Check if downgrading the Asus Z170-K BIOS can enable overclocking for the i5-6400 processor.
Check if downgrading the Asus Z170-K BIOS can enable overclocking for the i5-6400 processor.
Hello! I plan to buy the Asus Z170-K + i5-6400 build for overclocking and gaming. Would it be safe to downgrade the BIOS from the "overclocking-blocked" version to "overclocking-enabled"? I remember someone warning me that this could lead to problems and potentially a "brick." Any advice?
Best regards!
I mean, overclocking BIOS was changed a long time ago so that the new BIOS versions could reach stores. I think I should revert this new BIOS back to the older, safer version right after buying it. Is it safe to do the downgrade?
Yes, you can definitely do that. Flashing any new BIOS completely replaces the previous one, regardless of its version. Just remember to also clear the CMOS after flashing, because just loading the optimized default settings isn't enough—it will reset both the new and old BIOS settings.
The ASUS board might require using the Winflash tool with the "/nodate" option to properly select the BIOS file.
It's okay to switch to newer or older versions. Newer BIOS models tend to fix more problems, but if your system works fine with an older NonK OC-enabled BIOS, it's safe. The only certainty is to test it. Also, clearing the CMOS each time after a BIOS change is recommended.
chenuki :
There's no harm in changing newer or older versions. Newer BIOS address more issues, but if your system runs without problems on an older NonK OC-enabled BIOS then it's safe to do so. No way of knowing for sure except to try it. Additionally, it's advisable to clear CMOS each time after changing BIOS.
I mean, overclocking BIOS was "updated" to non-overclocking version quite long time ago for that mobos with new BIOS could get to the stores. So I expect to downgrade this new BIOS back, revert to the "nice" overclocking version, just after purchase. Can I do the downgrade safely?
Thanks for advice about CMOS, will do that when reverting. But should I do that before or after flashing?
I mean, overclocking the BIOS was changed to a non-overclocking version quite some time ago for those models that had new BIOS releases available in stores. I think I should revert this new BIOS back to the older, more stable version right after purchase. Is it safe to perform the downgrade?
Yes, you can definitely do that. Any new BIOS you install will completely replace the previous one, regardless of its version. Just remember to also reset the CMOS after flashing, as simply loading optimized default settings isn't enough—it clears both the new and old BIOS configurations.
The ASUS board might require using the Winflash tool with the "/nodate" option to allow selection of a BIOS file with a smaller or older version number. See: http://forums.legitreviews.com/viewtopic.php?t=41080
Thank you for your guidance on CMOS. I'll proceed with the reversion. Should I perform it before or after flashing? You're very welcome. Clear CMOS after flashing.