What is wrong with this motherboard?

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1

Hi,
I'm looking to build my first pc using an ASUS H81M-E, an intel core i3 4160, and a r9 280x. I've been reading poor reviews saying that this board while claiming to support 4th generation Intel core cpu's it requires a bios update which is difficult to go about. Is this true? Also, could I upgrade the i3 to an i5 4690 later on with this board for more performance?
Thanks so much

2

I think you might have a problem using that motherboard and CPU.

The 4160 was released on the 20th July last year, so it's probably a Devil's Canyon part. This will mean that, unless the motherboard has the latest UEFI when you get it, they won't work together. Look at getting a 9-series chipset board (e.g. H97) to be 100% sure it'll work with your CPU.

It would normally be okay to buy combinations like this with ASUS boards because they usually have a feature called USB BIOS Flashback, which means you can flash a new bios via USB without a CPU installed. Unfortunately, this board doesn't have the feature.

3

You're the best thank you

4

No problem.

5

  • Nothing wrong with the board, it supports the i3 4160 provided BIOS is version 2001 or higher. The latest is 2201 of which was released last month.

  • If purchasing - check with reseller what BIOS version the board is running. It takes <5 mins to flash a new bios. If its less than 2001 version a previous gen chip (eg 4130, celeron - check the list) will be needed to run the board and go through the BIOS update procedure.
  • Just read the manual or online guide that Asus has. There is nothing to be afraid about flashing boards. Just dont yank the power cable mid way through.