AI Suite Optimization requires MEI?

S

samm

[H]ard|Gawd
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Jul 17, 2013
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So I have a Z97 Deluxe board which recently came back from its 2nd RMA, and I`m having issues where I have been able to install the drivers and utilities from the driver disk provided by ASUS. However after install, and upon every restart I notice two issues:

1) MEI driver must be installed before using 5 Way Optimization
-When I downloaded the MEI driver off the website, upon reboot I get a "platform is not supported error"
-Upon checking the UEFI, under ME, its listed as N/A.

2) Opening AI SUITE 3, I can only see it listing on the top left, as 4 Way Optimization
-I thought the Z97 came with 5 way optimization what gives?

Please tell me there is going to be an easy fix?
 
So update 1:

After scouring the web, to find a resolution, I decided to go online and search if anyone else has a problem. Well i stumbled upon a couple link from the ROG forums to Linus Tech with this exact problem.

One of the solutions was to do a clean reinstall of Windows, and install the MEI driver first and the GPU last.

Did that....MEI driver installation package still comes up with "Platform Not Supported"

ARGHH!!! What a waste of time this MEI driver issue has become.

Hopefully someone can chime in with some solutions :)
 
The driver disk always has old drivers/software. You also didn't say which website you used, sometimes intels software from their site doesn't work on non intel wholly made products giving that error, I don't know why but I usually have that problem with their graphics drivers. Go here: https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97DELUXENFC_WLC/HelpDesk_Download/

Download the newest version of a AI suite, also download the newest MEI software under chipset for the OS you are using. Also update your bios. I had weird issues on my z97 pro where ai suite would give me an access violation error, a bios update fixed it.
 
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munkle said:
The driver disk always has old drivers/software. You also didn't say which website you used, sometimes intels software from their site doesn't work on non intel wholly made products giving that error, I don't know why but I usually have that problem with their graphics drivers. Go here: https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97DELUXENFC_WLC/HelpDesk_Download/

Download the newest version of a AI suite, also download the newest MEI software under chipset for the OS you are using. Also update your bios. I had weird issues on my z97 pro where ai suite would give me an access violation error, a bios update fixed it.
Click to expand...

Thats the issue. When I get hardware I tend to keep a flashdrive dedicated with all the new drivers from the mfg, as I know its impossible to expect the mfg to include the latest drivers during production. The issue still persists, as the drivers, utilities are all straight off the latest version available from the deluxe website.

In addition, before RMAing the board I noted down was running Z97-DELUXE BIOS 2501. After getting the board yesterday it seems they also updated the BIOS to Z97-DELUXE BIOS 2702 (which is the latest bios update). So I dont know whether this is a bios issue or not.
 
so it seems as though this is probably a bios issue. The platform error seems to be indicative of a firmware thats unable to handshake with the Windows Driver. I really cannot seem to understand the idea behind the RMA center not testing or noticing the bios status screen showing a
"N/A" during their checks. With a lack of time to spend on this issue, I`m gonna contact support to see whats the dealio. Man have I spent the better part of this week troubleshooting and building, and rebuilding to see what the issue.

On a side note, I began testing the Thunderbolt Dual II card that came with the board seems to hang up my system as the "starting Windows" screen. The card was installed per the ASUS guide which wants you to install the drivers before the device. The minute the TB card is out, the system boots up normally. Don`t know if this a Windows issue, a driver issue, the bios issue (possibly connected to the MEI issue), MB issue, or even the TB card going bad (although the chances of this can be eliminated as I borrowed another ASUS TB card and the system hangs on mine).

ARGHHHHH!!!!
 
UPDATE 2: Spoke to soon?

1) So I called up ASUS Support. First Phone rep, seemed eager to assist.
Me: I have an MEI driver issue, driver install is unable to be completed due to error of "platform not supported"
Rep: Hold on. 30 minutes later. Did you install the driver from the disc?
Me: No, I went on the support website for this board, downloaded the latest driver available, and tried to install. Error message received after trying this.
Rep: Hold on. 30 minutes later Did you download the correct drivers for your OS.
Me: When you go to the support page, you have to select the OS before you are shown the drivers. So yes.
Rep: Hold on. 30 minutes later. What motherboard do you have?
Me: Z97 deluxe.
Rep: After troubleshooting the problem, I believe you have a faulty Motherboard.

At this point, I`m speechless. I have never ever had to deal with such a problematic build ever. I`m shaking at the thought I have to disassemble the system AGAIN!

In addition, the Thunderbolt issue I`m having seems to be directly linked with the MEI issue according to the rep

The one thing in the back of my mind, is that every customer service rep I ask or bring up my concerns to about the quality of an RMA, tells me how the RMA quality is miles above the quality of a new retail board. One rep/supervisor has even stated that they would take an RMA board over a retail board due to the quality checks a replacement board is subject to.

.......??????.........
 
Update 3

So trying to be as proactive in this RMA, I called up ASUS support to inquire with my case # as an RMA # has yet to be generated. The person/supervisor who had assisted me yesterday to troubleshoot the issue told me that today latest I should be receiving a RMA form to fill out. Having ending the day with no such form, hence the call. For some reason the case # was filed with the problem being a Thunderbolt issue rather then the MEI driver/FW issue. In addition, I guess there were no notes related to the MEI driver, like the 2 hours spent troubleshooting and holding, so I had to go over the entire situation with a new rep.
This entailed:
1-Explain the issue with the MEI driver install
2-The multiple attempts at reinstalling the OS, changing the driver order installation, clear CMOS, etc etc
3) After all that this new rep came to the same conclusion as the previous day (surprise anyone?)
4) In addition, now the calibration team is involved?
5) In addition, I mentioned the TB issue as well, and I dont know if the reps are agreeing with me for heck of agreeing or actually stating this with some background knowledge, but when I brought up the issue of tb after the mei explanation, they all tend to agree their related.


All in all, I don`t where this is going to end up. I`ll update as I get more info. Frustrating experience, especially with the number of customer service reps who continuously promise that replacement boards and the RMA quality is bar none, even when they hear that this will be my 3rd RMA.
 
Update 4:

1) Calibration Team. Apparently the team said that none of the ASUS Boards Support MEI Functionality. In addition, the team believes that a non K CPU is required to support MEI

My takeaway: I dont get this. How is a critical and widely advertised feature of ASUS's 5 Way Optimization, and AI Suite 3 not supported by the ASUS BIOS? In addition, why would a non-K CPU, which cannot be overclocked by design, be required to support MEI which is integral in supporting the Overclocking Suite of ASUS?

2) It seems as though the hour+ conversations I have with ASUS support somehow does not get written down into notes on the case#. So every contact I have with them ends up me spending the better part of the call explaining the situation, going through the same troubleshoot options, and ending with the same prognosis. For a change though read 3)

3) So the last technical support person I spoke wanted me to get in touch with their L2 MB Specialist. The way this person explained it to me, was that their tech would contact me in a set time frame. I waited 2x the timeframe, never got any contact from ASUS. I ended up calling them, and apparently they will call tomorrow.

For a company that ships 1 in 3 boards in the consumer space, states they try to make technology simple for the end user, and prides in itself in the least RMA, I`m speechless as before.
 
My recommendation/advice?

You don't have a faulty board. Simply put: just stop trying to use that garbage AI Suite. Dan_D pointed out that it's got some issues with high latency, so you're probably doing all this for nothing. What did you truly need the Asus Suite for anyway???

You can easily tell if your board requires MEI because you'll have a device in Device Manager show up as not having drivers installed. If you don't have it, it obviously means you don't need it, already have the drivers installed, or your board doesn't have MEI.

Also, stop trying to install drivers from Asus's website. They are always old and outdated. Get them straight from the actual component manufacturer's website.
 
jyi786 said:
My recommendation/advice?

You don't have a faulty board. Simply put: just stop trying to use that garbage AI Suite. Dan_D pointed out that it's got some issues with high latency, so you're probably doing all this for nothing. What did you truly need the Asus Suite for anyway???

You can easily tell if your board requires MEI because you'll have a device in Device Manager show up as not having drivers installed. If you don't have it, it obviously means you don't need it, already have the drivers installed, or your board doesn't have MEI.

Also, stop trying to install drivers from Asus's website. They are always old and outdated. Get them straight from the actual component manufacturer's website.
Click to expand...

Hello

Poor advice. If N/A is shown for the ME version in the UEFI there is an issue that needs to be corrected as follows:

Fully clear the UEFI and then flash the UEFI using USB BIOS Flashback. If the firmware is still shown as N/A the chip needs flashed using a programmer, a preprogrammed chip purchased or RMA the board.
 
jkramp said:
Hello

Poor advice. If N/A is shown for the ME version in the UEFI there is an issue that needs to be corrected as follows:

Fully clear the UEFI and then flash the UEFI using USB BIOS Flashback. If the firmware is still shown as N/A the chip needs flashed using a programmer, a preprogrammed chip purchased or RMA the board.
Click to expand...

This. Not every BIOS update, or update procedure addresses the MEI firmware. Using BIOS Flashback should take care of that and let you install the AI Suite III software. Not that I advocate using it. Then again on Z97 I never had any trouble with it, so using it should be fine.
 
jkramp said:
Hello

Poor advice. If N/A is shown for the ME version in the UEFI there is an issue that needs to be corrected as follows:

Fully clear the UEFI and then flash the UEFI using USB BIOS Flashback. If the firmware is still shown as N/A the chip needs flashed using a programmer, a preprogrammed chip purchased or RMA the board.
Click to expand...

Ok, so I did post in haste. Sue me. :p

That being said, my advice still holds true for the Windows side of things. The above is solid advice on the UEFI side of things.
 
1) The issue goes deeper then just AI Suite. My thunderbolt card and associated devices are also screwed up at this point. Intel MEI apparently manages (this is not from my knowledge but rather a L3 Tech Superv) that card and as a result of having the MEI error its causing my system to hang at startup.

2) As per the troubleshoot directions of the tech support staff I checked the ME version under the UEFI and it states N/A. So this is not just just a Windows Driver Issue.
 
Will update the thread after the holidays I guess. Stay tuned...
 
Dear Samm,

Have you tried re-flashing your BIOS using ASUS ez Flash tool? What is the current version of your Chipset Driver? Please contact me at [email protected] so we can discuss a resolution to this issue.
 
jyi786 said:
You don't have a faulty board. Simply put: just stop trying to use that garbage AI Suite. Dan_D pointed out that it's got some issues with high latency, so you're probably doing all this for nothing. What did you truly need the Asus Suite for anyway???
Click to expand...

I'm following this thread with interest because I have an ASUS Z170 Sabertooth motherboard waiting for its 6700K to arrive in the mail, and in this thread, Dan_D said:

Dan_D said:
There is definitely something going on with the ASUS AI Suite III and Sonic Radar software packages. We've reported this in the last two ASUS ROG motherboard articles we've done. At the very least the software creates horrible DPC latency issues and causes some performance anomalies. Fortunately this software is far from essential for most motherboards. The only ones that "need" it are the Sabertooth boards. They have more thermal monitors and fan control features than other motherboards do and AI Suite III has to be used to access them. As far as I know there isn't a third party tool that can access that many thermal sensors and control the fans to the same degree as Fan Xpert 3.
Click to expand...

and

Dan_D said:
And it should for everything but the TUF series / Sabertooth boards. Those have far more thermal sensors and fan features like the anti-dust feature which reverses the fan speed. You can also control fan ramp up and down speeds. As far as I know, Speedfan doesn't do any of that.
Click to expand...

I am wary of AI Suite because I had a bad experience a while back having to do a fresh install of Windows because an older version of AI Suite could not be uninstalled because somehow the wrong version for that motherboard was installed, and it was causing occasional system hangs. But if I want all the thermal sensor and fan control features, I'll have to hope it's not screwed up now, so I'm interested in best practices for AI Suite III installation.
 
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