CPU appears to be dead/bricked after motherboard BIOS update.

Troubleshooting Post-BIOS Update: Is Your CPU Still Functional?

Updating a motherboard’s BIOS can often enhance system stability and compatibility. However, in some cases, such updates may lead to unexpected issues, including hardware malfunctions. Recently, a user encountered such a predicament: after updating the BIOS on their ProArt B550-CREATOR motherboard, the system failed to boot, and the DRAM indicator light remained illuminated.

The Situation

• Motherboard: Asus ProArt B550-CREATOR
• Primary CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
• Troubleshooting CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 1200 (spare/test CPU)
• Memory: Corsair Vengeance DDR4 3600 MHz, Quad-channel (4x 16GB sticks)

The Issue

Post-BIOS update, upon powering on, the system displayed a black screen. Notably, the DRAM LED indicator on the motherboard stayed lit after resets. The user tested each RAM stick individually in the primary slot (A1), but the DRAM light persisted, indicating a potential memory or motherboard issue.

Intriguingly, replacing the original CPU with a spare Ryzen 3 1200 resulted in the system booting normally. Reinstalling the Ryzen 7 5800X, however, caused the DRAM light to reappear, and the system failed to POST.

Key Questions

• Can a BIOS update physically “bricking” or damaging a CPU?
  Typically, BIOS updates modify the motherboard’s firmware and should not cause hardware damage to compatible CPUs. However, in rare cases, a failed or interrupted BIOS update might adversely affect the motherboard’s voltage regulation or BIOS compatibility, which can seem to “brick” the system.

• Is the CPU actually damaged or is this a motherboard compatibility issue?
  The fact that the system boots with a different CPU suggests that the motherboard or BIOS is facing compatibility or configuration issues with the Ryzen 7 5800X post-update.

Possible Causes and Solutions

1. BIOS Compatibility and Stability
2. Verify that the BIOS version installed supports the Ryzen 7 5800X. Sometimes, newer CPUs require BIOS updates to ensure proper recognition and operation.

3. If the BIOS is outdated or incompatible, consider using BIOS flashback (if available) to revert to a stable or factory version.

4. Resetting BIOS Settings