Z390 Motherboard Issues: A Troubling Experience with Gigabyte

Z390 Motherboard Issues: A Troubling Experience with Gigabyte

Hello!

My Z390 motherboard, which I've had for over a year now, has been giving me trouble lately. Specifically, it's been refusing to recognize my two M.2 SSDs (Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB and Samsung 960 Evo 1TB) unless I reinsert them into their slots. This issue is quite puzzling, as the SSDs have been working perfectly fine for more than a year.

When I try to troubleshoot the problem, I find that Windows and BIOS both fail to detect the M.2 SSDs until I reinsert them. The only way to get my system back online is by reconnecting the SSDs, but this fix doesn't last long – the issue returns after just a few hours.

I've tried various troubleshooting methods:

  • Clearing CMOS
  • Unplugging battery and PSU at the same time for a few times
  • Upgrading BIOS to a higher version (which didn't work)
  • Downgrading BIOS (which isn't an option since my current BIOS is the highest version available)

As you can imagine, I'm quite frustrated with this issue. It's not just the fact that my system is malfunctioning – it's also the lack of support from Gigabyte, the manufacturer.

Background Story

This isn't the first time I've had issues with my Z390 motherboard. In fact, I've experienced numerous BSODs (Blue Screens of Death) due to voltage problems with my i9 processor. These problems were eventually resolved by bringing my PC to a repair shop and having them diagnose the issue.

Given my history with this board, it's no wonder that I'm losing trust in Gigabyte as a manufacturer. It seems like they're not committed to producing reliable products, which is unacceptable for anyone who invests in their technology.

Are ASRock & Asus Good?

As I consider upgrading my system, I've been wondering about the reputation of other motherboard manufacturers. Specifically, are ASRock and Asus good alternatives to Gigabyte?

My research suggests that both ASRock and Asus have a strong track record when it comes to producing reliable motherboards. In fact, many users have reported excellent experiences with their products.

So, if you're in the market for a new motherboard, I would recommend considering ASRock or Asus as an alternative to Gigabyte.

Upgrading My System

As I plan my system upgrade, I'm thinking about moving from Intel to AMD Ryzen 9 5950X. This processor has 16 cores and would provide a significant boost in performance.

To support this new processor, I'll be using an ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero (X570) motherboard. This board features advanced cooling and power management features that will help keep my system running smoothly.

Here are the details of my current PC:

  • i9 9900KF
  • RTX3080Ti
  • 64GB Corsair Vengeance Pro RAM
  • 2x M.2 Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB (mounted directly into the motherboard's M.2 Slots)
  • 1x M.2 Samsung 960 Evo 1TB

I hope that this experience serves as a cautionary tale for others who are considering purchasing Gigabyte products. Remember to do your research and consider other options before making a decision.


Edit: I've noticed that the SATA3 ports on my motherboard are currently empty. Should I try connecting something to these ports?

Update: Some users have suggested updating the firmware of my SSDs to see if this resolves the issue. Has anyone else had success with this method?


I'm grateful for any feedback or advice you can offer. Share your thoughts in the comments below!