Microcode (0x129) Update for 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*

Intel is currently distributing to its OEM/ODM partners a new microcode patch (0x129) for its Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors which will address incorrect voltage requests to the processor that are causing elevated operating voltage.

For all Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processor users: This patch is being distributed via BIOS update and will not be available through operating system updates. Intel is working with its partners to ensure timely validation and rollout of the BIOS update for systems currently in service.

Instability Analysis Update – Microcode Background and Performance Implications

In addition to extended warranty coverage, Intel has released three mitigations related to the instability issue – commonly experienced as consistent application crashes and repeated hangs – to help stabilize customer systems with Intel Core 13th and 14th gen desktop processors:
1. Intel default settings to avoid elevated power delivery impact to the processor (May 2024)
2. Microcode 0x125 to fix the eTVB issue in i9 processors (June 2024)
3. Microcode 0x129 to address elevated voltages (August 2024)

Intel’s current analysis finds there is a significant increase to the minimum operating voltage (Vmin) across multiple cores on affected processors due to elevated voltages. Elevated voltage events can accumulate over time and contribute to the increase in Vmin for the processor.

The latest microcode update (0x129) will limit voltage requests above 1.55V as a preventative mitigation for processors not experiencing instability symptoms. This latest microcode update will primarily improve operating conditions for K/KF/KS processors. Intel is also confirming, based on extensive validation, all future products will not be affected by this issue.

Intel is continuing to investigate mitigations for scenarios that can result in Vmin shift on potentially impacted Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors. Intel will provide updates by end of August.  

Intel’s internal testing – utilizing Intel Default Settings - indicates performance impact is within run-to-run variation (eg. 3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2.0) with a few sub-tests showing moderate impacts (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Effects Score). For gaming workloads tested, performance has also been within run-to-run variation (eg. Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness) with one exception showing slightly more impact (Hitman 3: Dartmoor). However, system performance is dependent on configuration and several other factors.

For unlocked Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors, this latest microcode update (0x129) will not prevent users from overclocking if they so choose. Users can disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS if they wish to push above the 1.55V threshold. As always, Intel recommends users proceed with caution when overclocking their desktop processors, as overclocking may void their warranty and/or affect system health. As a general best practice, Intel recommends customers with Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors utilize the Intel Default Settings.

In light of the recently announced extended warranty program, Intel is reaffirming its confidence in its products and 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. Users experiencing consistent instability symptoms should reach out to their system manufacturer (OEM/System Integrator purchase), Intel Customer Support (boxed processor), or place of purchase (tray processor) further assistance.

FURTHER READING:

• June 2024 Intel Default Settings Guidance
• August 2024 Warranty Extension Details

[13900k]

13900k kullanıyorum sorun varmı yokmu bilmiyorum fakat intel ürünlerini geri çağırmıyor ve iade almıyor 

[ToUsMiC]

Intel will not issue any recalls. You must request it in RMa (support) and you will obtain it after the tests requested by support.

[spotiflyerteam]

Thanks for the update! Keeping microcode current is crucial for optimizing performance and security, especially with the latest Intel Core processors. At SpotiflyerApp, we always ensure our systems are up-to-date to deliver the best experience for our users. This update is a step in the right direction!

[Holland_Taylor]

Absolutely, you're spot on Intel is dedicated to supporting their customers and continuously improving their products to ensure they remain the top choice for buyers. Keeping systems updated with the latest microcode is essential for maintaining optimal performance and security.

[NYC_Fanboy]

Had to RMA also my second RMA CPU after 2 weeks, since it started showing signs of instability during it's short life lol. Extreme profile btw. Third CPU runs fine so far.

Means, that the second CPU already arrived in a degraded state or on the edge at least. Otherwise impossible to degrade within 2 weeks.

IMO Intel has no clue about what's going on with the CPUs.

Also it seems every OC now is a point of no return since the CPU will start degrading more quickly than you can figure out stable settings.

At least Intel Support doing a good job in EU. I can't believe I had to RMA twice lol

[ToUsMiC]

I congratulate Intel’s after-sales service in Europe. The key when contacting after-sales service is to remain polite and not get excited.

[Holland_Taylor]

I was facing a similar issue, and what helped me was changing the PSU and installing a fresh copy of Windows 11. It resolved my problem completely. Have you tried anything like that? It might be worth giving it a shot.

[Palmierini]

well i rma my 13600kf and got a new 14700kf 

accordingly to the batch number it's from Vietnam fab week 15 from this year so supposedly no longer suffers from the contamination issue 

lets see how it behaves. fingers crossed

[ekmarei]

Hello Palmieri, was the replacement done within warranty ?
or should I buy a new 14700 processor?
I wish you well

[Palmierini]

I dealt with the store. i RMA my 13600k to them. they store credit me the value and went for the 14700k since it was just 50€ more

I would deal with intel only if the store would not accept my rma

[GiorgiChakhidze]

After installing this update, can we go back to "normal" BIOS settings? Currently using "Intel's fail-safe defaults". Or should we stay "down-clocked" forever?

[Mvornzie]

Well, if your chip has already degraded (like mine) then the "intel default settings" won't actually help at all. 

[aliabaig]

Intel is rolling out a new microcode update (0x129) for 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors to address voltage issues causing elevated operating voltage. This update is available via BIOS updates through OEMs, not through OS updates. Intel has also introduced several mitigations to improve stability, including this latest microcode patch. Performance impacts are minimal for most tasks, but users can still overclock at their own risk. Intel encourages anyone experiencing instability to reach out to their system manufacturer or Intel Customer Support for assistance.

[ToUsMiC]

J’ai fais un RMA de mon 13900k et j’ai reçu un 14900k,la provenance est différente et apparement il ne serait pas impacté. Si je m’abuse Nvidia n’a toujours pas résolu les problèmes des connecteurs qui crame sur les 4090 et nous les achetons quand même. Il fut un temps où AMD à eu sa part de lot dans les tromperies ,erreur de conception etc… vous continuer quand même à acheter. Ne blâmer pas Intel pour la dégénération mais plutôt la ou il sont créer. Le seule reproche n’est pas d’avoir communiquer plus tôt ce problème.

[MFess]

Why are the Microcode Updates not also distributed via Windows Updates as in the past?
See KB4093836

[SmartOne_2000]

Good question ... maybe Microsoft's update release cycles are much longer than what the urgency of the microcode fix required?

[ekmarei]

Hello friends

Microcode cannot be updated from Windows

The only way is through the motherboard BIOS and Microcode must be downloaded through the motherboard manufacturer's website after carefully selecting the motherboard type and model

[SmartOne_2000]

Yes, we know that...the OPs question was to find out why it could not be delivered via WU as it did prior microcode updates (e.g. Spectre) since Windows has full access to all CPU HW and FW components.

[n_scott_pearson]

You don't want it coming from Windows because there is the possibility of over-voltage occurring during the Windows load process itself. I agree chance is remote, but it's not zero.

...S

[JonT1]

Hi.  Can anyone confirm if getting a new replacement for a 13900 kF CPU will make any difference?  Right now, I have to use Intel Extreme Tuning Utility to downclock my performance ratio to make sure I don't crash in games nonstop or get STATUS_VIOLATION from IE or Google Chrome.

[SmartOne_2000]

Nice! Thanks Scott...