July 2024 Update on Instability Reports on Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Processors

[Thomas_Hannaford]

*9/25/24 - Please go to the following link for the latest updates: Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Processor Vmin Instability Issue Root Cause*

*Update 8/26 clarifying support guidance for Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop tray CPU purchases*

*Update 7/29 regarding customer support process guidance (included below as well): https://community.intel.com/t5/Processors/Clarification-Update-on-Intel-Core-13th-14th-Gen-Desktop/m-p/1618462

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 sure all customers who have or are currently experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors are supported in the exchange process.

To help streamline the support process, Intel's guidance is as follows:

• For users who purchased 13th/14th Gen-powered desktop systems from OEM/System Integrator - please reach out to your system vendor's customer support team for further assistance.
• For users who purchased boxed 13th/14th Gen desktop processors - please reach out to Intel Customer Support for further assistance.
• For users who purchased tray 13th/14th Gen desktop processors - please reach out to your place of purchase for further assistance.
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[KrsdCoder]

If I just purchased an i9 14th gen yesterday morning and just found out about this what should I do? Should I cancel my order or will mine be okay? Or will this microcode patch be enough to fix any issue I might have?

[pressed_for_time]

I own one of the affected 14th gen K processors, I haven't had issues to date. I would advise an update to the latest chipset driver and ME driver available from the board manufacturers website. Then update to the latest BIOS (issued this month, July). I assume you have a Z790 board. Try the Performance setting first and then the Extreme with the games you intend to play.

The August patch is aimed at fixing the root issue affecting some processors in some scenarios, generally with a high end graphics card such as a RTX 4090 or RTX 4080 Super.

This is a support forum, if you get any issues come back and ask. There are people here that may well own the same hardware as you and play the same games. There are also Intel staff, Support Technicians, to provide product support.

So yes keep the i9 and stick with it.

[SpeedToaster]

If you know how to lower Vcore with undervolt and lower max turbo ratio before the patch, then yes, you could give it a try. Otherwise I would return the chip and go with AMD.

Your chip boost to 6GHZ for 2 cores, but your never achieve those speed IRL due to windows use more than 2 cores. You could set those multipliers to 57x or 58x to lower idle voltage. 

Also tweaking AC/DC LL & LLC to undervolt your cpu and set PL1=PL2=253W or 320W, and set IccMax to 400A.

Turn IA CEP off if you tweak AC/DC LL.

My 58x max boost multiplier will get 1.356V max Vcore while 60x max multiplier will get 1.45V max Vcore.

[RubiksHnK]

I'm 90% sure this pretty much killed my i7 even though it was only a couple years old.

I was having so many sporatic issues.

Updated Graphics, RAM, MoBo, and the issues finally cleared itself moving to an i9.

Now seeing this, I'm worried my new processor will develop similar issues and intel will continue the infinite circle of submit a RMA, get denied and told to put into another one, andddd rinse and repeat

[Vaveen]

**bleep** 'i!ntel thats 'what i 'gone 'do go AMD

[NhatKieuMinh]

I purchased the 14900k about 2 weeks ago. Can I return the chip and get money back?

[RubiksHnK]

Don't know about your shops there.

I know the vendor here in Japan probably wont. I got mine 2 days ago when I also bought RAM for the new board and didn't realize they grabbed a box of 32GB when I wanted 64. Went back the next morning and was told no refunds or exchanges even not being opened.  

[NhatKieuMinh]

I think I just use this CPU for now, It's does matter much for now. I will wait if the next patch can solve the problem or not. 
If they don't, wait for next Intel generation or AMD next generation next two months. But likely will go for AMD if the problem is not solve.

Because we're all paying for best CPU for best workload, it useless if we buy best CPU then we must use with low voltage because it may dead. I just use default setting and the voltage from HwMonitor is above 1.6V max, current around 1,5-1,55 v, sometimes 100c temperature with normal task.

Now I lower performance on the mainboard, it's around 1.3-1,4v. But the performance is lower I think.
We pay for high-end CPU but now have to use with low performance.

[jaccr]

Hi; You identify the 13th/14th gen processors affected as "DESKTOP".  Does this mean that any 13th/14th gen processor in a laptop or 2 in 1 laptop is NOT affected by this overvoltage issue?

Tnx

jc

[pressed_for_time]

Intel has released a statement on this that reads as follows

"...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.”

[NoAce4u]

I previously was running an i9 10900k.
Since upgrading to the i9 14900k I have been running into another slightly annoying issue that I was not previously experiencing with the 10900k. It seems background applications are extremely laggy. To the point that if, for example, I'm in game and have a stream running on the second monitor it becomes unwatchable due to it laggings something crazy. 

[Antman]

Are any laptop CPUs affected by this issue? I have a 13th Gen 1355U (13th Generation Core i7 Evo Platform). 

Thanks for any information provided!

[HMargo]

my cpu is 13600k,
i am not face this problem yet.
should i download and update my bios or not?
my motherboard is z790-a wifi.
where can i see the tutorial of this work?

[BFeely]

The current BIOS with microcode 0x125 has some fixes already for eTVB and the introduction of the Intel Default Settings profile.

[zeratul]

---

@HMargo wrote:

my cpu is 13600k,
i am not face this problem yet.
should i download and update my bios or not?
my motherboard is z790-a wifi.
where can i see the tutorial of this work?

---

Same here but nobody tell us what to do !

[Nassbirne]

At the moment, I'd recommend the following (which is pretty much the only thing you can do):

1. Update your BIOS to the latest version available.

2. Leave performance-related settings at their default values.

In a couple of weeks or so, once your motherboard vendor releases a BIOS update that includes the "mid-August" Microcode update, apply it immediately.

[G_B]

Actually the only thing I can do now is wait for mid-August update after latest BIOS 0x125 update from Asus. In my case except intel default failsafe settings, windows can not boot and crash at startup. And with default still having random BSOD or unstability. Mostly starting a game or during gaming. For example Valorant + Discord usage or CS2 startup.

[zeratul]

After "mid-august"microcode update should we go with intel profile or asus profile ?

[Nassbirne]

As of today, these are Intel's recommendations (Source: https://wccf.tech/1ei23

No one knows if there will be changes/adjustments once the "final" Microcode is released. Right now, this is all we know.

[Crowley007]

I have a 13700KF that might already be damaged. But the Intel support page seems to be completely broken. When creating a ticket and pressing "check for answers" it just loads forever and never proceeds.  I've tried with several browsers and devices. Perhaps a "few" other support requests are hammering the site?

EDIT: After a few hours, the support page seems to be working again.

[Pete-R]

If one has bought 14900K and haven't booted it for the first time yet, should one wait for the August patch or is flashing with the July update okay to start using the PC? I've seen reports that you still should undervolt even with the new BIOS.