Asus Z170-K bios downgrade to overclock i5-6400?

[1valdis]

Hi there. I'm going to purchase Asus Z170-K + i5-6400 build for OC, then gaming purposes. Can something bad happen if I try downgrade BIOS on mobo from "overclocking-blocked" version down to "overclocking-enabled"? Some years ago I was told that downgrading BIOS is a risky idea and I can acquire a "brick". Your thoughts?
Many thanks!
EDIT: Sure, Z170-K, not A. Sorry

 

[chenuki]

There's no harm in changing newer or older versions. Newer BIOS address more issues, but if your system runs without problems on an older NonK OC-enabled BIOS then it's safe to do so. No way of knowing for sure except to try it. Additionally, it's advisable to clear CMOS each time after changing BIOS.

 

[1valdis]

There's no harm in changing newer or older versions. Newer BIOS address more issues, but if your system runs without problems on an older NonK OC-enabled BIOS then it's safe to do so. No way of knowing for sure except to try it. Additionally, it's advisable to clear CMOS each time after changing BIOS.

I mean, overclocking BIOS was "updated" to non-overclocking version quite long time ago for that mobos with new BIOS could get to the stores. So I expect to downgrade this new BIOS back, revert to the "nice" overclocking version, just after purchase. Can I do the downgrade safely?
Thanks for advice about CMOS, will do that when reverting. But should I do that before or after flashing?

 

[chenuki]

I mean, overclocking BIOS was "updated" to non-overclocking version quite long time ago for that mobos with new BIOS could get to the stores. So I expect to downgrade this new BIOS back, revert to the "nice" overclocking version, just after purchase. Can I do the downgrade safely?

Yup, you can do exactly that. Any new BIOS you flash completely replace the previous copy, doesn't matter version.

Just make sure to also clear CMOS after flashing for a healthy BIOS, because it's not enough to just "Load optimized default settings". CMOS clear will load optimized defaults for "nice" BIOS version AND clear out old settings.

ASUS board may need to start Winflash tool with "/nodate" parameter to go enable selecting BIOS file with smaller/older version number. See: http://forums.legitreviews.com/viewtopic.php?t=41080

Hope this helps

 

[chenuki]

Thanks for advice about CMOS, will do that when reverting. But should I do that before or after flashing?

You're very welcome. clear CMOS after flashing.