Will I need a processor to do a bios update?

Hi  

You do the Bios update with the OLD cpu in...

All the best Brett  

Yeah but i dont have an old cpu, unless an old athlon will work

You can't run the BIOS update program without a CPU that is supported by the current BIOS version. It does create issues at times going with new CPU and older MB.

The best thing to do is to return the mobo for one that can support the FX-8350 out of the box.

The other option is to buy a CPU that is compatible with the mobo. Install it, update the BIOS, then sell it on ebay. You will take a loss on the CPU since it will be a used CPU.

I suppose you could buy a used Sempron 140 on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Sempron-140-2-7-GHz-SDX140H...

presumably it would still be worth $20-25 when done with it.

You are going to pay shipping on a processor or you can pay return shipping on the board. It's not a "special" board that would be worth the hassle, IMO. I'd just exchange the board if you can.

Which Athlon? If it is AM3 it will probably work.