The first motherboard BIOS updates arrive to help clean up Intel’s CPU mess

The first motherboard BIOS updates arrive to help clean up Intel's CPU mess

What you need to know

  • ASUS and MSI have both released motherboard BIOS updates aiming to fix Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen microcode issues. Expect to see other motherboard manufacturers roll out updates soon.
  • Intel’s problems started in 2022, and only recently was the problem acknowledge by the company; a fix was stated to begin rolling out mid-August.
  • The microcode issues affecting “Raptor Lake” and “Raptor Lake Refresh” desktop CPUs (including any that pull 65W or more power) can lead to crashes and degradation.
  • The BIOS update won’t fix CPUs already damaged, but it will hopefully prevent issues with so-far untouched chips.

As a seasoned tech researcher with decades of experience under my belt, I must admit that Intel’s summer has been nothing short of disastrous. I’ve seen companies weather stormy waters before, but the series of events unfolding at Intel this year is truly unprecedented.


Despite Intel facing challenges this summer, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon as ASUS and MSI have announced updates for their motherboard BIOS to resolve 13th and 14th generation microcode issues.

According to a report by Videocardz, an ASUS ROG Forum member named SAFEDISK disclosed that the company has developed Beta BIOS updates for their Intel Z790 motherboards. These updates cover the ROG Maximus, Strix, ProArt, and AYW series of boards. The microcode update 129 is anticipated to resolve some instability issues from Intel, and direct download links are accessible for each individual board.

MSI didn’t trail too far behind ASUS in terms of their motherboard BIOS updates. In a recent statement, MSI unveiled that the initial batch of 0x129 microcode updates will be rolled out for these boards:

  • MEG Z790 GODLIKE MAX
  • MEG Z790 ACE MAX
  • MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI II
  • MPG Z790 CARBON WIFI
  • MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
  • Z790MPOWER

According to MSI, they plan to release updates for their Intel 700 and 600 series motherboards by the end of August via authorized channels. You can access these updates from the MSI hardware support page.

Regrettably, updating the BIOS won’t repair Intel CPUs that have been damaged by the problem. Instead, it serves as a precaution for future protection. If you suspect your Intel CPU may have been affected, it’s recommended to contact Intel’s customer service for assistance.

Last week, Intel revealed an extension of warranty coverage for their 13th and 14th generation CPUs, lasting an additional two years, as a means of rebuilding trust among its customer base.

Intel’s downward trajectory

The first motherboard BIOS updates arrive to help clean up Intel's CPU mess

As a long-time tech enthusiast with decades of experience in the industry, I have seen my fair share of hardware issues, but the recent problems with Intel’s 13th Gen “Raptor Lake” desktop processors have left me quite disappointed and concerned. Having personally encountered similar issues in the past, I can empathize with those who have experienced frequent crashes and BSODs while using these chips.

Following the announcement, even more unfavorable information surfaced: Any 13th and 14th generation chips consuming 65W or more power could potentially be impacted. Although Intel has unveiled a microcode fix for its issues, it’s important to note that this solution won’t restore functionality on already damaged chips. If you’re currently encountering related problems with your CPU, there’s no way to revert the situation. This revelation has sparked an investigation into a class action lawsuit by Abington Cole + Ellery law firm.

The accumulating adverse news for the company isn’t showing signs of slowing down, especially with Intel announcing a workforce reduction of 15,000 employees as part of their cost-cutting strategy aimed at saving $10 billion by 2025. Here’s what Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger had to express about this:

“We’ve not seen the growth in revenues we anticipated, and we haven’t fully leveraged emerging opportunities such as AI. Our expenses are high, and our profits are slim. To tackle these issues, especially considering our less favorable financial forecast for the second half of 2024 than initially projected, bold steps are required.”

In simple terms, on August 2nd, which was only a day following the announcement, the company’s stock price plummeted approximately 32%. This decline wiped out roughly billions of dollars from the company’s worth.

More current updates reveal that Intel is involved in a legal dispute initiated by its stockholders. The accusation is that Intel intentionally concealed problems significantly affecting the corporation’s stock worth.

Currently, AMD has unveiled its initial Ryzen 9000 desktop CPUs, which have been met with positive responses. Ben Wilson, an editor at Windows Central, assessed the Ryzen 7 9700X, praising it as a “new mid-range leader” while anticipating the launch of the Ryzen 9 9900X and 9950X CPUs next week.

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2024-08-08 18:39