This release primarily targets a specific bug influencing the SPD (Serial Presence Detect) functionality of DDR5 memory modules. While the bug can corrupt SPD information.
Gigabyte has rolled out new firmware and an improved version of the Gigabyte Control Center (GCC) software for its Intel motherboards. Users from the Baidu Tieba community in China noted recurring memory-related glitches on Gigabyte motherboards operating on Intel's 600- and 700-series chipsets. One particular instance involved a Z790 Aorus Elite AX motherboard that stopped identifying a DDR5 memory module after one month. Once the system did recognize the module, it showed an unexpected capacity of 384GB. Further, an XMP profile from the memory kit vanished, with the DDR5-6000 profile's timings swapped with 1-36-104-194 values. Even upon attempts to correct these timings, the anomaly emerged intermittently.
Another Gigabyte motherboard user reported recurrent system disruptions. In one instance, the AMD EXPO profile was lost, and in another, the DDR5-6800 XMP profile had atypical timings like 34-153-0-0.
Referred to as the "burning memory issue" by Chinese users due to early suspicions of motherboard-associated damage, this problem impacts system booting. Notably, the bug only alters memory timings, not the DRAM voltage, hence mitigating severe implications. Gigabyte's diagnosis suggests a compromised SPD leading to false parameters, disrupting proper system start-up.
Gigabyte's official Aorus Bilibili account recognized this anomaly, attributing it to certain memory vendors' insufficient "SPD Write Protection" application. This function limits SPD data access, and improper execution can result in erroneous SPD data when pairing DDR5 memory with GCC. However, Gigabyte hasn't detailed why either the motherboard or GCC software would modify the SPD. The good news is this issue doesn't cause lasting damage, and updating the SPD firmware rectifies the memory irregularity. For preventative measures, Gigabyte advises Intel 600- and 700-series motherboard owners to upgrade their motherboard firmware and GCC to the newest versions. The most recent F6 firmware for the Z790 Aorus Tachyon and the FN firmware for the Z690 Aorus Elite AX explicitly states that they "enable SPD write protect," addressing DDR5 compatibility challenges due to the misapplication of JEDEC SPD write protection in some modules.
Owners of Gigabyte's Intel 600- or 700-series motherboards should prioritize updating both their firmware and GCC to the newest versions to maintain system stability and deter potential issues.
Gigabyte's Firmware Update Addresses Absurd DDR5 SPD Anomalies
