[SOLVED] Can I update the BIOS on this ASRock motherboard, only having a Ryzen 3rd gen processor and no older processor?

[Zachthehappycat]

I am planning a build in which I'm planning to use a Ryzen 3900X and an ASRock Fatal1ty B450 Gaming K4 motherboard. I know their latest BIOSes support Zen2, but I'm not sure I will be able to update this motherboard to the latest BIOS...

To gain compatibility for Zen2, the motherboard BIOS has to be updated to at least version 3.20. However, on their support page here (https://www.asrock.com/MB/AMD/Fatal1ty B450 Gaming K4/index.asp#BIOS), it says that prior to updating the BIOS, ' "AMD all in 1 with VGA driver ver:18.50.16.01_WHQL" or a later version' should be installed.

To check whether the BIOS would actually be capable of installing "AMD all in 1", I downloaded this driver from the download link (http://asrock.pc.cdn.bitgravity.com/Drivers/AMD/AllIn1/AllIn1(v18.50.16.01_WHQL).zip) on that page, unzipped it, and when I went into its folder, I saw a "Setup.exe" file.

So apparently, in order to update to a BIOS compatible with Zen2, I'd to first run an exe file. However, it is only possible to run exe files when booted into Windows. I'd have no way of installing Windows when I've built the PC, as to install an operating system, you need a CPU compatible with the current BIOS. Have I misunderstood how this works, or does this motherboard just not support Zen2 unless Windows is already installed using an older gen processor?

 

[DMAN999]

You will need an older 1000 or 2000 Series CPU to update the BIOS on that MB.
You might be able to get a loaner from AMD:
https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/pa-100

And with that older CPU installed you could install Windows and update the chipset drivers.

 

[punkncat]

If you bought this through a brick and mortar that does service, some of them will update your BIOS for you. Otherwise, purchase an Athlon 200GE and use it to boot. They are common ~45$ shipped

 

[Zachthehappycat]

Alright, thank you both. I'll look into both options.