Struggling PC enthusiast seeks assistance after investing $20,000 in a flawed construction, as issues persist even after replacement of numerous components - woes kicked off with an unsuccessful BIOS update endeavor.
A high-end DIY PC build, featuring an AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7975WX, dual Zotac RTX 4090 graphics cards, and 512GB of RAM, has encountered a persistent issue: the Q-Code 92 error. This error, typically indicating a PCI bus initialization problem, has left the $20,000 system in a state of non-functionality despite numerous attempts to troubleshoot and repair[1].
The root cause of the Q-Code 92 error in this specific build can be traced back to a failed BIOS update on an ASUS Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE motherboard. The owner, a Redditor known as joel_motion, attempted to resolve an NVMe SSD compatibility issue by performing a firmware update using a BIOS tool. However, the update process hung, and the system was forcibly shut down[1][2].
Possible causes and contributing factors include a corrupted or incomplete BIOS update, motherboard firmware incompatibility or damage, PCIe device initialization issues, and system configuration or assembly issues. The initial build worked fine outside the case, but no changes besides the BIOS update seemed to cause this persistent issue, pointing back to the failed firmware flash as the primary suspect[1].
In an attempt to resolve the issue, joel_motion has tried swapping the motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, and Power Supply Unit (PSU), but the error Q-Code 92 remains. The Redditor has also experimented with RAM placement, clearing the CMOS, and Flashbacking the BIOS to different versions, but to no avail[1][2].
To resolve this issue, options include attempting a BIOS recovery or reflashing procedure, possibly using a USB BIOS flashback method if supported. Another approach could be trying a motherboard from a different manufacturer to bypass potential ASUS firmware issues. Consulting a professional assembler or motherboard vendor support for specialized recovery tools or warranty-based repairs could also be a viable solution[1].
Given the complexity and the critical nature of firmware corruption on a high-end platform, careful BIOS recovery or replacement with tested components might be the only path forward. Simply swapping components without addressing firmware likely won't solve the Q-Code 92 error in this scenario.
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In a twist of irony, the 3D graphics professional who built this high-end system is now seeking help from the PCBuild subreddit for their malfunctioning PC. Despite RMAing multiple suspected components, including the motherboard, the error persists. As joel_motion continues to troubleshoot, we hope to bring you more updates on this intriguing case.
The faulty BIOS update on the ASUS Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE motherboard, initiated to resolve an NVMe SSD compatibility issue, is the suspected cause of the Q-Code 92 error in this high-end DIY PC build. due to the Q-Code 92 error being persistent despite swapping various components, a BIOS recovery or reflashing procedure, possibly using a USB BIOS flashback method, might be necessary to resolve the issue.