Installing i7-7700k onto Z170 Pro Gaming

Xero_Jack

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Jun 29, 2017
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Hey People, I just bought a new CPU, the i7-7700K for my PC, and I am currently researching how to install it and whatnot. I am pretty sure I need to update my bios, but I have no idea if that need sto be done before or after inserting the new CPU into my system. If anybody would like to explain everystep or replacing my old CPU (i5 7600k btw) with this new one step by step I would be very greatful as I have had a lot of good experiences with this forum, and I trust you guys to help me through this stuff, not some shabby indian dude on YouTube or anything. So any help, prefferably a step by step explaination would be very appreciated :)

 
Solution
Pretty simple really.

Download and Update BIOS file for your motherboard.

Set BIOS to Optimized defaults.

Shut computer off.

Replace CPU/Cooler etc.

Start machine back up and go into BIOS.

Verify settings, set XMP memory profile.

Save and boot into Windows.

Update Windows.
Pretty simple really.

Download and Update BIOS file for your motherboard.

Set BIOS to Optimized defaults.

Shut computer off.

Replace CPU/Cooler etc.

Start machine back up and go into BIOS.

Verify settings, set XMP memory profile.

Save and boot into Windows.

Update Windows.
 
Solution

Seanie280672

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Mar 19, 2017
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If your old cpu is a i5 7600k, then you wont need to update the bios, you already have a kaby lake i5 and just moving to an i7, unless this was a typo and you meant you have a 6700k currently, in which case you do need to update the bios.
 

Xero_Jack

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Jun 29, 2017
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I do have the i5-7600k, which I bought when I build the PC, is there any way to check if the bios updates are compatible for both cpu's? Would be great if what you say is true, I'm always quite scared doing stuff on/about my pc :p
 


If it's the latest BIOS and or if you already have that latest vers you will be fine.

Both the i5 7600K and i7 7700K are 7th generation Kaby Lake so you will be fine.

The motherboards webpage will have the latest info on the BIOS files on the Download page.
 

Seanie280672

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Mar 19, 2017
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If you boot into the bios, have a look which version it already says is on the board, according to the website, you need at least bios version 3016 or higher to support both of those CPU's if thats already on the board, then just load bios defaults, its in the save an exit menu, it may say optimized defaults, same thing, just differently worded, then save and exit, shut down the computer, make sure you remove the PSU power cable and hit the power on button on the case a couple of times to drain the capacitors in the PSU, then carefully swap out the 2 CPUs, then follow the rest of jankerson first set of instructions, you'll be good to go then.
 

Xero_Jack

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Jun 29, 2017
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I dont think I have the latest version as in the bios it says Bios Version 2003, and a date somwhere in 2016, while the latest on the Asus site is version 3501. :/
 

Seanie280672

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Mar 19, 2017
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Its strange that the CPU you are using now then is even working, see my last post just before yours, as 3016 or higher is required to run both of those CPUs: https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/Z170-PRO-GAMING/HelpDesk_CPU/
 

Xero_Jack

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Jun 29, 2017
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Could you elaborate on how you update your bios? Everywhere I seem to find different methods and such, as far as I understand it now you need to download the .cap file from the Asus site, put it on a FAT32 formated flashdrive, then restart your PC into the bios and make it boot the flashdrive?

Another thing I would like to know is if I would update right now, will I still be able to use my PC untill tommorrow, when the new CPU arrives? I have an i5-7600k cpu installed atm. Thanks in advance :)
 

Xero_Jack

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Jun 29, 2017
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Ye, that is odd, I will get some screenshots and photos, I might be fully wrong on where to look and all that, brb
 

Seanie280672

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Mar 19, 2017
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With that board, just format a USB stick to FAT32, download the bios file, un zip it and copy just the .CAP file to the USB stick only, not in any folders, reboot into the bios, in there you will see a tool called ezflash, launch it and follow the instructions, no need to make the USB stick bootable, just leave the USB stick inserted until you are safely back in the bios again after the flash.

And yes, you will still be able to use your machine until your new CPU arrives.
 

Xero_Jack

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Jun 29, 2017
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Ay, thank you man, was looking for this piece of info, I'll try this! Thanks!