Michale32086
 
I have the manual as a PDF.. I'll look at section 2-1 and see...  Vendor has suggested returning for a refund..  But hope springs eternal....
 
Thanx...

The information is at the very top. I would just inquire with ASUS support about updating the BIOS without a CPU. The answer could be you cannot, but at least you can close that loop since the manual is very deficient in that respect. If the answer is yes, ask them to send documentation on the process because the manual does not even mention this.

When you get the new board, clear the CMOS prior to powering it up. Do that each time you boot up the new board. It is always best to clear things when you are changing the items out since the RAM that allows you to get to POST may not be the configuration that is what you will use. Additionally, only populate one RAM stick in the DIMM_A1 slot and nothing else. Update the BIOS, then install the each stick in this order - DIMM_B1, DIMM_A2, DIMM_B2. Always do the slots identified as “1” until they are full before you move to the “2” slots. This order is important. Also make sure the exact same RAM modules are in the DIMM_A# slots and the DIMM_B# slots. The A and B can have different size RAM, but you cannot put different RAM in each A or B slot. I usually occupy all RAM slots to avoid this, but that can be expensive, so understand why you would not.

Reach out if you need any other help.

Some of my Asus boards support what they call flashback.
You put the bin file on an USB drive and put it in one specific USB port on the back of the MB
Then press a button for 5 seconds next to that USB port and it will flash the BIOS
Does your board support that feature?

congrats dude

Awesome! Glad to see you got it working!!!