topic Re: Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090 in Gaming on Intel® Processors with Intel® Graphics

Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VaultBoi — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:04:15 GMT

This issue appears to be a UE 5 software v. Intel 13th/14th gen v. Nvidia RTX 4090 hardware issue. After all the finger pointing and researching the web, it seems the root cause is the auto setting in the BIOS for the p-Core (and possibly other efficient core settings). At least according to Tom's Hardware which decided to also have a go:

https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/nvidia-blames-intel-for-gpu-vram-errors-tells-geforce-gamers-experiencing-13th-or-14th-gen-cpu-instability-to-contact-intel-support

And other helpful gamers made insightful posts on the web like here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/overclocking/comments/1axepvu/optimizing_stability_for_intel_13900k_and_14900k/

Since game release last year, I've had ZERO technical launch issues launching/playing Hogwarts Legacy. Which is the only game in my Steam library designed in UE5 to date. So this issue is HL specific as I'm able to play every other game in my Steam library to date with zero VRAM issues.

A recent Nvidia RTX 4090 driver update also seemed to exacerbate whatever technical issues the game potentially had with my 13900K CPU. The result seems to be a hardware p-Core/voltage issue that has adversely blocked the ability of Hogwarts Legacy to successfully launch on Steam. Note I have NEVER overclocked (and never intend to) overclock my CPU since buying it a year ago. My dxdiag is here:

After being directed by Nvidia, Reddit & Steam Communities to your XTU utility here

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/17881/intel-extreme-tuning-utility-intel-xtu.html

I installed and ran the XTU Setup_7.143.2.14.exe and on launching the app, I got the following XTU app UI window:

XTU UI

My question is given my CPU & GPU setup, what is the best setting to get Hogwarts Legacy shaders to successfully complete so I can start the game again?

I have seen a lot of feedback of lowering the pCore value to 54 or 53. But I don't want to change any of the core ratios that could adversely impact my CPU and other critical hardware components. Again this tweak is only to get Hogwarts Legacy to launch as other 4090/13th gen gamers apparently have succeeded in doing on Steam/Reddit.

Some gamers even recommended a permanent fix of changing these values directly in the BIOS. Instead of using the XTU app utility. Which of these options is best?

Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

JeanetteC_Intel — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 14:55:12 GMT

Hello VaultBoi,

Thank you for posting in Intel Communities.

I'll check on this query and I will post an update once it's available.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel® Customer Support Technician

Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

JeanetteC_Intel — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:23:30 GMT

Hello VaultBoi,

Good day!

After reviewing your post, it appears that you're currently experiencing and/or reporting an instability issue. Can you please confirm if this issue occurs only when playing this specific game?

Additionally, please check the community link where we posted our recommendations and follow the provided settings that you need to set inside the BIOS then tell us if there is an improvement.

https://community.intel.com/t5/Processors/Updated-Guidance-RE-Reports-of-13th-14th-Gen-Unlocked-Desktop/m-p/1594553

If the issue persists, please share your system configuration so I can fully check and provide you with an accurate fix. Kindly download the Intel® System Support Utility for Windows* software. When the download is complete, launch SSU.exe.

Scan: Check the box Everything.
Click Scan.
Review: When finished scanning, click Next.
Click Save (.txt). Attach the log file as you reply.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician

Re: Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VaultBoi — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:05:11 GMT

The shader issue only happens when I attempt to launch Hogwarts Legacy. Which is the only game in my Steam library that was developed on UE4 engine. Since this is a UE4 game, the problem is it has insanely high quality textures which require a mandatory shader building process. This happens every time new DLC gets released and/or a new patch update is done for the game

The HL dev team did both of this last year with the release of the final DLC for the game. The dev team also included a long overdue performance tweaking patch to address a ton of FPS and graphical issues in certain areas of the game world.

Prior to this huge patch, I had ZERO issues loading and playing HL. I was playing on Ultra high settings the entire time. But with the patch and final DLC release, the shader process is completely defunct. And I can't build the damned shader without it crashing shortly afterwards. Consequently, I'm unable to reach the main menu where I can finally launch/play the game.

Many HL gamers with this issue also have 13th gen Raptor CPUs. They've recommended adjusting the pCore value down as it's too high. I don't want to do this because first, my system is not overclocked to begin with. And second, there is no need to overclock the CPU based on my gaming style (I'm a single player PvE minded gamer). So I don't play highly competitive, FPS intensive games like Fortnite or COD.

I'd like to get a resolution on this issue. I spent $5K on my gaming system, only to discover it can't perform as it said in the specs? Additionally, I'm concerned about the future performance with this processor. Because besides future games coming out on the market (Hogwarts Legacy 2, other ultra high graphic games like KCD2 etc) I use a lot of STEMS/engineering heavy apps on my system. Like AutoCAD and ArcGIS. So I am VERY concerned about potential CPU instability when running these programs. Ultimately compromising the overall integrity of my system.

How can I resolve this?

Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

JeanetteC_Intel — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:14:39 GMT

Hello VaultBoi,

Thank you for sharing this information. I'm currently doing further investigation of this issue. May I request for the SSU log file so I can check your system configuration, and be able to provide an accurate recommendation? If you do not wish to submit the SSU report then at least provide us with the following information about your system:

Motherboard make and model.
Operating System version/build number.
Power Supply make and model.

I will wait for your reply.

Best regards,

JeanetteC.

Intel® Customer Support Technician

Re: Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VaultBoi — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 03:25:05 GMT

What is the SSU Report file? Do I run dxdiag to generate it? I'm on Win 11 OS.

Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VonM_Intel — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 06:23:50 GMT

Hello VaultBoi,

The SSU Report is generated using the Intel System Support Utility (SSU) tool, not through dxdiag. The SSU tool collects detailed system information, including hardware, drivers, and software configurations, which helps in troubleshooting your issue.

Since you're on Windows 11, you can download the Intel SSU tool from this link and run it directly. Once you run the tool, it will automatically generate the report file, which you can save and share with us for further analysis.

Let me know if you need any assistance with downloading or using the SSU tool.

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

Re: Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VaultBoi — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 22:19:26 GMT

Thank you for the link. Here's the summary SSU file for my system

Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VonM_Intel — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:51:58 GMT

Hello VaultBoi,

I appreciate you for sharing such a thorough description of the issue and the steps you've already taken. I can see that you've done a lot of research and troubleshooting, and I appreciate your detailed input. From what you’ve described, it seems that the problem may indeed be related to a combination of the p-Core settings in the BIOS, as well as the interaction between the UE5 engine, your Intel 13th Gen CPU, and the Nvidia RTX 4090 hardware. This kind of instability can sometimes be exacerbated by changes in the software or hardware, like a driver update or specific game configurations.

About tweaking, both XTU and BIOS tweaks can help. However, I will still need to do further research on this matter and post the response on this thread once available.

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VonM_Intel — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 02:42:47 GMT

Hello VaultBoi,

Upon checking on your SSU logs, I noticed that the BIOS is not updated I highly recommend you update your BIOS to the latest version as the issue is related to the instability of your processor. You can check your system/motherboard manufacturer’s website and/or the Intel Product Compatibility Tool to see the latest BIOS versions for their Intel Core 13th and/or 14th Gen-powered desktop systems: https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/

For more information about the BIOS updates with the microcode patch, you may visit the following links below:

Intel has localized the Vmin Shift Instability issue to a clock tree circuit within the IA core which is particularly vulnerable to reliability aging under elevated voltage and temperature. Intel has observed these conditions can lead to a duty cycle shift of the clocks and observed system instability.

Intel has identified four (4) operating scenarios that can lead to Vmin shift in affected processors:

1. Motherboard power delivery settings exceeding Intel power guidance.

a. Mitigation: Intel Default Settings recommendations for Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors.

2. eTVB Microcode algorithm which was allowing Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen i9 desktop processors to operate at higher performance states even at high temperatures.

a. Mitigation: microcode 0x125 (June 2024) addresses eTVB algorithm issue.

3. Microcode SVID algorithm requesting high voltages at a frequency and duration which can cause Vmin shift.

a. Mitigation: microcode 0x129 (August 2024) addresses high voltages requested by the processor.

4. Microcode and BIOS code requesting elevated core voltages which can cause Vmin shift especially during periods of idle and/or light activity.

a. Mitigation: Intel® is releasing microcode 0x12B, which encompasses 0x125 and 0x129 microcode updates, and addresses elevated voltage requests by the processor during idle and/or light activity periods.

Please let me know if the issue persists, so we can proceed with the next steps.

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

Re: Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VaultBoi — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:47:00 GMT

Thank you for the follow up. I tried that first link of compatible intel products but can't find my 13900K Raptor CPU or Motherboard.

I'm not tech savvy so I was hoping you would provide a url where I can directly download the necessary software update (ideally do it live directly from the Intel Website). And this would make whatever necessary upgrades/changes necessary to my CPU to get it working.

1. I've never overclocked my CPU or adjusted the MB/CPU hardware after purchasing my system. So the default settings have remained unchanged since system assembly. Again there was no need for me to manually override any of the default factory settings because I'm not a competitive MMO/PVP gamer. And so don't play CPU/GPU intensive games like Fortnite, COD etc. The one and only game (in my Steam library) which is causing this issue was built in UE4. And as a result of the inefficient way in which the UE4 engine compresses graphics textures etc. it needs to build a preliminary shader every time the game updates. As a result of that shader building process, this is the issue that is crashing my game. And clearly over taxing my CPU. I've literally watched the shader building process from the Task Manger while Hogwarts Legacy is attempting to start itself. And there were several times where the mandatory shader process literally SPIKED THE CPU USAGE TO 100%).

The 2 attached png images show task manager screen shot while the shaders are building for the game. The usage spikes are unpredictable as you can see in these files.

One moment the CPU usage is at a normal/regular 16%-30% below in first screenshot.

Then unpredictably spikes up to 100% which I managed to capture in the 2nd screenshot below for a few seconds. Before this dropped back down to 30% or so.

1st screenshot: CPU usage 16%-30%

#1 Shader Loading Hogwarts Legacy

2nd screenshot: Armaggedeon & chaos ensues. Abnormal CPU spike to 100% utilization. This is random and unpredictable before dropping back down to normal shader loading range

#2 Insane Spike to 100% During Load

2. For these 3 mitigation solutions:

microcode 0x125 (June 2024) that addresses eTVB algorithm issue.
microcode 0x129 (August 2024) addresses high voltages requested by the processor.
Intel® is releasing microcode 0x12B, which encompasses 0x125 and 0x129 microcode updates, and addresses elevated voltage requests by the processor during idle and/or light activity periods.

Were these in some sort of past patch update for the CPU? MB? If so, where can I download these? This sounds most likely to be the case as I've never adjusted my hardware settings as explained in #1.

3. Finally, the first link is useless because there doesn't appear to be anything related to my hard ware issue I could install.

Could you please provide a direct link which has these microcode updates? Thanks again for all your help

Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VonM_Intel — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 23:57:14 GMT

Hello VaultBoi,

Thank you for the detailed explanation and the screenshots. Based on the information you’ve shared, it appears the issue may be related to system instability, which can sometimes be resolved by updating the BIOS. I recommend starting with a BIOS update, as this can often improve system stability, particularly when handling high CPU loads like the shader building process you mentioned. Although the game’s shader building process is quite demanding on your CPU, an outdated BIOS can contribute to instability during such spikes in usage. At this rate, it would be best to contact your system or motherboard manufacturer (Asus) for BIOS updates containing the microcode update 0x12B.

Once the BIOS is updated, please test the system again with the game and let me know if the issue persists. If it does, we will move to the next best course of action to fix this issue.

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

VonM_Intel — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 02:22:26 GMT

Hello VaultBoi,

I wanted to follow up regarding the questions and information we shared with you recently. Have you had a chance to review them? Your feedback is invaluable in helping us determine the next best course of action.

Please let me know if you have any thoughts or if there's anything else you need from us.

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

Re:Hogwarts Legacy Shader Crash At Launch For 13th Gen/13900K & Nvidia RTX 4090

JeanetteC_Intel — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:34:21 GMT

Hello VaultBoi,

Since I have not heard back from you, I will proceed in closing this thread. If you need any additional information, submit a new question, as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Sincerely,

JeanetteC.

Intel Customer Support Technician