Asus Z690 Hero Motherboard Recalls Confirmed by Manufacturer After Reports of Overheating and Melting

Seven months after YouTuber Buildzoid discovered that Asus installed one of the capacitors backward on its Z690 Hero motherboard, Asus and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have formally announced a recall as the motherboard could overheat, melt, or potentially start a fire. As reported by The Verge,[1] Buildzoid diagnosed the issue[2] and determined that the backward capacitor was installed next to the MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor). This is a problem because “a reversed capacitor results in reversed polarity, causing the MOSFETs to malfunction and burn up.”

Asus confirmed that Buildzoid’s findings were correct, and announced that it would be “working with relevant government agencies on a replacement program.” Now, Asus and the CPSC have shared the first details on the recall.

“This recall involves ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero computer motherboards sold separately for computers,” the official description reads from the CPSC. “The recalled motherboards have part number 90MB18E0-MVAAY0. Affected units have a serial number that starts with MA, MB, and MC, which indicates the manufacture year in 2021. The part number is located next to the 24-pin power connector on a white label on the bottom side of the motherboard and on the packaging.

Detailed instructions to determine if the motherboard is included in this recall can be found on the firm’s website at https://www.asus.com/support/rog-maximus-z690-hero-checking.”[3][4]

The URL above takes you to Asus’ website, and it encourages you to reach out to Asus customer service if you have one of these motherboards. According to the CPSC, there are about 10,000 motherboards impacted by this issue, and so far Asus has received “10 reports of the motherboards overheating and melting. No injuries have been reported.”

If you are in need of a new motherboard after reading this, be sure to check out our list of the best gaming motherboards of 2022 so far.[5] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story?

Please send an email to [email protected].[6]

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN.

You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.[7][8]

References

  1. ^ The Verge, (www.theverge.com)
  2. ^ Buildzoid diagnosed the issue (www.theverge.com)
  3. ^ the CPSC. (www.cpsc.gov)
  4. ^ https://www.asus.com/support/rog-maximus-z690-hero-checking.” (www.asus.com)
  5. ^ our list of the best gaming motherboards of 2022 so far. (www.ign.com)
  6. ^ [email protected] (www.ign.com)
  7. ^ @AdamBankhurst (twitter.com)
  8. ^ Twitch. (www.twitch.tv)