Maximus 9 Formula doesn't POST with any BIOS after v0906

[mozzalex]

Hi all,

I have a Maximus 9 Formula, which came with BIOS v0801 when I bought it.
Then I updated it to v0906 with no problem. However, when I try to update to any BIOS version after that, my computer doesn't POST, and the only way to fix that is to use BIOS flashback USB to restore BIOS v0906.

After updating the BIOS, the system restarts, Then I see these Q-Codes: ...->22->88->60->61->9A->00 and then the system powers off completely.

My configuration:
1) Maximus 9 Formula
2) Core i7 7700K
3) G.Skill Trident Z 32GB 3200 X2 (Part number F4-3200C16-16GTZ which is on the list of approved memory)

Here are the things that I tried and didn't work:
1) restore default settings in BIOS
2) disconnect all USB devices and internal SATA and M.2 connections.
3) used different BIOS update method (Internet and USB)

So, any ideas why this is happening? I would appreciate any help.

[Nate152]

Hi mozzalex

Welcome to the ROG forum.

I see you're using 2 kits of memory? Try updating the bios with one matching 32GB kit.

If that doesn't work, you could try updating via the internet in EZ Flash, it should update you to the latest version 1301.

I'm using the Maximus IX Code and all bios versions are working, you should update to at least 1203 to be protected from Spectre.

Let us know if using one 32GB ram kit worked.

[mozzalex]

Thank you for your response Nate152.

I tied your suggestion but unfortunately, there was no difference. And my computer didn't POST again. So I had to use BIOS flashback to get back to v0906.

This problem is really perplexing. What is in all BIOS versions over v0906 that is causing my system not to POST ?????

[Nate152]

All right

I'm not sure why you can't use the later bios's, I'm a little perplexed myself. Does it give you any error message on screen when it doesn't post ?

When using the bios flashback method - After extracting the bios file to the usb flash drive, rename the bios file to M9F.CAP

Does this help ?

[pndiode]

Can you downgrade to previous BIOS 0801?

After receiving my VIII Gene motherboard from RMA with BIOS 3703 (RMA due to code 00, T/S GPU Tweak II version 1.6.0.5, still using GPU Tweak II version 1.4.7.3) I experienced a similar problem. When I tried to downgrade the BIOS from 3703 to an earlier BIOS 2202 the computer would not boot, it would only boot with BIOS 3703 installed.

Anyway, I only used the USB BIOS Flashback like your motherboard manual on page 2-13, but for the VIII Gene. And it still did not work. I could only install BIOS 3703 for the motherboard to work.

So, I had to reprogram the BIOS chip and it has been working flawlessly for an upgrade/downgrade for BIOS 0701 to BIOS 3801 (new release), but I’m still using BIOS 2202 (I7-6700K).

Anyway, if you cannot downgrade to a previous version from BIOS 0906 using the instructions in your manual on page 2-13 and nothing else works but BIOS 0906, you may have a faulty/corrupted BIOS chip (BIOS chip nowadays being soldered on motherboard). Otherwise, if you can downgrade your BIOS, I’m at a lost.

[mozzalex]

Nate152 and pndiode, thank you for taking the time to respond.

First of all, when I say that the computer doesn't POST, I mean that I don't see anything on the screen, but the Q-Code starts counting, and when it reaches 61 or 9A, the computer powers down instantly. The only way to enter SETUP is to use BIOS flashback again.

As to pndiode's point about downgrading: I tried your suggestion and I was able to downgrade to all versions before v1009. The computer successfully booted into windows using BIOS versions 0701, 0801, 0906. However, anything after that doesn't boot. ( I also tried flashing directly to v1301 from v0701 to no avail).

This problem is really confusing me. I can't think of a reason why this is happening to my system and no one else's.

[Nate152]

I don't know if it will make a difference but you could try the bios's for the Maximus IX Code, I normally wouldn't suggest this but since you're having trouble and they're the same, I will.

https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/ROG-MAXIMUS-IX-CODE/HelpDesk_Download/

[mozzalex]

Thanks for your suggestion Nate152,

It's not possible to flash the CODE BIOS using either EZ-flash or BIOS flashback.

[Nate152]

Ok

Is there anything else connected to the pcie slots ?

I suppose there could be something wrong with the bios chip but I don't want to say with 100% certainty without further testing and I'm not sure what else to test. But I can assure you the bios downloads are working from the ASUS Support Center.

Possible a bad bios chip ?

[mozzalex]

Thanks Nate152,

There is only one PCIE device, which is the Graphics Card. I will try disconnecting that and using the onboard graphics.

There maybe a hardware fault in this motherboard and this problem may be unfixable.

Anyway, thank you very much for your help.