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BIOS 2204 - What's Your Experience

JohnAb
Level 17
 
Z690 Hero, BIOS 3401, MEI 2345.5.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.30.2361, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, i9 12900K, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.
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62 REPLIES 62

JohnAb
Level 17
 
Z690 Hero, BIOS 3401, MEI 2345.5.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.30.2361, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, i9 12900K, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.

Dfear78
Level 7
I upgraded to BIOS 2204 in a Z690 Hero from BIOS 2103 and the PCIex16(G5)_1 port is not detected (with the consecuence the system not detects my graphic card). I return to BIOS 2103 and the port PPCIex16(G5)_1 is detected normally. The port M2_1 (Socket3) is detectd correctly with the Nvme.
Try to shutdown and reconnect the graphic card but not resolves the issue.
Anyone with this problem?



Asus ROG Maximus Z690 Hero, Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 5600Mhz 32GB 2x16GB CL36, Intel i9 13900K con Asus ROG Ryuo 240;
Asus ROG Strix XG279Q, Asus ROG Strix RTX 4080 OC 16Gb, Asus ROG Thor 1200W en ASUS ROG Strix Helios, WD_BLACK SN850 1Tb M.2;
3x HGST Ultrastar 14Tb 7200rpm SATA3, Asus ROG Claymore II, Asus ROG Chakram X, Asus ROG Balteus Qi;
Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4, Asus ROG Throne, Logitech Z625, Logitech Brio Webcam.
Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 6200Mhz 32GB 2x16GB CL36, Intel i9 13900K con Asus ROG Ryuo III 360 ARGB;
Asus ROG Strix XG279Q, Asus ROG Strix RTX 4080 OC 16Gb, Asus ROG Thor 1200W en ASUS ROG Strix Helios, WD_BLACK SN850 1Tb M.2;
3x HGST Ultrastar 14Tb 7200rpm SATA3, Asus ROG Claymore II, Asus ROG Chakram X, Asus ROG Balteus Qi;
Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4, Asus ROG Throne, Logitech Z625, Logitech Brio Webcam.

JohnAb
Level 17
Sorry that I don't know how to fix that, but good to know that 2204 lets you go back to 2103 (which I am still on at the moment). Did you upgrade the Intel ME Firmware before updating the BIOS?
Z690 Hero, BIOS 3401, MEI 2345.5.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.30.2361, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, i9 12900K, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.

JohnAb wrote:
Sorry that I don't know how to fix that, but good to know that 2204 lets you go back to 2103 (which I am still on at the moment). Did you upgrade the Intel ME Firmware before updating the BIOS?


Yes I updated ME firmware to version 16.1.25.2020.
The problem existis with the 12900k and with the 13900k, I try with them.
Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 6200Mhz 32GB 2x16GB CL36, Intel i9 13900K con Asus ROG Ryuo III 360 ARGB;
Asus ROG Strix XG279Q, Asus ROG Strix RTX 4080 OC 16Gb, Asus ROG Thor 1200W en ASUS ROG Strix Helios, WD_BLACK SN850 1Tb M.2;
3x HGST Ultrastar 14Tb 7200rpm SATA3, Asus ROG Claymore II, Asus ROG Chakram X, Asus ROG Balteus Qi;
Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4, Asus ROG Throne, Logitech Z625, Logitech Brio Webcam.

MrAgapiGC
Level 13
i use the 2204 since the beta and i am ok no issues. i have probably to flash to the public version just in case anyways. but for now 2204 is ok
Learn, Play Enjoy!

JohnAb
Level 17
Thanks. I have seen positive and negative reports for 2204, but as long as it is possible to go back to 2103, then I might give it a try later. I've also been looking at the forums here: https://www.overclock.net/threads/official-asus-strix-maximus-z690-owners-thread.1794802/page-405

People seem to be having good and bad experiences with 2204 (based on reports) in equal measure as far as I can tell, but of course it's the bad experiences that are far more likely to be reported most of the time. I have not been able to spot any obvious pattern or reason for problems where they have been reported so far.

Please keep the feedback coming in with your hardware details - it's really valuable.
Z690 Hero, BIOS 3401, MEI 2345.5.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.30.2361, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, i9 12900K, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.

Hello, I had BIOS 1601, outdated drivers and Windows 11 For Workstation 64Bit 21H2. I kept it that way, afraid of the latest BIOS, but I reached the limit, next week I want to format and install the new Windows 11 For Workstation 64Bit 22H2 (Update Dec 2022). First of all: My heartfelt thanks to MoKiChU and JohnAb, I follow all your posts! They encouraged me to study more and also to help (I will try).

Good news: I had BIOS 2204 successfully updated, computer boots faster, temperature is a little better.

The Process: Inside Windows, I installed it according to the instructions below the MoKiChU Drivers (what a great job you did my friend) and in the logical sequence indicated by JohnAb and MoKiChU:

01) Intel MEI Drivers (Drivers Only) - Intel MEI V2240.3.4.0 - 09.30.2022
(Install/Update Process : Launch "Install.cmd" by right-click Run as admin > Automatic restart when install is done).

02) Intel ME Consumer Firmware - Intel ME V16.1.25.2020 - 09.22.2022
(Check/Update Process: Check current version : Right click on "Check.cmd" > Run as administrator / Install/Update : Right click on "Install.cmd" > Run as administrator > Automatic restart when install is done).

03) ROG-MAXIMUS-Z690-HERO-ASUS-2204.zip
I installed it using JohnAb tip, transferred BIOS 2204 to a pendrive and from within the BIOS I used Tool\Asus EZ Flash 3 Utility to install the new BIOS 2204. Once that was done, I waited for the machine to reset a few times (in a cold sweat), then it enters a strange screen and takes a long time (almost heart attack) "BIOS is updating Thunderbolt Nvm firmware", terrifying this moment, because it takes a long time and I've never seen it, I'm not even sure what it is, if anyone knows, please write. But after that, I got to the screen "Please enter setub to recover BIOS setting. After setting up Intel Optane Memory or RAID, VMD options must be set according to the interface type to avoid unknow issues. Press F1 to continue an take advantage of ASUS optimized performance!"... Then I pressed F1 and entered the BIOS, entered EZMode (F7) and enabled X.M.P. to read my memories and correct speeds, then I checked in Extreme Tweaker "AI Overclock Tuner XMP I", saved and entered Windows normally (entered faster than 1601).

Note 01: I have all screen captures from my BIOS in version 1601 (141 screens in .BMP). What I noticed different is that in Advanced the SA PCIe Code Version was in 12.0.101.112 and now it is in 12.0.139.16. Also Re-Size BAR Support in BIOS version 1601 was Disabled and now in BIOS version 2204 it appears Enabled.

Note 02: If anyone needs any information or screen from BIOS 1601 or after the current BIOS 2204 that I have captured let me know. However, I travel this Friday, 30.12 and return only 03.01.23.

Note 03: Tip: I saw some people having problems with not knowing how to install the M.2 SSD and this guy has a solution: ThisBytesForYou / How to get Windows to see my SSD During Setup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzkssGCV9po

I take the opportunity and leave here three questions:
1) The GNA appears Disable in the BIOS should I activate it, what is the gain of this in the system to work or leave it like that?

2) In the Bios the "Re-Size Bar Support" appears is enabled now, before in version 1601 it was disabled, do I leave it like that or enable it? Using this with my NVidia RTX card? Would there be any performance gain for 3D render jobs using the GPU or is the gain only for games? (I do not play).

3) I would like someone to explain better what appeared right after the BIOS update 2204 and before pressing F1 "After setting up Intel Optane Memory or RAID, VMD options must be set according to the interface type to avoid unknow issues" and whether I should change something in the BIOS?

Thanks again to everyone who helps here and especially to these great guys MoKiChU (who spared no effort to post on another forum, thanks to this other great forum ElevenForum for the welcome and help)... MoKiChUe JohnAb, my respect and gratitude!

JohnAb
Level 17
Hi 3DGuru, thanks for the kind words and details of what you did. It's fantastic to see that level of detail and good notes! Glad it all works for you 🙂

I can try to answer your questions based on my experience...

1) I did enable GNA and installed the drivers. You don't need it normally, but it does no harm (in my case at least) and might speed up some software that uses it
2) I have enabled Re-Size BAR support and it works fine. Mind you, I have experienced no noticeable improvements to be fair. I just figure if it's available, why not lol
3) You get those messages after all BIOS updates. Unless you need to set up that specific hardware, nothing special is needed. However, after an update, you will find that all BIOS options are set back to defaults, so as a minimum you should set XMP again (as you already did). If you want to overclock, that will all have to be set up again as well.

Keep the BIOS feedback coming, I still haven't tried 2204 myself. Maybe tomorrow. Today, with MokiChU's help, I eventually got Realtek audio drivers, Audio Console and Sonic Studio working properly at last 🙂
Z690 Hero, BIOS 3401, MEI 2345.5.3.0, ME Firmware 16.1.30.2361, 7000X Case, RM1000x PSU, i9 12900K, ASUS TUF OC 3090TI, 2 x 16GB Corsair RAM @ 5200MHz, Windows 11 Pro 23H2, Corsair H150i Elite AIO, 4x Corsair RGB fans, 3x M.2 NVME drives, 2x SATA SSDs, 2x SATA HDs.

Hello JohnAb, thanks for the feedback (MoKiChU, if you can look and contribute even more to this, I would really appreciate it and I'm sure many here would be even happier), I would like, if possible, a review of this content/installation, as I intend to make the definitive formatting to work in 2023 on this workstation (3D modeling, rendering, image retouching and small video editing), I don't use it for games, I don't use overclocking (only X.M.P.). You and I have similar configurations, I created this sequence based on the messages (follow it below) from the master MoKiChU and also based on your tips here on the JohnAb forum.

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MoKiChU Orientation:

1) I advise you to update your BIOS to the last.

You need these firmware/drivers for your ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero motherboard:

[FIRMWARE] Intel ME (H610/B660/H670/Z690/B760/H770/Z790)

[DRIVERS] Intel Chipset/MEI/SATA/VMD (1xx/2xx/3xx/4xx/5xx/6xx/7xx)
- Intel Chipset Drivers
- Intel MEI Drivers (Drivers Only)
- Intel VMD Drivers (Drivers Only): Drivers 6xx/7xx

[DRIVERS] Intel GNA (5xx/6xx/7xx)

[DRIVERS] Intel Serial IO (3xx/4xx/5xx/6xx/7xx)
- Intel Serial IO Drivers (Drivers Only): Drivers 6xx/7xx

[DRIVERS] Intel Thunderbolt
- Intel Thunderbolt 3/4 Drivers (Drivers Only)

[DRIVERS] Intel Ethernet/WiFi/Bluetooth
- Intel Ethernet Drivers (Drivers Only): Drivers I225/I226
- Intel WiFi Drivers (Drivers Only): Drivers 9xxx/AXxxx
- Intel Bluetooth Drivers (Drivers Only): Drivers 8xxx/9xxx/AXxxx

[DRIVERS] Realtek USB Audio (Intel 5xx/6xx/7xx & AMD 5xx/6xx/TRX40)
You have an ASUS ROG SS3|DTS Sound Unbound motherboard with ALC408x codec, so:
You need Realtek USB Audio Drivers (UAD - ASUS ROG SS3-DTS) from the first post of the thread.
Follow scrupulously your CLEANUP process then your INSTALL process, for the next drivers packages that I would release, you will can directly follow your UPDATE process.

Notes:
- You need to install/update your Intel MEI drivers so that you can update your Intel ME firmware (Intel ME firmware & Intel MEI drivers work in tandem).
- Intel GNA Drivers must be installed only if Intel GNA is enabled in your BIOS.

2) Install your drivers first, then after you will install the last Armoury Crate.
3) I don't use any ASUS tools apart from Armoury Crate for ASUS lighting and ASUS accessories (I like to have my system as refined as possible).
4) Use Windows Update first (but don't use Windows Update - Optional updates, then after you will Install your drivers).
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About the Doubts:

01. Know if I have the correct process/logic of the Drivers installation sequence? If you need to change something in sequence? If you need to add or remove any Driver? (My configuration is in "PC Specs", I'm just going to add a couple more SSD and a HD Sata internally and externally I use 3 more HDs). My list of the "logical" sequence of Drivers:

01A Intel ME Consumer Firmware - ME Intel V16.1.25.2020 - 22.09.2022
02A Intel Chipset Drivers V10.1.19222.8341 - 18.08.2022
03A Intel MEI Drivers (Drivers Only) - MEI Intel V2240.3.4.0 - 30.09.2022
04A Intel VMD Drivers (Drivers Only) V19.5.1.1040 - 25.08.2022
05A Intel GNA Drivers (Drivers Only) V3.0.0.1457 - 26.11.2021
06A Intel Serial IO Drivers (Drivers Only) V30.100.2237.26 - 06.09.2022
07A Intel Thunderbolt Drivers (Drivers Only) V1.41.1340.0 - 14.09.2022
08A Intel Ethernet Drivers (Drivers Only) V2.1.2.3 - 21.09.2022
09A Intel WiFi Drivers (Drivers Only) V22.200.0.3 - 14.12.2022
10A Intel Bluetooth Drivers (Drivers Only) V22.200.0.2 - 15.12.2022
11A Realtek USB Audio Drivers (UAD - ASUS ROG SS3-DTS) V6.3.9600.2345 - 17.10.2022

02. Regarding the sequence of Drivers, as I have already installed "01A Intel ME Consumer Firmware - ME Intel V16.1.25.2020 - 22.09.2022" for BIOS update 2204 (I looked in the BIOS under "Main" for the version before with 1601 and then with 2204 and the version has changed, everything is fine), I ask you, after formatting, I must enter Windows again and first install this Drive again "01A Intel ME Consumer Firmware - ME Intel V16.1.25.2020 - 22.09 .2022" or is it already part of my "system" being in the BIOS and I don't need to install it anymore? Or yes, is it necessary to have it, even though it is in the BIOS, also in the Windows system?

03. (MoKiChU didn't mention anything about the Z690 on this Drive's page), About the MoKiChU Drivers "Intel SATA AHCI-RAID Drivers (Drivers Only)", I see available Drivers from "1xx to 5xx", I don't need to install anything then for Z690 it? On the Z690 page it says Drive/SATA Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver V19.5.0.1037. I feel lost here, I don't use HDs in RAID, but I will use 01 internal and 03 external HDs, what to do?

04. I disabled the "automatic" installation of Armory Crate in the Bios and I intend to install it last after the sequence, see if it agrees with that?

05. I saw on the ASUS page, Video Card Drivers, this "BIOS Update Tool V2 RTX3090_V2 2020.10.28.zip" internally dated 09/12/2020, do you think it is necessary to install it?

06. About Resizable BAR (V2021.04.30) and GNA (V3.0.0.1457), what is the correct order to install them? First, do I enable them in the BIOS and then install the Drivers in Windows or do I install them in Windows and then in the Bios?

07. I'm going to remove all SSD and hard drives, do I think I'll plug them in later and not run the risk of installing the system in the wrong place, or is it better to leave everything connected so that the Drivers can be found and installed correctly by Windows?

Installation sequence, see if it's ok or reposition priorities (If you MoKiChU + JohnAb make a manual about all this, I'll be the first to buy it, I'm serious about this and count on my support):

A) I will partition the XPG GAMMIX S70 BLADE 1TB M.2 NVME PCIe Gen4x4 SSD into two parts (50% system + programs / 50% heavy work of the day, then move on to SSD or HDDs), do you think this is a good idea?
B) I will format and install Windows.
C) Full Windows Update (MoKiChU said: don't update them from Windows Update - Optional Updates).
D) Update using all MoKiChU Drivers listed above from 01A to 11A (I will follow the indicated analysis and sequence).
E) Will I install Armory Crate, should I again analyze the Drivers with him and see if there are any more updates and install them?
F) Then I always keep using the Armory Crate to update the Drivers from time to time or I don't use it and update manually through the available updates made by the MoKiChU master, what do you suggest?
G) I need some more program to manage something that Armory Crate doesn't do like: ASUS AI Suite, GPU Tweak III, MSI Afterburner, Corsair iCUE V4.31.168 for the colored fans of the case (I like to leave neutral and low intensity color )? (MoKiChU said: I don't use any ASUS tools other than Armory Crate for ASUS lighting and ASUS accessories, I like to have my system as refined as possible.) I also like to have less programs installed. A tip: I bought Revo Uninstaller Pro 5 Portable and CCleaner V6.07.10191 64Bit Portable, they are perfect to keep everything clean, with Revo you can uninstall all the things that come with Windows like Store, X-Box, and many others, it already there's a menu called "Windows Apps" what a great joy that is).

Answer in your time, without rushing, and for the moment, thank you very much... and think fondly about a guidance manual on all this that we will be supporting and contributing to!