Advise for New CPU Purchase (avoiding any stability issues)

[Jam4T]

Hi, 

Based on the recent complaints regarding the latest generations of Intel CPUs and stability problems , can anyone recommend which Gen is likely to be most stable ? I dont need PCIe Gen 5 or DDR 5 support or the latest specs, so which Gen is a good one to pick ?  

For some background I want to buy a cheapish Intel CPU for a second machine to act as both a NAS and also for some minor product testing (it must be Intel so I can cover testing on both x86 platforms and I already have another AMD based PC). Budgetwise I am looking less than $300 for the CPU, but when I look at all the choices it's just mind blowing, even without the recent stability issues.

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi Jam4T,

Thank you for posting in the community, to answer your question with regards to the latest situation. Intel is seeing increases to the minimum operating voltage (Vmin shift) in some 13th and 14th gen desktop processors. The increase in required operating voltage can lead to issues such as repeated crashes and/or freezes in applications. Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors returned to Intel due to Vmin Shift Instability issues, Intel has determined that elevated operating voltage is a contributor to Vmin Shift Instability issues in some 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors.

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 has delivered a microcode patch (0x129) as a partial mitigation addressing exposure to elevated voltages. Additionally, Intel has confirmed a very small number of reports of the instability issue on i5-13600K/KF and i5-14600K/KF processors. However, Intel has no confirmed reports of this Vmin Shift Instability issue relating to non-K series 13th/14th generation i5 and i3 desktop processors, and Raptor Lake PS SKU processors. 

The symptoms being reported with 13th/14th generation desktop processors – including system hangs and crashes – are common symptoms stemming from a broad range of potential software and hardware issues. As such, Not all processors are affected by the Vmin Shift Instability issues. Intel Core 13th/ 14th Gen desktop processors listed below are receiving a two (2) year warranty extension – up to a maximum of five (5) years – from the original date of purchase.

Furthermore, Intel analysis has determined the processors listed in the table below could be affected by the Vmin Shift Instability issue. However, this does not mean the listed desktop processors are inevitably impacted by the issue. That is why Intel recommends customers to update BIOS with Microcode 0x129 for systems configured with 13th and 14th Generation Processors with CPUID 0xB0671. Intel also recommends all customers use Intel Default Settings in their BIOS setup. 

With regards to the processor to act as your second machine for both NAS and minor product testing. You can refer to this link about  Intel-Powered Network Attached Storage (NAS) website. Please let me know if you have other concerns that I can help you with. I am looking forward hearing from you.

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[moliata]

Hello,

what does Intel mean by partial mitigation? Doesn't 0x129 stop all possible degradation for new CPUs?

Thank you,

Ben

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi Jam4T,

I hope you had the opportunity to review the information I posted. At your earliest convenience, please let me know so we can determine the best course of action to resolve this matter efficiently.

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[mob]

Hi @DhannielM_Intel 

Many thanks for your answer, there is a lot of information to process, but I appreciate your position on having to be exact when describing such an issue (or series of issues). I decided to purchase Gen 12 to avoid all this issue with excessive voltage on latest gens, so bought an i7 12700K. Also, as this second PC is not just a NAS but is also a test machine for testing applications (to provide Intel with Windows 11 test coverage), the NAS information link wasn't very useful. In fact there is too much information to digest on that page as it meanders off into countless other links, ending up with Xeon processors for datacentres etc.

What about the oxidation damage I am now hearing about Intel CPUs ? Is there any chance I have purchased a CPU with this damage ?

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi Jam4T,

As for the oxidation, Intel Core 13th and 14th generation desktop processors affected by the Via Oxidation issue display similar symptoms to processors affected by the elevated voltage related Vmin Shift Instability issue, including OS and application hangs and errors. 

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi @moliata

The partial mitigation means that the microcode update (0x129) will limit voltage requests above 1.55V as a preventative mitigation for processors not experiencing instability symptoms. This microcode update will primarily improve operating conditions for K/KF/KS processors, with less impact on non-K Series processors.

Also, if you require further assistance with your Intel products, please do not hesitate to create a separate thread for that so we can fully assist you on that thread.

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[moliata]

Hello @DhannielM_Intel ,

Once again, I am asking what the "preventive mitigation" means. If I were to buy a 14900KS right now and use it on a motherboard with 0x129 microcode and Intel Default Settings, am I 100% guaranteed to not experience instability issues or any degradation?

Thank you,

Ben

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi @moliata

As per advise on my previous reply, it is advisable to create a separate thread for this matter, so we can better and further assist you on your situation. Also, @Jam4T  I hope you have a chance to check on my previous reply about the information on the oxidation, please let me know at your earliest convenience. 

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[DhannielM_Intel]

Hi Jam4T,

Since I haven't received a response from you, I will be closing this inquiry. If you need further assistance, please submit a new question, as this thread will no longer be monitored. 

Best regards,

Dhanniel M.

Intel Customer Support Technician