MSI Launches AGESA BIOS 1.2.0.3a Patch A for Enhanced Compatibility of Single and Dual Rank Memory on X870 and B850 Motherboards

The introduction of the AGESA 1.2.0.3a Patch A is set to enhance compatibility for 1R and 2R DDR5 memory modules on AMD’s 800 series motherboards, resulting in subtle performance boosts for users.

MSI Launches AGESA 1.2.0.3a BIOS Update for B850 Motherboards; X870/X870E Updates on the Horizon

MSI, a leading name in the motherboard market, has announced the rollout of a new BIOS update targeting its budget-friendly AMD 800 series motherboards. As reported by @g01d3nm4ng0, the AGESA 1.2.0.3a update is currently available for specific models in the series, notably the X870 and B850. Indeed, at present, only the MSI B850 motherboards have the new BIOS, identified as Version: 7E56v1A41.

This new version of AGESA aims to enhance memory support across the AMD 800 series platform, with Johnson X870 and X870E motherboards expected to receive the update shortly. The enhancements outlined in the release notes include important optimizations for DDR5 memory configurations:

Release of AGESA PI-1.2.0.3a Patch A.

Optimized compatibility for single rank (1R) memory modules under a 2DPC (2 DIMMs Per Channel) setup.

Enhanced compatibility for dual rank (2R) modules under a 1DPC (1 DIMM Per Channel) configuration.

AGESA 1.2.0.3a Patch A — Image Source: MSI

While the specifics of how this BIOS update will affect DDR5 memory compatibility remain undisclosed, it is evident that manufacturers are increasingly focused on achieving higher memory speeds and lower latency. Therefore, users could experience improved overclocking capabilities and enhanced compatibility with existing DDR5 modules when using the updated X870 and B850 motherboards.

To clarify the distinctions in memory types, single-rank modules possess chips on one side only, offering superior compatibility and speed with lower latency. On the other hand, dual-rank modules have chips on both sides, catering primarily to higher memory capacities while also being suitable for overclocking. For instance, a single-rank (1R) configuration is best executed using two memory sticks across two channels, whereas dual-rank (2R) utilizes one stick per channel.

The recent update to the BIOS is positioned to optimize these diverse configurations on AMD B850 motherboards, potentially yielding modest performance gains in selected applications. Users interested in upgrading to the BIOS patch 1.2.0.3a can download it directly from MSI’s official support page.

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