The BIOS update method via flash drive isn't functioning. Need assistance?
The BIOS update method via flash drive isn't functioning. Need assistance?
I recently bought a new CPU and GPU. I completed the installation and now need to update my BIOS for my MSI B450 Tomahawk motherboard. Since I no longer have the old CPU, updating via M-Flash isn’t an option—I’m using a flash drive with the BIOS update button on my PC. I’ve carefully followed every instruction and checked the USB drives, formats, and file names according to the requirements. Still, nothing works. I’ve tested seven different flash drives and tried placing them in various ports, but the process remains unsuccessful. Each time I attempt an update, the cooler activates and then shuts off, followed by a red light flashing three times before staying solid. I let it run for at least 15 minutes, but the update still fails. I’ve also reset my RAM sticks and performed a CMOS battery reset as advised, yet the issue persists. I’ve searched everywhere for solutions but found nothing useful. Do all components need to be disconnected before updating the BIOS, or can everything stay plugged in? My current specs are: MSI B450 Tomahawk, AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (4th Gen, 12-core, 24 threads), GeForce RTX 3070 Founders Edition, T-FORCE Vulcan Z GPU, 8GB RAM (x4), 600W Bronze PSU. Any guidance would be extremely helpful. I’m getting frustrated and have been struggling for hours.
Begin by shutting down your computer and restarting it, then quickly press the 'Delete' key repeatedly until you reach the BIOS setup. If your cursor moves to the bottom of the screen, a menu will appear. Pick Q-Flash from it. This launches the Q-Flash application. Inside, choose the BIOS file you saved to your USB drive and follow the setup steps to update it. Confirm whether you want to flash an 'Intact' BIOS or also update the backup version. The process may take a few minutes; avoid interrupting it. After completion, the system will restart, possibly cycling on and off briefly before stabilizing.
Based on the information you provided, it appears you should connect your PSU to CPU_PWR and ATX_PWR only. Power on the supply unit without starting your computer, then press the BIOS flash button. The guide suggests your USB drive should be formatted as FAT32 with a single partition, and the extracted file should be renamed to MSI.ROM. For simplicity, it's assumed MSI doesn't need any additional files on the USB during flashing, though this isn't clearly stated in their documentation. Page 40 of the motherboard manual offers more detailed guidance. A forum thread from MSI discusses additional possible solutions.
It's likely this feature won't function properly without the right processor, which is why they include a flashback button...
You can hold the Bios Key till you're in the Bios nowadays. But if this a non-cpu flash bios of the new type, then yeah, you don't connect any drives or the case. I wouldn't even install the MB into case till I get an out of box test post.