Do I need to update BIOS?

[acilikola]

Hi,

I recently bought all required components for my build here:
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/acilikola/saved/XVfhP6

Then, I noticed the small notice below: Some Intel Z87 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Haswell Refresh CPUs.

Do you think I will need a BIOS update for this CPU to work? If so, how will I do it? Will the PC power up and function with this CPU or will I need to get it to work with an older CPU-update the BIOS from Windows-then remove all the components and rebuild the whole system with i7 4890K?

 

[Hazle]

it's better to assume that you do. and in order to do that you're going to need a regular old Haswell CPU over the Haswell refresh like a Pentium G3220, unless your motherboard has a feature allowing you to update the BIOS w/o a compatible CPU (for that price point, i reckon it don't), though those tend to come with some issues. i'd look into getting a z97 instead. easier that way.

 

[acilikola]

it's better to assume that you do. and in order to do that you're going to need a regular old Haswell CPU over the Haswell refresh like a Pentium G3220, unless your motherboard has a feature allowing you to update the BIOS w/o a compatible CPU (for that price point, i reckon it don't), though those tend to come with some issues. i'd look into getting a z97 instead. easier that way.

I was checking over AsRock website and found that after version 1.40 motherboard supports i7 4790K:
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Fatal1ty%20Z87%20Killer/?cat=CPU

When I clicked on update link below, I reached this link:
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Fatal1ty%20Z87%20Killer/?cat=Download&os=BIOS&Model=Fatal1ty%20Z87%20Killer

If I am not wholly mistaken from the above link and this link:
http://www.asrock.com/support/BIOSUI.asp?cat=BIOS8
then I assume the instant flash option does not require CPU and can be done? I really do not know much about this though

 

[Hazle]

without a compatible CPU, you won't be able to reach the UEFI menu & perform instant flash. in the likely & unfortunate event you get a motherboard without BIOS P1.40, once you assemble your build & turn it on, all you will see is a blank screen & some beeps. there are cases where, when a non-supported & supported CPU are similar enough (i.e; i5-4440 & i5-4430), you MAY be able to flash it, but again, it's better to assume the worst.

the only best, safe & financially viable option here is to just get a Z97 board or downgrade to a 4770K. beyond that, it's getting a much higher-end mobo with something like Asus' Flashback feature or similar be it by spending more or cutting costs. buying a cheaper supported CPU should be a last resort.