Is This Mobo And CPU Compatible Or Not?

foresterbigboss

Reputable
Oct 8, 2014
21
0
4,510
Okay so I have the mobo MSI Z87M-G43 and a CPU of i5 4690. On the CPU support on the manufacture website, it said that this mobo support this cpu. But then, when I go to the PCPartPicker.com they said that this 'MIGHT' , i repeat , 'MIGHT' need a BIOS update. The things is, if the mobo support the cpu, why does it the website said it still need bios update. And i heard some of my fellow gamers said the computer wont boot if this kind of 'might need bios update' notification appear on the PcPartPicker.com. Is this true? Need some help. Appreciate the help!
 
Solution
It depends on what is the MB manufacturing date for the MB, in most case you need update the BIOS because the i5 4690 is the haswell refresh cpu so that the MB need the newer version BIOS to support it. For the MSI Z87M-G43, it need at least 7823v26.zip ( I guess the 2.6 version) http://www.msi.com/support/mb/Z87M-G43.html#support_download cpu support list http://www.msi.com/support/mb/Z87M-G43.html#support-cpu
So you check the MB series number to find out what is the MB manufacturing date, here is how to http://www.msi.com/page/warranty/#w-mb If the MB was made after 2/27/14, the MB will have the BIOS for the i5 4690. If the date is before 2/27/14, then you need other compatible cpu to update the BIOS so that you can use the i5 4690...
It depends on what is the MB manufacturing date for the MB, in most case you need update the BIOS because the i5 4690 is the haswell refresh cpu so that the MB need the newer version BIOS to support it. For the MSI Z87M-G43, it need at least 7823v26.zip ( I guess the 2.6 version) http://www.msi.com/support/mb/Z87M-G43.html#support_download cpu support list http://www.msi.com/support/mb/Z87M-G43.html#support-cpu
So you check the MB series number to find out what is the MB manufacturing date, here is how to http://www.msi.com/page/warranty/#w-mb If the MB was made after 2/27/14, the MB will have the BIOS for the i5 4690. If the date is before 2/27/14, then you need other compatible cpu to update the BIOS so that you can use the i5 4690 on the MSI Z87M-G43.
 
Solution
Yes that is right.

The 4690 is the haswell refresh line of CPUs whereas the Z87 board was originally designed for haswell 1st gen. Therefore, the original BIOS is incompatible and needs an update.
You need to:

1) Buy a Z97 or H97 board that has up to date BIOS out of the box
2) Buy an ASUS Z87 that can be updated without a CPU installed
3) Buy the MSI you want then use an old compatible CPU to update BIOS or take it to a shop for them to do it.
4) Take the risk and hope that it comes with latest BIOS out of the box - this is why PCPP says 'might' since they don't know what BIOS the board will ship with. ....this is just based on how new the stock is.