Z370-f compatible with 9th gen CPU?

[jnj01]

I bought the Z370-f and some other components for a new build, but I'm yet to buy a CPU. The store that sold the motherboard said it was compatible with 8th gen CPUs, but I googled it, and anandtech says they support 9th gen so I'm pretty confused now. I don't want to buy a 9th gen CPU if it won't even work properly. Can someone clarify this for me?

 

[luckymatt42]

Yes, z370 will work with the new 9000 series, BUT will more than likely require a BIOS update to support the new chips.

If you are buying it brand new, you may want to check with the manufacturer for the best way to update BIOS (some motherboards you can update BIOS without having a cpu installed).

z390 supports 9000 out of the box, but don't let that discourage you...it should be a pretty easy process to get the 9000 working on z370.

 

[jnj01]

Yes, z370 will work with the new 9000 series, BUT will more than likely require a BIOS update to support the new chips.

If you are buying it brand new, you may want to check with the manufacturer for the best way to update BIOS (some motherboards you can update BIOS without having a cpu installed).

z390 supports 9000 out of the box, but don't let that discourage you...it should be a pretty easy process to get the 9000 working on z370.

I have updated the BIOS once before on a msi B85M-E45, and holy moly it was scary. It worked though, but isn't there a chance of destroying the motherboard?

I just checked their website for my new motherboard; https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/ROG-STRIX-Z370-F-GAMING/HelpDesk_Download/

I only find one BIOS update, however, some VGA update claims to support 9th gen CPUs.

I apologize if it sounds stupid, I'm not very experienced with motherboards and BIOS. I'm just terrified of BIOS updates in general.

 

[TJ Hooker]

There are many BIOS updates listed, you just version 1002 or newer (might as well flash the newest).

The only real risk from BIOS updating is if it's interrupted part way through. So if you live somewhere with regular black/brown outs it's best to do it with a UPC. Otherwise, don't update it in the middle of a storm, and make sure you update using the updater in the BIOS (rather than some tool in Windows).

 

[luckymatt42]

BIOS updating is MUCH easier and more stable these days. I'll second TJ above on his advice, but I'll add READ THROUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS IN THE MANUAL BEFORE STARTING...it is not hard, but it's not something you want to stop halfway through to "figure something out".

 

[jnj01]

There are many BIOS updates listed, you just version 1002 or newer (might as well flash the newest).

The only real risk from BIOS updating is if it's interrupted part way through. So if you live somewhere with regular black/brown outs it's best to do it with a UPC. Otherwise, don't update it in the middle of a storm, and make sure you update using the updater in the BIOS (rather than some tool in Windows).

Sorry, what does flash mean in this case?

 

[TJ Hooker]

Updating the BIOS is often referred to as flashing the BIOS, as the BIOS is held in flash memory.