Z790 Hero - Boot Loop after BIOS Update

[sv3nk]

System:

• i9 14900K
• Z790 Hero
• DDR5 4800

System boots into BIOS 1303, no problem. All versions after that end up in an infinite boot loop.

I have tried all versions, from 1402 to 2503. Using EZ Flash as well as Flashback. They all end up in the same Q-Code pattern and result in an infinite loop. Can't even access the BIOS at all.

I have removed all USB connections, removed the GPU, removed all but 1 RAM in slot A2. It's basically the MB, CPU and power supply left and still infinite reboots.

The system is stuck in an endless boot loop and only gets out of it with BIOS 1303.

I have tried flashing and then disconnecting power to let the system rest for 20 minutes. Also tried doing that before flashing.

I have basically tried everything.

Here is a video of the Q Codes, they are the same for every BIOS version after 1303.

[achugh]

Hi @sv3nk I'm sorry to hear about your troubles.

Can you try upgrading to the latest BIOS followed by CLEAR CMOS to see if this stops the infinite loop? Are you able to get into BIOS by pressing the DEL key on your keyboard before the reboot happens?

[sv3nk]

Hey @achugh ,

CLEAR CMOS by using the button on the backside? I've done that, just tried again. Sadly, it does not solve the issue.
The system reboots before there is anything on screen sadly, so no way of getting into BIOS.

[Nobodies]

I am experiencing a similar problem with a comparable setup, but with an i9-13900K processor and DDR5 7000 memory. I cannot boot the system on any BIOS version other than 0816. I've found several threads with similar issues and have tried all the suggested solutions—disconnecting all devices, unplugging all USB connections, removing the graphics card, and leaving only one or two memory sticks—but the result is always the same: an endless reboot cycle.

Asus support isn't responding to inquiries about this malfunction—perhaps there aren't many customers with this issue, so they don't care about us. I let it go for a while, but now that updating the BIOS has become critical due to problems with Unreal Engine 5 and my processor, this issue has resurfaced for me. I suspect that support will either not respond, as before, or provide some "helpful" advice like resetting the BIOS settings to default.

I'm concerned that the problem lies in the quality of Asus products. The first motherboard I bought refused to turn on at all—I replaced it under warranty. The second one refuses to update the BIOS and doesn't allow me to fully use my PC. It will be interesting to see what the manufacturer ultimately proposes.

[sv3nk]

Yes I don't think there is a solution to it. Thankfully, I am still 1 month into my 2 years of warranty, so I will return the MB. 

I already bought an ASUS Z790 Dark Hero as a replacement, BIOS update to the newest version went fine.

Makes me think that some of the ASUS mainboards are just trash and get through QA somehow. Maybe there is no QA at all. 

In the end, if I remove everything from the system and the MB still is unable to upgrade BIOS, it has to be the MB that is at fault.

[Nobodies]

Thank you for the idea. I checked the warranty period of my motherboard—it expires in December 2025. I'll try to return the board and consider switching to MSI product.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @sv3nk

Due to the ongoing local holidays in our area, our response time may experience delays.
We apologize for any inconvenience the delayed replies may have caused.
Thank you for reaching out to us and share with the context as well as vedio.
After consulting with the relevant departments, we recommend that you try clearing CMOS and reinstalling the CPU and memory.
You could also try cross-testing with another CPU to help isolate any potential hardware issues if you encounter a similar problem again. 

Thank you.

Hello @Nobodies 
Please consider the related suggestions mentioned earlier.
Additionally, since your CPU may be related to this issue, you might want to think about sending it in for repair or inspection.
However, it seems you have decided to return the motherboard. 
If you still have the board and need assistance, please feel free to DM me anytime.

Thank you.

[Soulshot96]

Had just about this exact same issue, except I was stuck with 0816. Support / Moderators in here were less than useless, and usually just have you chasing your tail, talking down to you, or locking threads that are active and should remain open for more users like yourselves to actually provide feedback in. 

The only solution for me ended up being replacing the board...and even though it was in warranty, that process was terrible. Crap communication. Had to prod to get an advanced RMA instead of being without a PC for 2+ weeks. Had to pay for the shipping (they offered an option to BUY shipping from them too, for a 3-4x markup vs real shipping rates, actual scam). Ended up with a refurb in pretty crap condition; scratches on IO plate, and scratches COVERED WITH BLACK SHARPIE on the VRM heatsinks...but it did at least work. Had 2503 out of the box. 

After how annoying the process and saga has been, I was ready to just let this be the end of it. Even finally did some tuning and setup a nice undervolt with appreciable performance/temp gains and fully stability tested it...but now intel is pushing ANOTHER microcode update because of their incompetence, so ther ewill be yet another BIOS update. So now I'm back in the trenches, and seeing all these newer boards failing BIOS updates makes me nervous yet again. 

Might just say screw it and not even attempt updating. Not sure I want to risk being stuck on an even older BIOS again if flashback to 2503 happens to fail after the fact, because I don't think I can stomach another interaction with ASUS's horrid support. Would almost rather just risk slow roasting my CPU and then trash the lot for a new platform and board vendor if it comes to that. 

Nothing about 13/14th gen CPU's or the ASUS boards support has felt like a premium product experience. It's an ametuer clownshow. 

Getting to the point where it might be worth rounding up as many people/posts as possible and alerting Gamers Nexus to this. Beyond ridiculous for boards that cost this much, and the support/company response from such an established, high profile brand is frankly, pathetic. 

[Nobodies]

Thank you for sharing such a detailed and helpful review of your interaction with customer support. Such quality of support is simply unacceptable! Currently, they respond to me approximately once every 3-4 days via email, but so far they haven't offered anything constructive. In this thread, the Asus representative, as I suspected earlier, provided unhelpful advice that didn't contribute to a real solution and suggested contacting via private messages. However, after my last message in private, he just stopped responding.

It's surprising that such a well-known brand, positioning itself as a manufacturer of high-quality, top-tier hardware, seems more like an unknown manufacturer with minimal support when it comes to product and service quality. I will try to initiate the process of returning the motherboard. I cannot wait two weeks for yet another defective product. It's unfortunate that reputational losses and customer loyalty don't seem to matter to Asus. I'll have to switch to the MSI Z790 Ace MAX.

[Soulshot96]

It was even worse than it sounded tbh. Dragged on for weeks lol. 

For what it's worth, you're absolutely making the right choice. If I could have still returned this board and swapped brands without taking a $600 hit, I would have done it. Worst bit of hardware I've ever purchased, and worst support for a premium product I've ever endured. 

Hopefully your new board works as it should!