Intel recently provided motherboard manufacturers with microcode update revision 0x129 for its 13th and 14th generation Core processors. The new microcode is designed to solve the problem of unstable operation of Raptor Lake processors. Asus and MSI were the first to release beta BIOS versions with new microcode for their motherboards based on the Intel Z790 chipset.
An Intel representative assured that this microcode update will not affect the turbo frequencies and will retain the ability to manually overclock for K series models, and will not be able to completely eliminate the instability of chips that have already begun to degrade. Owners of such processors in regions where Intel has an official presence will be able to replace them under a warranty that has been extended to five years.
Beta BIOS versions from Asus for Intel Z790 motherboards are available for download here. To date, the following products have received updates:
- ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO
- ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO
- ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF
- ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO EVA-02 EDITION
- ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX
- ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX ENCORE
- ROG MAXIMUS Z790 FORMULA
- ROG MAXIMUS Z790 EXTREME
- ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI
- ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI D4
- ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI II
- ROG STRIX Z790-A GAMING WIFI S
- ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI
- ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI II
- ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI
- ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI II
- ROG STRIX Z790-H GAMING WIFI
- ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING WIFI
- ProArt Z790-CREATOR WIFI
- Z790-AYW OC WIFI
Following Asus, MSI has become the second major motherboard manufacturer to release BIOS updates for its Z790 chipset-based motherboards with a new microcode version for 13th/14th generation Intel Core chips. Updates are available on the support page for each model.
Beta BIOS versions are currently available for the following MSI motherboard models:
- ME Z790 GOOD LUCK MAX
- MEG Z790 ACE MAX
- MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI II
- MPG Z790 CARBON WIFI
- MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
- Z790 MPOWER.
In the near future, manufacturers promise to release additional beta BIOS updates for other motherboards based on Intel 600 and 700 series chipsets. The final BIOS versions for all products will become available after additional testing on enthusiasts.
We remind you to be extremely careful when updating motherboards with beta BIOS versions, as they may contain errors and shortcomings.