For the first time, Intel has detailed its new patch to fix instability issues on its 13th and 14th generation CPUs. The chip giant has released a microcode patch to fix the issue that caused processors to demand excessive power, leading to potential long-term damage. The new patch sets a strict voltage cap of 1.55V to prevent further damage. Intel is also investigating a related issue related to minimal voltage fluctuations and plans to provide an update by the end of the month. Notably, the company has assured users that future processors will be immune to this issue.
To address customer concerns, Intel has extended warranty coverage for affected 13th and 14th generation Core processorsincluding Core i5, i7 and i9 processors. The patch is distributed via BIOS updates from PC manufacturers.
Here is the statement issued by Intel (as it appears in the Intel Community):
Intel is currently distributing to its OEM/ODM partners a new microcode patch (0x129) for its 13th/14th Generation Intel Core desktop processors that fixes incorrect voltage requirements on the processor that cause increased operating voltage.
For all 13th/14th Gen Intel Core desktop processor users: This patch is being distributed via a BIOS update and is not available via operating system updates. Intel is working with its partners to ensure timely validation and delivery of the BIOS update to currently deployed systems.
Instability Analysis Update – Microcode Background and Performance Impact
In addition to the extended warranty, Intel has released three mitigations to address the instability issue, which often manifests itself in the form of persistent application crashes and repeated hangs, to stabilize customer systems using 13th and 14th Generation Intel Core desktop processors:
1. Intel default settings to avoid increased impact on processor power supply (May 2024)
2. Microcode 0x125 to fix eTVB issue in i9 processors (June 2024)
3. Microcode 0x129 to fix increased voltages (August 2024)
Intel’s current analysis shows that the minimum operating voltage (Vmin) on multiple cores of affected processors increases significantly due to elevated voltages. Elevated voltage events can accumulate over time and contribute to an increase in Vmin for the processor.
The latest microcode update (0x129) limits voltage requirements above 1.55V as a preventive measure for processors that do not experience instability symptoms. This latest microcode update primarily improves the operating conditions for K/KF/KS processors. Intel also confirms, based on extensive validation, that all future products will not be affected by this issue.
Intel continues to investigate mitigations for scenarios that may result in a Vmin shift on potentially affected 13th and 14th Generation Intel Core desktop processors. Intel will provide updates by the end of August.
Intel’s internal testing – using Intel’s default settings – shows that performance impacts are within run-to-run variations (e.g. 3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2.0), with some subtests showing moderate impacts (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Effects Score). In tested gaming workloads, performance was also within run-to-run variations (e.g. Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness), with one exception showing slightly larger impacts (Hitman 3: Dartmoor). However, system performance will depend on configuration and several other factors.
For unlocked 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core desktop processors, this latest microcode update (0x129) does not prevent users from overclocking if they choose to do so. Users can disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS if they wish to exceed the 1.55V limit. As always, Intel recommends that users exercise caution when overclocking their desktop processors, as overclocking may void the warranty and/or compromise system integrity. As a general best practice, Intel recommends that customers with 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core desktop processors use Intel default settings.
In light of the recently announced extended warranty program, Intel reaffirms its confidence in its products and is committed to assisting all customers who are currently experiencing or experiencing instability symptoms with their 13th and/or 14th Generation desktop processors in the replacement process. Users experiencing ongoing instability symptoms should contact their system manufacturer (OEM/System Integrator purchase), Intel Customer Support (boxed processor), or the reseller (tray processor) for further assistance.
To address customer concerns, Intel has extended warranty coverage for affected 13th and 14th generation Core processorsincluding Core i5, i7 and i9 processors. The patch is distributed via BIOS updates from PC manufacturers.
Here is the statement issued by Intel (as it appears in the Intel Community):
Intel is currently distributing to its OEM/ODM partners a new microcode patch (0x129) for its 13th/14th Generation Intel Core desktop processors that fixes incorrect voltage requirements on the processor that cause increased operating voltage.
For all 13th/14th Gen Intel Core desktop processor users: This patch is being distributed via a BIOS update and is not available via operating system updates. Intel is working with its partners to ensure timely validation and delivery of the BIOS update to currently deployed systems.
Instability Analysis Update – Microcode Background and Performance Impact
In addition to the extended warranty, Intel has released three mitigations to address the instability issue, which often manifests itself in the form of persistent application crashes and repeated hangs, to stabilize customer systems using 13th and 14th Generation Intel Core desktop processors:
1. Intel default settings to avoid increased impact on processor power supply (May 2024)
2. Microcode 0x125 to fix eTVB issue in i9 processors (June 2024)
3. Microcode 0x129 to fix increased voltages (August 2024)
Intel’s current analysis shows that the minimum operating voltage (Vmin) on multiple cores of affected processors increases significantly due to elevated voltages. Elevated voltage events can accumulate over time and contribute to an increase in Vmin for the processor.
The latest microcode update (0x129) limits voltage requirements above 1.55V as a preventive measure for processors that do not experience instability symptoms. This latest microcode update primarily improves the operating conditions for K/KF/KS processors. Intel also confirms, based on extensive validation, that all future products will not be affected by this issue.
Intel continues to investigate mitigations for scenarios that may result in a Vmin shift on potentially affected 13th and 14th Generation Intel Core desktop processors. Intel will provide updates by the end of August.
Intel’s internal testing – using Intel’s default settings – shows that performance impacts are within run-to-run variations (e.g. 3DMark: Timespy, WebXPRT 4, Cinebench R24, Blender 4.2.0), with some subtests showing moderate impacts (WebXPRT Online Homework; PugetBench GPU Effects Score). In tested gaming workloads, performance was also within run-to-run variations (e.g. Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness), with one exception showing slightly larger impacts (Hitman 3: Dartmoor). However, system performance will depend on configuration and several other factors.
For unlocked 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core desktop processors, this latest microcode update (0x129) does not prevent users from overclocking if they choose to do so. Users can disable the eTVB setting in their BIOS if they wish to exceed the 1.55V limit. As always, Intel recommends that users exercise caution when overclocking their desktop processors, as overclocking may void the warranty and/or compromise system integrity. As a general best practice, Intel recommends that customers with 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core desktop processors use Intel default settings.
In light of the recently announced extended warranty program, Intel reaffirms its confidence in its products and is committed to assisting all customers who are currently experiencing or experiencing instability symptoms with their 13th and/or 14th Generation desktop processors in the replacement process. Users experiencing ongoing instability symptoms should contact their system manufacturer (OEM/System Integrator purchase), Intel Customer Support (boxed processor), or the reseller (tray processor) for further assistance.