Performance issues following the BIOS update were significant.
Performance issues following the BIOS update were significant.
2 days ago I changed the bios on my board to an ASUS Mainboard PRIME Z690-P, aiming for better stability. After the update, performance dropped significantly—I’m not sure what’s happening. Before the update, it ran smoothly with 5.4GHz cores at 4.2 GHz and a 0.075 undervoltage, achieving 2200 in Cinebench 2024. I’ve never experienced any stability issues before. Now that I upgraded the bios, it only reaches 800. In Cinebench, all cores appear normal at 5.4GHz, drawing around 200W. How is this possible? Is the CPU handling errors like RAM does? I’m really confused and need to regain at least 2000 points. Switching to an Intel Failsave mode that reduces performance under load while maintaining cooling seems like the only way to score.
Retrieve the bios from the prior version. No automatic updates unless needed.
Restore the BIOS to the previous stable release that performed reliably.
I’m not sure which BIOS version I was using—it was the original release, and I never updated it before. The security and microcode updates in the new BIOS seemed like a solid reason to finally upgrade. Now I can get back to around 2100 points with the ASUS OC profile instead of the Intel one. Under full load the VCore runs about 1.3V, rising to 1.4V in lighter loads. I have no idea what’s happening with the Intel profile; it now defaults, but it doesn’t work for me.
I also attempted to lower the voltage on my 12400 at first, but it caused subpar performance instead of a crash. This was verified online.
interesting fact that guess my CPU only needs higher vcore now. i think the base vcore before the bios update was higher, and the update fixed it so it's lower by default. i don't think that would affect anything—it pulls around 280w+ at cinebench, sometimes reaching 100c but usually dropping to about 90-95. a google search shows hitting 100c in cinebench isn't uncommon due to the high power draw. my Corsair 360mm AIO seems to be near its limit.
The default bios configurations usually offer solid results. Adding a contact frame enhances heat movement from the CPU to the cooler. If the cooler can manage the temperature, the CPU will remain cooler. The loading system for 12/13/14 generations has issues. A contact frame could either reduce temperatures or at least boost performance within those limits. Edited June 9, 2025 by leclod