Maximum PC

In the January issue, on page 24 RTFM section, it was stated that there is a special USB port that will enable us to update the BIOS without the use of the CPU. I checked two of my motherboard manuals (Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H and ASUS M5A97 EVO) and could not find any mention of this ability. Do you have any references I could check on this?

Thanks.

And I personally feel you've read that incorrectly. RTFM yourself? Maybe MPC is giving gold when the manual isn't. Try it yourself...

Read the story on the Asus P9X79 deluxe motherboard. Page 74.

Thanks, Willis.

I just read the story, and on page 74 the writer said "This board also has an "all new" (my quotes) feature that lets you use a particular USB port to update its BIOS without a processor installed". The writer for page 24 RTFM paragraph said "Did you know your motherboard has a special USB port....". I have yet to find a motherboard (except the P9X79) that mentions that port.

Right now I'm not in the $400.00 motherboard range so I did not pay much attention to Page 74 before you pointed it out.

Thanks again

Fair enough. I'll wear my sarcasm bells much more obviously next time to you can hear me coming from miles away

USB flashback has nothing to do with being able to flash without a CPU. What it does is enable flashing of the BIOS with minimal power settings so that you don't have to boot in order to do it. But this is far and away from flashing using an empty socket. Minimal power and empty sockets are very different things, MPC got it wrong, and should not trust that writer more than the manual.

No board to date is able to function without the CPU, as said board would need a mind of it's own. So hit that button all you want...it ain't doing jack. Gigabyte nor Asus say they can flash without a CPU...MPC editors did. The manual doesn't lie.

Okay Chumly, It looks like you put the final nail in the "update BIOS without a CPU" coffin.
Thank you all for your inputs.

This topic is DEAD.