Intel XTU tuning "Unknown" error

[Diego131]

Hello there. Whenever I try to optimize power and current limits through Intel XTU, an error "Processor Core IccMax Unknown" pops up. I have tried to update the app, bios but the issue persists.

My specs are:
CPU: i9-14900k 
GPU: Zotac RTX 4090 AMP Extreme AIRO
RAM: 64 GB DDR5
Motherboard: MSI PRO B760M-P
PSU: BeQuiet! Pure Power 12M 1000W

Any help would be really appreciated! Thanks!

[VonM_Intel]

Hi Diego131,

Thank you for posting in our Community. The error message indicates that the utility cannot start due to missing drivers. Another potential cause for the error is the presence of another performance tuning application running simultaneously, which must be closed before launching Intel XTU. Given your setup, you're running an Intel Core i9-14900K on an MSI PRO B760M-P, which may be a key factor here. 

To assist further, could you kindly answer the following questions:

• Are you able to change other values in XTU (such as Turbo Boost Power Max or Core Voltage), or is IccMax the only one showing "Unknown"?
• Are you running the latest version of Intel® XTU from the official Intel website?
• Did you enable Intel-specific settings in the BIOS, such as:
  • Intel SpeedStep
  • Intel Turbo Boost
  • CPU VR Settings / Power Limits
• Did this issue occur previously, or is it a new problem?

Additionally, if you have done any other tests, please let me know the details so we don't cover the same ground twice.

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Diego131]

Hey, thanks for the reply. I did try to close every other performance tuning application that was running in the background, but the issue still persists.

To begin with, just like you first mentioned, I am allowed to change the values for Turbo Boost Power Max, but not for Core Voltage and the Processor Core IccMax. When I try, the same error pops up. 

I did install and reinstall the latest version of Intel XTU a couple of times, yet no change.

This is an issue that's recently been showing up. 

To add a bit of a story, I built this PC around a month ago. The first 2-3 weeks it was perfectly fine. Last week, when I was gaming, out of the blue, the system started crashing. First freezing and then followed by BSOD (DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION), but the BSODs only happen when I am running certain games. Although for some other games, the system just crashes immediately when it's opened, no BSODs. In the event viewer, I did get some errors regarding the nvdllmkm source. I have been searching everywhere, and from what I have seen, the best advice was to undervolt the CPU.
 
I've done the following:

1. Enabled & Disabled XMP in BIOS;
2. Disabled & Enabled Hyperthreading and the Intel Turbo Settings, yet no difference for each scenario;
3. Changed the Short & Long duration to 253W, Core Current to 307A.
4. I wanted to change the Performance Core ratio in Intel XTU to 53x from 57x (Default value), yet no difference;
5. Changed the CPU Load mode to different modes in BIOS, from Level 1 up to level 20, still crashing.

I've been running out of hope trying many different options, but yet none of them seem to make a difference. 
I do hope this information helps any bit, thank you!

[VonM_Intel]

Hello Diego131,

Thank you for your detailed and thoughtful update. I truly appreciate the time and effort you've taken to investigate this issue on your end. I completely understand how frustrating it can be when a system that has been running smoothly for weeks suddenly becomes unstable without warning. To clarify, it's important to note that modifying clock frequencies or voltage settings may potentially impact the processor's lifespan, system stability, and overall performance. Additionally, operating the processor outside of its rated specifications may void the product warranty. Regarding your current scenario, even though your processor is supported by Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU), the limitations you're experiencing are in line with the behavior outlined in the following article: Intel® XTU – Unable to Adjust Core Voltage or IccMax

This is because IccMax values are governed at the BIOS level by the motherboard’s firmware. As such, any adjustments to these parameters must be supported and enabled by the motherboard manufacturer. Intel XTU reflects these controls, but cannot override firmware-level restrictions.

In the meantime, I will close this inquiry now. If you need further assistance, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician