GIGABYTE Urges X79 Users to Update to ‘F7’ BIOS in Light of Issues

GIGABYTE has admitted to a problem that exists with its X79 motherboards where extreme overclocking is concerned. Under certain circumstances, some components on the motherboard risk overheating to the point where they burn out – essentially rendering the motherboard useless. The affected models are G1. Assassin 2, GA-X79-UD7, GA-X79-UD5 and GA-X79-UD3.

Should you own one of these motherboards, GIGABYTE is recommending you upgrade to the most recent BIOS. It seems a bit strange that a simple BIOS update would fix the issue, but the e-mail we were sent states nothing else. Being that only select X79 models are affected, it seems likely that the issue is little more than a power-related bug.

In response to this problem, GIGABYTE is working with partners to assure that motherboards shipped out will contain the latest BIOS (this wouldn’t apply to end-users who purchase parts from places like Newegg). In addition, the company recommends registering your board so that you can take advantage of GIGABYTE’s 5 year warranty. A direct link can be had here.

Finally, if you happen to own a GIGABYTE X79 board that’s ruined as the result of this issue, you are able to get a “no questions asked” replacement. For the latest version of the BIOS (F7 or later), refer to these links:

• G1.Assassin 2 – http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4046#bios
• GA-X79-UD7 – http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4047#bios
• GA-X79-UD5 – http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4049#bios
• GA-X79-UD3 – http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4050#bios