MSI and Asus are the first motherboard manufacturers to release a much-needed BIOS update to prevent powerful Intel Raptor Lake chips from physically failing over time.

Asus and MSI are releasing a BIOS update that is designed to protect owners of Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh processors from a nasty bug. This is the update that Intel announced at the end of last month. The patch is designed to prevent thirteenth and fourteenth generation Intel processors with a TDP of more than 65 watts from failing.

Intel chips suffer from a bug related to internal voltages. Excessive voltages can cause certain internal components of vulnerable CPUs to weaken over time, leading to crashes. Once the degradation has occurred, the chip is ready for the trash: the damage is physical and cannot be repaired with software.

The BIOS update does not solve any existing problems, but it does prevent intact chips from failing for the time being. Should problems still occur, you can rely on an extended warranty period.

Available as beta

Asus is launching the update as a beta via the ROG forum. MSI is sharing the update via the support pages of compatible motherboards:

• MEG Z790 GOD-LIKE
• MEG Z790 GODLIKE MAX
• MPG Z790 EDGE WLAN
• MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI
• MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI
• PRO Z790-A Wi-Fi
• PRO Z790-A WIFI DDR4
• PRO Z790-P WIFI
• PRO Z790-P
• PRO Z790-S Wi-Fi
• MEG Z790 ACE MAX
• MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI II
• MPG Z790 CARBON WIFI

Usually, BIOS updates are too critical to be installed as a beta version. However, given the drawbacks, we think you can take a risk in this case. Especially those who own a Raptor Lake Core i9 should act immediately. Intel claims that the patch will not have a negative impact on performance.