Intel CPUs stability issue: Difference between revisions
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Creator's note: This is my first article, it needs work for sure, contact me if it needs revision. | <!-- Creator's note: This is my first article, it needs work for sure, contact me if it needs revision. --> | ||
This article discusses the stability issues related to '''[[Intel]]'''<nowiki/>'s 13th and 14th generation desktop processors, and how the company has handled the situation. | |||
== | ==The problem== | ||
Some users have reported system crashes, freezes, and instability during intensive workloads, particularly in applications that require high CPU usage. At first, the exact causes of this problem were unclear, prompting Intel to investigate and release official statements. | |||
== | ==Intel's response== | ||
== First statement == | ===First statement=== | ||
While the root cause of the problem was still unknown, part of it seemed to be caused by CPUs operating beyond recommended voltage, frequency, and thermal limits. According to Intel, most of the reports involve unlocked motherboards with BIOS settings that disable safeguards like '''Current Excursion Protection (CEP)''' and '''Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB)'''. Some motherboard manufacturers were also modifying the '''CPU load line''' configuration settings by default, optimizing it in order to make the processors run cooler. | While the root cause of the problem was still unknown, part of it seemed to be caused by CPUs operating beyond recommended voltage, frequency, and thermal limits. According to Intel, most of the reports involve unlocked motherboards with BIOS settings that disable safeguards like '''Current Excursion Protection (CEP)''' and '''Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB)'''. Some motherboard manufacturers were also modifying the '''CPU load line''' configuration settings by default, optimizing it in order to make the processors run cooler. | ||
==== Official statement (April 27, 2024): ==== | ====Official statement (April 27, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wallossek |first=Igor |date=27 Apr 2024 |title=Intel releases the “13th and 14th Generation K SKU Processor Instability Issue Update” |url=https://www.igorslab.de/en/intel-releases-the-13th-and-14th-generation-k-sku-processor-instability-issue-update/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=Igor's LAB}}</ref>==== | ||
<blockquote>Intel® has observed that this issue may be related to out of specification operating conditions resulting in sustained high voltage and frequency during periods of elevated heat. | <blockquote>Intel® has observed that this issue may be related to out of specification operating conditions resulting in sustained high voltage and frequency during periods of elevated heat. | ||
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'''Intel® will be publishing a public statement regarding issue status and Intel® recommended BIOS setting recommendations targeted for May 2024.'''</blockquote> | '''Intel® will be publishing a public statement regarding issue status and Intel® recommended BIOS setting recommendations targeted for May 2024.'''</blockquote> | ||
== Second statement == | ===Second statement=== | ||
After conducting analysis on the returned chips, Intel has determined that instability issues were caused by elevated operating voltage, stemming from a microcode algorithm that generated incorrect voltage requests. Customer support was organized as follows: users who purchased systems from OEMs or system integrators were directed to contact their vendor, those with boxed processors were advised to reach out to Intel Support, and tray processor users were instructed to contact their place of purchase. | After conducting analysis on the returned chips, Intel has determined that instability issues were caused by elevated operating voltage, stemming from a microcode algorithm that generated incorrect voltage requests. Customer support was organized as follows: users who purchased systems from OEMs or system integrators were directed to contact their vendor, those with boxed processors were advised to reach out to Intel Support, and tray processor users were instructed to contact their place of purchase. | ||
==== Official statement (July 22, 2024): ==== | ====Official statement (July 22, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hannaford |first=Thomas |date=22 Jul 2024 |title=July 2024 Update on Instability Reports on Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Processors |url=https://community.intel.com/t5/Processors/July-2024-Update-on-Instability-Reports-on-Intel-Core-13th-and/m-p/1617113 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Intel]] |ref=Hannaford-1}}</ref>==== | ||
<blockquote>Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors returned to us due to instability issues, we have determined that elevated operating voltage is causing instability issues in some 13th/14th Gen desktop processors. Our analysis of returned processors confirms that the elevated operating voltage is stemming from a microcode algorithm resulting in incorrect voltage requests to the processor. | <blockquote>Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors returned to us due to instability issues, we have determined that elevated operating voltage is causing instability issues in some 13th/14th Gen desktop processors. Our analysis of returned processors confirms that the elevated operating voltage is stemming from a microcode algorithm resulting in incorrect voltage requests to the processor. | ||
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</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
=== Statement update === | ====Statement update<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=Questions about manufacturing or Via Oxidation as reported by Tech outlets |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/intel/comments/1e9mf04/intel_core_13th14th_gen_desktop_processors/ |url-status=live |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>==== | ||
The PR department subsequently updated the statement on [[Reddit]], integrating crucial details. A via oxidation manufacturing issue affected some early 13th Gen desktop processors, and it was resolved with improvements and screens in 2023. Analysis of instability reports seemed to indicate that a small percentage of cases were linked to this defect. It has also been confirmed that mobile 13th and 14th generation processors are not affected by any of these issues.<blockquote>So that you don't have to hun down the answer -> '''Questions about manufacturing or Via Oxidation as reported by Tech outlets:''' | |||
'''Short answer:''' We can confirm there was a via Oxidation manufacturing issue (addressed back in 2023) and that only a small number of instability reports can be connected to the manufacturing issue. | '''Short answer:''' We can confirm there was a via Oxidation manufacturing issue (addressed back in 2023) and that only a small number of instability reports can be connected to the manufacturing issue. | ||
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'''Edits:''' | '''Edits:''' | ||
* Added answers to Oxidation questions and questions about Mobile Processors | *Added answers to Oxidation questions and questions about Mobile Processors | ||
* Clarified short answer on Oxidation '''to''' that ''"there is a small number of instability reports connected to the manufacturing issue,"'' '''from''' "''but it is not related to the instability issue."'' | *Clarified short answer on Oxidation '''to''' that ''"there is a small number of instability reports connected to the manufacturing issue,"'' '''from''' "''but it is not related to the instability issue."'' | ||
* Link to Robeytech removed as this is not Intel's official guidance to test for the instability issue Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processor instability issues. Intel is investigating options to easily identify affected processors on end user systems, | *Link to Robeytech removed as this is not Intel's official guidance to test for the instability issue Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processor instability issues. Intel is investigating options to easily identify affected processors on end user systems, | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
== Third statement == | ===Third statement=== | ||
The issues mentioned above have led to some CPUs becoming irreversibly damaged, resulting in the '''Vmin shift'''. High operating temperatures cause the silicon in the processor to degrade, requiring a higher minimum voltage to operate stably. This, in turn, leads to even higher temperatures, creating a vicious cycle that ultimately results in the CPU failing. Intel has identified four key issues contributing to the instability. For the explanation of each issue, refer to the full statement below. | The issues mentioned above have led to some CPUs becoming irreversibly damaged, resulting in the '''Vmin shift'''. High operating temperatures cause the silicon in the processor to degrade, requiring a higher minimum voltage to operate stably. This, in turn, leads to even higher temperatures, creating a vicious cycle that ultimately results in the CPU failing. Intel has identified four key issues contributing to the instability. For the explanation of each issue, refer to the full statement below. | ||
==== Official statement (September 25, 2024) ==== | ====Official statement (September 25, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hannaford |first=Thomas |date=25 Sep 2024 |title=Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Instability Root Cause Update |url=https://community.intel.com/t5/Blogs/Tech-Innovation/Client/Intel-Core-13th-and-14th-Gen-Desktop-Instability-Root-Cause/post/1633446#M40 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Intel]] |ref=Hannaford-2}}</ref>==== | ||
<blockquote>Following extensive investigation of the Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop processor Vmin Shift Instability issue, Intel can now confirm the root cause diagnosis for the issue. This post will cover Intel’s understanding of the root cause, as well as additional mitigations and next steps for Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop users. | <blockquote>Following extensive investigation of the Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop processor Vmin Shift Instability issue, Intel can now confirm the root cause diagnosis for the issue. This post will cover Intel’s understanding of the root cause, as well as additional mitigations and next steps for Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop users. | ||
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'''Intel® has identified four (4) operating scenarios that can lead to Vmin shift in affected processors:''' | '''Intel® has identified four (4) operating scenarios that can lead to Vmin shift in affected processors:''' | ||
# Motherboard power delivery settings exceeding Intel power guidance. '''a. Mitigation:''' Intel® Default Settings recommendations for Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors. | #Motherboard power delivery settings exceeding Intel power guidance. '''a. Mitigation:''' Intel® Default Settings recommendations for Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors. | ||
# eTVB Microcode algorithm which was allowing Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen i9 desktop processors to operate at higher performance states even at high temperatures. '''a. Mitigation:''' microcode 0x125 (June 2024) addresses eTVB algorithm issue. | #eTVB Microcode algorithm which was allowing Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen i9 desktop processors to operate at higher performance states even at high temperatures. '''a. Mitigation:''' microcode 0x125 (June 2024) addresses eTVB algorithm issue. | ||
# Microcode SVID algorithm requesting high voltages at a frequency and duration which can cause Vmin shift. '''a. Mitigation:''' microcode 0x129 (August 2024) addresses high voltages requested by the processor. | #Microcode SVID algorithm requesting high voltages at a frequency and duration which can cause Vmin shift. '''a. Mitigation:''' microcode 0x129 (August 2024) addresses high voltages requested by the processor. | ||
# Microcode and BIOS code requesting elevated core voltages which can cause Vmin shift especially during periods of idle and/or light activity. '''a. Mitigation:''' Intel® is releasing microcode 0x12B, which encompasses 0x125 and 0x129 microcode updates, and addresses elevated voltage requests by the processor during idle and/or light activity periods. | #Microcode and BIOS code requesting elevated core voltages which can cause Vmin shift especially during periods of idle and/or light activity. '''a. Mitigation:''' Intel® is releasing microcode 0x12B, which encompasses 0x125 and 0x129 microcode updates, and addresses elevated voltage requests by the processor during idle and/or light activity periods. | ||
'''Regarding the 0x12B update, Intel® is working with its partners to roll out the relevant BIOS update to the public.''' | '''Regarding the 0x12B update, Intel® is working with its partners to roll out the relevant BIOS update to the public.''' | ||
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Users can check their system/motherboard manufacturer’s website and/or the Intel® Product Compatibility Tool to see the latest BIOS versions for their Intel® Core™ 13th and/or 14th Gen-powered desktop systems: <nowiki>https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/</nowiki>. | Users can check their system/motherboard manufacturer’s website and/or the Intel® Product Compatibility Tool to see the latest BIOS versions for their Intel® Core™ 13th and/or 14th Gen-powered desktop systems: <nowiki>https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/</nowiki>. | ||
# Processor: Intel® Core™ i9-14900K, Motherboard: Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (M40919), Memory: 64GB DDR5 at 5200MT/s, Storage: ADATA* SU360, Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics 770, Graphics Driver Version: 32.0.101.5768, Display Resolution: 1280x800, Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (version 26100.712). | #Processor: Intel® Core™ i9-14900K, Motherboard: Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (M40919), Memory: 64GB DDR5 at 5200MT/s, Storage: ADATA* SU360, Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics 770, Graphics Driver Version: 32.0.101.5768, Display Resolution: 1280x800, Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (version 26100.712). | ||
# Processor: Intel® Core™ i9-14900K, Motherboard: Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (RVP SR19), Memory: 32GB DDR5 at 5600MT/s, Storage: Samsung* 990 Pro 1TB, Graphics: MSI* RTX 4090 Suprim X, Graphics Driver Version: NVIDIA* v555.99, Resolution: 1920x1080, Operating System: Windows 11 (version 22631.4169) | #Processor: Intel® Core™ i9-14900K, Motherboard: Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (RVP SR19), Memory: 32GB DDR5 at 5600MT/s, Storage: Samsung* 990 Pro 1TB, Graphics: MSI* RTX 4090 Suprim X, Graphics Driver Version: NVIDIA* v555.99, Resolution: 1920x1080, Operating System: Windows 11 (version 22631.4169) | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
== Solutions == | ==Solutions== | ||
Here’s a summary of what owners of affected 13th and 14th Gen Intel CPUs can do: | Here’s a summary of what owners of affected 13th and 14th Gen Intel CPUs can do: | ||
# '''Update BIOS''': Ensure the motherboard BIOS is updated to the latest version, incorporating Intel’s recommended default settings. | #'''Update BIOS''': Ensure the motherboard BIOS is updated to the latest version, incorporating Intel’s recommended default settings. | ||
# '''Apply Microcode Updates''': Install the latest microcode updates (0x125, 0x129, and 0x12B) to address voltage and performance state issues. | #'''Apply Microcode Updates''': Install the latest microcode updates (0x125, 0x129, and 0x12B) to address voltage and performance state issues. | ||
# '''Monitor Temperatures''': Use adequate cooling solutions to prevent high operating temperatures, which can exacerbate instability. | #'''Monitor Temperatures''': Use adequate cooling solutions to prevent high operating temperatures, which can exacerbate instability. | ||
# '''Avoid Overclocking''': Stick to Intel’s recommended power and voltage limits to avoid stressing the CPU. | #'''Avoid Overclocking''': Stick to Intel’s recommended power and voltage limits to avoid stressing the CPU. | ||
# '''Contact Support''': If experiencing instability, reach out to customer support for assistance or potential replacements. | #'''Contact Support''': If experiencing instability, reach out to customer support for assistance or potential replacements. | ||
These steps can help mitigate instability and prolong the lifespan of the processor. | These steps can help mitigate instability and prolong the lifespan of the processor. | ||
== | ==Broader implications== | ||
https://www. | Over the past few years, Intel has faced numerous challenges, including competition from [[AMD]], delays in its manufacturing process nodes, and a decline in its market share in key segments. | ||
[[File:Immagine 2025-01-28 101045.png|thumb|Intel's 10-K for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023]] | |||
===Revenue decline=== | |||
Looking at the 10-K<ref>[https://www.intc.com/filings-reports/annual-reports/content/0000050863-24-000010/0000050863-24-000010.pdf Intel's 10-K]</ref> reports from recent years, a clear decline in net revenue, net income, and its percentage can be observed. The most alarming trend is the sharp drop in net income percentage, which plummeted from 25.1% in 2021 to just 3.1% in 2023. | |||
Instability issues have further damaged the company image for reliability, potentially leading to higher costs and contributing to the already negative revenue trend. | |||
https:// | ===Increased competition and loss of market share=== | ||
According to reports from Mercury Research,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shilov |first=Anton |date=8 Nov 2024 |title=AMD's desktop PC market share skyrockets amid Intel's Raptor Lake CPU crashing scandal — AMD makes biggest leap in recent history |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/amds-desktop-pc-market-share-skyrockets-amid-intels-raptor-lake-crashing-scandal-amd-makes-biggest-leap-in-recent-history |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> AMD's market share for desktop CPUs in Q3 2024 was 9.6% higher compared to Q3 of the prior year. This growth could lead to a shift in market dynamics, potentially putting the competition at risk. Competition is essential for consumers because it drives companies to deliver better performance, efficiency, and value. | |||
Intel's loss in market share highlights the importance of competition for innovation. However, with only two major CPU manufacturers, Intel and AMD, a significant imbalance in market share could limit consumer choice and innovation in the long run. Ensuring healthy competition between both players remains crucial for a balanced and thriving market. | |||
==References== | |||
<references /> | |||
[[Category:Incidents]] | |||
[[Category:Articles based on videos]] | |||
[[Category:Intel]] | |||