BSOD I9 14900K even after a change 1 year ago

[nicovapp]

Apologies, Intel, but your processor is a disgrace.

A little over a year ago, you replaced my i9 14900K processor due to frequent BSODs and possible oxidation. Thank you, but as a result of your product's failure, I had to change my motherboard. Had my processor been properly manufactured, I would never have had to replace it, except for upgrading to a newer model with a new motherboard. After bearing the painful cost of this replacement, I expected to finally enjoy my processor free from issues. What an optimistic assumption on my part.

Since July 2025, I have been regularly plagued by blue screens (now black screens for the past few months) of death. After thorough analysis of components, drivers, and multiple complete installations of Windows 11 (and even Windows 10), the conclusion is clear: at a clock ratio of 57 (5.7 GHz), the processor is unstable. When reduced to 50 (5 GHz), there are no more crashes. (Intel Extreme Tuning Utility)

You might tell me, "Problem solved!" but I would argue otherwise.

I should be able to use my processor, as originally provided, at its base frequency without the need for modifications on my part or those of an assembler.

Now, what will happen next?
Will Intel kindly replace the processor again, but with the risk of damaging yet another motherboard, thus losing another €250?
Will Intel coordinate with a local retailer (LDLC) to replace the processor without requiring my direct involvement in the assembly?
Or will Intel simply do nothing at all?

I am now left pondering the following: whatever happens, considering market evolution and my aging PC, whom should I turn to for my future processor, and what processor would be recommended in the gaming community?

[Mike_Intel]

Hello nicovapp,

Thank you for posting in Intel community Forum.

For me to better understand and diagnose the issue further, let me ask you to provide detailed responses to the following questions. This information will help me isolate the problem and determine the most appropriate course of action moving forward.

1. Did you update the BIOS of the motherboard to the latest?
2. Have you also tried to load the default BIOS settings for more stable performance? Let me also mention that Overclocking may void the warranty of the unit.
3. Have you also tried to call your local Warranty team to report this issue? They will replace this unit if found faulty. Here is the number: Intel Support Phone List
4. What are the other troubleshooting steps that you tried?

If you have questions, please let us know. Thank you.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[nicovapp]

Hello, Mike_intel,

To answer your questions.

- Did you update the BIOS of the motherboard to the latest?

Yes, and it’s the first thing I did when installing the new motherboard, and since then I’ve been making sure to follow the updates recommended for the processor.

- Have you also tried to load the default BIOS settings for more stable performance? Let me also mention that Overclocking may void the warranty of the unit.

These have been the default settings from the start.

I never do any overclocking; I stick to the default settings of my motherboard, a ROG STRIX Z790-A Gaming WIFI D4. With your processor, I end up doing more downclocking using your Intel Extreme Tuning Utility software

- Have you also tried to call your local Warranty team to report this issue? They will replace this unit if found faulty. Here is the number: Intel Support Phone List

No, because as you may have read or understood last time, it was disastrous for me—I lost a lot of money and time. I ask the Intel community first.

What are the other troubleshooting steps that you tried?

All those mentioned in my previous message, today the processor had to be downclocked to 5 GHz to remain stable.

Best regards.

[Mike_Intel]

Hello nicovapp,

Thank you for the update.

I understand, let me just share the latest update regarding the Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen issue.

Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Vmin Shift Instabilty Update - New Microcode Update (0x12F) - Intel Community

If you have questions, please let us know. Thank you.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[George_Guerrette]

Hello, @Michael_Intel.

I apologize for hijacking this thread. I posted a problem I’m having but, unfortunately, I’ve not received any help from the community. The thought occurred to give this plea for assistance here. Would you or any of your colleagues be kind enough to take a look at my post? I’d be very grateful. Again, sorry to you and this thread’s OP

https://community.intel.com/t5/Mobile-and-Desktop-Processors/Severe-throttling-i9-MacBook-Pro/m-p/1717712/thread-id/85886

[nicovapp]

Thanks for this information.
It must have fallen by the wayside. I didn't see it. I think the problem with these processors had finally been resolved.

I'll apply this firmware update; I hope it won't impact the performance or reliability of my processor.

I won't hesitate to come back and update my problem whether it's resolved or not.

Best regards

[Mike_Intel]

Hello nicovapp,

Thank you for the update.

Updating the BIOS and loading the BIOS default settings is always our recommendation for this issue.

And yes, you can always post a question here or call the number that I provided if you wish to speak to a technical agent for assistance.

If you have questions, please let us know. Thank you.

@George_Guerrette

Please post an update on you thread to bump the thread and get some assistance.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[nicovapp]

Hello @Mike_Intel ,

After several attempts, I'm currently free of BSODs. I've noticed a significant drop in performance following the firmware update. I'm not closing this thread; I have a test to run that will give me the final answer.
I'll close the ticket in a week, after this test.
Thank you for letting me know there was a firmware update.

Best regard

[Mike_Intel]

Hello nicovapp,

Thank you for the update.

I will let you observe the system for a couple of days and hopefully no more BSOD.

Just keep the BIOS default settings because this is the recommended.

If you have questions, please let us know. Thank you.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Mike_Intel]

Hello nicovapp,

I hope this message finds you well. 

Were you able to check the previous post?

Please let us know if you still need assistance.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[nicovapp]

Hello Mike_Intel,

After several tests, I can confirm a decrease in performance, which is unfortunate.
However, the processor is now more stable, and I haven't experienced any BSODs.
I've reverted to the default settings, with a multiplier of 57, which is the factory-set and officially supported overclock for this processor (5.7 GHz).
Previously, during intensive and demanding tasks, the processor consistently reached 5.7 GHz. However, after the firmware update, I've noticed that it never reaches that frequency anymore.
Now, the maximum frequency doesn't exceed 5.5 GHz, even though my default multiplier is 57.

[Mike_Intel]

Hello nicovapp,

Thank you for the update.

I am glad that the system is stable on default BIOS settings which is the recommended settings.

At this point, let me ask if you need assistance or do you have some clarifications regarding the system?

Please let us know if you still need assistance.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Mike_Intel]

Hello nicovapp,

I hope this message finds you well. 

I am just making a follow up to check if you still have clarifications on this case.

Please let us know if you still need assistance.

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[nicovapp · Accepted solution]

Hello Mike_intel,
Apart from the significant power loss following this firmware update, I have no other issues.
Thanks.

[Mike_Intel]

Hello nicovapp,

Thank you for the update.

I am glad that the system is now running fine.

Since the thread is now tagged as "Solve", I need to close this inquiry. 

If you need further assistance, please post a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored. 

Thank you and have a great day. 

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician