A couple of weeks ago, we reported on NVIDIA directing users of Intel's 13th Generation Raptor Lake and 14th Generation Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs to consult Intel for any issues with system stability. Motherboard makers, by default, often run the CPU outside of Intel's recommended specifications, overvolting the CPU through modifying voltage curves, automatic overclocks, and removing power limits.

Today, we learned that Igor's Lab has obtained a statement from Intel that the company prepared for motherboard OEMs regarding the issues multiple users report. Intel CPUs come pre-programmed with a stock voltage curve. When motherboard makers remove power limits and automatically adjust voltage curves and frequency targets, the CPU can be pushed outside its safe operating range, possibly causing system instability. Intel has set up a dedicated website for users to report their issues and offer support. Manufacturers like GIGABYTE have already issued new BIOS updates for users to achieve maximum stability, which incidentally has recent user reports of still being outside Intel spec, setting PL2 to 188 W, loadlines to 1.7/1.7 and current limit to 249 A. While MSI provided a blog post tutorial for stability. ASUS has published updated BIOS for its motherboards to reflect on this Intel baseline spec as well. Surprisingly, not all the revised BIOS values match up with the Intel Baseline Profile spec for these various new BIOS updates from different vendors. You can read the statement from Intel in the quote below.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, released the latest beta BIOS with Intel Baseline feature on Z790, B760 series motherboards for enhanced stability, regarding the feedback from Intel that high power consumption settings may cause system instability with 13/14th generation CPUs.⁠

GIGABYTE always prioritizes user experience, focusing on both performance and stability. Additionally, as a close ally of Intel, we promptly introduced the Intel Baseline feature with the latest beta BIOS. When using 13th and 14th generation K-SKU CPUs, the Intel Baseline setting will appear in the "Turbo Power Limits" option under "Advanced CPU Settings". After enabling Intel Baseline, the performance will be expected to be limited due to the power setting adjustments.

ASRock Technology, a global leader in motherboard manufacturing, today announced the release of the latest AGESA beta BIOS for AM5 motherboards, enabling support for next-generation Ryzen processors. ASRock AM5 motherboard lineup can now support next-generation AMD Ryzen processors with the installation of the latest new AGESA 1.1.7.0 beta BIOS, significantly improving processor compatibility and providing users of ASRock AM5 motherboards with enhanced Ryzen processor support.

Users can easily update to the latest AGESA 1.1.7.0 beta BIOS through ASRock official website or using features like BIOS Flashback and Instant Flash. ASRock recommends that users update to the latest BIOS version as soon as possible to achieve better compatibility and system performance. The official version is expected to be released later, so please stay tuned to the ASRock official website for the latest updates.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices, today is excited to announce a brand-new BIOS update designed for its AMD AM5 series motherboards, incorporating the latest AGESA PI 1.1.7.0 Patch A architecture. This update is aimed at the imminent release of AMD's next-generation CPUs, ensuring that BIOSTAR motherboards are primed to unleash the full potential of these cutting-edge processors. With a strong focus on future-ready performance, this BIOS update will be available to download soon and is ready to redefine computing power and performance with the latest AMD processors. BIOSTAR invites users to stay tuned to its official website for the BIOS release and future updates.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, released the latest AGESA 1.1.7.0 beta bios for the coming AMD Ryzen 9000 series processors boot-up support on GIGABYTE AM5 X670, B650, A620 motherboards, and for present Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series processors as well.⁠ The AGESA 1.1.7.0 beta BIOS is now ready on the GIGABYTE official website, and the formal release will be in mid-May. Users can easily update the BIOS using GIGABYTE's ＠BIOS, Q-Flash, or Q-Flash Plus technology. For more update, please pay close attention to the official GIGABYTE website.

ASUS today announced BIOS updates enabling support for next-gen AMD Ryzen processors on ASUS AM5 X670, B650 and A620 motherboards, as well as support for existing Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series processors. These updates are necessary to enable compatibility with these processors. BIOS updates for ASUS AM5 motherboards also add support for existing Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series processor.

The updates can be accessed on the ASUS BIOS update page for the models listed below.

DFI, the world's leading brand in embedded motherboards and industrial computers, is thrilled to announce two of the world's first Industrial MicroATX motherboards to support Intel Core 12th, 13th, and 14th (Alder Lake-S, Raptor Lake-S and Raptor Lake-S Refresh) Gen Processors. "With support for the latest Intel Core processors and features including dual GPU slots and dual 10GbE ports, RPS310 and ADS310 represent a significant leap forward in innovation for industrial and medical computing, empowering manufacturing and healthcare professionals to achieve new levels of efficiency," said Jarry Chang, General Manager of Products Center at DFI.

RPS310
Featuring dual PCIe x16 Gen 4 GPU slots, addresses key challenges for Factory Automation professionals working in Smart manufacturing field, enabling improved visualized data, complex imagery processing and quality monitoring in automated production lines. RPS310 is also perfect for medical professionals to analyze Medical imaging data with unprecedented image quality and efficiency, improving diagnosis accuracy on MRIs and CT Scanners and X-rays.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, is pleased to release the new BETA BIOS for all Z790 and B760 motherboards with Intel 14th Gen Processors, which provides the option to disable CEP (Current Excursion Protection) and deliver exceptional CPU performance with lower temperature and stability.

For a long time, the CEP function on Intel B760 chipset was default enabled for 14th Gen CPUs and unable to be disabled. This always results in the requirement of higher power protection and voltage compensation settings to ensure performance with stability, or a sacrifice in performance instead. The new BETA BIOS supports disabling the CEP function by utilizing Intel's updated microcode. Additionally, GIGABYTE BIOS not only features optimized power settings that suit every different CPU but also offers exclusive easy settings, like PerfDrive, to enable a simple balance of performance, power consumption, and temperature with Intel Core processors. This ensures achieving the same performance at lower CPU operating temperatures as well as excellent stability and high efficiency, safeguarding the durability of CPU/VRM components.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that an international group of elite overclockers has set four world records with an ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore motherboard featuring the new Intel Core i9-14900KS processor. Along with the ASUS overclocking team, overclocking expert Elmor pushed this processor to a dazzling 9117.75 MHz. Safedisk used the same setup to achieve three additional world records: PiFast completed in just 6.79 seconds, SuperPI 1M finished in 3.768 seconds, and PYPrime 32B finished in 97.596 seconds.

The ROG Maximus Z790 Apex motherboard family is the ultimate choice for enthusiasts and overclockers seeking style and power in their gaming setup. The motherboards are built to help the world's most talented overclockers shatter barriers on their way to new records. In the past few years, the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex motherboard was used to push a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K processor past the 9 GHz barrier for an impressive world record, and the ROG Maximus Z790 Apex Encore was used to push the 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900KF to 9043.92 MHz.

ASUS today announced BIOS updates that enable support for up to 256 GB of memory on its Intel 700 and 600 series motherboards that use DDR5 modules. Such models with four DIMM slots can now support up to 256 GB of memory, while such models with two DIMM slots can now support up to 128 GB. These enhancements significantly improve multitasking potential, ensuring smooth and seamless computing. AMD AM5 motherboards from ASUS do not require a BIOS update to enable support for up to 256 GB of DDR5 memory modules.

The BIOS updates can be accessed on the ASUS support pages for the models listed below.

Select MSI motherboards from the MPG and MEG series that support Intel's Extreme Power Profile, feature a UEFI Firmware setup program option called "P-core Beyond 6 GHz+." This is a set of overclocking presets by MSI, designed to work with select Intel KS-series processors. Apparently the BIOS MSI released to support the upcoming Core i9-14900KS, comes with this option along with several settings that can get two of the eight P-cores to boost to 6.40 GHz—200 MHz higher than Intel's maximum boost frequency for the chip.

The other presets presented by this MSI BIOS option includes five choices—"6.3/5.9 GHz," "6.4/5.9 GHz," "6.2/5.8 GHz," "6.3/5.8 GHz," and the ultimate "6.4/5.8 GHz." Here, the first frequency mentioned in the setting is the maximum that the P-cores will hit using the Thermal Velocity Boost algorithm, for its two best performing cores, provided the cooling is optimal. The second frequency in the setting label is the maximum the P-cores will reach using the Turbo Boost Max 3.0 algorithm. Each of the five presets have been tested by MSI on the i9-14900KS under a cooling setup that permits the processor to achieve the top-rated speed using Thermal Velocity Boost. If the Core i9-13900KS is anything to go by, the i9-14900KS may require you to be ready with the best possible cooling setup to run the processor even at its stock speeds.

Unlocking high performance while maintaining low temperatures is the ultimate goal for gamers. MSI now introduces BIOS updates for Intel 700 and 600 series motherboards, supporting the ability to disable the CEP (Current Excursion Protection) function. This adjustment allows processors to operate at lower voltages and temperatures without compromising performance.

CEP, or Current Excursion Protection, is a function designed to prevent system instability caused by insufficient CPU voltage. However, the impact varies depending on the platform and combinations used, sometimes leading to a performance drop. Enthusiast gamers may choose to disable the CEP function to maximize performance. For more details on CEP functionality, please check our introduction article.

ASUS IoT, the global AIoT solution provider, today announced the launch of its new lineup of industrial motherboards and edge AI computers powered by the latest Intel Core (14th gen) processors. These cutting-edge solutions offer supreme computing performance, enhanced power efficiency, and accelerated connectivity, making them ideal for a wide range of industrial applications. One of the key features of these new solutions is the accelerated transfer speeds and enhanced power efficiency offered by DDR5 memory. Compared to DDR4, DDR5 memory provides 50% faster transfer speeds and 8% improved power efficiency, ensuring reliability with ECC technology.

ASUS IoT industrial motherboards also support double-speed PCI Express (PCIe) 5.0, which doubles the speed of PCIe 4.0, while maintaining full backward compatibility for system flexibility. This allows for faster data transfer and expandability, meeting the demands of modern industrial applications. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics technology in ASUS IoT motherboards supports up to 8K60 HDR video and multiple 4K60 displays, providing vivid graphics and powerful AI acceleration. This makes them ideal for various applications, including retail, healthcare and AI in smart factories.

By the end of 2023, MSI unveiled its groundbreaking support for memory capacities of up to 256 GB. Now, both MSI Intel and AMD motherboards official support these capacities, with 4 DIMMs enabling 256 GB and 2 DIMMs supporting 128 GB. This advancement enhances multitasking capabilities and ensures seamless computing operations.

Intel Motherboard - 700 & 600 Series Platform, BIOS Rolling Out
The supported platforms for this memory capacity enhancement include Intel 700 and 600 series DDR5 motherboards. Gamers looking to benefit from these enhancements will need to upgrade to the own dedicated BIOS. MSI is currently diligently working on releasing the BIOS, with the first batch already available below. The rest of the models will be released in late February and March.

Users of Intel's 13th Gen unlocked K-series processors such as Core i9-13900K, i7-13700K, are reporting stability issues when gaming even at stock clock-speeds. Hassan Mujtaba of Wccftech and Tom's Hardware have isolated the issues to power limit unlocks. Most Z690 and Z790 chipset motherboards include BIOS-level unlocks for the power limits, particularly the Maximum Turbo Power (interchangeable with PL2). By default, the i9-13900K and i7-13700K come with a PL2 value of 253 W, but you can get the motherboard to unlock this to unlimited, which basically tells the processor that it has 4096 W of power on tap, so not technically a "stock" configuration anymore.

Of course, neither your PSU nor your CPU VRM are capable of delivering 4096 W, and so the processor tends to draw as much power as it needs, to maintain the best possible P-core boost frequencies, before running into thermal limits. At stock frequencies with stock boost bins, unlocked power limits can drive the power draw of i9-13900K as far high as 373 W under a multithreaded load, in our testing, when compared to 283 W with the power limits in place. It turns out, that unlocking the power limits can come with long-term costs, besides the literal cost of electricity—the processor's stability with gaming workloads can degrade with certain hardware combos and settings.

MSI, a prominent gaming hardware brand, is excited to reveal its renewed collaboration with Ubisoft, a distinguished game publisher. Anticipation builds as MSI and Ubisoft join forces to bring gamers an unparalleled experience in the highly anticipated game—Skull and Bones. Navigate Treacherous Waters, Unleash Pirate Fury! Embark on a thrilling maritime journey with Skull and Bones, a captivating co-op pirate open world action-RPG experience. Sail through treacherous seas, engage in epic ship battles, and become the legendary pirate you were destined to be. Beware of every wave, for the open world awaits with dangers and opportunities alike. Are you ready to rule the sea?

Let's begin your private journey with MSI's advanced technologies!
Embark on an exciting adventure with MSI's special offer—buy selected MSI products and a complimentary Skull and Bones for free. Elevate your gaming rig with MSI's cutting-edge motherboards, PC cases, power supplies, liquid coolers, and graphics card. Dive into the thrilling world of Skull and Bones for an immersive gaming experience.

ASRock releases new BIOS for Intel 600/700 series motherboards, the updated BIOS is able to drastically improve CPU performance on 14th gen non-K series processors up to 10% with I7-14700 by Cinebench R23. The performance gain is benefit from Intel's latest microcode and ASRock is the first to implement this new update before Chinese New Year, the new BIOS for Z790 series motherboards are as below, 600 & B760 series will be updated shortly!

You can find the full list of motherboards and BIOS versions in the table below.

GIGABYTE Technology, a pioneer in computer hardware, has taken a significant stride in shaping its European business model. Today, GIGABYTE has broadened its e-commerce platform, shop.gigabyte.eu, by integrating enterprise server and server motherboard solutions into its product portfolio. Being at the forefront of computer hardware manufacturing, GIGABYTE recognizes that it is imperative to expand its presence in the EMEA region to maintain its leadership across all markets. With the introduction of our enterprise-level server and motherboard solutions, we are dedicated to delivering a diverse range of high-performance products directly to our B2B clients.

GIGABYTE offers a complete product portfolio that addresses all workloads from the data center to edge including traditional and emerging workloads in HPC and AI to data analytics, 5G/edge, cloud computing, and more. Our enduring partnerships with key technology leaders ensure that our new products are at the forefront of innovation and launch with new partner platforms. Our systems embody performance, security, scalability, and sustainability. Within the e-commerce product portfolio, we offer a selection of models from our Edge, Rack, GPU, and Storage series. Additionally, the platform provides server motherboards for custom integration. The current selection comprises a mix of solutions tailored to online sales. For more complex solutions, customers can get in touch via the integrated contact form.

DFI, the world's leading brand in embedded motherboards and industrial computers, is targeting the AI application market by launching the embedded system module (SOM) MTH968 equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processor. It is the first product integrated with an NPU (Neural Processor Unit) processor, representing the official integration of AI with industrial PCs (IPCs). With the expansion into AI IPC, DFI expects to inject new momentum into the AI edge computing market.

According to the STL Partners report, the potential market value of global edge computing will increase from US$9 billion in 2020 to US$462 billion in 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49%. Therefore, the development of products that utilize the core capabilities of chips to rapidly execute AI edge computing in devices has become a key focus for many major technology companies.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, announces that its AMD AM4 series motherboards are now compatible with the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors.With the official unveiling of the Ryzen 8000 Series desktop processors, AMD has further enhanced its Ryzen 5000 Series, first released in 2020, by introducing four new processors. These additions include the Ryzen 7 5700X3D, Ryzen 7 5700, Ryzen 5 5600GT, and Ryzen 5 5500GT, all built on AMD's efficient Zen 3 architecture. This expansion of the Ryzen 5000 Series offers users a broader range of options, from high-end to mainstream, demonstrating AMD's dedication to diversifying its CPU offerings.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D and Ryzen 7 5700 processors are equipped with advanced technologies like AMD StoreMI, which enhances storage performance by combining SSDs and HDDs into a more efficient, single-tiered storage system. Additionally, they support AMD Ryzen VR-Ready Premium technology, offering greater immersion in virtual reality, even on older hardware. This combination of StoreMI and VR-Ready Premium technology ensures these processors deliver high storage efficiency and an enhanced VR experience, making them suitable for a wide range of demanding applications.

An exclusive report provides an initial tease of MSI's relaunch of MPOWER—a beloved product line of high performance yet wallet friendly motherboards. Wccftech published their Z790MPOWER model coverage only a few hours ago. MSI's final batch of MPOWER-branded boards landed back in 2017, with Z170 and Z270 chipsets (on Intel Socket 1151). Here is Wccftech's statement on the matter: "MSI is marking the return of the MPOWER series with a new and cost-effective Z790 product, the Z790MPOWER. This motherboard may look like a very mainstream design but it has something that only a few high-end motherboards can do and that is support for the best DDR5 memory out there."

They moved onto showcasing the board's feature set: "Starting with the details, the MSI Z790MPOWER motherboard features the LGA 1700/1800 socket & supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPUs from Intel. It is powered by a 15-Phase VRM design which is provided power through dual 8-pin connectors. There are large heatsinks over the VRMs and the Mini-ATX with a silver and black finish looks great." The usual bits of overclocking terminology adorn Z790MPOWER's various heatsinks—including "Overclock, Frequency, MHz, Voltages and Clock."

V-COLOR announces the launch of their DDR5 overclocking R-DIMM the TRX50 Motherboards powered by AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7000 series processors with capacity 192 GB (4x48GB) ready to hit the market in speeds ranging from 6400 MHz up to 7200 MHz for end users who require the maximum capacity and speed. This package is geared toward content makers, intensive 3D modelers, AI programmers, trading machines, and HFT (high frequency trading) firms.

With EXPO ready v-color DDR5 OC R-DIMM memory is ready to for full potential, designed for a diverse user base that includes both non-overclocking users and overclocking enthusiasts, with a specific focus on content creators, intensive 3D modelers, AI programmers, trading machines or HFT (high frequency trading) companies. This kit is meticulously crafted with the most advanced SK Hynix DDR5 chips and Automated Binning sort for more reliability and endurance, continuously tested for full compatibility with all the motherboards TRX50.

ECS Industrial Computer Co., Ltd., (ECSIPC) is pleased to announce its participation in ISE 2024 where it will showcase its latest smart retail solutions, IPC motherboards, and two new LIVA mini-PCs that are ready for applications including digital signage, smart vending machines, kiosks, factory automation equipment and AOI. Designed for digital signage and self-service kiosks in the smart retail industry, or in large vehicles fitted with display-board advertising, this unique mini-PC offers up to 4 display outputs that can showcase a variety of rich and vibrant content. The highly flexible solution can display 4 different screens, mirror all screens the same, split one image across 4 displays, or splits of 3-and-1 or 2-and-2, affording maximum flexibility to cover wide areas of retail spaces that can easily plan and push a multitude of content to inform and advertise in attractive, dynamic, high-resolution visuals, all from a single device. The LIVA X3A mini-PC is ready to go right out the box, along with ECSIPC's own content management software to streamline product deployment.

Powered by a highly efficient Rockchip octa-core featuring a 4x Arm Cortex-A76 and 4x Arm Cortex-A55 processors in this Arm-based CPU, the highly efficient, fanless design ensures a sustainable solution that accommodates many use-cases. In addition, 8 GB of fast LPDDR5 and 64 GB of internal storage is preinstalled, while dual GbE, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 provide a variety of internet connectivity built-in, which can be further expanded with optional PoE and 4G LTE to meet specific deployment requirements.

In addition to the new AIO coolers and PSUs, ENERMAX brought a full lineup of new PC cases to the CES 2024 show, including the new ENERPAZO lineup, the new EK98, and the SK30 V2 PC cases. The ENERPAZO lineup with the ENERPAZO EP33 mid-tower and the ENERPAZO EP23 mini-tower PC cases, and the EK98 mid-tower PC case, all come with built-in USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C ports and reusable PCIe slots, as well as feature recognizable ENERMAX design with grill front and glass side panel.

The ENERPAZO EP33 supports up to an E-ATX motherboards, has support for a 420 mm AIO liquid CPU cooler and up to 11 fans, while the ENERPAZO EP23, as mini-tower PC case, supports up to a micro-ATX motherboard and a 360 mm AIO liquid CPU cooler and up to 8 fans. The EK98 supports up to a 360 mm AIO liquid CPU cooler and up to 9 fans, as well as comes with vertical GPU installation support with rotatable PCIe slots and pre-installed 4 ARGB PWM fans. ENERMAX also showcased the new SK30 V2 PC case mid-tower PC case which also comes with USB 3.2 Type-C ports, supports up to 360 mm AIO liquid CPU cooler ass well as comes with the same vertical GPU installation support and couple of pre-installed ARGB PWM fans.

At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, case maker InWin displayed several innovative new models for custom PC builds. The company continues its reputation for eye-catching designs with the debut of the adjustable flatpack POC One case and highly modular Mini Mod-II and Mod-III chassis. The POC One features interlocking panels for easy snap-together assembly, an advancement over the original April-launched POC line. It includes repositionable top or side handles for portable or horizontal setups. Using a mix of aluminium, other metals, and acrylic, the POC One initially comes in black/orange or blue/silver styles. Despite its minimalist flatpack form, it fits full-size components like 335 mm long triple-slot GPUs, 140 mm tall CPU coolers, and standard ATX power supplies. Three PCIe slots and an included riser allow vertical graphics card mounting.