Asus ROG MAXIMUS Z790 APEX
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Asus
- Chipset: Z790
- Socket: LGA1700
- Form Factor: ATX
- DIMM Slots: 2
- Color: Silver / Black
BIOS Update Status
- Microcode 0x129
Microcode update 0x129 addresses an issue where the processor may request high voltages, potentially leading to accelerated degradation.
- Microcode 0x12B
Microcode update 0x12B addresses elevated voltage requests by the processor during idle and/or light activity periods (includes 0x129).
- Microcode 0x12F
Microcode update 0x12F to further address processor degradation on systems with light activity.
Latest BIOS Version
"1. Enhance overall system security.2. pdate the ME Firmware version to 16.1.38.2676.Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME to version 16.1.38.2676.Please note after you update this BIOS, the ME version remains the updated one even if you roll back to an older BIOS later.Before running the USB BIOS Flashback tool, please rename the BIOS file (MZ790A.CAP) using BIOSRenamer."
BIOS Release Notes Analysis
Launch Stability & Compatibility
The platform lifecycle began with v0502, quickly followed by v0703 which resolved driver compatibility issues with NVIDIA RTX40 series graphics cards. Memory support was significantly expanded in v0812 to accommodate 24GB and 48GB non-binary DDR5 modules, while v0904 validated high-speed GSKILL DDR5-7200/8000 kits. Firmware v1203 established initial architectural support for Intel 14th Gen processors and fixed instability when configuring RAID on high-capacity storage arrays. This phase also enforced Management Engine (ME) updates, with v0812 permanently restricting rollback capabilities to comply with regional Wi-Fi regulations.
Feature Maturity & Hardware Support
Update v1402 formalized 14th Gen support via updated microcode, while v1801 patched critical LogoFail security vulnerabilities. Memory compatibility reached 256GB capacity in v1904. Performance tuning for 14th Gen non-K processors was enhanced in v2002 via Microcode 0x123, which permits disabling CEP (Current Excursion Protection) to optimize power delivery. To address emerging stability concerns on high-end SKUs, v2202 introduced the Intel Baseline Profile, which was later refined into Intel Default Settings (Performance/Extreme) in v2301 to enforce safe power limits and redefine factory defaults across various CPU models.
Critical Security & Power Management
A series of critical microcode updates addresses Vmin Shift Instability and processor degradation risks. Version v2402 integrates Microcode 0x125 to correct eTVB algorithms, followed by v2503 with Microcode 0x129, which implements a hard voltage clamp to prevent excessive VID requests. The root cause of voltage drift during idle states is mitigated in v2703 via Microcode 0x12B, which initially enforced C1E states to reduce stress; however, v2801 restored the ability to disable C1E based on user demand. Finally, v3001 deploys Microcode 0x12F for advanced mitigation of Vmin Shift Instability, alongside cumulative ME firmware updates culminating in version 16.1.38.2676 in v3107.
ℹ️AI-synthesized summary derived from official changelogs and verified microcode specifications. Always verify with the manufacturer.