ASUS and MSI Begin Rolling Out First BIOS Firmware Updates for Intel's 13th/14th Generation Desktop Processors
Brook.X
After a year-long investigation, Intel has finally identified the root cause of instability and crashing issues with its 13th/14th generation Core desktop processors: erroneous microcode that could lead to the processor using excessively high voltages. This issue also results in irreversible performance degradation of the processor, which cannot be fixed through a firmware update.
Intel's solution to this problem involves replacing processors that have already been damaged, providing a 2-year warranty extension (up to a maximum of 5 years) for processors that have not been affected, and issuing firmware updates to correct the errors in the microcode.
The corrected and optimized processor microcode has now been submitted to OEMs. Today, ASUS and MSI have started rolling out new BIOS firmware updates for motherboards like the Z790, aimed at updating the microcode.
ASUS has released a beta version of the firmware for the Z790, version 2503/1503:
- Updates the microcode to 0x129 to address the instability issues with Intel processors
- Boosts system performance
- This firmware is currently only supported by the ROG MAXIMUS/STRIX/PROART/AYW Z790 series
Firmware download link: https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/intel-700-600-series/raptorlake-resources/m-p/1034564/highlight/true#M24284
MSI has announced its first batch of firmware updates for the Z790 series motherboards as well:
To address the instability of Intel's 13th/14th generation Core desktop processors, MSI will release the latest BIOS updates for the Intel 600/700 series motherboards, including the 0x129 microcode to fix the instability issue.
The first batch of BIOS firmware targets the MEG Z790 GODLIKE MAX, MEG Z790 ACE MAX, MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI II, MPG Z790 CARBON WIFI, MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI, and Z790MPOWER models.
Firmware updates for other motherboard models will be released progressively by the end of August.
For MSI firmware, please visit the official MSI website and search for your motherboard model to find and install the latest firmware.
