Finally: Intel Confirms Root Cause Of Crashing 13th/14th Gen CPUs, Fix Incoming

Low Boon Shen
By Low Boon Shen 5 Min Read

After months of investigation, Intel has finally identified the cause of 13th/14th Gen desktop processors amid reports from users and developers alike. The statement is posted in its website, detailing the issue and what’s next.

13th/14th Gen Desktop CPU Crashes Caused By Microcode

Here’s Intel’s statement in full:

Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors returned to us due to instability issues, we have determined that elevated operating voltage is causing instability issues in some 13th/14th Gen desktop processors. Our analysis of returned processors confirms that the elevated operating voltage is stemming from a microcode algorithm resulting in incorrect voltage requests to the processor.

Intel is delivering a microcode patch which addresses the root cause of exposure to elevated voltages. We are continuing validation to ensure that scenarios of instability reported to Intel regarding its Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors are addressed. Intel is currently targeting mid-August for patch release to partners following full validation.

Intel is committed to making this right with our customers, and we continue asking any customers currently experiencing instability issues on their Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors reach out to Intel Customer Support for further assistance.

Intel’s official statement on 13th/14th Gen Core processor crashes
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Finally: Intel Confirms Root Cause Of Crashing 13th/14th Gen CPUs, Fix Incoming

Prior to this statement, GamersNexus reported that an insider theorized one potential cause of processor degradation can be blamed on oxidation caused by manufacturing defects. In a separate statement posted on Reddit, Intel confirms that this was indeed the case, though this only affects a small number of units from the early batches manufactured in 2023 or earlier.

We can confirm that the via Oxidation manufacturing issue affected some early Intel Core 13th Gen desktop processors. However, the issue was root caused and addressed with manufacturing improvements and screens in 2023. We have also looked at it from the instability reports on Intel Core 13th Gen desktop processors and the analysis to-date has determined that only a small number of instability reports can be connected to the manufacturing issue.

For the Instability issue, we are delivering a microcode patch which addresses exposure to elevated voltages which is a key element of the Instability issue. We are currently validating the microcode patch to ensure the instability issues for 13th/14th Gen are addressed.

Intel’s official statement from Reddit (r/intel)

Raptor Lake-HX Series Potentially Affected?

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Finally: Intel Confirms Root Cause Of Crashing 13th/14th Gen CPUs, Fix Incoming

Just several days earlier, Intel’s desktop-derived Raptor Lake-HX series is also reportedly affected by the same causes, at least according to Alderon Games (which previously stated that Intel is selling “defective” CPUs as the chips degrade over time). Founder Matthew Cassells has reported crashes on laptops with HX-series chips, though it is comparatively rarer than desktop counterparts. That being said, the crash behavior are said to be “in the exact same way” as the desktop chips, and laptops from Razer, MSI, and ASUS all reported crashes from its developers.

In response, Intel published a statement (via Digital Trends):

Intel is aware of a small number of instability reports on Intel Core 13th/14th Gen mobile processors. Based on our in-depth analysis of the reported Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processor instability issues, Intel has determined that mobile products are not exposed to the same issue. The symptoms being reported on 13th/14th Gen mobile systems – including system hangs and crashes – are common symptoms stemming from a broad range of potential software and hardware issues. As always, if users are experiencing issues with their Intel-powered laptops we encourage them to reach out to the system manufacturer for further assistance.

At this point, it’s unclear if the microcode used in the desktop processors also applies to the HX-series, given that this line of processors are functionally the same as their desktop equivalents, just with a different power envelope and a BGA form factor. If the microcode update does fix the issue on desktop chips, there is a good chance that laptops with Raptor Lake-HX processors may see this potential issue solved as well.

Pokdepinion: Hopefully this is it!

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