It’s essential for PC owners to regularly check their system’s BIOS version, which is the primary interface between hardware and software. Knowing this number can be extremely helpful when you need to upgrade or troubleshoot your PC.
However, it can be difficult to know the BIOS version without the processor installed on the motherboard. Fortunately, there are several different ways you can easily check your motherboard’s BIOS version without having to use the CPU.
Most modern motherboards will have a way to check the version embedded directly in their menu settings, online resources you can use, or even software that could be downloaded and used. Above all, this article will provide you with the detailed information necessary to check your motherboard’s BIOS version without needing a CPU.
Each of these methods should make finding out what your motherboard’s BIOS version is without a processor straightforward and quick.
Motherboard BIOS
The motherboard BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a vital part of any PC. It is responsible for managing the boot sequence and controlling all the other components contained within the motherboard such as memory, processors, and expansion cards. The BIOS is also responsible for initializing the operating system and providing low-level services to it. It also acts as an interface between hardware and software by communicating with both.
The BIOS is stored on a special nonvolatile ROM chip which allows it to be retained even when power is lost. This chip can be updated periodically with new versions of the BIOS allowing users to take advantage of improved functionality or bug fixes.
With newer motherboards, users can access the BIOS through an easy to use graphical user interface or GUI which allows them to configure settings quickly and easily. The BIOS also contains a set of default values which are used if no other parameters are specified at startup.
These default values are usually set by manufacturers but can also be customized by users according to their own specific needs.
How To Check The Motherboard Bios Version Without CPU
Knowing the BIOS version of your motherboard can be essential in ensuring that you have the right drivers installed and that your system is running optimally. But what if you don’t have a processor installed? Is it still possible to check your motherboard’s BIOS version? The answer is yes, Let’s take a look at some easy ways to do this.
Using an External Program
One way to check the BIOS version on your motherboard without a CPU is by using an external program.
There are several third-party programs available that can help you check your motherboard’s BIOS version, and most are free.
- One popular example is CPU-Z, which can be downloaded and run from any Windows computer.
- Once installed, simply launch the program and it will display all relevant information about your computer hardware, including the current version of the BIOS.
Motherboard Manufacturer Website
Another option is to visit the website of your motherboard manufacturer and use their search engine to find out what type of model you have.
- Once you know this, then you can go directly to the download page for that model and find out which versions of the BIOS are available for it.
- This may not always be possible if there are no downloads available or if they are all outdated, but it’s worth a try.
Using The Command Prompt
Finally, another way to check your motherboard’s BIOS version without having a CPU installed is by using the Windows command prompt (CMD).
- Simply open up CMD and type “wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion” this will show you the current version of the BIOS that is installed on your system.
How do I update the BIOS on my motherboard?
Updating the BIOS on your motherboard is an important component of ensuring that it runs efficiently and correctly.
The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is a set of low-level routines built into the hardware of your computer that handles communication between various devices within the system.
Keeping your BIOS up to date ensures that your computer runs at its best performance and with fewer errors.
Step 1. Find out what motherboard i have
To update your BIOS, you need to know the make and model of your motherboard. You can usually find this information printed on a sticker attached to the back or underside of your computer case.
If you don’t have access to that sticker or if it is illegible, then you will need to search for it online.
- To do this, you can usually search for it by the model number or serial number of your computer.
- Once you have found it, go to your motherboard’s official manufacturer website and look for the “Support” or “Downloads” section.
Step 2. Download The Latest BIOS File
The next step is to download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard. You can usually find this in the Downloads section of the website.
It’s important to make sure that you download the correct version, as installing an incorrect version may cause serious damage to your system.
Step 3. Install The New BIOS File
Once you have downloaded the new BIOS file, you will need to install it onto your computer.
The installation process can vary depending on the type of motherboard and BIOS version, so you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for detailed instructions.
Once installed, it is recommended that you restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Step 4. Extract and Rename the BIOS File
Now, you may need to extract and rename the BIOS file before installing it.
- To do this, open up the folder where you downloaded the new BIOS file and look for an executable (.exe) file.
- Double-click on this file and follow the instructions to extract its contents into a separate folder.
- Then rename the extracted file to something like “bios.bin” and save it in the same folder as the downloaded BIOS file.
Step 4. Format the USB Drive As FAT32 and Add BIOS File
You now need to format a USB drive in the FAT32 file system and copy the BIOS file onto it.
- To do this, plug your USB drive into your computer and open up File Explorer.
- Right-click on the USB drive and select “Format”. Change the File System option to FAT32 and click “Start” to begin the formatting process.
- Once the formatting is finished, copy the BIOS file onto the USB drive and then eject it from your computer.
Step 5. Enter BIOS Setup And Locate The Flash Utility
Now you need to enter BIOS setup and locate the flash utility option.
- To do this, restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter BIOS setup.
- This key is usually something like F2 or Delete, but it can vary depending on your motherboard and BIOS version.
- Once you are in BIOS setup, look for a “Flash Utility” option and select it. This will open up the flash utility window where you can select the USB drive containing the new BIOS file.
Step 6. Flash The New BIOS File
Now you are ready to flash the new BIOS file onto your motherboard.
- To do this, select the USB drive from the list of available drives and then click “Flash” or “Update”.
- The flashing process should begin immediately and once it is finished, your computer will automatically restart.
Step 7. Check The BIOS Version
Once your computer has restarted, you can check the BIOS version to make sure that it was successfully updated. To do this, enter BIOS setup again and look for the “Version” option.
This should be displaying the new version of the BIOS that you just installed.
Congratulations! You have successfully updated the BIOS on your motherboard. If you ever need to update it again in the future, simply repeat these steps and you should be good to go.
Step 8. Restart Your Computer
Once the BIOS version has been checked, you can then restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
This is an important step since some changes may not be applied until after a restart. After restarting your computer, you can check again to make sure that the new BIOS version is still active.
If so, then you have successfully updated your motherboard’s BIOS.
How Long Should The BIOS Update Take?
Updating your BIOS is an important part of maintaining the health and performance of your computer, as it ensures that you are running the latest hardware compatibility updates.
How long a BIOS update should take depends on several factors such as the speed of your Internet connection, how large the update is, and how powerful your computer’s processor is.
Generally speaking, this process should only take a few minutes; however, those with slower connections or older computers might experience delays.
It is essential to install these updates as soon as possible in order to protect yourself from system security risks and ensure maximum performance.
Conclusion
Checking the BIOS version of your computer’s motherboard can be an important step in ensuring that your system is operating properly. However, it is possible to perform this task without having to take apart the unit or connect a CPU.
By using programs such as the System Info Utility, accessing the CMOS Setup area on your machine, or by simply looking at its manufacturer documentation, you can successfully check the BIOS version without ever needing to connect a CPU.
With these measures in mind, you are guaranteed to know exactly what BIOS version is running on your motherboard at all times. Moreover, we also explained steps how you can update you bios to the latest version.
If you ever need to update your BIOS, simply follow our guide and you’ll be good to go. Good luck!
FAQs
Is BIOS on CPU or motherboard?
The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is a firmware stored on the motherboard. This system provides a single interface for systems to transfer data between the hardware and software components of your computer. The BIOS acts as an intermediary, allowing information to flow from the operating system to the processor and other parts of the computer including the hard drive, optical disks and RAM. BIOS also stores settings for how your computer’s hardware should be configured, such as boot order in which devices should be checked for booting up.
Does BIOS require a CPU?
Absolutely, on almost all modern PCs, the BIOS (basic input output system) is deeply connected to, and reliant upon, the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Here’s why: a CPU is required to start the computer, as it is responsible for reading the BIOS instruction set and loading it into RAM for further execution. Without a functioning CPU, these critical instructions cannot be read and loaded, thus preventing the computer from starting up – and without these instructions, none of its other peripherals can be accessed. As such, almost every PC relies on both a functional BIOS and CPU in order to work properly.
How do I know if my BIOS needs updating?
Knowing if your BIOS needs to be updated is relatively easy; all you need to do is stay mindful and aware of any potential issues with the system, which can be present even after a fresh installation of an operating system. Regularly checking in with manufacturer-provided technical support can also help ensure that your system is up-to-date, as many tech companies provide periodic updates for both hardware and software aspects of their products.
