ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO is an ATX Z790 board for LGA1700 12th through 14th Gen Core, with four DDR5 slots up to 192GB. It stands out with five onboard M.2 slots, one at PCIe 5.0, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 5.4. Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and four SATA ports round out the platform.
Product released: October 1, 2022
Latest firmware version
Version 2202, released August 21, 2026
Last checked for updates: Oct 31, 2026 10:59 UTC
What's new in version 2202
1.Optimized memory compatibility via Intel IPU 2026.1 microcode update.
2.Updated Management Engine (ME) to version 16.1.40.2765v3.1.
3.Enhanced system security.
Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME to version 16.1.40.2765.
Please note after you update this BIOS, the ME version remains the updated one even if you roll back to an older BIOS later.
Before running the USB BIOS Flashback tool, please rename the BIOS file (A5469.CAP) using BIOSRenamer.
LatestUpdate has tracked 16 versions of ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO firmware, released between September 12, 2023 and August 21, 2026.
Version 2202 - August 21, 2026: 1.Optimized memory compatibility via Intel IPU 2026.1 microcode update. 2.Updated Management Engine (ME) to version 16.1.40.2765v3.1. 3.Enhanced system securit…
Version 2107 - December 15, 2025: 1. Enhance overall system security. 2. pdate the ME Firmware version to 16.1.38.2676. Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME…
Version 2001 - May 19, 2025: 1. Update the Intel microcode to version 0x12F to further improve system conditions that may contribute to Vmin Shift instability in Intel 13th and 14th Gen sy…
Version 1801 - December 6, 2024: 1.Enhanced system performance, stability and allowed the C1E power state to be disabled. Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel…
Version 1704 - October 21, 2024: 1.Updated with Intel microcode 0x12B to address elevated voltage requests during idle or light activity, further mitigating Vmin Shift instability issues. 2.Th…
Version 1503 - August 8, 2024: 1.The new BIOS includes Intel microcode 0x129 to enhance the stability of Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen processors. 2.The factory default settings are set to In…
Version 1402 - July 12, 2024: Updated with microcode 0x125 to ensure eTVB operates within Intel specifications Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME to ve…
Version 1302 - May 30, 2024: 1. Introduce the ""Performance Preferences"" with options for Intel Default Settings (Performance/Extreme) and ASUS Advanced OC Profile. 2. Redefine the factor…
Version 1202 - April 19, 2024: The update introduces the Intel Baseline Profile option, allowing users to revert to Intel factory default settings for basic functionality, lower power limits…
Version 1102 - March 19, 2024: 1. Improved DDR5 compatibility 2. Further optimized CEP settings when disabled Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME to vers…
Version 1002 - February 23, 2024: • Update the Intel microcode to version 0x123, allowing for disabling CEP for improved performance on Intel 14th Gen non-K series processors* • Disabling CEP f…
Version 0904 - February 16, 2024: • Improved system performance. • Enhanced compatibility with 256GB memory. Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME to version…
Version 0801 - December 22, 2023: 1. Improved system performance. 2. Patched LogoFail vulnerabilities. 3. Updated default setting for PCIe bandwidth bifurcation configuration. Updating this BIO…
Version 0507 - November 17, 2023: 1.Improve system performance 2.Improve memory module compatibility Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME to version 16.1.30.…
Version 0506 - October 27, 2023: Improve system performance Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME to version 16.1.30.2264. Please note after you update this…
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO is an ATX Z790 board for LGA1700 12th through 14th Gen Core, with four DDR5 slots up to 192GB. It stands out with five onboard M.2 slots, one at PCIe 5.0, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 5.4. Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and four SATA ports round out the platform. It was originally released on October 1, 2022.
What is the latest firmware version of ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO?
The latest firmware version of ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO is 2202. It was released on August 21, 2026.
What changed in ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO firmware version 2202?
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO firmware version 2202 includes the following changes: 1.Optimized memory compatibility via Intel IPU 2026.1 microcode update.
2.Updated Management Engine (ME) to version 16.1.40.2765v3.1.
3.Enhanced system security.
Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding intel ME to version 16.1.40.2765.
Please note after you update this BIOS, the ME version remains the updated one even if you roll back to an older BIOS later.
Before running the USB BIOS Flashback tool, please rename the BIOS file (A5469.CAP) using BIOSRenamer.
Where can I download the latest ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO firmware?
Details and download instructions for the latest ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO firmware (version 2202) are on ASUS's official release page: https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-maximus/rog-maximus-z790-dark-hero/helpdesk_bios/
How often does ASUS release firmware updates for ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO?
We have tracked 16 firmware versions of ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO. Based on historical patterns, updates are released approximately every 184 days.
When is the next ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO firmware update expected?
Based on this product's update history, a firmware update for ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO is expected soon, between September 14, 2026 and December 1, 2026.
Is ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO still receiving firmware updates?
Yes, ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO received a firmware update within the last 3 months. The most recent version is 2202.