What does this mean?: Some Intel B150 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Kaby Lake-S CPUs. .."

PotatoChez

Commendable
Apr 6, 2017
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0
1,640
So whenever I try to check the compatibility of a motherboard with an i5-7500 on PCPARTPICKER.com, it says "Some Intel B150 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Kaby Lake-S CPUs. Upgrading the BIOS may require a different CPU that is supported by older BIOS revisions." for many motherboards I'd like to buy, Is there a way to fix this and what does this mean?

One Example:
CPU: Intel i5-7500
Motherboard: https://www.amazon.com/LGA1151-Micro-Motherboards-B150M-PLUS-D3/dp/B016A459GO/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1492063123&sr=1-3&keywords=lga1151+ddr3
 
Solution
So what this means is that if you try to use a kaby lake cpu on a b150 board (which was originally made for skylake) you will need to update the bios to support kaby lake before you could use your computer. Directions on how to do this can be found in the forums of tomshardware.com. Me personally would just recommend you to get a b250 board which are the same price and you wont have to deal with the hassle of updating the bios.

Bjorn Samuel

Prominent
Apr 13, 2017
4
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510
You can check motherboard manufacturer's website if they have BIOS update for that specific motherboard so that it will work with kabylake processors. The parts you provided in the example are compatible after you update your BIOS to version 2202 (which is the newest version currently). Do keep in mind though that you will need a skylake processor to first get into the bios to do the update. So if you have one lying around or you can borrow one, you could do this. But if you want to save some time and possible frustration and avoid the risk of bricking your motherboard during the BIOS update, I'd advice you to buy a motherboard that supports kabylake out of the box, or sticking with a skylake processor.

Hope it helps.

EDIT: Also make sure the motherboard supports DDR4 RAM. The motherboard you mentioned does not.


 

General_Cool

Distinguished

It means the BIOS needs to be updated to be compatible with the Kaby-Lake CPUs. Get a 6500 if you really cannot live without that motherboard. Other than that, deal with getting a B250 motherboard.
 

Stepho456

Prominent
May 7, 2017
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So what this means is that if you try to use a kaby lake cpu on a b150 board (which was originally made for skylake) you will need to update the bios to support kaby lake before you could use your computer. Directions on how to do this can be found in the forums of tomshardware.com. Me personally would just recommend you to get a b250 board which are the same price and you wont have to deal with the hassle of updating the bios.
 
Solution