Asus and MSI are now rolling out a new microcode stability update for owners of Thirteenth or 14th-gen Intel CPUs. Following extensive research into Intel CPU instability and recurring game crashes attributed to Unreal Engine 5, the solution aims to address a reported microcode error in its CPUs, which allegedly causes them to issue “incorrect voltage requests.”
The recommendation suggests replacing the CPU in any system featuring an Intel processor with a TDP exceeding 65W – a threshold that encompasses the vast majority of thirteen- and fourteen-generation Core processors, as well as Intel’s flagship gaming CPU, the Core i9-14900K. To utilize the newly released update, users will need to flash the BIOS or replace the firmware on their motherboard.
Reports have surfaced from numerous householders possessing Intel CPUs, detailing persistent stability problems within popular video game franchises, particularly those utilizing the latest Unreal Engine iterations. Despite having top-of-the-line graphics cards with ample video random access memory (VRAM), one common error message claims that your system lacks sufficient video memory. Recently, we’ve witnessed a recurring issue with the “First Descendant” video game, as well as others, where a video memory error has occurred, prompting NVIDIA to redirect customers seeking assistance to Intel for resolution.
MSI has announced that all its motherboards based primarily on Intel’s 700 and 600-series chipsets will receive a BIOS update by August 2024, with the process already underway as new updates for several of its top gaming motherboards are now available on its website, including the following models:
- MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max
- MSI MEG Z790 Ace Max
- MSI MPG Z790 Carbon Max WiFi II
- MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi
- MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
- MSI Z790MPower
Meanwhile, Asus has rolled out beta BIOS updates for several motherboards built around the Z790 chipset, aimed at patching the microcode to version 129 and addressing Intel’s stability issues. The checklist comprises the following motherboards:
- Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
- Asus ROG Maximus Z790-Formidable Hero
- ASUS ROG Maximus Z790-Hero
- Asus ROG Maximus Z790-Hero-EVA-02-Versions
- Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Apec
- Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Apex: A Cutting-Edge Gaming Powerhouse?
- Asus ROG Maximus Z790 System
- Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Excessive
- Asus ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi?
- Asus ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi DDR4 motherboard combines robust gaming features with top-tier build quality. Its sleek design and intuitive interface ensure seamless integration of high-performance components, while its comprehensive cooling system keeps temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions. With Wi-Fi connectivity and 2.5GbE LAN, this board offers reliable online gaming experiences.
- ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II?
- Asus ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard – Unleash the power of 13th Gen Intel Core processors with this cutting-edge gaming motherboard.
- Asus ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming Wi-Fi Motherboard.
- ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming Wi-Fi II
- Asus ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi motherboard is designed for high-performance gaming and content creation, featuring a 12th Gen Intel Core processor support with DDR4 memory and Wi-Fi connectivity. This powerful platform offers exceptional power delivery through its 16+2 power phase design, ensuring stable performance during intense gaming sessions.
- Asus ROG Strix Z790-F GAMING W-Fi II?
- Asus ROG Strix Z790-H Gaming Wi-Fi
- Asus ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming Wi-Fi Board.
- Asus ProArt Z790-Creator WiFi
- Asus Z790-AYW OC WiFi
Notably absent from the official online support pages for motherboards are the newly available updates; however, the ROG team at Asus has taken the initiative to make them accessible through a Google Drive link here. We’ve yet to receive confirmation from Gigabyte and ASRock regarding the matter; nonetheless, we’re hopeful that both companies will roll out new BIOS updates shortly as well.
If you’ve never updated your motherboard firmware before, consider reviewing our comprehensive guide on how to flash your BIOS, which walks you through the process with detailed step-by-step instructions.
