BIOS Flash to a new socket

[MadSupra354]

I'm upgrading from an AM3 CPU to an AM3+ when it comes out, and my motherboard is flash able to an AM3+ socket, and I was wondering, in which order would I do this? Flash the BIOS, then install the CPU, or Install the CPU first?
Thanks.

 

[bobkn]

Update the BIOS with the old CPU in place. The new BIOS will support the old CPU. The old BIOS may not support the new CPU.

 

[MadSupra354]

Update the BIOS with the old CPU in place. The new BIOS will support the old CPU. The old BIOS may not support the new CPU.

So updating a BIOS from an earlier socket that the CPU is using, to a new socket is not recommended for long term use?

 

[alphanumeric]

Update the BIOS with the old CPU in place. The new BIOS will support the old CPU. The old BIOS may not support the new CPU.

So updating a BIOS from an earlier socket that the CPU is using, to a new socket is not recommended for long term use?

Um, how did you come to that conclusion from that post?
You're not updating the socket, you're updating the list of supported CPU's
You flash the BIOS first. If the old BIOS does not support the new CPU your PC may not post. If it doesn't post, you can't flash the BIOS. The new BIOS file just adds more CPU support, it will still support the old CPU.
The BIOS looks for code on the CPU that tells it what clock multiplier and voltage to use. CPU's made after the motherboard is manufactured may not be in the list. If the motherboard can't figure out what settings to use it doesn't boot up to prevent damage. You'll get a not supported message or just a flashing cursor. In that case the manufacturer adds them to the BIOS code. Then to get the new support you flash your BIOS. Just be sure the BIOS file you plan to use is meant for your motherboard. If its not you could damage your motherboard.

 

[MadSupra354]

Um, how did you come to that conclusion from that post?

I didn't. On the page for BIOS downloads for my motherboard, it says "For testing AM3+ CPU Function only, do not update this BIOS while using AM3 or previous type CPUs!"
It is a Beta BIOS, so they could just be advising not to use it. But then why would they upload it?

 

[alphanumeric]

Um, how did you come to that conclusion from that post?

I didn't. On the page for BIOS downloads for my motherboard, it says "For testing AM3+ CPU Function only, do not update this BIOS while using AM3 or previous type CPUs!"
It is a Beta BIOS, so they could just be advising not to use it. But then why would they upload it?

OK, now I've got it. Yeah thats weird? I personally wouldn't be in a big hurry to run a beta BIOS. :shock:

 

[stormy13]

All things considering, I would wait until the AM3+ CPU's come out and it is confirmed that they are pin compatible with the AM3 socket.

 

[bobkn]

Sorry, I didn't check for your specific motherboard.

It appears that updating to the 3017 beta BIOS may not be a good idea for purpose other than testing AM3+ CPUs.

I expect that if you wait for a non-beta BIOS, my original advice would hold.