PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi - Defective Wi-Fi Adapter (Code 12) Even After RMA — Poor Support

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gabetat157c02db

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I had to RMA this motherboard due to a persistent Wi-Fi adapter error (Code 12), which I documented and included with my return. The issue appeared to be hardware-related and may have contributed to the original board failure.

After receiving the replacement motherboard, I performed a fresh Windows installation and installed only the required drivers. Unfortunately, the same Code 12 error persists, confirming this is not a driver or OS issue, but a motherboard-level hardware problem.

Support has been largely unresponsive and has not provided any meaningful troubleshooting beyond basic steps like removing and reseating the CMOS battery, which did not resolve the issue.

They now want me to RMA this Motherboard too and replace it with a 3rd one. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this motherboard to anyone looking for a stable product with reliable support.
 

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It's always possible they had a bad batch of adapters, if the third RMA comes back with issues, just get a PCIe wifi adapter and disable the internal one.
 
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When you disable WiFi in the BIOS it also disabled Bluetooth. Also, when you disabled the device in device manger the computer Blue Screens. So, I thought of that, but I paid for a fully function board not a reduced price for the bad batch edition and the first board eventually died too. I even offered to pay extra for another Motherboard model with similar features, but they would not do that either.
 
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gabetat157c02db said:
I had to RMA this motherboard due to a persistent Wi-Fi adapter error (Code 12), which I documented and included with my return. The issue appeared to be hardware-related and may have contributed to the original board failure.

After receiving the replacement motherboard, I performed a fresh Windows installation and installed only the required drivers. Unfortunately, the same Code 12 error persists, confirming this is not a driver or OS issue, but a motherboard-level hardware problem.

Support has been largely unresponsive and has not provided any meaningful troubleshooting beyond basic steps like removing and reseating the CMOS battery, which did not resolve the issue.

They now want me to RMA this Motherboard too and replace it with a 3rd one. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this motherboard to anyone looking for a stable product with reliable support.
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Hello, how are you? I previously bought the same Max motherboard, and they are terrible with Wi-Fi. The solution is twofold: disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and buy an external adapter for better performance, or buy a Z790 motherboard without Wi-Fi7
 
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Thank you for chiming in. I wouldn't doubt there are more of us but with the Motherboard price, shipping, taxes and well, time, I'm way over 300 bucks already on this MSI product. We all get stuff wrong and since 1998 I've always used MSI Motherboards with Zero issues. I'm upset because they won't acknowledge that, lousy support and want me to RMA this Motherboard for the 3rd time and waste my time replacing it again. I also offered to pay extra to return this and get one similar to this.
 
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gabetat157c02db said:
Thank you for chiming in. I wouldn't doubt there are more of us but with the Motherboard price, shipping, taxes and well, time, I'm way over 300 bucks already on this MSI product. We all get stuff wrong and since 1998 I've always used MSI Motherboards with Zero issues. I'm upset because they won't acknowledge that, lousy support and want me to RMA this Motherboard for the 3rd time and waste my time replacing it again. I also offered to pay extra to return this and get one similar to this.
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I don't recommend sending it; the problem is related to Wi-Fi 7. Install an external card and disable it from the motherboard, and the internet connection should be fixed.


......







Good 👍 👍 👍
 
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