzen 7 9700X (3.8GHz)
Kingston Fury Beast AMD EXPO 2x16GB DDR5 5600
Samsung 990 EVO 2TB m.2 SSD
Seasonic Focus SGX-750
Online the B650E was listed as AMD 9000 series compatible. However, when reading through the manual today I noticed it says "Supports AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen 7000 Series Processors". In a bit of a panic thinking I somehow royally f'd up my build, I consulted the CPU compatibility chart on the mobo website and found that ever since BIOS version 3.01, support for 9000 series processors has been added. At this time I am going to assume the board has an earlier version of the BIOS and needs to be updated.
My problem is I am not sure of a few things:
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What BIOS I currently have. (I can't find a sticker anywhere on the board denoting which BIOS was factory installed. Also currently too scared to power things on.)
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Is it safe to install my potentially unsupported CPU onto the motherboard to perform the initial post?
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If not safe, can I access the BIOS and update it prior to installing the CPU?
As of right now, all of the parts listed above remain in their packaging as I did not want to install any parts before being 100% certain everything will be fine. The BIOS download page notes this BIOS should be updated using "Instant Flash" and makes no mention of needing or not needing a CPU installed. Everything I have seen online related to updating the BIOS usually has a CPU, RAM, and HDD/SSD installed on the board.
With all of this being said, what are my options? Should I buy a compatible CPU to perform the BIOS update and then resell it? Am I overreacting and grossly missing the obvious choice here? Any and all advice will be greatly apprecaited.
Top answer 1 of 4
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You should be able to flash the board with ASRock flashback feature. While I have a different 650 board, the feature should exist for both. Check your owners manual to confirm. All you need is your psu, the board, and the 20pin power cable. Also, a FAT 32 formated usb drive. Download the latest bios, change file name to "creative.rom" (again, confirm with owners manual and double check file naming) and put it on the drive. Follow your owners manual for flashback operation steps. It sounds intimidating if it's your first time. It was mine. But it is a super simple process. Good luck!
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Unfortunately this board lacks BIOS Flashback functionality that would allow you to update BIOS without a CPU installed, one of the few ASRock AM5 boards without it. Is it safe to install my potentially unsupported CPU? Yes, it will either boot or fail to boot. can I access the BIOS and update it prior to installing the CPU? No, to access BIOS, PC must POST successfully. With how expensive 9000-series Ryzens are and improvements over 7000 being very small, it would've been wiser to buy last gen cpu and use the money for faster RAM like 6000CL30. I'm sure you could get a PC repair shop to flash the bios for you easily.