Intel has finally provided an update on the instability issues affecting its 13th-gen and 14th-gen CPUs. An update posted by Thomas Hannaford, Intel’s communications manager, attributes the instability to an error in the microcode that requests incorrect voltage numbers, leading to processor instability.
Intel is releasing a microcode patch that “addresses the root cause of exposure to elevated voltages.” This update is expected to arrive in mid-August. In the meantime, Intel encourages users experiencing instability issues to contact its support team for assistance. The microcode error was discovered after reviewing processors returned due to stability issues, indicating Intel’s intention to resolve the problem for affected users, though no formal apology has been issued for the delayed communication.
Intel’s previous guidance involved a list of dense BIOS settings that could reduce performance by up to 9% on CPUs like the Core i9-13900K and Core i9-14900K. The upcoming microcode update aims to address the deeper issue within the processor, potentially improving the situation for Intel’s recent high-end CPUs.
Intel’s silence on the instability issues up to this point has left third parties to investigate the scope and severity of the problem. The update comes just over a week before AMD’s planned launch of its Ryzen 9000 desktop CPUs. This timing has led to speculation and criticism, with some, such as Gamer’s Nexus, refusing to recommend Intel CPUs until the stability issues are resolved.
An investigation from Level1Techs revealed that even 13th-gen and 14th-gen CPUs running in servers experienced instability, despite more conservative power settings. The prolonged duration since the initial reports of instability is unusual, as microcode issues are typically addressed quickly.
Intel’s Plan to Address Instability Issues
| Issue | Description | Resolution Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Microcode Error | Requests incorrect voltage numbers | Mid-August 2024 |
| User Guidance | Dense BIOS settings reducing performance by up to 9% | Immediate (support team) |
| Investigation Findings | Instability even in server CPUs with conservative settings | Ongoing |
| Third-Party Criticism | Calls for stability improvements before recommending CPUs | Pending microcode update |
Intel’s response to these concerns will be closely watched as they roll out the microcode update in mid-August, which is expected to address the stability issues.
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