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

[BFeely]

First of all, make sure your BIOS has Intel Default Settings enabled.  Second, run a stress test like Prime95 or Y-Cruncher.  If those pass then it's likely an issue not related to the CPU, such as software corruption or damaged peripherals.

[Kurouto]

I am using 14700k and used the new microcode bios update on my z790. It crashes even more often. Every 5mins after in game, sometimes even crashes from nowhere.

[DeF1]

Sounds like your CPU is already damaged, you'll need to RMA.

[Kurouto]

Thanks I just sent mine to RMA, not going to waste further of my time analysing Reddit’s and fine tuning my bios because I got a more or less damaged cpu which was badly designed.

[Kurouto]

just to add - the replacement CPU from Intel came today and I was able to get it working by just using all default settings, no voltage changes needed and its working fine in games, will monitor the status and update here. 

[JamesPang]

That's great, Kurouto! Enjoy the smooth 1% lows on an Intel CPU!

[Saurabh05]

Did you applied the latest bios update (0x129) on your new unit., if yes then did you face any issues yet? Because I'm in the same situation like you and I'm quite confused with the beta update 0x129 because lots of people facing problems as well as claiming that performance is not adequate. Let me know your thoughts, thanks.

[JamesPang]

Have you tried this method yet

https://www.reddit.com/r/overclocking/comments/1axepvu/optimizing_stability_for_intel_13900k_and_14900k/

[QuantumNinja]

I also have a 14700K, which I only bought at the beginning of July this year. My problems really started with the microcode update. The computer now freezes within a very short time, even in idle mode. Very frustrating...

[Eisbar]

I must have missed this entire statement, that's surprisingly thorough and unexpectedly informative.

This is a good path. Stick to this.

[TENPATROL]

Won't affect performance, they said.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2022.

Cinebench R23

FYI, after over 30 years of using Intel CPUs I’m switching to AMD because I feel deceived by Intel. For two years Intel didn’t inform us about the via oxidation issues and that’s not ok.

[JamesPang]

Yep. Intel played us all. I am gonna switch to the 9800x3d when it comes out

[SmartOne_2000]

I understand the frustration but honestly you can't compare the CB r23 36K Intel Default Profile scores with the 40K no limits scores. What happens if you use the no limits settings with the new 0x129 bios?

[moriarty4444]

以前我的13600KF在技嘉Z690 PRO D4上运行全大核5.5GHZ、电压1.36V，是正常的，最近开始频繁地崩溃，我把频率降到5.3GHZ，电压降到1.28v才能正常运行，崩溃次数减少了。我是不相信这个微码bios能够从根本上解决CPU产品质量缺陷的问题，只能是延缓问题发生的时间而已。

Previously my 13600KF was running all big core 5.5GHZ and voltage 1.36V on GIGABYTE Z690 PRO D4, which was normal, but recently it started to crash frequently, I reduced the frequency to 5.3GHZ and the voltage to 1.28v to run normally, and the number of crashes has decreased. I don't believe that this microcode BIOS can fundamentally solve the problem of CPU product quality defects, and it can only delay the occurrence of the problem.

[n_scott_pearson]

@moriarty4444,
The microcode change simply ensures that the voltage doesn't go up into the range that can cause damage. If the processor has been in use for some time beforehand, however, high voltages may have already damaged the processor. This is not recoverable. In this case, you need to RMA the processor and get a replacement. Now, understand that you cannot do this here; you need to contact Intel Customer Support directly to start the process.
...S

[moriarty4444]

是的，我也是这么认为，但是intel的各种公告里都没有提及明确，到底多高的电压才是可能造成损坏的范围内。

Yes, I think so, but Intel's announcements don't make it clear how high the voltage is that can cause damage.

[Janitorus]

Why is the 0x129 microcode voltage cap DISABLED when users disable the Intel default profile?

Why is the 0x129 microcode voltage cap not linked to the chip on a deeper level and always on, regardless of BIOS profile?

Why?

Why opt for a cheap band-aid instead of a full on proper deep fix? Is it still coming?

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOvJAHhQKZg

[leluchi]

I have an HP Envy desktop with an Intel 13th-gen i7 - 13700 processor (not K version), and I haven't had issues, but for prevention, I would like to install Microcode 0x129, before I start getting problems. Will this patch be pushed to the HP desktop BIOS, or must I do it manually?

Please help me understand and provide steps! Thanks!

[SmartOne_2000]

You'll need to contact HP support for this issue but one thing is clear...the current 0x129 microcode BIOS is meant for non-k processors like yours. I would hold off until the production code is released since this bios is in BETA mode so has lots of bugs!

[SmartOne_2000]

My apologies but I'll have to backtrack here a bit. The microcode is for all 13th/14th gen processors, not just non-k variants. Sorry for the mislead on my part.

[AkramOM603]

Are you going to recognize that mobile CPUs are also affected or not? We are facing problems with OEMs they don't want to give us replacements nor extend the warranty as they state that you stated only desktop chips are affected and clearly its false! My i9 13980HX experiences memory corruption errors all the time (Not related to the RAM)!!!!!