MZ790E Q code 55 solved

[Hopper64]

Had to RMA the former MZ790E due to code 55 with GSkill 6400 memory all at default. Received the new MZ790E today. No problem. Boots without issue into the bios at default with the same memory kit. Testing memory at default currently.

Noticed that there’s a note to update to FW ….2020 BEFORE flashing bios 0703 on the Asus website:

“Before BIOS update, please download Intel ME update tool from ASUS support site, and update ME firmware to Version 16.1.25.2020 to ensure optimized system settings.”

I have not installed windows yet. Is there any mechanism to updating the FW outside windows?*

[iBruceypoo]

Had to RMA the former MZ790E due to code 55 with GSkill 6400 memory all at default. Received the new MZ790E today. No problem. Boots without issue into the bios at default with the same memory kit. Testing memory at default currently.

Noticed that there’s a note to update to FW ….2020 BEFORE flashing bios 0703 on the Asus website:

“Before BIOS update, please download Intel ME update tool from ASUS support site, and update ME firmware to Version 16.1.25.2020 to ensure optimized system settings.�

I have not installed windows yet. Is there any mechanism to updating the FW outside windows?*

+1

Congratulations on finally resolving your code 55 issue. Even though it took an RMA...

Should we also update the ME firmware to version 2020 for the Z790 Apex boards BEFORE updating from the shipping bios?

[Hopper64]

Thanks. Good question. I would rather update the FW without a windows installation, but I don’t know that it’s possible.

I was really relieved when that 6400 GSkill kit booted. I was dreading another RMA or that I had missed something. It worked quite well. I can honestly say I tried everything in the troubleshooting area before sending it back. Even swapped the CPU just to make sure.*

[Adrian1983]

I had this issue on my previous Maximus XI Hero on Z490 it turned out to be slightly bent pins in the socket which I ended up fixing myself with a magnifying glass and a lot of patience haha, Glad you got it sorted though!

[kvarq]

Not bad catching from the second try a good board.
Sadly, it's just another confirmation that we have to BIN the Asus boards for daily use...
Damn!

@brucey - ya, the FW recommendation is also for Apex Z790, it's listed already on its support page as you shown

[Hopper64]

I had this issue on my previous Maximus XI Hero on Z490 it turned out to be slightly bent pins in the socket which I ended up fixing myself with a magnifying glass and a lot of patience haha, Glad you got it sorted though!

Thanks!! I even checked the pins myself as best as could at the time and did not find anything. And it was peculiar that it would post on certain GSkill kits but not others. I would have thought I would have had the same result regardless of the memory kit if a bent pin was involved. Â*

[Hopper64]

Not bad catching from the second try a good board.
Sadly, it's just another confirmation that we have to BIN the Asus boards for daily use...
Damn!

@brucey - ya, the FW recommendation is also for Apex Z790, it's listed already on its support page as you shown

I am glad this second one is working well. I have the GSkill 6400 kit working fine in it and has already passed stability testing at that XMP with tweaks setting with no issue at all. Â*

[Silent Scone@ROG]

Glad you got it resolved, Hopper. I didn't think there was much point pursuing with the board you had in hand. Glad that turned out to be the case!

[kvarq]

So there is something wrong with the memory tracers or the slots themselves, clearly it is a quality issue with the Asus boards.
It is not normal to try 2-3 mobos (and sometimes not even then) just for the XMP to work as it should.
Either the Asus Quality dept is not doing the job properly or they just leave it like this, throwing the cat to the customer...
I was really hoping that Z790 would be different though.

[Adrian1983]

Thanks!! I even checked the pins myself as best as could at the time and did not find anything. And it was peculiar that it would post on certain GSkill kits but not others. I would have thought I would have had the same result regardless of the memory kit if a bent pin was involved. Â*

Yeah it was so hard to check also, I wouldn't mind it was brand new and I never dropped anything in the socket but when I was researching the issue and a lot were saying that code was possible bent pins I decided to get some 4k zoomed video footage to see before I sent the board back and that's when I noticed 2 or 3 slightly out of aligned pins so I got the tiniest of flat screwdriver and straightened them best I could as they are angled and it has worked ever since haha.

That's when I had a steady hand though some years ago not so much now

I didn't have any other memory to test so maybe your issue was different and obviously the board itself at fault, But congrats and enjoy your system!