New
#31
New version of Intel Management Engine Interface Consumer Driver (MEI) has just been released :
- Intel Management Engine Interface Consumer Driver (Drivers Only) - Last version [04/04/2019] :
----Drivers : 1914.12.0.1256 WHQL
--------Install/Update process : Right click on "heci.inf" > Install
---------------------------------------------Wait for the message "The operation completed successfully" or for restart request
[DRIVERS] Intel Chipset/Ethernet/MEI/SATA (Z170/Z270/X299/Z370/Z390) - Page 12
Attachment 233039
I'm thinking about getting the Hero later in the year but I'm worried about the performance of it as I've heard that they skimped on the mosfets. I've had VIII Hero Alpha for 2 years and have been pleased with it. Would like to get another Asus motherboard.
If you are getting a 9900K the Maximus X Hero is the better choice, as it has better VRMs
Click the CPU-Z validation in my signature
Here is a comparison chart from Pugetsystems, to help you decide if you need the additional stuff that Z390 offers(I don't).
Also in the ROG forums you can get the latest ME firmware updates, and drivers, as sometimes the product support page hangs behind.
Z370 vs Z390 Specifications
Chipset Z370 Z390 Launch October 2017 October 2018 USB 3.1 (10Gbps) Ports 0 6 USB 3.0 (5Gbps) Ports 10 10 Maximum Total USB Ports 14 14 SATA III (6Gbps) Ports 6 6 PCI-Express 3.0 Lanes 24 24 Memory Channels 2 (Dual) 2 (Dual) Maximum Memory Capacity 64GB 64GB* Optane Support Yes Yes Integrated WiFi 802.11ac No Yes Intel Smart Sound Yes Yes DMI Version 3.0 3.0 Intel ME Firmware Version 11 12 *64GB was the maximum at launch, using 4 x 16GB memory modules, but shortly afterward 32GB modules were announced - and Intel indicated that a future BIOS update for Z390 boards will enable support for 128GB totals
Intel Z370 vs Z390 Chipset Comparison
Ok
I was looking at the Z390 AORUS XTREME for quite a while: Z390 AORUS XTREME (rev. 1.0) | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global
This board has EVERYTHING except a PLX chip to give it more PCIe lanes(most boards don't these days)
But they just don't update their drivers & ME firmware on the product support page to the latest, and I looked through their forums and nothing there either.
So in the end I decided against it, if they are not going to take the time to support a new product.
And the new VRMs on the ASUS Z390 ROG & TUF boards suck too, so I decided to stay with my Maximus X, as I have newer drivers and the very latest ME firmware.
Yea it should be a crime not to support your own products. NZXT are the same with their motherboard. So I refuse to support them.
I could go with the formula I guess.