Question MSI z170a gaming pro m5 CPU Compatibility Question

[ThundyUK]

Hi all,

I'm sorry to walk in and just ask a question but I'm a bit stuck. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to building a PC from scratch, but have had every piece out and replaced over the years so I'm sure I can do it, and I'm at the moment scavenging for bits for an entry/mid level gaming PC for my little sister.

Anyway, I managed to get a MSI Z170a Gaming Pro M5 Intel (7984-001R) for pretty cheap on ebay second hand, and I'm just going to get a CPU to fit it when something pops up. However I'm struggling to understand if the board I bought will take just Skylake or Kaby Lake as well. According to what I can find out the board does take both, but only if it's under a certain age with a certain BIOS the problem is I can't check the BIOS date.

Does anyone know if this board would take Kaby Lake in all likelihood at all? Or have any ideas how I can find out? I don't believe I can upgrade the BIOS without a CPU so I may find myself in a catch 22 situation if I go the Kaby Lake route.

Really appreciate the guidance, thanks.

 

[rgd1101]

it will take skylake
kaby lake only if it got the bios version.
ask the seller?

 

[COLGeek]

Compatible CPUs for that motherboard can be found here:

https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z170A-GAMING-M5#support-cpu

Without a compatible CPU installed, you can't determine the current installed BIOS version. As rgd1101 suggested, ask the seller for the info. Wouldn't hurt to ask.

 

[ThundyUK]

Aye, I did. He did update the BIOS but doesn't recall when or the version, and is now unable to check.

ah heck eh.

Thanks for the assist

There's some alright Skylakes though to be fair..... just limits my options a bit.

 

[ThundyUK]

Suppose I could get a cheap low end CPU check, and then sell it again?