Z690 model with 13th Gen processor and 4090 chipset post-bios upgrade. Features include VGA and BOOT QLED support.
Z690 model with 13th Gen processor and 4090 chipset post-bios upgrade. Features include VGA and BOOT QLED support.
It seems the motherboard might be completely faulty if it keeps not working with VGA or booting. I think the BIOS flashback wasn’t the main issue; the board itself could be defective from the start. You’d likely be better off returning it and getting a new one, since Asus made mistakes with their Z690 13th gen BIOS updates that affect performance. Fixes are coming eventually, but if you must return now, opt for a fully functional board instead of waiting.
The bios flashback likely failed because the file name wasn't updated correctly before installation. Make sure the bios file matches the one specified in the manual, as it may differ from the default version. Try obtaining a last-generation CPU or use a service that can perform the flashback for you. Check the motherboard documentation or search for a tutorial video to guide you properly. If you didn't change the file name, you probably made a mistake.
I recently attempted to revert to Version 2103 once more. Still missing a post, though it was my first attempt. I'm starting to lose hope. This would be the least helpful and easiest solution possible. I've already posted a support request on ASUS Support, hoping for a prompt response. As I mentioned before: I reviewed the manual from ASUS and didn't overlook step 3 to rename the BIOS file—three times now. After further research, I discovered a German forum post where ASUS support stated that the latest BIOS version for the ROG MAXIMUS Z690 FORMULA Motherboard isn't working correctly and they are investigating it. Apparently, many ASUS Z690 boards have issues with the 13th Gen BIOS update. Edit: I also tried another BIOS flashback to Version 2004 using a different USB stick, possibly because it might have been faulty even after two full non-quick formats. But still no post. The time required for BIOS flashback was around 3.3 minutes.
I’m really puzzled about your choice of components. You bought a 13900k, 4090 but opted for the cheapest Z690 board instead of something more affordable like a Z790. It seems you weren’t planning to make a video about this. Wouldn’t it be simpler just to get a Z790 and update the BIOS yourself? That way, you avoid the hassle of dealing with a board that’s hard to work with without any connections. It can really brick things up easily. Make sure the USB is functioning properly as a BIOS updater—some boards are super strict about using specific drives. If you’re unsure, check if they support 12100 or 12400 models for a cheaper option that you can return after updating.
This whole rig was meant for a friend. We ordered it together, but at first he only wanted the new RTX 4090 and kept his old i9-9900K setup with 128GB DDR4 and Z390 Mobo. After reading some benchmarks, he realized his old CPU would be limited, so he decided to upgrade to the latest 13900K and DDR5. But that meant a significant jump in expected bugs, so we had to make some compromises to meet his needs. We ended up with these specs, which worked fine for BIOS updates, and I thought the process was safe. I’m not ready to buy another 12th Gen CPU just yet, but if ASUS support doesn’t help, maybe I’ll try this old board instead. Likely we’ll go for a new Z790 board and return the old one to ASUS to save time.
He seems to need a lot of memory and RAM, which isn’t cheap. Some BIOS updates can be tricky without proper support, and it’s hard to know what works best. Companies sometimes release updates smoothly, while others cause problems. I usually prefer a native CPU for updates, as it’s faster and less likely to fail. You probably won’t hear back quickly—often it takes days before someone replies with real help.
He spent many years at Microsoft in IT but is now moving to a different area. Now he uses 32GB for gaming and light work. I recall this from the early 2000s, but since the 2010s I never faced issues with BIOS updates anymore—they were mostly software-based rather than flashing through Flash. Yet in 2020s I still see these problems lingering. Let’s hope things improve. I’ll reply with support answers once I receive them. If you have any unusual input, feel free to share it!
Hey, I’m not sure if you’re still dealing with this problem. I just got a 13600k with an Asus Z690-A ROG Strix and have been struggling with BIOS updates. Asus advises updating the Intel ME firmware before changing the BIOS to version 2103, which isn’t possible without a running system. This thread is making me really anxious. 😅 But from what I read on the ASUS ROG forum, if you’re using a 13th-gen CPU on a Z690 motherboard, flashing your BIOS might cause issues with the M.2_1 slot not being recognized. Maybe that’s why your system isn’t booting. You could try installing the NVME drive in any slot except M.2_1, then install Windows and update drivers afterward. If that works, you can swap back to M.2_1 later. For me, I’m considering flashing BIOS to 2004 first (it has the latest ME firmware) and then upgrading to 2103. Or follow the forum suggestion: flash to the newest BIOS, switch to M.2_2/3/4, install Windows, and update everything. It’s risky, but worth a try. What do you think?