The central theses
- Asus and MSI have released microcode patches for Z790 motherboards ahead of Intel's release scheduled for mid-August.
- The microcode patches available now are in beta, stable versions for improved stability will be available in a few days.
- However, microcode patches do not fix previously affected CPUs.
Asus and MSI make some of the best motherboards for Intel CPU users. These two brands and other motherboard manufacturers have not only improved the performance and stability of their products, but have also worked closely with Intel to mitigate the instability issues of Intel's 13th and 14th generation CPUs. Of all the motherboard manufacturers, Asus and MSI are now the first two major players to release the long-awaited microcode update for the Z790 motherboards, almost a week earlier than Intel promised.
Asus and MSI microcode patches are now available via BIOS update
Last month, Intel announced that it would release a microcode patch in mid-August to fix the crashing issues on its 13th and 14th generation processors. However, if you're using a Z790 motherboard from Asus or MSI, you can install the patch right away. However, these patches are available as a beta, so you'll have to wait a few more days to get the stable version. MSI says it will complete the rollout of the microcode patch through BIOS updates for all Intel 700 and 600 series motherboards by the end of this month (via Videocardz).
If you're using MSI, the first BIOS release with the microcode patch is available for MEG Z790 GODLIKE MAX, MEG Z790 ACE MAX, MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI II, MPG Z790 CARBON WIFI, MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI, and Z790MPOWER. If you're using Asus' BIOS, you can now download the beta BIOS for all Z790 motherboards from the company's official forum, Republic of Gamers (ROG).

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The microcode patch does not repair affected CPUs
Intel has previously made it clear that instability issues already occurring on 13th and 14th Gen CPUs are permanent and the microcode patch will not fix them. So if you are affected, the microcode patch will not bring any relief. Since Intel has now extended the warranty on the 13th and 14th Gen boxed processors for two more years, you can contact Intel directly for a replacement. However, if you do get a replacement, install the microcode patch as soon as possible to avoid the same issue occurring again.