[REQUEST] ASUS Z370I Strix with 7700k

[Brandonien]

Is it possible to mod the bios of the ASUS Z370I Strix to support the I7-7700k?

If so could you please point me in the right direction?

I've bought two of the Z270I Strix boards and both had failures of 1 DIMM slot and were RMA`d, I want to replace it with the 370I as I`ve not seen this issue floating around the forums and I don`t want to buy an 8700k JUST to have 2 DIMMS working. For reference, both DIMMs worked initially, it`s a recognized hardware fault from ASUS, I`ve tried multiple BIOS versions and cleaned the ever living heck out of the whole mobo.

I would love to just get a Z370I strix, mod the bios and use my 7700k with both DIMMs..

[Lost_N_BIOS]

It probably already support the 7700K CPU even though it's not in support list, I checked and the 906E9 microcode is there still (they would remove if they wanted to remove compatibility). I also checked vBIOS (orom/legacy) is still SKL-KBL, only the UEFI vBIOS GOP is SKL-CFL

So I think it would be working fine, possibly only in Non-UEFI / Non-Secure boot mode, CSM enabled or at least legacy graphic rom enabled instead of EFI.

All just my guess, but it's an educated look at the BIOS

[DeathBringer]

You need to downgrade ME firmware to 11.6.x.x version.

[Brandonien]

So if I just don't update anything from out of the box the ME firmware should be good to go.

[DeathBringer]

No, original BIOS hasn't compatible with Kaby Lake ME firmware.
First release BIOS (0404) has 11.7.4.3314 version.

[Brandonien]

:/ so in order to boot into the bios to change it i would need a compatible cpu anyways..

[DeathBringer]

You can't downgrade ME firmware without a hardware programmer.

[Brandonien]

And where would one obtain a hardware programmer?

[Lost_N_BIOS]

It can be done without hardware programmer, a few ways, but you need compatible CPU to run the system with in order to downgrade the ME.
You could purchase cheap Coffee Celeron.

If you want a hardware flash programmer they can be found at places like Amazon or computer shops like Newegg etc. Or ebay, on ebay CH341A flash programmer costs only $2.50 but it can take 3-5 weeks to arrive, unless you can find seller close to you or that offers faster shipping options (both cost more $$). Cheaper kits can sometimes be found at a closer location too, like EZP2010 or EZP2013

Thanks for the ME version required info DeathBringer!