Background: Intel Socket LGA2011-v3

Socket LGA 2011 was released in late 2011, but don't get confused by the date. 2011 refers to the number of pins in the socket that reach up to make contact with the CPU. This socket was designed for performance and high end desktop systems, including gaming PCs and servers. LGA2011 was originally designed for Intel's second-generation of core CPUs known as Sandy Bridge, and using the Intel X79 chipset. LGA2011 also supported the next generation Ivy Bridge CPUs. LGA2011-1 was an updated version LGA2011 released in early 2014 to accommodate newer CPUs like the Ivy Bridge-EX and Haswell-EX Extreme CPUs. LGA 2011-v3 was released in late 2014 to accommodate newer Haswell-E and Haswell-EP CPUs, and the Intel X99 chipset. LGA2011-v3 also accommodates Broadwell CPUs introduced in 2015.
In general, all versions of Socket LGA2011 look similar in physical appearance, but not all are electronically compatible with all CPUs. For this reason, physical notches are designed into the different generations of CPUs and sockets to prevent accidental use in an electronically incompatible version. It is important to never forcefully install a CPU that does not seem to fit just right in the socket, and to understand that the specifications of your motherboard and processor are a match for each other.

Background: Intel Broadwell-E New CPUs

Intel's new line of Broadwell-E CPUs, released in 2016, are the newest upgrade for gamers and high end desktop PCs. These CPUs are designed to work with Socket LGA2011-v3. Not only are these a great choice for BYOPC enthusiasts, but these CPUs also allow those with recent motherboards based on the Intel X99 chipset to upgrade their systems without completely rebuilding. In most cases, a simple BIOS update to your X99 chipset based motherboard is all that is necessary to support the new Broadwell-E processors.

Why do I need a BIOS update?

The motherboard's BIOS is what recognizes the CPU and allows the components to work with each other. If your motherboard meets the physical requirements such as Socket LGA2011-v3 and Intel X99 chipset, but it was manufactured before information was available regarding the Broadwell-E processors, updating the BIOS is the way to introduce your motherboard to this new line of CPUs.

Update the BIOS BEFORE using the new Broadwell-E processor

While specific instructions may vary from one motherboard manufacturer to another, here is one simple tip: If you have an existing system board that is up and running already and you are going to upgrade to one of the new Broadwell-E CPUs, UPDATE YOUR BIOS FIRST and then upgrade your CPU after the BIOS update is complete and tested. This is the most direct path to a successful outcome.

For those that are completely upgrading or building a new PC, it is still best for the BIOS update to be done before installing the new processor. New inventory on the store shelves prior to the time of this release may not necessarily have a BIOS version that is able to boot up with the new Broadwell-E processors installed. In these circumstances, you will need to boot the motherboard with a compatible processor in order to flash the BIOS.

Check with your Micro Center Sales Associate or Knowledge Expert before leaving the store to understand the status of your particular board, whether the BIOS has been or will need to be updated, and what next steps will be necessary.

Updating the BIOS on your motherboard

Below is a table of motherboards, currently or recently sold by Micro Center, that are compatible with the new Broadwell-E processors as long as the BIOS has been updated. The list is sorted by manufacturer and then contains the product's SKU number and name corresponding with your sales receipt or other Micro Center documentation.
It is recommend that you review the Facts and Opinions at the end of this page before actually proceeding with the BIOS update.

1. Find your motherboard manufacturer on the list.
2. Next, find the SKU number and corresponding Product Name that matches the information on your receipt or shopping list. Click on the SKU number to verify this is the exact motherboard that you are working with.
   
   • (Never flash the BIOS of a motherboard with any version other than the version specifically designed for and tested for that motherboard - doing so could render the motherboard unusable.)
3. Notice on the far right column any Notes that pertain to the motherboard you are working with.
4. Click on the BIOS Link to open a page provided by the manufacturer of your exact motherboard.
   
   • Follow the instructions provided by your motherboard manufacturer.
   • The process may vary from one manufacturer or model to another - it is very important to follow the exact instructions for your board.
   • Whenever possible, the link that you select will go directly to the BIOS update page for your board. Sometimes this is not possible due to the way a manufacturer website is designed. In these instances you may need to scroll to or search for your exact model number on the page in order to continue.
   • If at any time you are not sure of something, it is always better to ask a question proactively rather than to end up with a motherboard that is unusable.

BIOS Updating Basics for a Computer Motherboard Spring 2016

Here are some common facts and qualified opinions regarding updating the BIOS of your motherboard:

FACT: Improperly updating the BIOS of your computer motherboard could render the motherboard unusable. In a best case scenario, a qualified service technician might be able to reverse this problem. In a worst case scenario, the motherboard has been rendered useless and you will need to replace it.

OPINION: It is important to understand whether or not you feel comfortable with the process or risk involved in flashing a BIOS. Most people who are build your own computer enthusiasts should have no problem completing a routine BIOS update, but it is not a task that everyone is completely comfortable with. If you are not comfortable with this process, seek the assistance of a qualified technician BEFORE attempting the process.

FACT: It is important to never interrupt a BIOS flash during the process. An intentional shutdown, or an unexpected power surge or failure, could cause undesirable results and likely failure of the update.

OPINION: Read and understand all instructions PRIOR to beginning the BIOS update process. This process is most likely to be successful if you are informed and understand all of the details first.

FACT: It is important to ONLY use a BIOS update for a particular motherboard that is provided by, tested by, and approved by, the motherboard or computer manufacturer. BIOS update versions are typically done for specific reasons, and for specific models of motherboards. Improperly updating the BIOS of your computer by using the wrong BIOS version could render the motherboard unusable.

OPINION: If everything is working fine with your motherboard, you probably don’t need a BIOS update. Resist the temptation to update your BIOS just because an update is there. Understand the purpose for the update before proceeding to use it, and understand if this purpose is beneficial to you. A BIOS update is best used only after specific recommendation by a qualified service or support technician or the motherboard manufacturer.

FACT: When new versions of CPUs are released AFTER a particular motherboard was designed and released to manufacturing, this can be one example of when you REQUIRE a BIOS update. Many modern motherboards and processors are designed with physical specifications allowing for upcoming CPUs to be compatible with recent motherboards. In these situations, if the physical hardware specifications are compatible, the BIOS update might be necessary to effectively introduce the newly released CPU to the recently designed motherboard. Without the BIOS update, the motherboard might behave unexpectedly, and possibly might not even boot up with the new CPU, even though there is nothing wrong with either piece of hardware. Manufacturer recommended and provided BIOS updates are the solution that is required for these situations.

OPINION: Manufacturer warranties do not typically cover end user errors when it comes to things like updating the BIOS. Being informed, following instructions, and asking questions proactively are three ways to ensure the best possible outcomes, and to enjoy the fun of building your own computer.