i9-13900kf crashes windows 11

[Jigas]

cpu: i9 13900kf

ram: 2x32 gskill ddr5 6400 xmp1

vga: gbyte 4090 wc

mb: gbyte gaming x z790

os: windows11latest

cooling: water cooled

bios: latest

So, my PC started experiencing BSODs and I couldn’t troubleshoot the issue. Nothing made sense at first, and after exploring many theories, I eventually discovered that the P-cores of my CPU were causing the problem. I disabled them through the BIOS, and now my system is stable again.

I suspect that Intel’s microcode bug finally caught up with me and damaged some of the P-cores. For context: I always keep my BIOS updated, my CPU is water-cooled, and I’ve never overclocked it. Some might say it’s my fault, but I strongly believe this is an issue on Intel’s side—there was absolutely no reason for the P-cores to fail under these conditions.

I have been, and hopefully will continue to be, an Intel customer. However, this issue is serious and could be a dealbreaker for me. If CPUs are breaking down like this, it’s unacceptable. I really hope there is some kind of warranty coverage, because this is clearly a defective product and should be replaced.

Someone from Intel, please contact me. Otherwise, I won’t be purchasing Intel products in the future.

[Mike_Intel]

Hello Jigas,

Thank you for posting in Intel community Forum.

For me to further check this, please help provide the following details:

1. When did you purchase the unit?

2. Was it working fine before?

3. Did you change any settings before the issue started?

4. What is the complete model of the motherboard?

5. Did you update the BIOS to the latest version and then loaded the default settings? If yes, how is the system after that?

By the way, if you need to claim Warranty for this product. You may need to contact your local warranty team:

Intel Support Phone List

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

Best regards,

Michael L.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Jigas]

1. When did you purchase the unit?

July 2023 , just before 14gen release

2. Was it working fine before?

Yes , working fine everyday since then. Problems start this year with some bsod now and then , until total crash this easter.

3. Did you change any settings before the issue started?

If you mean bios settings , no.  Bios update on Oct2024 to F11

4. What is the complete model of the motherboard?

Gigabyte Z790 GAMING X (rev. 1.0)
https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-GAMING-X-rev-10#kf

5. Did you update the BIOS to the latest version and then loaded the default settings? If yes, how is the system after that?

Yes, i am updating the bios on every update.  Last update was Oct , 2024 on F11. Was working fine all the way to April 2025.

When the problems started , I updated the bios to F12 on April and still same. ( kinda hoped will work ).

The good news is that having the p-cores disabled my pc is stable and working.
So even with broken cpu i dont have to pay brand new cpu in order to be back online.

[Jigas]

yea, no phone for Greece in Intels phone list.

Any other way to get support for us downhere , in the edge of the world?

[Earl_Intel]

Hi Jigas,

Thank you for sharing this useful information to us.

I do understand your frustration that you're experiencing on this.

I'll be sending you a private email about our discussion on this thread.

Kindly check your inbox from time to time.

Best regards,

Earl E.

Intel Customer Support Technician