Asus ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO EVA-02 EDITION
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Asus
- Chipset: Z790
- Socket: LGA1700
- Form Factor: ATX
- DIMM Slots: 4
- Color: Red / 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 (MZ790HE2.CAP) using BIOSRenamer."
BIOS Release Notes Analysis
Launch Stability & Compatibility
The platform launched with version 0217, establishing baseline functionality for the Z790 chipset. Security hardening was prioritized in v1801, which mitigates LogoFail vulnerabilities and updates the Intel Management Engine. Memory support expanded significantly in v1904, enabling compatibility with high-density 256GB DRAM configurations. Early system maintenance included v1502, which updated the Intel ME firmware to version 16.1.30.2264 to resolve initial platform errata.
Feature Maturity & Hardware Support
Firmware v2002 integrates Microcode 0x123, a preliminary mitigation for Raptor Lake instability that corrects early eTVB algorithm errors, while also allowing users to disable CEP on 14th Gen non-K processors. DDR5 training and CEP optimizations were further refined in v2102. To align with updated power specifications, v2202 introduced the Intel Baseline Profile. This was formalized in v2301, which implemented Intel Default Settings (Performance/Extreme) and redefined factory default behaviors to ensure processors operate within safe power limits by default.
Critical Security & Power Management
A series of critical microcode updates addresses processor longevity and voltage regulation. Version 2402 applies Microcode 0x125 to patch a critical eTVB bug that allowed unsafe frequency boosts. Version 2503 integrates Microcode 0x129, implementing a hard voltage clamp at 1.55V. The root cause of Vmin Shift Instability is addressed in v2703 via Microcode 0x12B, which targets elevated voltage requests during idle states; this version also enforced C1E states, though v2801 restored the option to disable C1E. Finally, v3001 incorporates Microcode 0x12F to provide advanced mitigation for edge-case voltage drifts, while v3107 updates the ME Firmware to 16.1.38.2676 for comprehensive security hardening.
ℹ️AI-synthesized summary derived from official changelogs and verified microcode specifications. Always verify with the manufacturer.