First Build in 10 years - MSI X570 Creation compatiability with 5950x

[prysm]

I haven't built a computer in awhile, and am a little out of practice. I've assisted my friends with building their computers through the years, but I'm getting a little nervous this time around (you'll see why)

I ordered my first round of parts while I wait for Ryzen & Nvidia bring in more stock. I intend to have all the parts by the end of January.

 

My intended build:

Case: Lian Li Dynamic XL (RECEIVED)

Motherboard: MSI X570 Creation  (RECEIVED) https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRESTIGE-X570-CREATION

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5950X (PENDING)

CPU Cooler: EK 360 RGB (RECEIVED)

RAM: 128GB 3400 kit (PENDING)

SSD: M.2 (PENDING)

Power Supply: EVGA 1000 (RECEIVED)

Graphics Card: RTX 3080 (PENDING)

 

Its come to my attention that my motherboard probably doesn't natively support the Ryzen 5000 series without a bios update. I've always been under the impression that a motherboard needs a CPU to update the BIOS.

 

Do I need a CPU to do the BIOS update? Do I need to buy a cheap, older Ryzen 2000/3000 CPU to update the bios to support the 5950x?

The motherboard has no display output. Can I slap an old graphics card so I can see it post/update the bios?

I see something about a M-Flash Bios Update in the manual, but it doesn't mention whether I needs a CPU or not.

Anyone that can answer my questions and calm my nerves would be appreciated.

[MoonlightSylv]

It doesn't seem like this board supports the ability to update the bios without a CPU, the earliest version that supports the 5000 series is version 7C36v1B which released on November 11th. It likely didn't ship with that version. I've heard of some manufacturers shipping out "BIOS update kits" that include the necessary components to update the BIOS so that may be worth looking into. Otherwise just pick up a cheap 2000 series chip (your motherboard also seems to support certain 1000 series chips too https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/support/PRESTIGE-X570-CREATION#support-cpu)

[prysm]

Thanks. That's unfortunate to hear, but I was expecting that to be the answer.

[wajdzik]

Read this https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/pa-100 it's for the previous Ryzens but should be relevent. Also since you already have that MB - did you tried to run it without CPU just to get to BIOS? If you can do that you might be able to update from USB.

[Helpful Tech Witch]

10 hours ago, prysm said:

Thanks. That's unfortunate to hear, but I was expecting that to be the answer.

You could send the cpu to amd, hen they would send  a cpu to update the bios with. But thats for 3rd gen in a b450, so i dont know bout 4th/5000/zen 3 in a x570

[Analog]

Usually in such cases the retailer from where you will be buying the parts can be asked for assistance. I have done it myself and have had no issues at all, the retailers have always been quite nice and have helped in such occasions.