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MSI released BIOS updates containing Intel microcode intended to mitigate instability affecting some 13th- and 14th-generation Intel Core desktop processors. The first updates used microcode 0x129, followed by newer releases with 0x12B. However, 0x12B is not automatically the latest BIOS for every MSI motherboard: model-specific support pages may list later firmware, such as a MEG Z790 ACE BIOS containing 0x12F.
If you own an affected MSI system, install the newest stable BIOS listed for your exact motherboard or MSI desktop, then troubleshoot at Intel-recommended default settings. The update may reduce firmware-related instability, but it cannot be treated as a guaranteed repair for a processor that has already physically degraded.
What MSI announced
MSI first said on July 26, 2024 that it was working with Intel on BIOS updates for reported instability involving some 13th- and 14th-generation Intel Core desktop processors.
On August 8, MSI announced BIOS releases containing Intel 0x129 microcode for selected Intel 600- and 700-series motherboards and MSI desktop PCs. On September 27, 2024, MSI announced newer BIOS releases containing 0x12B microcode, initially for a first group of models, with more to follow.
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- Supports 12th/13th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket
- Supports DDR4 Memory, Dual Channel DDR4 5333+MHz (OC)
- Enhanced Power Design: 12+1 Duet Rail Power System with P-PAK, 8-pin + 4-pin CPU power connectors, Core Boost, Memory Boost
- Premium Thermal Solution: Extended Heatsink, MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mK, additional choke thermal pads and M.2 Shield Frozr are built for high performance system and non-stop gaming experience
- High Quality PCB: 6-layer PCB made by 2oz thickened copper and server grade level material
These announcements are historical milestones rather than a universal version recommendation. BIOS versions are model-specific, and later releases may supersede 0x12B. For example, MSI’s MEG Z790 ACE support page lists a later BIOS with 0x12F microcode, released April 25, 2025.
What the BIOS update changes
Microcode is low-level processor firmware delivered through the motherboard’s BIOS or UEFI. It changes how the CPU operates; it does not alter the physical processor. MSI’s updates were intended to improve platform behavior and reduce instability associated with the affected Intel desktop processors.
Reported symptoms across the wider Intel instability incident included crashes, blue screens, application errors, game failures and other system problems. MSI’s announcements primarily describe the BIOS releases as a stability mitigation, so a BIOS update should not be described as a guaranteed cure for every symptom.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhich MSI systems are covered?
MSI’s announcements cover Intel 600- and 700-series motherboards and MSI desktop PCs using affected 13th- and 14th-generation desktop processors. The first 0x12B batch included models such as:
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- Supports 12th/13th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors for LGA 1700 socket
- Supports DDR4 Memory, Dual Channel DDR4 4800+MHz (OC)
- Core Boost : With premium layout and digital power design to support more cores and provide better performance
- Memory Boost: Advanced technology to deliver pure data signals for the best performance, stability and compatibility
- Lightning Fast Experience: PCIe 4.0, Lightning Gen4 x4 M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr
- MEG Z790 GODLIKE MAX and MEG Z790 ACE MAX
- MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI and MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI II
- MPG Z790 EDGE TI WIFI
- MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI and MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI
- PRO Z790-P WIFI and PRO Z790-VC WIFI
- Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI and Z790MPOWER
- Several B760 boards, including the PRO B760-P WIFI and PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4
This is not an exhaustive list. Search MSI Support using the exact product name printed on the motherboard, box or system. Owners of MSI prebuilts must use the support page for the exact desktop model. Do not flash a retail motherboard BIOS onto a prebuilt unless MSI’s instructions specifically require it.
Some 600-series boards may also need a BIOS update for 13th-generation CPU support before the processor is installed. MSI documents this requirement for listed Z690 models in its BIOS support FAQ.
How to check whether your BIOS is current
- Identify the exact MSI motherboard or desktop model.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI setup during startup, usually by repeatedly pressing Delete, and note the installed BIOS version.
- Open the model’s official MSI Support page and select BIOS.
- Compare the installed version with the available stable releases, dates and release notes.
- Look for the relevant Intel microcode or a later BIOS that supersedes it.
- Check whether the release also requires Intel Management Engine firmware or a separate installation step.
Do not choose a BIOS solely because its notes mention 0x12B. A newer stable release may contain a later microcode revision, while a beta BIOS is not automatically preferable to a stable one.
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How to update an MSI BIOS safely
For a working MSI desktop motherboard, MSI’s documented M-FLASH procedure is:
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- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for Intel Core 14th & 13th Gen Processors, Intel Core 12th Gen, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
- Enhanced power solution: 12+1 DrMOS, 6-layer PCB, ProCool connectors, alloy chokes and durable capacitors for stable power delivery
- Next-gen connectivity: DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, rear USB 10Gbps Type-C and Type-A, front panel USB 10Gbps Type-C, Thunderbolt (USB4) header support
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- Comprehensive cooling: Large VRM heatsinks, M.2 heatsinks, PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II
- Download the BIOS archive from the exact product support page.
- Format a USB flash drive as FAT32. MSI’s documented method does not use NTFS or exFAT.
- Extract the archive and copy the required BIOS file to the USB drive.
- Restart the computer and repeatedly press Delete to enter BIOS.
- Select M-FLASH and confirm the reboot into the flashing interface.
- Select the BIOS file on the USB drive and confirm the update.
- Wait for the process to finish and reboot on its own.
Do not shut down, reset, remove the USB drive or disconnect power during the flash. MSI warns that interrupting the process can leave the system unable to boot. Use reliable power, avoid updating during an outage and save any important work beforehand. BIOS menus and labels can vary by model and BIOS generation.
If the system will not boot
If the board supports it, use its documented Flash BIOS Button recovery method. The exact USB port, filename and button sequence vary, so follow the manual for that specific model. Do not rename the BIOS file unless MSI’s instructions for that model require it.
Not every MSI 600- or 700-series board has BIOS flashback. If a flash was interrupted, the computer no longer reaches BIOS or you are uncomfortable performing the procedure, contact MSI support or a qualified service center.
Use Intel Default Settings while troubleshooting
Installing the microcode is only part of the stability process. MSI says relevant Z790 BIOS versions include Intel Default Settings. In MSI’s interface, these options may appear under CPU Cooler Tuning.
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- Intel LGA 1700 Socket: Ready for Intel Core 14th & 13th Gen Processors, Intel Core 12th Gen, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
- Ultrafast Connectivity: PCIe 5.0, two M.2 slots, Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, rear USB 5Gbps Type-A, front USB 5Gbps support
- Comprehensive Cooling: VRM heatsink, PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2+
- Aura Sync RGB Lighting: Onboard Addressable Gen 2 headers for RGB LED strips, easily synced with Aura Sync-capable hardware
Select the Intel-recommended default or Performance configuration while diagnosing instability. Avoid manual overclocking, enhanced-turbo modes, unlimited-power settings and aggressive motherboard profiles. MSI also exposes alternatives such as Tower Air Cooler and Water Cooler profiles; depending on the board, these can use higher power limits and may reduce stability.
For a clean baseline, disable overclocking first and leave XMP disabled until the system is stable. Re-enable XMP later, because memory overclocking can otherwise make CPU-related diagnosis harder. A BIOS update may also reset boot order, fan curves, virtualization, Resizable BAR and other customized settings, so review them after the update.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the update can—and cannot—do
| It may do | It cannot be assumed to do |
|---|---|
| Deliver newer Intel CPU microcode | Repair physically degraded silicon |
| Improve platform behavior and reduce some instability | Guarantee that every crash or error disappears |
| Restore more conservative Intel-recommended operating behavior when paired with default settings | Prove that a CPU is healthy after one successful boot |
If the processor has already suffered permanent degradation, flashing the BIOS cannot reliably reverse that damage. Persistent crashes, application errors or failures at stock settings may indicate that warranty replacement—not further firmware experimentation—is required.
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What to do after the update
- Load Intel Default Settings and remove manual overclocking.
- Boot normally and repeat the workloads that previously failed.
- Test CPU-heavy and memory-heavy workloads separately.
- Check Windows Event Viewer and application crash logs.
- Watch for recurring WHEA errors, blue screens, game crashes, compiler failures or decompression errors.
- Re-enable XMP and other custom settings one at a time only after baseline stability is established.
Do not treat an idle desktop or one crash-free boot as proof of a successful repair. If instability continues under conservative settings, document the errors, BIOS version and test conditions and contact MSI, Intel or the system builder.
Warranty and replacement options
MSI announced a two-year warranty extension for affected desktop processors in its August 9, 2024 statement. The announcement should not be interpreted as an automatic worldwide extension for every Intel CPU. Eligibility, geography, proof of purchase, processor type and the claim process can depend on regional policy.
Confirm the applicable terms with MSI, Intel or the system builder. If a processor remains unstable after the correct BIOS update and testing at Intel Default Settings, pursue warranty replacement before buying another CPU or motherboard. A motherboard replacement is not a first-line solution unless the board itself is faulty, unsupported or unable to accept the required BIOS.
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