Unable to Boot New Desktop System Configured with AMD Ryzen™ Series Processor, and Compatible AMD-Powered Motherboard

Issue Description

To enable support for new desktop processors on compatible motherboards, a BIOS update may be required. Without such a BIOS, the system may fail to boot. This BIOS update and can be easily performed on working systems, before installing the new processor. However, on newly assembled / upgraded systems performing this BIOS update may not be feasible for some users if:

1. Their motherboard does not support USB BIOS Flashback* and,
2. They do not have access to a processor compatible with their motherboard’s current BIOS.

If you have a working system or a motherboard capable of USB BIOS Flashback, please review your system / motherboard user manual for BIOS update instructions. The BIOS version required to support your new AMD processor can be obtained through your motherboard manufacturer’s website:

• ASRock
• ASUS
• Biostar
• Gigabyte
• MSI

Workarounds

Users who are unable to update their motherboard BIOS because of system limitations or individual circumstances should consider these workarounds, before applying the boot-kit solution detailed in the next section.

1. Update From Retailer
   If the motherboard was purchased through a computer parts retailer, check with the retailer to see if they can facilitate the BIOS update at their location. There may be a charge for this, or it may be offered at no cost. Alternatively, if you have access to a processor supported on the current installed BIOS, use it to perform the BIOS update, then swap out the processors when the update process is complete.
    
2. Original Manufacturer Replacement
   The Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) of the motherboard will support their customers with an RMA exchange for a compatible motherboard, upon request. Please try contacting the support representatives from the manufacturer of your motherboard for RMA assistance.

Short-Term Processor Loan Boot-Kit

AMD will offer affected and qualified users (as described below) a compatible CPU (“boot-kit”), including thermal solution, for short-term use to perform the BIOS update on their motherboard. This short-term processor loan or boot-kit is offered through AMD warranty services and is available only for qualified users that:

1. Have made a valid purchase of a retail boxed AMD Ryzen™ Series Desktop Processor and,
2. Are unable to boot that processor because the user’s current BIOS, on the compatible AMD-Powered motherboard, must be upgraded first.
3. Have followed the suggested workarounds documented in this article and,
4. Are still unable to obtain a resolution for updating to the required BIOS.

This service is free of charge with the following conditions:

Once you have submitted your claim for a processor loan boot-kit, AMD will require pictures of your AMD Ryzen Series Desktop Processor and compatible AMD-Powered Motherboard, which clearly shows the model numbers and unique serial numbers as well as a copy of the purchase invoice(s) to authorize the request. Also required is a summary or copy of the communication with the motherboard manufacturer indicating why support from the Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) is not suitable.

Once the RMA request is approved, the boot-kit will be sent with pre-paid return shipping. The processor is provided as a temporary loan to you for the sole purpose of updating the BIOS and must be returned within 10 business days of receipt.

Note: This short-term processor loan boot-kit solution is available only for systems using AMD Ryzen Series Desktop Processors and compatible AMD Socket AM4 Motherboards. Please refer to the table below for compatibility information. To learn more about AMD Chipsets for Desktop PCs, go here.

To request the boot-kit, please follow these instructions:

1. Go to the AMD Warranty Request Form
2. Fill in your contact information and product details (AMD Ryzen Series Desktop Processor part number and serial number)
3. In the Problem Description field enter "Boot kit Required" (without quotes)

Note: The product must be a valid AMD processor with authentic part number (OPN) and serial number (SN).

Once the claim is received and approved, confirmation details and boot-kit instructions will be provided in a follow up email.

 

*Select motherboards are designed to support “USB BIOS Flashback,” which allows for BIOS updates from a flash drive - even if the current BIOS on the motherboard does not have the software code to boot a new processor. Some motherboards can even update the BIOS without a CPU in the socket at all. Such motherboards feature special hardware to enable USB BIOS Flashback, and every manufacturer has a unique procedure to execute USB BIOS Flashback. If your motherboard supports USB BIOS Flashback, follow the update steps described in the motherboard’s support documentation.