It’s been a few chaotic months over at Intel as the chipmaker races to a solution to fix the crashing 13th/14th Gen Core processors, whilst the situation snowballed over time into a widespread issue that can render some processors permanently damaged due to excessive voltages.
The 0x129 Microcode Fix
Last week, the 0x129 microcode is finally ready and is currently distributed to system and motherboard vendors for users to apply the fix via BIOS updates, and the company has officially extended the warranty by an additional two years to specific models to ease the concerns.
The microcode primarily applies a hard 1.55V voltage limit as a “preventative mitigation” to all processors, particularly the K/KF/KS series; according to the statement (scroll to the bottom this article), the fix will mostly retain the same performance as before, with a few minor exceptions in productivity and gaming workloads.
Overclocking remains available with this microcode update as well, and Intel still allow users to manually override the voltage limit by disabling the eTVB setting – but you already know what will happen if you choose to do so, so naturally the warranty (extended or otherwise) won’t be covering that.
To apply the fix, you must obtain the BIOS update from your respective motherboard manufacturers or system vendors, and you are required to do this process manually by accessing the UEFI BIOS settings. It is highly recommended for novices to find someone experienced or a professional to assist in this process, as an incorrectly applied update may cause irreversible damage to the system.
What’s Next For Affected 13th/14th Gen CPUs?
Now, the issue isn’t quite over just yet, as the chipmaker is looking into ways to mitigate chips that are already experiencing symptoms of degradation (i.e. system crashes).
It is said that degraded chips can result in minimum voltage (Vmin) shifting upward to keep the cores fed – think of a bad electrical connection that slowly melts the cable as it tries to overcome the greater electrical resistance to compensate. Eventually, the positive feedback loop stops when the voltage simply couldn’t feed the cores enough to keep them stable. Intel is expected to provide further details on this part of the investigation by the end of August.
Below is the Intel’s statement in full:
Intel is currently distributing to its OEM/ODM partners a new microcode patch (0x129) for its Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors which will address incorrect voltage requests to the processor that are causing elevated operating voltage.
For all Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processor users: This patch is being distributed via BIOS update and will not be available through operating system updates. Intel is working with its partners to ensure timely validation and rollout of the BIOS update for systems currently in service.
Instability Analysis Update – Microcode Background and Performance Implications
In addition to extended warranty coverage, Intel has released three mitigations related to the instability issue – commonly experienced as consistent application crashes and repeated hangs – to help stabilize customer systems with Intel Core 13th and 14th gen desktop processors:
1. Intel default settings to avoid elevated power delivery impact to the processor (May 2024)
2. Microcode 0x125 to fix the eTVB issue in i9 processors (June 2024)
3. Microcode 0x129 to address elevated voltages (August 2024)
Intel’s current analysis finds there is a significant increase to the minimum operating voltage (Vmin) across multiple cores on affected processors due to elevated voltages. Elevated voltage events can accumulate over time and contribute to the increase in Vmin for the processor.
The latest microcode update (0x129) will limit voltage requests above 1.55V as a preventative mitigation for processors not experiencing instability symptoms. This latest microcode update will primarily improve operating conditions for K/KF/KS processors. Intel is also confirming, based on extensive validation, all future products will not be affected by this issue.
Intel is continuing to investigate mitigations for scenarios that can result in Vmin shift on potentially impacted Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors. Intel will provide updates by end of August.
Intel’s internal testing – utilizing Intel Default Settings – indicates performance impact is within run-to-run variation (eg. 3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2.0) with a few sub-tests showing moderate impacts (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Effects Score). For gaming workloads tested, performance has also been within run-to-run variation (eg. Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness) with one exception showing slightly more impact (Hitman 3: Dartmoor). However, system performance is dependent on configuration and several other factors.
For unlocked Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors, this latest microcode update (0x129) will not prevent users from overclocking if they so choose. Users can disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS if they wish to push above the 1.55V threshold. As always, Intel recommends users proceed with caution when overclocking their desktop processors, as overclocking may void their warranty and/or affect system health. As a general best practice, Intel recommends customers with Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors utilize the Intel Default Settings.
In light of the recently announced extended warranty program, Intel is reaffirming its confidence in its products and is committed to making sure all customers who have or are currently experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors are supported in the exchange process. Users experiencing consistent instability symptoms should reach out to their system manufacturer (OEM/System Integrator purchase), Intel Customer Support (boxed processor), or place of purchase (tray processor) further assistance.
FURTHER READING:
June 2024 Intel Default Settings Guidance
August 2024 Warranty Extension Details
Pokdepinion: There is some hope for degraded chips, at least.
