We’ve been looking forward to the Zen 5 CPU release date for a while now. This new microarchitecture will come with the next generation of Ryzen CPUs, expected to be named the 9000 series. As always, PC builders may be worried about the prospect of having to upgrade their motherboard to accommodate the next generation, but thankfully this isn’t the case if you already have an AM5 board.
Both ASUS and MSI have already confirmed that recent firmware updates will offer compatibility with the next generation of AMD CPUs. Currently, AMD is working its way through the 8000 series, but many gamers will be more interested in next-gen hardware as the next step for AM5 and the jump up to Zen 5.
ASUS and MSI confirm their 600 series motherboards are compatible with Zen 5
Two of the first motherboard manufacturers to confirm their support for AMD’s next gen are MSI and ASUS. Recently MSI put out a blog post explaining that the latest AGESA ComboPI 1.1.7.0 Patch A BIOS update will provide “AM5 next-gen CPU support” on its X670E, X670, B650, and A620 motherboards. The updated BIOS is already available for download on the MSI website as of April 15th.
Furthermore, notes for a recent ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I firmware update on April 17th show that the same patch is being implemented to support next generation Ryzen processors. Given these announcements, AMD could be announcing their Zen 5 CPUs very soon, and we expect to see something big at Computex 2024 which begins on June 4th.
MSI 600 series motherboard support for Zen 5
ROG Strix B650E-I BIOS update for Zen 5
Do I need to perform a BIOS update?
Yes, as MSI put it “users would simply need to update the BIOS to the latest version accordingly”. Performing a BIOS update is simpler than may think, so you should be ready for Zen 5 in no time if you plan on upgrading. If you have a 600 series motherboard and plan on getting a Zen 5 CPU later this year, then this firmware update is ready and waiting.
Do note that this is only relevant to the 600 series motherboards which use the AM5 socket. If you’re still using an older AM4 motherboard, then you’ll need to upgrade your hardware.
