Problems flashing BIOS on MAG B550 Tomahawk

[HottyRat]

I got the B550 Tomahawk with a 5600X, and need to update the BIOS.

I followed this guide: 

 

 

Using only the 24-pin and the CPU 8-pin on the mobo, no CPU or RAM or anything.

I got a FAT32-formated USB stick with only the BIOS file renamed to MSI.ROM.

My PSU is a Corsair RM850 from 2014, but I don't think that is the problem, since it worked fine in my old rig.

 

When I push the "Flash BIOS" button, it starts blinking as in the guides. Then the MOBO LEDs turn on, as in the guides.
The problem is the LED for "Flash BIOS" never stops blinking. Had it going for over 2 hours, still blinking. The debug LED for CPU is also lit, without having a CPU in the socket.

 

I've tried clearing CMOS, tried another USB stick, tried an older version of a BIOS update. Took everything out of the case, and off the mobo.

 

First time I tried to flash the USB stick had another format, FAT, but I reformated to FAT32.

 

The PC won't post without updating.

 

Is the mobo bricked? Did I do anything wrong? 

 

Sorry for wall of text, trying to add as muchdetail  as I can.

 

Thanks

 

[Staidey]

use ch341a programmer

[HottyRat]

3 minutes ago, Adkatka said:

use ch341a programmer

Should this be necessary? If I need to buy extra hardware, wouldn't it be better to RMA?

[Staidey]

Just now, HottyRat said:

Should this be necessary? If I need to buy extra hardware, wouldn't it be better to RMA?

sure you can RMA it, and buy a better board but in case if they dont accept it, you can use the programmer which is only 10$ on amazon

[HottyRat]

Ok, wanted to check for a solution before RMA. Thanks!

[8-Bit Ninja]

16 minutes ago, HottyRat said:

Ok, wanted to check for a solution before RMA. Thanks!

You shouldn't need it installed, but have you tried installing a CPU and then updating the BIOS using the flashback button. You shouldn't need a CPU installed but no harm in trying 

[HottyRat]

4 minutes ago, 8-Bit Ninja said:

You shouldn't need it installed, but have you tried installing a CPU and then updating the BIOS using the flashback button. You shouldn't need a CPU installed but no harm in trying 

That was the first thing I tried. No luck, doesnt even post.

[8-Bit Ninja]

1 minute ago, HottyRat said:

That was the first thing I tried. No luck, doesnt even post.

If you email MSI direct, they may send you out a new BIOS chip instead of you having to RMA the board 

[HottyRat]

Just now, 8-Bit Ninja said:

If you email MSI direct, they may send you out a new BIOS chip instead of you having to RMA the board 

Not comfortable starting to mod a mobo on my own, but thanks for the suggestion

[8-Bit Ninja]

3 minutes ago, HottyRat said:

Not comfortable starting to mod a mobo on my own, but thanks for the suggestion

its not a mod, its just a chip that you pull out with your fingers and plug the new one in

 

[HottyRat]

1 minute ago, 8-Bit Ninja said:

its not a mod, its just a chip that you pull out with your fingers and plug the new one in

 

Ah, I see. Found the ROG Strix X570 on sale for almost the same price, so I'll change it out for that anyways.