ROG Maxiums Z790 Hero, only the orginal Bios 1402 is working?

[pixeljunky]

Hy Freaks...

Bios no longer works after update.

Procedure: I have build a new PC, first boot into Bios (version 1402) works.
- update via EZ flash in Bios to version (2703) restart. PC hangs in loop, black screen, no Bios visible.
- reset to Bios 1402 with USB stick and Bios button. restart into Bios, Bios works again.
- try updating again, this time to version 2503 via USB stick and button. PC hangs in loop again, black screen, no Bios visible.
- back to version 1402 - Bios works again.
now I have installed Windows 11, a few benchmark tests. Windows works.

What can I do to make the Bios update work?

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @pixeljunky 

Based on your description, may I ask if you have cleared CMOS after updating the BIOS?
Kindly share the full specifications of your current hardware setup to help us better understand your configuration:
- the image of BIOS main page and OS build version
- the brand, model and installation slots or ports of the CPU, GPU, RAM (part number well), SSD/HDD, and PSU
- are there any extensions or adapters used to connect any devices, such as GPU or SSD?

Thank you.

[pixeljunky]

Thank you for your reply

I've experimented a bit. The BIOS versions 1402 and 1501 work.
The BIOS versions 2703, 2503, 2404, 1801 don't work
The PC hangs in a loop and I can't get into the BIOS   (video is here:https://youtu.be/KNj6OTtdpeA )

I don't think Windows has anything to do with it, because the problems are there even without an OS installed.

Perhaps it has something to do with the ME version? I have no idea what that means, but according to the Asus website, the versions that work (1402, 1501) have the number 16.1.30.2264. And all the ones that don't work have a higher number?

Here is some of my data:

Samsung SSD 990 Pro 1TB / in slot under the CPU
Geforce RTX 4080 in First 16x slot
Be Quiet PSU Dark Power 13 Titanium

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @pixeljunky 

Thank you for your reply and the information provided.
Regarding the Q-code and Q-LED flashing seen in the video, these indicate the stages progressing through during the POST process.
Could you check if, when using the BIOS version that doesn’t boot (2703, 2503, 2404, 1801), clearing CMOS and configuring with only the 14900K, using onboard graphics, a CPU fan, a single stick of RAM in DIMM_A2, and PSU connected allows the system to boot into the BIOS settings?
If it doesn’t, do the Q-code and Q-LED stop at a specific code?
Additionally, please confirm the complete part number for both RAM module (the "KF556C40-32" shown in the screenshot isn’t complete):

Thank you.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Update: In addition to the above issues, could you let us know which method you used to update the BIOS?
When the system fails to boot, if you attempt to reflash the same BIOS version using BIOS Flashback, are you able to successfully boot into the BIOS? For example, if booting fails after flashing version 2703, please try using BIOS Flashback to update 2703 again (you may repeat this process multiple times).
Please refer to the following guide for detailed steps: [Motherboard] How to use USB BIOS FlashBack™?

Thank you!

[pixeljunky]

First of all I would like to say thank you, but my hope is slowly fading. I really don't want to send the brand new motherboard back to Asus.

So:
First I tried to do the update from the BIOS. Then I had to go back to version 1501 with the Flash Back, which always works without a problem when I do that.

After that I mostly did it with the Flashback function, it's easier. But I also tried again from the BIOS with EZ-Flash. Now I've removed the graphics card and removed all unnecessary plugs, removed the M2 memory and only used one RAM module.

Now I've installed the update 2703 five times using the flah back button,clear cmos....
Always the same - black screen,even with the on-board graphics card.
Here is the RAM number and another video of the LED display after the update to 2703

https://youtu.be/GJWhf2yd0MI

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @pixeljunky 

Thank you for providing the details, and we are sorry you had to wait.
Based on the video and BIOS screenshots you provided, it appears that the Intel ME update may not have completed during your BIOS update process, which is likely preventing the BIOS update from finalizing.
As multiple attempts to refresh the BIOS have not resolved the issue, we recommend contacting your reseller promptly for further support, such as a replacement or arranging a repair to receive BIOS update assistance from our service center.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

[pixeljunky]

Thank you for your Help

The Motherboard was returned to Amazon yesterday, I think they will just refund the money. I'm a little scared to order the Motherboard again. I could imagine that I would have the same problem again.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @pixeljunky 

We apologize for the peculiar circumstance you encountered with the BIOS update.
If you experience any difficulties while contacting your reseller or arranging repairs, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
As further assistance may involve personal information, we recommend providing relevant details via private message, and please feel free to DM me anytime.

Thank you.

[pixeljunky]

So, a quick update from me.
Got a new board,  updated to Bios 2703. Worked immediately.
I saw the picture with the ME update for the first time during the update. :-))

Thanks