Motherboard BIOS update without CPU

atreyu

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Apr 8, 2005
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18,640
Hi folks,
I just bought a Gigabyte H110M S2 motherboard along with a Intel Core I3 7100. The motherboard does not support this CPU out of the box and needs a firmware upgrade to the latest version. Since this motherboard supports QFlash i assumed it can be done without the CPU.

Now i connect the main PSU connector and the additional CPU power connector the motherboard. I installed one RAM module (DDR4 8GB). Connected the keyboard (USB2.0) and monitor (DSUB). I also connected a fan to see if the board was getting power. The CPU is not connected as there i not point in doing that.

On Switching on the fan works fine, but the keyboard does not work nor do i get any display. I am expecting to see the BIOS screen.

Am i doing something wrong or does the board need to be RMAed?

Thanks
 
Solution
I think your best bet would be to find a local shop that would put in a supported CPU and flash it for you. It's less of an annoyance than buying a supported CPU and returning it, and it will likely not cost very much.
Boards that support flashing without CPU are far and between - several top models from ASUS and Gigabyte support that feature, but this board does not. Your best bet is either getting/borrowing a compatible CPU just to flash BIOS, or getting an older CPU or newer mobo.
 

MWP0004

Respectable
Oct 26, 2016
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I think your best bet would be to find a local shop that would put in a supported CPU and flash it for you. It's less of an annoyance than buying a supported CPU and returning it, and it will likely not cost very much.
 
Solution

atreyu

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Apr 8, 2005
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Wow.. thats bad news i had bought this combination thinking i could upgrade using just Qflash. How do i identify a board that supports BIOS load without CPU

EDIT: Just figured it out.. its Qflash Plus. I always thought it was Qflash. Now to take it back to the dealer and hope he has a 6 series chip lying around.
 

PK2002

Prominent
May 6, 2017
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You Need q+ Flash. You put The bios update file on a usb (no other data on usb!!!) Then boot up the motherboard and wait there is a light on a usb port when it stops flashing the bios is flashed. If this not work you should buy a Celeron g3900 for around 35€.