Troubleshooting | Asus Maximus X Hero z370 i9 9900K error post code 18(i9 9900K error 18)
23#z370, #9900K, #i9
Hi guys, after successful experience with 8600K(8th generation best processor for low budget and extreme resolution and visuals gaming) and my Asus Maximus X Hero AC wi-fi Z370 chipset motherboard I decided to install intel core i9 9900k and used Asus Maximus Hero X but failed to boot and stocked with error post code 18 (memory pre-initialization). Black screen and it does not even show bios or anything on the screen. Bios that supports core i9 9900k was not flashed, so it has bios that supports only 8th generation of i5,i7. However, in theory, it should boot and we should enter the bios and should be flash the bios...but this is only in theory as you can see. Intel and AMD cpus newer generation cpus with same socket are usually were booting into the bios at lease but with wrong cpu recognition code. However this is not the case with z370 chipset on Maximus X Hero motherboard and Intel Core i9 9900K. I don’t even see a bios post display- simple black screen. I think that Asus Maximus Hero X does not support i9 9900k without bios reflash on Maximus X Hero and not even completes the posting. I used Corsair Vengeance ddr4 3600 MHz cas 18 as in one slot or In two as double channel or 4x8 GB without any luck. I also used EVGA 1600 T2 1600 watt power supply. I cleared cmos with physical button, removed the battery, tried with video card rtx 2080 Ti or w/out video card but with just intel integrated video-no luck. I think the solution is z390 chipset or z370 chipset will support i9 9900k processor, but after bios upgrade with 8th generation of Intel processors and then installation of core i9 9900K on Asus Hero X motherboard- unless you have a latest revision of z370 board that came already with late 2018 bios than your case could be different.
In theory it should post In the bios and people confirmed that they made i9 9900k worked with z370 chipset, but I believe maybe because that they upgraded bios with 8th gen cpu before installation of core i9 9900k. Motherboard had no damage or defect and worked before core i9 9900k with 8th gen cpu. Unfortunately I did not have in stock 8th gen cpu, so I gave up my z370 chipset motherboard for z390 chipset motherboard that designed for 9th gen cpu and for i9 9900k, and I advice you to do the same and use only z390 chipset motherboard for core i9 9900k cpu for full feature support and capabilities.
Please let me know if you came up with solution for particular board and if I will come up with solution towards this issue-I will write an update.