Z790 Slow intialization?

[elmariachi]

Memory training from my experience depends heavily on your CPU IMC. If you're running high clocks tight timings even for XMP, some CPUs and boards take a longer time to post. This is why on some reboots your memory stability goes to 5hit. If you find yourself having instabilities on XMP and doesn't have stability between reboots and takes a long time to post, you have to try reducing your memory clocks or loosening certain timings like TRFC.

Usually, 2 DIMM boards have less issues but if your CPU IMC is not up to task, you're wasting time. If you're on Asus, try the beta bios and see if it solves your problem. Alot of these bios are constantly being churned out with alot of improvements for memory especially for 2x24gb/2x32gb kits now together with new cpu microcodes. Also, make sure you update the Intel ME firmware when trying out new BIOS as they affect your memory overclocking be it XMP or manual. I believe the new ones are 2124 and 2176 version. Many don't update the ME firmware and start having tons of issues as Asus does not flash the ME when you flash the bios. You should try updating the ME firmware and ME driver and see if that helps your issues with POST.

 

[Kusanagi]

Memory training from my experience depends heavily on your CPU IMC. If you're running high clocks tight timings even for XMP, some CPUs and boards take a longer time to post. This is why on some reboots your memory stability goes to 5hit. If you find yourself having instabilities on XMP and doesn't have stability between reboots and takes a long time to post, you have to try reducing your memory clocks or loosening certain timings like TRFC.

Usually, 2 DIMM boards have less issues but if your CPU IMC is not up to task, you're wasting time. If you're on Asus, try the beta bios and see if it solves your problem. Alot of these bios are constantly being churned out with alot of improvements for memory especially for 2x24gb/2x32gb kits now together with new cpu microcodes. Also, make sure you update the Intel ME firmware when trying out new BIOS as they affect your memory overclocking be it XMP or manual. I believe the new ones are 2124 and 2176 version. Many don't update the ME firmware and start having tons of issues as Asus does not flash the ME when you flash the bios. You should try updating the ME firmware and ME driver and see if that helps your issues with POST.

Yup, updated the ME drivers while checking out the BIOS page on Asus
Didn't seem to help as well, very likely down to the quirk of DDR5

 

[elmariachi]

Yup, updated the ME drivers while checking out the BIOS page on Asus
Didn't seem to help as well, very likely down to the quirk of DDR5

ME firmware?

 

[Kusanagi]

yup, updated as shown in BIOS
16.1.25.2124 as per website

what's strange however is that the "latest" firmware is actually 1 day behind the not so updated firmware

 

[86technie]

yup, updated as shown in BIOS
16.1.25.2124 as per website

what's strange however is that the "latest" firmware is actually 1 day behind the not so updated firmware

Err... ME update is for Intel management engine which doesn't address any motherboard issues
like Memory compatiblity.
Intel management engine is a security processor to handle security and assest management
etc. functions.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000008927/software/chipset-software.html
When manufacturer release a update is to update the ME engine to fix security loopholes.
Since Intel ME engine does have security exploitation.
ME engine update must go along with the latest ME driver in the driver section.

https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-strix/rog-strix-z790-i-gaming-wifi-model/helpdesk_bios/
This update doesn't improve memory compatilbity or shorten boot times unlike BIOS update.
Like some said really depends on the memory in fact, if you are intending to run higher
frequency as well a if the memory density is very large.

Like 32GB X 2 will boot longer, another thing you can try is to plug the graphic card directly
into the motherboard. I am not fan of PCIE Riser cable despite some use this to make
the PC look nicer.

Actually for riser cable, you have to fix the PCIE setting according to the cable standard.
For N200P Max since it come with PCIE 4 cable than have to set to PCIE 4.0 in the BIOS
than auto.

You can use GPU-Z to check what is the PCIE interface it is currently running on.

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/
High chance it is running at PCIE 3.0 since most riser cables for what I know can't run
4.0 unless you plug in directly.

 

[elmariachi]

Err... ME update is for Intel management engine which doesn't address any motherboard issues
like Memory compatiblity.
Intel management engine is a security processor to handle security and assest management
etc. functions.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000008927/software/chipset-software.html
When manufacturer release a update is to update the ME engine to fix security loopholes.
Since Intel ME engine does have security exploitation.
ME engine update must go along with the latest ME driver in the driver section.

https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-strix/rog-strix-z790-i-gaming-wifi-model/helpdesk_bios/
This update doesn't improve memory compatilbity or shorten boot times unlike BIOS update.
Like some said really depends on the memory in fact, if you are intending to run higher
frequency as well a if the memory density is very large.

Like 32GB X 2 will boot longer, another thing you can try is to plug the graphic card directly
into the motherboard. I am not fan of PCIE Riser cable despite some use this to make
the PC look nicer.

Actually for riser cable, you have to fix the PCIE setting according to the cable standard.
For N200P Max since it come with PCIE 4 cable than have to set to PCIE 4.0 in the BIOS
than auto.

You can use GPU-Z to check what is the PCIE interface it is currently running on.

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/
High chance it is running at PCIE 3.0 since most riser cables for what I know can't run
4.0 unless you plug in directly.

INTEL ME INTRODUCTION
Intel don't say much about ME, so the following is a summary of what I believe to be true from various sources. When the CPU starts, it loads the ME code into the chipset and it can operate independently of Windows. The CPU itself also has ME dedicated silicon and in addition, the BIOS and OS (if running) also communicate with ME.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
ME can communicate with just about all system components, even before the OS has started, using code within the CPU, chipset and BIOS. One of the ideas behind ME is that it can be used to support a feature called Active Management Technology (AMT). This can be used to control computers remotely, even when in a sleep state. It would be unusual for this to be enabled on a domestic PC as it's really a feature for corporate machines. It's claimed that Intel ME has full access to your system hardware, including your system memory, the contents of your display, keyboard input, and even the network. Some argue that this is a privacy risk, but unless AMT is enabled, it seems to be generally accepted that this is unlikely.

SO WHY UPDATE INTEL ME AND THE BIOS?
ME is also used to prevent certain requests from being executed and eliminate known exploits. It appears to be a completely independent mini-OS, based on MINIX that is totally invisible to the end-user. The most important thing it does for most of us is provide security and protection.

It's worth mentioning that every BIOS requires the correct ME firmware to operate correctly. For example, for the Z690 Hero, BIOS 2103 is associated with ME firmware v16.1.25.1885 (or later). The next BIOS due out for the Hero is 2204 and when it's released, that will require firmware v16.1.25.2020 (or later). Your support page should always provide correctly matched versions of the current firmware, Windows drivers and BIOS.

Unlike other vendors, Asus bios does not include ME firmware when flashing. It is done separately compared to MSI or Gigabyte for example. Asus BIOS Development Team like Bianbao (bianbao.dev) and Shamino have many times made specific requirements to flashing ME firmwares to be used with bios with updated CPU microcodes to ensure full memory compatilbity. It affects memory compatilbity much more than you think.

 

[86technie]

INTEL ME INTRODUCTION
Intel don't say much about ME, so the following is a summary of what I believe to be true from various sources. When the CPU starts, it loads the ME code into the chipset and it can operate independently of Windows. The CPU itself also has ME dedicated silicon and in addition, the BIOS and OS (if running) also communicate with ME.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
ME can communicate with just about all system components, even before the OS has started, using code within the CPU, chipset and BIOS. One of the ideas behind ME is that it can be used to support a feature called Active Management Technology (AMT). This can be used to control computers remotely, even when in a sleep state. It would be unusual for this to be enabled on a domestic PC as it's really a feature for corporate machines. It's claimed that Intel ME has full access to your system hardware, including your system memory, the contents of your display, keyboard input, and even the network. Some argue that this is a privacy risk, but unless AMT is enabled, it seems to be generally accepted that this is unlikely.

SO WHY UPDATE INTEL ME AND THE BIOS?
ME is also used to prevent certain requests from being executed and eliminate known exploits. It appears to be a completely independent mini-OS, based on MINIX that is totally invisible to the end-user. The most important thing it does for most of us is provide security and protection.

It's worth mentioning that every BIOS requires the correct ME firmware to operate correctly. For example, for the Z690 Hero, BIOS 2103 is associated with ME firmware v16.1.25.1885 (or later). The next BIOS due out for the Hero is 2204 and when it's released, that will require firmware v16.1.25.2020 (or later). Your support page should always provide correctly matched versions of the current firmware, Windows drivers and BIOS.

Unlike other vendors, Asus bios does not include ME firmware when flashing. It is done separately compared to MSI or Gigabyte for example. Asus BIOS Development Team like Bianbao (bianbao.dev) and Shamino have many times made specific requirements to flashing ME firmwares to be used with bios with updated CPU microcodes to ensure full memory compatilbity. It affects memory compatilbity much more than you think.

Think is best to let everyone here knows.
Cuz most only know about BIOS update.
Intel ME as well as Intel chipset driver must also update when there's a new version from manufacturer.

Cuz most use Windows update to install drivers which either is generic/compatible drivers only.

 

[elmariachi]

Think is best to let everyone here knows.
Cuz most only know about BIOS update.
Intel ME as well as Intel chipset driver must also update when there's a new version from manufacturer.

Cuz most use Windows update to install drivers which either is generic/compatible drivers only.

This is the sequence for how to go about ME flashing for those who needs to know. Hope this helps.

1) UPDATE ME WINDOWS DRIVERS
These are located on the DRIVERS & TOOLS tab under CHIPSET. They will named as, for example:
Intel ME V2229.3.2.0 for Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 64-bit
or
Intel Management Engine Interface V2145.1.42.0 (SW 2201.16.0.2645) For Windows 10/11 64-bit
Just select the most recent release.

2) UPDATE INTEL ME FIRMWARE
The firmware will be located on your motherboard's BIOS & FIRMWARE tab under the INTEL ME section. Download the latest MEUpdateTool and once the folder is extracted, run MEUpdate.exe. Let that work it's magic and then reboot.

3) UPDATE THE BIOS
Before updating the BIOS it's a good idea to backup all of your files, passwords, website favourites, game saves etc etc. Regardless of updating the BIOS, you should be doing this regularly anyway!

Next, check to see if the new BIOS is causing any problems. There is always a (small) risk that a new BIOS could cause memory speed support or overclocking/voltage/temperature issues, although it is unlikely that a BIOS update will prevent booting. Note that some of the more recent BIOS versions won't allow you to flashback to older versions, that's why I suggest you always do a little research before going ahead. It's also worth saying that unless a new ME/BIOS combination addresses a security concern or offers support for new CPUs that you want to upgrade to (for example 13th Gen on a Z690 board), then it's OK to stay on an older BIOS.

NOTE : NOT EVERY BIOS VERSION UPGRADE WILL REQUIRE AN ME FLASH AND DRIVER UPDATE. ASUS WILL MENTION IF REQUIRED. USUALLY WITH A MAJOR CPU MICROCODE UPDATE WILL THERE BE A NEED TO FLASH A NEW ME FIRMWARE OTHERWISE NOT NECESSARY UNLESS STATED ON SITE. ME FIRMWARE FLASH CANNOT BE DOWNGRADED ONCE FLASHED.