Bios Update Help.

dreadloch · Dec 25, 2013

Purchased an ASRock Z68 PRO3-M as part of a budget build 2 years ago, and have had an i3-2120 plugged into it since. It's starting to lag behind in speed (I use it for mid-low end gaming) so I'm looking to upgrade my CPU to something like the i5-3350P. My old I3 is Sandybridge and the I5 is Ivybridge so I'm assuming there's some sort of Bios update required if I want to upgrade.

My questions are; Can my mobo be upgraded to Ivybridge compatibility? How difficult of a process is a bios update for a relative novice like myself? Are there any step by step guides available that someone could direct me to?

swifty_morgan · Dec 25, 2013

do you know what BIOS you have now............. and did you go to the motherboard manufacturers site and see if the BIOS for your existing cpu and new cpu are the same?.......... bet they are.......... just guessing.......... but think they are.

rgd1101 · Dec 25, 2013

http://www.bing.com/search?q=ASRock+Z68+PRO3-M
asrock website for the motherboard, check cpu supported list, bios version.

alexoiu · Dec 25, 2013

The CPU requires P2.20 or newer
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z68%20Pro3-M/?cat=CPU
Check the version in BIOS, using CPU-Z or check the sticker on the BIOS chip.
With the -P you need also a graphics card (in case you use the onboard with 2120)
Use Instant Flash in BIOS. Check the manual for how to.
Download the latest BIOS version from http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z68%20Pro3-M/?cat=Download&os=BIOS

dreadloch · Dec 25, 2013

ASRock Z68 Pro3-M CPU Support list.

Looks like the i5-3350P is supported, but requires bios version 'P2.20'

My current bios version with the i3-2120 is 'P1.50' according to my system information panel.

swifty_morgan · Dec 25, 2013

I think asrock has a bios update tool you can use from within the bios itself..???

dreadloch · Dec 25, 2013

Can I upgrade straight from 'P1.50' to 'P2.20' or do I need to upgrade to 'P2.10' first? Also can I update to 'P2.20' prior to the installation of the i5 with my current i3 still plugged in?

swifty_morgan · Dec 25, 2013

in the past there have been a few occasions where I had to do incremental updates. if there are 2, check the pdf and see what's there. Personally I would put the new cpu in and see if it will run right without the bios update.................

but, the right way would be to update with your current cpu in the socket.

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Bios Update Help.

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