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Sometimes. Whether you can run BIOS Flashback with a CPU installed depends on the exact motherboard and its instructions. Some boards support the update without a CPU; others tell you to install one, and at least one cited procedure says the CPU must be removed. “No CPU required” means a CPU is unnecessary—it does not, by itself, say whether an installed CPU may stay in place.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How to find out whether your CPU can stay installed
- Identify the exact motherboard model and revision. Check the board label or system documentation; do not rely on the PC brand or chipset alone.
- Confirm the board supports the button-based feature. Look up the model’s official specifications or manual and locate the dedicated Flashback button and USB port. A BIOS update option in the firmware menu is not necessarily the same feature. MSI says its Flash BIOS Button is available only on models equipped with the button (MSI’s Flash BIOS Button guide); ASUS likewise directs users to check their model’s specifications or manual (ASUS USB BIOS FlashBack instructions).
- Read that model’s Flashback procedure for installed components. Follow its explicit CPU, memory and graphics-card requirements. If the instructions only say a CPU is not required, they establish that the CPU can be absent, not that it must be removed if already installed.
- Use the BIOS package and preparation instructions for that same model. Match the required file name, USB format, port and power connections. These details are not interchangeable between brands or boards.
What manufacturer procedures say—and what they do not
| Board or procedure | CPU guidance | Other model-specific details |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS USB BIOS FlashBack, models listed in its support article | The article does not say an installed CPU must be removed. Its silence does not confirm whether a CPU may remain. | Requires a USB drive of at least 1 GB, FAT16 or FAT32 with MBR formatting, and the model’s FlashBack port. ASUS says the update can take up to 8 minutes; this is its stated guidance, not a universal duration. (ASUS instructions, updated April 9, 2026) |
| MSI Flash BIOS Button, supported models | MSI describes updating “without a CPU and RAM.” That confirms those components are not needed for the described procedure; it does not directly settle whether an installed CPU may stay. | Use FAT32, rename the extracted BIOS file to MSI.ROM, connect CPU and 24-pin power cables, and use the rear USB port marked BIOS. (MSI guide, May 9, 2024) |
| ASRock BIOS Flashback, boards covered by its 2026 feature page | ASRock says “No CPU required.” This describes a procedure that works without a CPU; check the individual board’s instructions before deciding whether to leave an installed CPU in place. | The page specifies FAT32, the file name creative.rom, a connected 24-pin cable, and pressing the button for about three seconds. (ASRock BIOS Flashback feature page) |
| GIGABYTE B760M POWER Q-Flash Plus | GIGABYTE says this board can flash without a CPU, memory or graphics card. That is this board’s procedure, not a rule for every GIGABYTE model. | Rename the file to gigabyte.bin, connect the 24-pin and 8-pin power cables, and use the Q-Flash USB port. (GIGABYTE B760M POWER support page) |
| ASRock B850M Pro Plus WiFi | The manual instructs users to install the CPU, CPU fan and DRAM before Flashback. | It specifies a USB 2.0 drive up to 32 GB, formatted FAT16 or FAT32, with BIOSUBU.BIN and PSPBIOS.IMG in the root directory. The manual estimates around 2.5 minutes for this board’s procedure; that is not a general timing guarantee. (ASRock B850M Pro Plus WiFi manual and support) |
| GIGABYTE X570 features manual | The cited manual says Q-Flash Plus updates the main BIOS only when run without the CPU installed. | This is guidance for the documented X570 board family, not all GIGABYTE boards. (GIGABYTE X570 features manual) |
Safe Flashback workflow
- Verify the feature and port. Use the official manual or support page for the exact model and revision to confirm it has the relevant button-based update feature and identify its designated USB port.
- Download the matching BIOS. Get the package from that motherboard’s official support page. Extract and rename it only as the board’s instructions specify. For example, the cited MSI procedure uses
MSI.ROM, the GIGABYTE B760M POWER procedure usesgigabyte.bin, and ASRock’s 2026 feature page usescreative.rom. Do not use a BIOS for a similar-sounding model. - Prepare the USB drive to the board’s requirements. File system, capacity and drive type vary. ASUS specifies at least 1 GB and FAT16/32 with MBR; MSI specifies FAT32; the ASRock B850M Pro Plus WiFi manual specifies USB 2.0 up to 32 GB and FAT16/32. These examples are not universal recommendations.
- Set up components and power exactly as directed. Some cited procedures allow flashing without a CPU, while the ASRock B850M Pro Plus WiFi manual calls for a CPU and DRAM. The X570 manual’s CPU-removal instruction is another board-specific case. Connect only the power leads the procedure requires and keep the system in the stated power state.
- Start the update and wait for the completion signal. Use the designated port and button. Do not remove the drive or interrupt power while the status light indicates activity. ASUS says its FlashBack LED goes out when the update completes; MSI says its indicator going off indicates a successful refresh.
- Confirm the result using the board’s instructions. ASUS advises booting into BIOS and comparing the displayed BIOS version with the target version. Use the equivalent verification steps specified by your motherboard maker.
Common mistakes and special caveats
- Assuming every button is Flashback: confirm the model supports the named feature and identify the correct port in its official documentation.
- Guessing about the CPU: “not required” is not the same as “must be removed.” Follow an explicit instruction for the exact board; if it does not address an installed CPU, do not treat that omission as a removal requirement.
- Borrowing another board’s setup: file name, drive format and size, power connections, installed components and completion signals can all differ.
- Interrupting the update: ASUS warns that removing the USB drive, disconnecting the power supply, turning on the system or pressing CLR_CMOS during the update can interrupt it and leave the system unable to boot. MSI also warns against powering off during the refresh.
- Overlooking narrow firmware prerequisites: ASUS notes a management-engine firmware prerequisite for specified 400-series boards used with an Intel 11th-generation CPU, and separately says Intel 800-series users need an ME firmware update after FlashBack. Check whether either note applies to your board and processor; neither is a general requirement for all Flashback updates.
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