5090 Astral Bios Update

[yzonker]

Post this here too since no responses in the other forum.

Interestingly (and frustratingly), the new 5090 Matrix vBios has higher performance per clock than the Astral bios.  I know this due to that bios being cross flashable to other AIB cards and is showing higher 3DMark scores.  Unfortunately that bios does not work on the Astral which is incredibly frustrating.  Just ends in Code 43.

I'm wondering if the there's any chance of the Astral bios being updated with whatever improvements that have been added to the Matrix bios?

Nobody here may know, but also, is there someone I can contact at Asus about this?  I doubt normal tech support can help here, so looking for someone that would better understand this situation.

Thanks.

[inge70]

The Asus 5090 Matrix and Astral are both high-end RTX 5090 graphics cards, but
the Matrix is a limited-edition, enthusiast-focused card designed for maximum overclocking potential, while the Astral is the flagship consumer model that prioritizes a balance of performance and cooling with its AIO liquid cooling. The Matrix boasts a higher power draw (up to 800W) for extreme performance and features liquid metal for better heat transfer, while the Astral uses a closed-loop liquid cooler with a 360mm radiator and a fourth fan on the card for power component cooling.

The Matrix, due to its higher power consumption, is not comparable to the Astral, and therefore there will be no vBIOS for the Astral to bring it up to par with the Matrix.

Your reasons for claiming that Asus is disadvantaging "you" here are therefore irrelevant.

If the Astral is no longer sufficient for you because you absolutely need the fastest and best, then you should buy the Matrix, if you can manage to get one, as it is a limited edition.

[yzonker]

Did you even read what I wrote?  The Matrix bios gives 800w to almost ALL AIB cards EXCEPT the Astral black.   AND it even works on the Astral White edition and allows 800w.  Asus screwed up big time because now practically every 5090 out there can have a 800w PL on a single connector!!!!  But in the process, screwed over their actual customers since the bios doesn't work on the black Astral or the LC.

But more importantly the Matrix bios has MORE PERFORMANCE PER CLOCK meaning it's faster at the same clock speed and power usage.  

All I'm asking for is the Astral 600w bios to be updated with whatever improvement Asus made to the performance of the Matrix bios.  Not a higher PL, just 600w, but the same performance per clock.

[inge70]

I've read what you wrote, and I still stand by my statement:

The Matrix's vBIOS is simply not designed or suitable for the Astral or any other compatible card. If various users test it anyway, they do so at their own risk, because the Matrix doesn't draw up to 800W via the 12V 2x6 (12VHPWR) connector, but rather up to 600W (or slightly more) via the power cable, with the remainder drawn via the additional BTF connector at the bottom, provided the motherboard supports it.

This is also described everywhere online regarding this special model.

This means that even if you flash the Matrix's vBIOS onto an Astral or another 5090, you won't get the Matrix's full performance, because the current draw via the 12V 2x6 connector is capped at 600W.

I also assume that the Matrix's PCB has various modifications to handle 800W, which the rest of the 5090 family doesn't have.

Ultimately, the Matrix's higher performance comes at the cost of increased power consumption, and if you're only concerned with achieving the highest scores in various benchmarks, then go ahead and flash the vBIOS if you think it's still acceptable.

But keep in mind that if your 5090 gets damaged and burns out in the process, it's your own fault, and Asus won't replace it.

To accuse Asus of cheating you because the Matrix is ​​even faster than yours is simply nonsense and pointless, as the Matrix is ​​a special edition model, and a limited one at that. Comparing it to the other 5090 variants just because they no longer seem to be the fastest and best is pointless.

No manufacturer (whether Asus, Gigabyte, or anyone else) would release the vBIOS of such a special model, which essentially only demonstrates what's possible, for other motherboards in the same series, because that would render such a special edition ineffective.

But if you absolutely need this performance, then sell your Astral and try to buy a Matrix.

All this complaining about Asus because the Matrix's vBIOS isn't available for the Astral is just whining.

[yzonker]

Motivman just threw down on Splave with a cheap reference board Ventus using the Matrix bios.  It says Asus on his run, but that's just because he's running the Matrix bios.

Pretty hilarious really.  If I were going to buy another 5090 it certainly wouldn't be the Matrix.  I'd get a cheap reference card with a decent core and just flash the Matrix bios.

[edoram85]

This is ridiculous. As an Asus customer, I feel like I'm being mocked! Being outperformed by people who bought much cheaper cards is frustrating! Asus must protect its customers and the entire Astral Community.

[edoram85]

[a63]

Grazie ASUS per avermi fatto spendere molti più soldi per prestazioni addirittura inferiori rispetto ad altre schede video.

[edoram85]

I bought ASTRAL end not X for have MORE, not LESS!

[yzonker]

Really is a massive screw up.  All this push to not leak the XOC bios and Asus themselves drop a 800w bios.  It exceeds the 12v-2x6 limit AND disenfranchises most of their existing 5090 buyers. 

Nobody serious about OC'ing a 5090 will touch an Asus card now (except for the Astral White which does work with the 800w bios).  Enjoy more connector RMA's on the White cards Asus.