ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi what point to update BIOS?

[Louise]

Hi all

I'm building a new PC with the above mobo an i7-14700K. I'm assuming I will need to update the bios even though motherboard and processor have only recently been purchased, because of the  instability issues. I'm wondering at what point it's best to do the update? I've already downloaded the latest bios in readiness. Should I do the update as soon as I power up the motherboard with the i7 in it, or should I get the basic build up and running with wifi and Windows 10 first?

Thanks

Lu

[achugh]

You can do the update whenever you like. Personally, I would update BIOS first before installing OS.

Congratulations on getting a new build!

[Louise]

Hi

Ok, thanks. I've never updated the bios on a desktop before. I probably wouldn't bother except for this instability issue. I'm presuming that wouldn't show up / brick the cpu just on power up and booting Windows? The mobo manufacturing date says April 2023 which seems a bit old (purchased October 2024). I don't know if the issue only affects particular batches? I have had an i5-13600KF on a Z790-A  Prime from 2 years ago and which has never had an issue. I think I'd find it easier from running Windows. I've yet to unbox anything yet... Wish me luck!

[Nate152]

Hi Louise

It sounds like you're about to get your new build under way. You can update the bios one of two ways, either with EZ-Flash in the bios or Bios Flashback. Both methods will require a usb flash drive.

 There have been a number of bios releases for the ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi, the latest bios version is 2703. - ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI | Gaming motherboards｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

If you've never updated the bios before, I'll list the steps on how to do it. I prefer using Bios Flashback.

1) Grab a usb flash drive and make sure it's formatted to the .FAT32 file system and preferably with nothing on it.

2) Follow this video to rename the bios file and put it on your usb flash drive.

Once you have the bios file on your usb flash drive:

1) Shut down your pc and let the power supply switch on.

2) Insert your usb flash drive into the usb port marked BIOS (outlined in white).

3) Press and hold the Bios Flashback button (outlined in white) until the led starts blinking, then release. The blinking should get faster as it goes then stop when completed, it will take a few minutes.

4) When the blinking stops, start your pc, it may continue to update.

[Louise]

Hi

Obviously I need the processor installed and the power supply connected. Do I need memory installed also? I assume it's ok to run the motherboard and processor without a cpu cooler just to do this? What is the difference between EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3,  and BIOS Flashback? It doesn't really explain in the manual. I presume the BIOS flashback is to enable updating the BIOS without having to enter the BIOS first?

Thanks

Lou

[Nate152]

Please don't use your pc without a cpu cooler, it will work for about 30 seconds before it shuts down from the cpu overheating.

1) EZ Flash 3 is a method used to update the bios, EZ Flash 3 is located on the Tool tab in the bios.

2) Bios Flashback is a method used to update/recover the bios, you only need power to the motherboard to use bios flashback. A cpu or memory is not required. 

3) CrashFree Bios 3 - I personally never used this, but it looks like a bios recovery feature.

[Louise]

The 14th gen processor microcode has to be updated also so the processor obviously has to be plugged in? The processor should surely run ok with only the motherboard and memory and nothing else and without overheating?

[Nate152]

To use bios flashback, only the 24-pin main power cable needs to be connected to the motherboard. You don't need a cpu or memory. Just make sure the motherboard is on a non-conductive surface such as the box it came in.

Or, you could go ahead and assemble your pc and see how everything is working with the current bios version. If all is well, then update the bios.

You can update the bios before you put your pc together, or update the bios after you put it together. Either way is ok to do, however you want to do it.

[Louise]

But what about the microcode update? Needs the processor in?

[Nate152]

Nope, don't need the cpu installed, the microcode will update along with the bios.